Singing for AMANI

Amani means ‘peace’ in Swahili. Every Saturday that I go to Yole! Africa’s Jam session, I am constantly amazed and energized at the commitment and vigor of Goma’s Congolese youth who fight to communicate their messages of peace for their country. These teenagers and youth in their 20s write hip hop songs about ending war and ethnic conflicts, fighting sexual violence, building people’s rights and opportunities in their country.
These days, HEAL Africa has partnered with Yole! Africa to produce a CD of music from local artists, with songs expressing HEAL Africa’s themes of holistic healing of the people of the Congo. Last Saturday, they held a competition for the bands to participate in this CD. Yole’s driveway, which is regularly transformed into a music stage and benches for the audience was packed tight in the bright sunshine of the afternoon. Eager artists were prepared with their best, the neighborhood was watching and cheering, street boys in their tattered outfits giddy with excitement. At least 16 bands played, each displaying their own style and original lyrics, although most are hip hop artists. The harmony among these bands was evident as they cheered each other on, high fives flying everywhere, voices in the crowd singing along in support the different artists.
To wrap up the whole afternoon of fun and music, Yole’s organizers presented some surprise guests. Sekombi worked up the crowd with cheers as he introduced the three famous Congolese artists, each from different generations. They sang songs with joy; the crowd was ecstatic. The last artist called all the artists up on stage with him as they sang a chorus in French, saying, “unity, unity for the Congo; let no one divide us again.” Interspersed between each chorus, every musician sang an improvised stanza- the whole experience was electrifying!
Keep your eyes open, your ears listening and your wallet ready for the HEAL Africa/ Yole CD that will be released in September! If you can’t come to hear them sing live, buy it: you won’t want to miss this production.