Congolese Artists Spearhead African Storytelling Renaissance
In the vibrant streets, theaters, and homes of Congo, a dedicated group of creatives is tirelessly working to breathe life into the art of storytelling.
A resource center has been established in Pointe-Noire, the country’s economic hub, aimed at training and equipping storytellers with the necessary tools of the trade.
On a typical evening, Nkombo, a comedian, captivates a small yet enthusiastic audience with his storytelling prowess. He emphasizes that storytelling is not merely about words but also encompasses body language, expressions, and the rhythmic flow of the narrative, which collectively engage the audience.
Prior to the establishment of the center, various initiatives such as the Festival de l’oralité and Retour au mbongui were launched to rejuvenate storytelling in African societies where it was gradually losing its prominence. Jorus Mabiala, one of the driving forces behind these initiatives, acknowledges the efforts made to rally people around the art of storytelling in Congo.
Recognizing the need for a dedicated space, Mabiala and his colleagues established the Resource Center, envisioning it as a laboratory for oral traditions in Congo. This initiative aims to provide a platform for storytellers to hone their craft and share their narratives with a wider audience.
As the world commemorates International Storytelling Day on March 20, themed “building bridges,” a new generation of storytellers in Congo is actively working to preserve and promote the rich African tradition of oral storytelling. Ruth Moyabi, a student of storytelling under Mabiala, attests to the transformative power of storytelling, describing it as a source of inspiration and self-discovery.
For Congo, International Storytelling Day serves as an opportunity to explore avenues for exporting Congolese storytelling beyond national borders, thereby enabling artists to earn a livelihood from their craft. It also underscores the importance of intergenerational storytelling, where the young share narratives with the old, ensuring that stories are passed down to future generations.
In essence, International Storytelling Day in Congo is a celebration of cultural heritage and a testament to the enduring power of storytelling to connect people, bridge communities, and preserve collective memories for posterity.
