Free Congo: French and Belgian Rap Heavyweights Raise Awareness for the DR Congo’s Plight
Amidst the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), six influential French and Belgian rappers have united to release a powerful anthem, "Free Congo," shedding light on the plight of the Congolese people.
The Lyrics: A Cry for Justice
The song’s lyrics, penned by Gradur, Ninho, Damso, Josman, Youssoupha, and Kalash Criminel, paint a heart-wrenching picture of the conflict in the DRC’s North Kivu province, where millions of lives have been lost in relative silence:
"Millions of deaths in North Kivu, but no one talks about it / Horrors unfold in the land of my parents / Our thoughts are with you, and one day we will be there / I dream of a better world, without Kagame, without M23."
Criticism of International Indifference
The rappers lament the international community’s perceived indifference towards the conflict, particularly the offensive by the M23 rebels, allegedly supported by neighboring Rwanda under President Paul Kagame:
"We denounce the M23, who spread terror and pain / Rwanda, you’re fueling the fire, but no one’s intervening / The world watches silently, as our people bleed / It’s a disgrace, a crime against humanity, we must speak."
Mobilizing the Diaspora
The release of "Free Congo" has resonated deeply with the Congolese diaspora in Europe, with the artists collectively boasting over 11 million followers on Instagram. The song seeks to galvanize support for the victims of the conflict and raise awareness of the urgent need for action.
Gims’s Victoire de la Musique Speech
Prior to the song’s release, Gims, a global Francophone music icon, used the platform of the 40th Victoires de la Musique awards to highlight the "horrific" situation in eastern Congo, particularly in Goma. Despite the M23’s advance into Bukavu, the provincial capital of South Kivu, calls for a ceasefire by the African Union have gone unheeded.
Artists Unite in Protest
On February 1, several artists, including Mokobé of the group 113, joined a march in Paris alongside 1,800 protesters. The rally, organized in response to the conflict in Congo, aimed to raise awareness and urge an end to the violence.
Accusations Against Rwanda
Since the M23’s capture of Goma, Rwandan President Paul Kagame has faced intense scrutiny from Congolese musicians. In January, Youssoupha posted a message on social media: "May the world turn its gaze towards Goma. May all Congolese leaders assume their responsibilities. May Paul Kagame be brought to justice."
The Role of the Tech Industry and Mining
DRC authorities have accused Rwanda of aiming to control the country’s mineral resources, including "blood minerals" used in the tech industry. In December 2024, Kinshasa filed a complaint against Apple, alleging that the company concealed the role of these minerals in its supply chain, amounting to war crimes.
Gims’s Controversial Lyrics
In 2022, Gims sparked controversy with his single "Thémistocle," in which he sings that "Kagame rhymes with swastika." In response, he stated: "It’s quite brutal and violent, but I thought it was the best way to draw attention to what has been happening in the Congo for thirty years, especially in the east, in Kivu."
Humanitarian Efforts and Advocacy
Gims’s half-brother, Dadju, established Give Back Charity in 2019 to support victims of sexual violence in eastern DRC. Nigerian singer Tems canceled a concert in Kigali in January 2023 due to Rwanda’s alleged support for the M23.
Conclusion
"Free Congo" is a powerful and timely anthem that highlights the suffering of the Congolese people and demands accountability for those responsible for the ongoing conflict. The song has mobilized the Congolese diaspora and attracted international attention to the urgent need for peace and justice in the DRC.
