Warscapes beyond Conflict

Warscapes:

"Those spaces where the temporal and spatial scalation of conflict(s) into armed violence- or violence(s) into armed conflict- is always a possibility, but there is nevertheless a lack of constant direct fighting. In other words, warscapes are 'simply' those social spaces in which armed conflict has become the background of everyday social life- the new normal."

(Myself, 2023)

Sadly, warscapes are rarely explored beyond their conflict dimension. Well, that is precesely the aim of this section: to re-conceptualise warscapes as social places beyond conflict by showing you the other side of the warscape, the side where normal life goes on.

Have a look around, this may be my favourite section of the website.

Dareel is just such a cool dude

Dareel is a contemporary dancer, and he has a very particular dance move that he does with his hands... I asked Dareel if we wanted to add some words to this video, here is what he wrote:

... I am still waiting for an awnser, but who cares, Dareel is just such a cool dude.

Did I tell you about that time when the Rastas marched to talk to the Governor of Bukavu?

I woke up one cool morning to a phone call; on the other side of the line Raissa mumbled: 'I am going to cover a Rasta's march in town today, do you want to join?

Of course I did.

View the photo-article here

Dance, baby, dance.

The Streets of Bukavu, capital of South Kivu, are vibrant and full of life... specially when it comes to celebrate the International Dance Day.

Full Screen, Sound ON; You. Are. Welcome.

Shout out to Nickel Studio Productions for putting together this insanely beautiful video for Bukavu's French Institute.

Linda Maroy: Rien ne vous oblige a faire de ma peine una chanson

In the DRC rape is often framed as a weapon of war, however, situating sexual abuse singly within the realm of armed conflict risks ignoring the larger (and global) gendered dynamics underpinning the issue.

In this theatrical monologue the talented writer and actress Linda Maroy denounces a practise taking place across schools and universities. A practise where teachers abuse of their power to exchange good grades (or even a pass) for sexual favours.

A practise known as 'Sexually transmitted points'.

Papa Chira raconte l'histoire de Bukavu comme vous ne l'avez jamais entendue auparavant

Courtoisie de ECKA Espace Culturel Kwetu Art

The Talented Mérou Mégaphone launches his album: 'Solest'

If you enjoy spoken word, hip hop, or simply good poetry- you cannot miss the new album of Bukavu's own Oxmo Puccino: Mérou Mégaphone.

The video is a little taste, the full album can be found here:

Stories from the Vernacular