Congolese fashionistas' plight - 10th March 2023

In Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), nifty dressers known as 'sapeurs' have convened in the streets to mark Sapper Day. Members of the Society of Ambiance Makers and Elegant People, commonly referred to as 'La Sape', are making an appeal for the Congolese government to acknowledge their unique art form.

The term 'sape', derives from the colloquial French word for clothes, and 'sapé', meaning 'dressed up'.

The roots of La Sape can be traced back to the colonial era in Africa when West African colonial workers introduced the style of dressing to the Congo. Initially donned by the well-to-do elite to distinguish their identity, the style then spread to the younger generation who put their own spin on it.

Despite holding low-income jobs or being unemployed, many of the sapeurs refuse to compromise on their sartorial choices. Papa Kimwanga, a prominent sapeur, is a prime example of this.

Papa Kimwanga: "I work as a master painter and I am also resourceful. I ask the government to give me a job. I have children and with what I earn, I buy clothes."

In spite of the challenges faced by the Congolese people during the country's independence and subsequent division into two separate states, La Sape has persevered. President Denis Sassou Nguesso of the Republic of the Congo even elevated the art form's status to 'cultural heritage,' permitting sapeurs to partake in public cultural events.

Nevertheless in the DRC, sapeurs, including Six Lokoto, are pushing for greater endorsement by the government, akin to that of other artists.

Six Lokoto: "We sappers are abandoned. You only support the players and musicians. Today, you have taken musicians on tour to Dubai and Turkey. Why not us sapeurs? We are artists, we are very efficient. We ask our government to support us 100%."