Hip-hop gains ground in Congo's Pointe-Noire

The city of Pointe-Noire recently pulsated to the beat of the second edition of "Urban Music" — an event spotlighting rap and dance battles.

Organized by the Institut Français du Congo (IFC) in Pointe-Noire, the initiative aims to promote artists from the city as well as nearby towns such as Nkayi and Dolisie.

“We auditioned artists from Loandjili, Tié-Tié, Dolisie, and Nkayi. The goal of the event is really to support rappers — and also, in a way, to build a bridge with rumba, which is performed by musicians,” said Gaëlle Metelus, director of IFC Pointe-Noire.

The dance contest brought together around 15 groups from the coastal city. Regardless of the jury’s verdict, the event was a rare opportunity in a society where urban music is still largely absent from working-class neighborhoods — a moment for many to step out of the shadows.

“This is a big opportunity for us, because people often think Christian groups only perform in churches. But we can go beyond that, reach a wider audience, and get ourselves known,” Soundbite – Luc Makouala, member of the Emic Moy Ori group.

A similar drive inspired the 20 or so rappers who took the stage one after another, each delivering a unique and powerful performance.

In the land of rumba, hip-hop is starting to make itself heard.