Don't Stop Talking About Congo

LINE-UP

Shishani (they/them)

Shishani is a Namibian-Belgian singer, guitarist, songwriter, and producer, beloved for a distinctive and powerful voice. A gentle warrior at heart, Shishani possesses the rare ability to address heavy themes in their music with both gentleness and determination. Shishani uses eloquent storytelling to foster social awareness and empathy for themselves and others. The versatile artist, who tours internationally, moves between genres and cultures, connecting people from diverse cultures. The use of chanting and vocal looping maximizes a transcendental, thought-provoking, and healing experience.

Claude

The charismatic singer-songwriter Claude Kiambe fled from Congo to the Netherlands in 2013 at the age of nine with his mother, three brothers, and three sisters, and conquered the music scene with his unique voice and talent. His breakthrough came in 2022 with the irresistible debut single "Ladada (Mon Dernier Mot)", which achieved 57 million streams, reached diamond status, and became number 1 in both the Top 40 and the Spotify Top 50. The song is one of the most successful Dutch songs of all time and was the fourth most streamed song on Spotify in 2023.

Eve-Rose

From a young age, Eve-Rose discovered her divine calling through the power of worship. What began as a voice in the choir has grown into a life dedicated to leading others into God's presence. Baptized in 2018, she dedicated her life to Christ and has served Him faithfully ever since, culminating in her ordination as a psalmist in 2023. Eve-Rose's journey is one of faith, devotion, and the unceasing pursuit of God's glory through music.

WIJ ZIJN CONGOLEZEN

Glodi Mbwete

Glodi is a co-founder of the Wij Zijn Congolezen Foundation, through which he and his brother Gaetan actively work to strengthen the Congolese community in the Netherlands. Through the foundation, they organize diverse initiatives such as cultural gatherings, demonstrations, and educational events, creating awareness, fostering connection, and giving a voice to the Congolese diaspora.

Additionally, Glodi is a spoken word artist who draws inspiration from his Congolese roots, personal experiences, and faith through powerful recitations and music. He performs regularly and gives writing workshops to people of all ages. As the founder of Ik Spreek, he provides a platform for emerging talent and makes the power of language accessible to a broad audience.

Latifa Mwazi

Latifa is a 24-year-old actress, dancer, and choreographer of Congolese descent, living in The Hague. She is active in the film, dance, and entertainment world. She played the lead role of Grace in the feature film White Berry. Additionally, she performed at various festivals, including Lowlands and Zwarte Cross. As a choreographer, Latifa contributed to opening acts for artists such as Oxlade, Maleek Berry, and Amaarae. In addition to her work within the entertainment industry, Latifa is involved in social issues. Due to her roots in the Democratic Republic of Congo, she organized a fundraising campaign with her mother prior to the May holidays for victims of the humanitarian crisis in Goma. Latifa speaks out against racism and advocates for the position of women, subjects that are important to her both personally and socially.

David Katshiunga

David Katshiunga is an Antwerp-based artist with Congolese roots. In his work, he starts from personal and societal questions surrounding identity, heritage, representation, and humanity. As a child, he grew up between different worlds, which led him early on to reflect on who you are, how you are perceived, and how you can develop your own voice in a complex society.

His artistic journey is characterized by a strong narrative power: every work tells a story and invites reflection. Katshiunga uses art not only as an aesthetic medium but also as an instrument for dialogue. Themes such as polarization, colonial history, self-image, and future prospects regularly recur in his paintings and projects.

Michael Middelkoop

Michael Middelkoop is an Amsterdam-based director and screenwriter working in both film and advertising. Raised by a Dutch mother and a Congolese father, he grew up on a diet of Motown soul, the Wu-Tang Clan, Cartoon Network, and Eddie Murphy's 'Coming to America'. After studying Film and Television Studies at the University of Amsterdam, he created campaigns for brands such as Adidas, Tele2, Lego, and Asics. His feature film debut, 'Dit Is Geen Kerstfilm', won three Golden Calves (Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Supporting Actor) and positions him as one of the most relevant names in the Dutch film world.

Nawa Sira van Sluijs 

Nawa Sira van Sluijs is a documentary filmmaker, presenter, and all-round creative. Her goal is to provide a platform for stories that not only address social issues but also highlight the beauty and power of personal narratives. She directed the documentaries *Ik Besta Niet* and *Mirage*, both of which explore themes such as identity and societal challenges. As a presenter, she works for Omroep Zwart, NTR, and Radio 1, among others, and she hosts and moderates various events and programs. Through her work, Nawa Sira speaks out against injustice and inequality, using her voice to raise awareness and promote change.

Aki Kawasaki

DJ Aki Kawasaki, a musical boundary-breaker with roots deeply embedded in both Congo and Angola. With a wealth of musical influences and a bold approach to his sets, Aki always manages to surprise. Although he is known for his refined hip-hop style, his musical library encompasses a wide range of genres, from compelling techno to vibrant reggae, soulful R&B, and even the rhythms of his own heritage, Congo. Aki is a master at adapting his sound to the atmosphere of every event, creating an unforgettable experience every time.

Kiyanga

Kiyanga is an African-inspired catering concept rooted in Angolan and Congolese cuisine. The name comes from Kikongo and means “royal” — a tribute to founder Amen Afonso’s grandfather, who was known for his hospitality, generosity, and love of cooking. That love of food and togetherness was passed down from grandfather to father, and from father to daughter. At Kiyanga, it is about more than food: it is about culture, connection, and community — brought to the table with flavor and warmth.

Don’t Stop Talking About Congo wordt georganiseerd met steun van het Vfonds.

This event is organised in collaboration with Oxfam Novib.