THE BEAUTY AND CHALLENGES OF INTERRACIAL MARRIAGE
Interracial marriage is a union between individuals from different racial or ethnic backgrounds, a beautiful manifestation of love that transcends societal boundaries. People would probably have different opinions regarding the subjects. For example, people living in interracial relationships can support the marriage, people who were in it would also have something to say about it, and people who do not live in it would have their point of view regarding the subjects. This content aims to outline the general points of interracial marriage. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of interracial marriage, its advantages, and disadvantages, and how to prepare for such a unique journey. We’ll also explore the potential outcomes, both positive and negative, that can arise from these unions. Advantages of Interracial Marriage Cultural Enrichment Interracial couples often bring diverse cultural experiences into their relationships, leading to a rich tapestry of traditions, customs, and cuisines. Many people are tempted to discover new things about themselves, and entering into a mixed marriage is a chance for most to share the benefits of each of their cultural backgrounds. For example, the partners can decide how the wedding will be run: will they focus on the culture of one at the expense of the other? What are the common points of each culture, will it be difficult for the children to acquire these benefits? Are there any traditions that are controversial for both partners? Interracial marriage is not only beneficial for both partners, it’s also beneficial for both communities in terms of cultural diversity. Breaking Stereotypes These unions challenge and break down racial stereotypes, fostering greater understanding and empathy among communities. It’s more than obvious, as we pointed out earlier, that interracial marriage will not only benefit the couple wishing to marry, but the whole community. There’s a lot of fear of hate speech, degrading myths, insults, and even lies that one community may have about another, but interracial marriage fosters this diversity, this openness of mind for each community. Stronger Relationships Interracial couples often report stronger relationships because they must navigate challenges together, promoting open communication and resilience. As we pointed out in the previous point, facing all these controversies may seem difficult for the couple, on the other side a family or a set of friends or even an entire community that do not agree at all on this marriage, fortunately, these kinds of challenges in love will only strengthen the bond between the two partners, the relationship will be laid on solid foundations when the couple stands up against all its stereotypes. Disadvantages of interracial marriage Discrimination and Bias Interracial couples typically encounter discrimination and bias from society, which can manifest in various ways. Racial slurs, derogatory comments, and even outright hostility are experiences that many interracial couples face. This discrimination can take a significant toll on the emotional well-being of the individuals involved and place a strain on the marriage itself. The constant need to defend one’s relationship can be exhausting and emotionally draining. Family Conflicts Family plays a crucial role in the lives of most individuals, and when family members do not approve of interracial marriage, it can create significant stress and conflict. In some cases, family members may be openly opposed to the relationship, leading to strained family gatherings and fractured relationships. The emotional turmoil caused by these conflicts can spill over into the marriage, creating additional challenges for the couple to navigate. Cultural Conflicts Interracial couples often find themselves at the intersection of two or more cultures with differing expectations, traditions, and values. These cultural conflicts can be a source of tension within the marriage. For example, differences in child-rearing practices, religious beliefs, or gender roles may lead to disagreements and misunderstandings. Couples must work diligently to bridge these gaps and find a balance that respects each other’s cultural backgrounds. Identity Complexities Individuals in interracial marriages may grapple with questions related to their own racial and ethnic identities. They may face pressure from others to identify with one particular racial group, which can create a sense of isolation or confusion. Additionally, children born into interracial families may struggle with questions of identity as they navigate their mixed heritage. These complexities can add an extra layer of challenge to the marriage as couples work to understand and support each other’s identities. Legal and Social Considerations Depending on the regions or countries where interracial couples reside, they may encounter legal and social challenges. Immigration laws, for instance, can be complex for couples from different countries. Additionally, social norms and expectations can vary widely, impacting the acceptance of interracial relationships. These legal and social considerations can add stress and uncertainty to the marriage, as couples navigate a landscape that may not always be welcoming or accommodating. Despite these disadvantages, it’s important to note that many interracial couples successfully navigate these challenges and build strong, loving relationships. Open communication, mutual respect, and a commitment to addressing issues as they arise can help mitigate the negative effects of discrimination, family conflicts, cultural differences, identity complexities, and legal and social considerations. Ultimately, the disadvantages of interracial marriage, while significant, are not insurmountable, and many couples find that the love and connection they share are well worth the effort required to overcome these challenges. Preparing for an Interracial Marriage Interracial marriage is a beautiful union of love that transcends racial or ethnic boundaries. However, like any marriage, it requires careful preparation and consideration. Here are essential steps to take when preparing for an interracial marriage: Open Communication Effective communication is the cornerstone of any successful marriage, and it is even more critical in interracial relationships. Both partners should engage in open, honest, and respectful conversations about their cultural backgrounds, beliefs, and expectations. This communication helps build a strong foundation of understanding and empathy. Cultural Education Embracing each other’s cultures is a vital aspect of preparing for an interracial marriage. Take the time to learn about your partner’s customs, traditions, and values. This not only deepens your connection
THE BEAUTY AND CHALLENGES OF INTERRACIAL MARRIAGE
Interracial marriage is a union between individuals from different racial or ethnic backgrounds, a beautiful manifestation of love that transcends societal boundaries. People would probably have different opinions regarding the subjects and this article will give you some insights into those opinions. For example, people living in interracial relationships would support the marriage, people who were in it would also have something to say about it, and people who do not live in it would have their point of view regarding the subjects. This content aims to outline the general points of interracial marriage. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of interracial marriage, its advantages, and disadvantages, and how to prepare for such a unique journey. We’ll also explore the potential outcomes, both positive and negative, that can arise from these unions. Vital points about Interracial Marriage Cultural Enrichment Interracial couples often bring diverse cultural experiences into their relationships, leading to a rich tapestry of traditions, customs, and cuisines. Many people are tempted to discover new things about themselves, and entering into a mixed marriage is a chance for most to share the benefits of each of their cultural backgrounds. For example, the partners can decide how the wedding will be run: Will they focus on the culture of one at the expense of the other? What are the common points of each culture, will it be difficult for the children to acquire these benefits? Are there any traditions that are controversial for both partners? Interracial marriage is not only beneficial for both partners, it’s also beneficial for both communities in terms of cultural diversity. Breaking Stereotypes These unions challenge and break down racial stereotypes, fostering greater understanding and empathy among communities. It’s more than obvious, as we pointed out earlier, that interracial marriage will not only benefit the couple wishing to marry, but the whole community. There’s a lot of fear of hate speech, degrading myths, insults and even lies that one community may have about another, but interracial marriage fosters this diversity, this openness of mind for each community. Stronger Relationships Interracial couples often report stronger relationships because they must navigate challenges together, promoting open communication and resilience. As we noted in the previous point, facing all these controversies may seem difficult for the couple, on the other side a family or a set of friends or even an entire community that doesn’t agree at all on this marriage, fortunately, these kind of challenges in love will only strengthen the bond between the two partners, the relationship will be laid on solid foundations when the couple stands up against all its stereotypes. Discrimination and Bias Interracial couples often encounter discrimination and bias from society, which can manifest in various ways. Racial slurs, derogatory comments, and even outright hostility are experiences that many interracial couples face. This discrimination can take a significant toll on the emotional well-being of the individuals involved and place a strain on the marriage itself. The constant need to defend one’s relationship can be exhausting and emotionally draining. Family Conflicts Family plays a crucial role in the lives of most individuals, and when family members do not approve of interracial marriage, it can create significant stress and conflict. In some cases, family members may be openly opposed to the relationship, leading to strained family gatherings and fractured relationships. The emotional turmoil caused by these conflicts can spill over into the marriage, creating additional challenges for the couple to navigate. Cultural Conflicts Interracial couples often find themselves at the intersection of two or more cultures with differing expectations, traditions, and values. These cultural conflicts can be a source of tension within the marriage. For example, differences in child-rearing practices, religious beliefs, or gender roles may lead to disagreements and misunderstandings. Couples must work diligently to bridge these gaps and find a balance that respects each other’s cultural backgrounds. Identity Complexities Individuals in interracial marriages may grapple with questions related to their own racial and ethnic identities. They may face pressure from others to identify with one particular racial group, which can create a sense of isolation or confusion. Additionally, children born into interracial families may struggle with questions of identity as they navigate their mixed heritage. These complexities can add an extra layer of challenge to the marriage as couples work to understand and support each other’s identities. Legal and Social Considerations Depending on the regions or countries where interracial couples reside, they may encounter legal and social challenges. Immigration laws, for instance, can be complex for couples from different countries. Additionally, social norms and expectations can vary widely, impacting the acceptance of interracial relationships. These legal and social considerations can add stress and uncertainty to the marriage, as couples navigate a landscape that may not always be welcoming or accommodating. Despite these disadvantages, it’s important to note that many interracial couples successfully navigate these challenges and build strong, loving relationships. Open communication, mutual respect, and a commitment to addressing issues as they arise can help mitigate the negative effects of discrimination, family conflicts, cultural differences, identity complexities, and legal and social considerations. Ultimately, the disadvantages of interracial marriage, while significant, are not insurmountable, and many couples find that the love and connection they share are well worth the effort required to overcome these challenges. Preparing for an Interracial Marriage Interracial marriage is a beautiful union of love that transcends racial or ethnic boundaries. However, like any marriage, it requires careful preparation and consideration. Here are essential steps to take when preparing for an interracial marriage: Open Communication Effective communication is the cornerstone of any successful marriage, and it is even more critical in interracial relationships. Both partners should engage in open, honest, and respectful conversations about their cultural backgrounds, beliefs, and expectations. This communication helps build a strong foundation of understanding and empathy. Cultural Education Embracing each other’s cultures is a vital aspect of preparing for an interracial marriage. Take the time to learn about your partner’s customs, traditions, and
THE BRIDE PRICE AND THE MARRIAGE BUSINESS
For many centuries the DRC has been organising marriage in fixing a type of dowry as in most of the African countries. The country has different method for the dowry and the bride price is part of it, some traditional furniture can be given as well to the bride’s family. As in so many cultures in the world, there are always celebrities and traditions when it comes to marriage and the DRC does not make exceptions. This article will cover all the important points about the Congolese marriage business, bride price, and their misunderstandings. We will define the bride price while giving some important steps for marriage in DRC and some challenges and misunderstandings with the marriage business. Cultural Tradition of Bride Price in the DRC Marriage and bride price: In DRC these words cannot be separated from each other. It means thinking about marriage is thinking about the bride price, but we can try to define these words in 2 different contexts: The Congolese context or traditional context The marriage is a perfect ceremony in which 2 different people from 2 different families mean to be together for life and death. It refers to a cultural institution where a groom and his family discuss, drink, eat, and celebrate with each other which is going to lead to a payment of the bride price. The bride price symbolically becomes an amount of money or a set of different presents to point out the commitment, respect, love, and sacrifice the family has for the bride’s family. It is known to be the Lobola in Lingala or the dowry in English. However, this sometimes can have different perceptions from different families because it’s the bride’s family that will fix the payment. Some families tend to exaggerate by increasing the payment that would be asked, the symbolic and traditional side turn into a common amount of things or money to value somebody. We all know that it’s impossible to value someone with a kind of price, and sometimes this bad point of view can just come from the family without the concerned person’s approval. Global Context of Marriage In a broader global context, marriage is a legally recognised union between two individuals, typically one man and one woman, but increasingly inclusive of same-sex couples in many countries. It involves a formal ceremony or legal contract signifying a committed partnership, which may or may not involve traditional customs like bride prices. Marriage serves various social, legal, and emotional purposes and varies widely in its practices and traditions across cultures. So let’s point out the different steps of the actual marriage in DRC and when the bride price comes out. Important Steps For Marriage in the DRC The 1st step: Introduction This is an important step where usually the man wants to go forward to let his future woman’s family know about his actual existence. The way it’s done is different from different parts and cultures in DRC, but the common way is the man will give a small amount of money in the envelope to his beloved, the woman will bring it to her mom generally, to introduce the existing man in her life and tells her how much they love each other and want to live together for the rest of their lives. The woman’s mom will ask some basic and crucial questions to her daughter and lets her father know about the man who want to come to brief himself and take their daughter as wife. This can lead to a small meeting or a dinner between them if the woman’s family accepts him. The 2nd step is the Pre-traditional wedding Once accepted by a small group, the man and some members of his family, usually the father and mother, the aunts and uncles, or just important members of the family will go to the in-laws (to be) for a meeting which will end with some drinks; beers, wine, soda, music and dances to celebrate and immortalise the moment. The goal of the event is to list all the traditional gifts and to fix the bride price while arranging how things will go for the next events, task divisions, and responsibilities. But this event is just to officialise the relationship between not just the man and the woman but also the two families are linked now together by the two children. For the occasion, the man’s family will come up with different traditional gifts like salt, sugar, oils, etc… The list will usually depends on the in-laws’ culture but as we mentioned before even for this first event the family in-law can exaggerate sometimes. The 3rd step is the traditional wedding The traditional marriage in DRC is the most important marriage that exists. Most married people have stopped at this step actually because of how crucial it is. So what exactly happens at this stage? As mentioned above, the previous event was to list out the traditional gifts and the bride price as well as responsibilities and tasks divisions for the next parts. It’s just like a promise but this stage is the beginning of fulfilment of what was said or promised in the previous part. The cost is generally divided into 2 parts, one in kind (traditional gifts) and the other in cash (the bride price). In-kind, the man’s family will come up with different traditional gifts that have been asked by the bride price or listed throughout the traditional marriage. These are the gifts generally asked despite the culture’s diversity: Father-in-law suits, shoes, belts, books or watches, etc… Mother-in-law, 2 loincloths, some dishes etc. For the entire in-laws: A basin for washing clothes, a bag of salt or rice, a can of palm oil, a cuff, a pirogue, an axe, a bicycle, a jacket, two loincloths, bottles of traditional or modern wines, etc.. Note: The traditional presents in the traditional marriage are generally different from the pre-traditional marriage ones, not just in terms of the ceremony purposes but also
MOVING TO CONGO DRC: VISA AND CITIZENSHIP REQUIREMENTS AND CHALLENGES
It is very important to travel, to venture out and discover the world in its cultural, historical diversity. The DRC is a very warm country, rich in mineral and natural resources, its wonderful biodiversity is even more attractive. In this article of Congotalks243, we will find out: How to travel to DRC and how to get its citizenship? What are the obstacles to overcome? Are you ready? If so, let’s dive right in. How to travel to Congo ( VISA requirements ) First of all, it is important to mention that the requirements for obtaining a DRC Visa depend on the diplomatic relationship between the DRC and your country of citizenship and also on the purpose of the trip or the object of staying in DRC. However, we will give you the most general requirements for any country and any type of trip. To obtain a DRC Visa you must: But to settle in the DRC for studies, for work, or other long-term purposes, you generally must: Theoretically you could choose to submit your visa application online, but it is advisable to visit a Congolese embassy near you to do this in person. Your experience there will of course depend on who you will meet there. Congolese Citizenship ( How to obtain it? ) First of all, it is important to mention that the requirements for obtaining a DRC Visa depend on the diplomatic relationship between the DRC and your country of citizenship and also on the purpose of the trip or the object of staying in DRC. However, we will give you the most general requirements for any country and any type of trip. By Descent A child born on the territory of the DRC or abroad to one or two parents who hold Congolese citizenship are considered to be Congolese citizens. Note that being born in Congo does not entitle one to Congolese citizenship unless the parents are citizens. Also, a child born abroad to Congolese parents loses citizenship if the country of birth offers citizenship at birth and if the parents opt for that. By Naturalisation To obtain Congolese citizenship through naturalization, you must have lived in the DRC permanently for 7 years before the date of your naturalization application. You must also solemnly renounce your former citizenship as dual citizenship is not allowed. You must be of good character, and know how to speak one of the Congolese national languages: Tshiluba, Kikongo, Lingala, and Kiswahili. By Registration This mostly applies to married couples or legally adopted children of Congolese nationals. One can acquire Congolese citizenship by marrying a spouse who has Congolese citizenship. For this, it is necessary to be married for at least 7 years. A child legally adopted by a parent having Congolese citizenship may also be entitled to citizenship via registration but the process is almost the same as biological children. Of course, children can choose to renounce Congolese citizenship later by acquiring other citizenships as anyone else can. Now that you know how you can obtain Congolese citizenship, consider reading our article about some of the most beautiful cities in the country. CONCLUSION The DRC is a fabulous country. Before you go there to stay or for tourism, we suggest that you contact the DRC consulate in your respective country for more information. As for traveling, like in any other country, you will need to have an acquaintance, a person already living in DRC to help you get there or stay there more seamlessly. The cultural, environmental, and climatic context will have to be considered because leaving your comfort zone is not a cup of tea for some, it requires big sacrifices, but you just have to be flexible to adapt. Want to know more about the DR Congo in general? We recommend you follow us on your favourite social media platforms: Instagram (@congotalks243 and @yafelie), Twitter (@congotalks243), TikTok (@yafelie and @congotalks243), Facebook (@CongoTalks243) and LinkedIn (@CongoTalks243), and subscribe to our YouTube channel. ✅ How to support our works: PAYPAL: https://paypal.me/CongoTalks243 For business inquiries related to CongoTalks243, you can reach out at info@congotalks243.com.
THE GREAT LUNDA EMPIRE (Congolese pre-colonial Kingdoms)!
As usual, we always talk about the great events that have marked African culture and history, particularly the Democratic Republic of Congo. We are going to find out about the Lunda Empire, one of the greatest pre-colonial Congolese, Angolan and Zambian kingdoms in this part of Congotalks243. ORIGIN OF THE LUNDA EMPIRE The Lunda empire was founded in 1600, it was first a chiefdom ruled by a king, the first king was known as Yala Mwaka, his son Mwaka Konde or Kond Tubung or the King of the Bungu gave birth to a daughter Lweji or Rwej who would succeed him in power. Ilunga Tshibinda, brother of Ilunga Kalala, King of the Luba Empire, left his empire because of a war of succession and married Queen Lweji or Rwej of the Lunda Empire, who subsequently bequeathed him power with the sacred bracelet Rukan Ilunga Tshibinda was considered the founder of the Lunda empire. He had a child with Rwej who was called Yav and he was called Mwant Yav and all the other kings of the empire bore this name as a royalty title. The story tells that Rwej was sterile, Yav’s biological mother was represented by Swanna Mulunda or Swan Murund. The Lunda Empire Location The northwestern part of Zambia, the northeastern part of Angola, and the western part of the actual Katanga in the DRC formed the location of the Lunda empire. Today these people are still located in the same territories and are called Ruund. The Lunda Political The politics of the Lunda Empire was the foundation of its power which was monarchical. The Lunda political system was based on matrilineal succession and perpetual governance i.e. the king had to die to leave power to someone else who would be chosen by a council of notables or dignitaries but also by the respective representatives of each tribe of the Lunda Empire whose capital was Musumba. Additionally, the new kings had to almost become their predecessors. The title Mwant Yav was given to all the Ruund kings (Lunda Kings) even if they were not necessarily from the same family. It was a must to take on the personality of the Mwant Yav and he ruled with two very important women, Runkokesh, representative of the mother of the Lunda Empire Rwej, but also Swanna Mulunda, who gave birth to the first Mwant Yav. The Lunda Empire Culture The Lunda empire culture was varied, the tradition of the Lunda tribes being the union of members of different empires: a Muluba (Luba) Ilunda Tshibinda and a Runnd (Lunda) Rwej. Among the most important ceremonies, we find the Mukand which is a circumcision ceremony or the passage from childhood to adolescence. The Lunda Empire religion is based on the belief in one god Nzamb Katang who was worshiped and represented by a priest called Mulemb to whom offerings were made, currently, they are all Christian. The language of the Lunda empire is Lunda or Ruund, Ki Karunda (today), a language belonging to the Bantu group of languages like Kiluba and Tshiluba of Baluba. The women were not permitted to talk when men were talking. When a woman was menstruating she was obliged to stay in a hut outside the courtyard until she finished… Men also respected women in a certain way In the Democratic Republic of Congo they are considered brothers with the Baluba, what differentiates them is their names: the Ruund or Lunda tribes have names without vowels at the end: for example, Kakwat, Kawel, Yav, Diur, and with their King who was Luba Ilunga Tshibinda most of them also have names such as Tshibind, Tshibang, Kimbang, Kazad and that is how they are often called the Ruund. The Lunda empire art was from their neighbors Chokwe and Luba. Economy Of The Lunda Empire The economy of the Lunda kingdom was based on the trade with other kingdoms. They traded ivory, salt, copper, and slaves up to Lake Muero. The Lunda or Ruund of Katanga now in the province of Lualaba lived from fishing and agriculture. The Lunda Empire Success Unlike their Luba neighbors, the stability of their political system had contributed to their success, the Lunda empire had its expansion and its apogee in the 19th century. The empire conquered new lands, subdued other states, and tribes, or at least obliged them to pay tributes. The Runnd or Lunda had the greatest military power. For instance, Mwata Kazembe expanded the kingdom in the Eastern part, near the Luapula river and Ishindi in north-western part. The Decline Of The Lunda Kingdom The Lunda Empire came to an end in the 19th century partly because of the Chokwe invasion and partly because of colonization. The Lunda remained in their heartland despite the Chokwe invasion. In 1884 the colonizers divided the Lunda empire into 3 colonies, Zambia by the British, Angola by the Portuguese, and the DRC by the Belgians which at the same time caused the end of several other pre-colonial Congolese kingdoms such as the Luba empire (read all Histories of the Congolese Kingdoms here). CONCLUSION The most important thing to remember about the Lunda Empire is that it was a great empire of the DRC, Zambia, and Angola, created in the 16th century by Mwaka. The Lunda Empire was headed by Rwej who bequeathed her power to a man from the Luba empire Ilunga Tshibinda. The empire reached its success in the 17th and 18th centuries through trade, military, and political power, but was invaded by the Chokwe, colonized by the Belgian, Portuguese, and the British in 1884. Want to know more about the DR Congo in general? We recommend you follow us on your favourite social media platforms: Instagram (@congotalks243 and @yafelie), Twitter (@congotalks243), TikTok (@yafelie and @congotalks243), Facebook (@CongoTalks243) and LinkedIn (@CongoTalks243), and subscribe to our YouTube channel. ✅ How to support our works: PAYPAL: https://paypal.me/CongoTalks243 For business inquiries related to CongoTalks243, you can reach out at info@congotalks243.com.
THE STORY OF A KONGO REVOLUTIONARY
KIMPA VITA KONGO DIA NTOTILA 1684-1706! During the pre-colonial period, Africa knew a woman named Kimpa Vita, a young revolutionary from the Kingdom of Kongo (near modern day Angola) who had unified the kingdom by establishing the revolutionary Antonianist movement. Antonianism was composed of Christian beliefs and black, traditional Kongo beliefs. She was a very strong woman of 20 to 22 years of age, who was able to stand up to European domination. In this article we will find out: Childhood Kimpa Vita was born in Mbanza Kongo, the capital of the Kingdom of Kongo (in modern day Angola) in 1684 into a Catholic family. She was baptized at a very young age and was given the name Dona Beatriz, her Portuguese name. As a young woman, she was dedicated to spirituality and prayed in a group of young women and men in the church, the Kintuadi Saint Anthony parish. She was trained to become a Nganga Marinda, an intermediary between the world of the living and the spirits. She delivered people in her youth, and was soon considered a prophet. The Context in which she was born The group of young people in which Kimpa Vita prayed had a mission to pray for the Kongo Kingdom, which had just lost its King, Mvita a Nkanga, at the battle of Mbwila in 1665. In this time, the Kongolese State was in a chaotic situation, following a discord between the Portuguese and the Kongolese, especially the King Mvita a Nkanga, who was against the slave trade that the Portuguese controlled exorbitantly. After the King was killed, the kingdom was unstable, divided, and the people no longer lived in the capital city, Mbanza Kongo. So this group of young people led by Kimpa Vita had given themselves the mission to pray for the Kongo kingdom and that God, Nzambi in Kikongo, could help them. Being in a Catholic church, the priests did not agree with this kind of prayer and finally sent away the young woman Kimpa Vita and her group. They continued to pray outside the church, and during their prayer sessions, Kimpa Vita prophesied and delivered people. The Call to Mission It is said that at the age of 20, Kimpa Vita fell very ill. After some immediate care, her health continued to deteriorate until she was eventually pronounced dead. Three days later she came back to life. One might relate this to the story of Jesus in the Bible. For Kimpa Vita, however, the story tells that she went to the kingdom of the ancestors or spirits. She met the spirits called ancestors of the mystical conclave or the holy Kongo and the holy Antoine; they entrusted her a special mission: That of reunifying the Kingdom of Kongo through a black Christianity, thus a combination of Christianity and Kongo beliefs. Her missions were to restore the Kingdom, to rebuild the capital city of Mbanza Kongo, and to designate a new king. Kimpa Vita and the Anthonianism mouvement After her resurrection, Kimpa Vita claimed to be the reincarnation of Antonio de Padua, a Franciscan priest of the 1100s, and began to preach and fulfill the mission entrusted to her in the invisible world. This is how the Antonianist movement was created around 1704 by Kimpa Vita. Many people followed the African revolutionary as she gathered people and built houses in Mbanza Kongo. She organized prayers and the Kongo people returned to Kongo spirituality. The Antonianist movement had two dimensions: spiritual, to bring back the Kongo people to the spiritual practices of the Kongo, and political, to reunify the Kingdom and expel the European missionaries. The Congolese revolutionary Kimpa Vita had given a new meaning to the biblical story. She said, for instance, that Jesus was born, not in Bethlehem but in Mbanza Kongo, and that Jesus was baptized not in Nazareth but in a northern province of Nsundi. She also emphasized that the heavens were also for the black people. The movement protested against the European churches because they were considered not beneficial for the Kingdom. The movement claimed that the division of the kingdom, the civil wars, and the slave trade were practices that made God angry. Kimpa Vita’s Death After calling on the various tribal chiefs to choose a single king for the Kingdom in Mbanza Kongo, the mother of the African revolution, Kimpa Vita, had unparalleled popularity. The Catholic priests were against her teachings, they were jealous and accused her of a mousetrap. Thus, during the reign of King Nsamu a Mvemba, Kimpa Vita was burned alive with her companion Jean Barro in Evolulu on July 2, 1706 (with probably her son). Kimpa Vita was judged by a court presided over by Fathers Lorenzo da Lucca and Bernado da Gallo. Kimpa Vita’s Achievements So what did Kimpa Vita do? Kimpa Vita is considered to be the mother of the African revolution. She is one of the earliest African women to have fought against the slave trade during European domination. She was the founder of the first black Christian revolutionary movement in sub-Saharan Africa. She had indeed unified the Kingdom of Kongo and led people to repopulate and rebuild the Capital city of Mbanza Kongo. THe Kongo people had taken up her teachings, and they continued to follow them even after her death. She had ended the civil war that was raging in the kingdom, and also denounced the racist and sexist abuses of the Catholic churches. The unification of the Kongo kingdom Before her death, on July 2, 1706, in Evolulu, Kimpa Vita had tried to convince the king of Kibangu Nsamu a Mvemba to return to the capital of Mbanza Kongo. King Nsamu a Mvemba of Kibangu, who aspired to be king of Kongo, was reluctant to accept the ambitions of the Antonianist movement of Kimpa Vita. But he ended up installing a new wind that blew along with the capital and became king of Kongo 5 years after the death of Kimpa Vita. CLOSING
THE KUBA KINGDOM! The kingdom of the Bakuba
Congolese pre-colonial Kingdoms The Kuba Kingdom is a state entity founded in the 1600s and is currently located in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is a pre-colonial Congolese kingdom and the historical branch of Congotalks243 has the pleasure to tell you about it and make you discover the beauty of the Democratic Republic of Congo. THE KUBA KINGDOM ORIGIN The Bakuba people migrated to their new location from the north in the 1600s and are also part of the Bantu-speaking people. According to oral tradition, the Kuba kingdom was founded by Shyaam a-Mbul a Ngoong. The kingdom was first a collection of different chiefdoms made up of Mongo-speaking people who would have migrated to this part of the DRC and then Shyaam a-Mbul unified all these chiefdoms and took over the leadership, thus becoming the first Nyim (King) of the kingdom that he had himself founded, the Kuba Kingdom. The Kuba Kingdom Location The Kuba kingdom was located in the present-day Democratic Republic of Congo, bordered by the Lulua, the Kasai River, and the Sankuru, in the Kasaï region of the DRC. Economy Of The Bakuba The economy of the Kuba kingdom was based on agriculture initiated by King Shyaam a’Mbul a Ngoong: maize, cassava, tobacco, beans, and the production of textiles or raffia weaving were sold to the kingdom’s various neighbors. Let us discover the political structure of the Kuba kingdom The Bakuba Political System The Kuba kingdom was a monarchy and had a merit-based title system. However, power still resided within the ruling clan, which was the Bushoong Clan. So the majority of Kings came from the Bushoong Clan. In the Kuba Kingdom, rulers took the title of Nyim, meaning King and they presided over the government, which is composed of a set of elites representing the sub-groups (clans) of the kingdom. The clans represented in the Bushoong court include: Ngeende, Kel, Pyaang, Bulaang, Bieeng, Ilebo, Idiing, Kaam, Ngoombe Kayuweeng, Shoowa, Bokila, Maluk and Ngongo. The capital of the kingdom was Mushenge. The Kuba Kingdom Religion According to statements of oral tradition the Bakuba people believed in a god called Bumba who created the sky, the earth, the birds, the animals, the waters, the plants, the sun, and the moon. However, the cult was often dedicated to another supernatural and spiritual being called woot who was considered the first human being by whom civilization was created. According to some authors, the Bakuba people were considered to be children of woot, this divine being whom they worshiped and who was even the founder of the Kuba kingdom. The Kuba Kingdom Art Of all the pre-colonial Congolese kingdoms each was known for a very important element that may well have contributed to its success or flourishing. The Kongo kingdom was known for its political structure and its protest against the Portuguese or the colonial authorities in place by King Alfonso I, the revolutionary Kimpa Vita, and the prophet liberator Simon Kimbangu; the Luba empire was known for its fearsome warriors; and the Lunda empire for its democratic monarchical political structure. Similarly, the Kuba kingdom was best known for its art. These include the embroidered raffia textiles, their carved palm wine cups, cosmetic boxes for the noble class or royalty, their monumental helmet masks, and the carved wooden statues of their rulers, which immortalized their reigns. Nowadays, carved wooden objects such as palm wine cups, embroidered raffia textiles, monumental masks, animal skins such as leopard skins are scattered in several museums around the world, some of them in Congolese museums, and others in Europe, precisely in Belgium (Congo’s former colonizer), and in the Americas, precisely in the Brooklyn Museum. The Kuba Kingdom Success The Kuba kingdom was the kingdom least affected by the slave trade and the 19th century colonization of Congo by the Belgians, mainly because of its somewhat isolated location and also its surroundings. These two factors were some of the main reasons for the fall of several pre-colonial Congolese kingdoms. While the Kingdom of Kongo, the Luba empire, and the Lunda empire simply disappeared, the Kuba kingdom (though it had also experienced a late decline in the 1900s) still exists today as a state of the DRC under the reign of Kot-a-Mbweeky III. CONCLUSION The Kuba kingdom was created following the migrations of the Mongo-speaking people in the 1600s. It was founded by King Shyaam a’Mbul a Ngoong, and it was known for its art of raffia weaving, the making of monumental helmet masks and statues representing Kuba kings. Today, the kingdom still exists and is headed by a King known as Kot-a-Mbweeky III. The Kingdom is located in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Want to know more about the DR Congo in general? We recommend you follow us on your favourite social media platforms: Instagram (@congotalks243 and @yafelie), Twitter (@congotalks243), TikTok (@yafelie and @congotalks243), Facebook (@CongoTalks243) and LinkedIn (@CongoTalks243), and subscribe to our YouTube channel. ✅ How to support our works: PAYPAL: https://paypal.me/CongoTalks243 For business inquiries related to CongoTalks243, you can reach out at info@congotalks243.com.
THE STORY OF THE KINGDOM OF KONGO! KONGO DIA NTOTILA!
Congolese pre-colonial Kingdoms The Democratic Republic of Congo is a vast territory that has seen many interesting events, including those of pre-colonial kingdoms. In this part of Congotalks243, we will debrief the history of the kingdom of Kongo or Kongo Dia Ntotila, one of the largest kingdoms in Central Africa. THE KINGDOM’S ORIGIN The Kingdom of Kongo was founded by King Lukeni Lua Nimi or Ntinu Wene in 1375 following an alliance between two different kings: Nimi a Nzima king of Pemba who married Lukeni Lua Nzanze daughter of Nsaku Lau king of Mbata. Lukeni Lua Nimi after conquering the state of Mwene Kabunga created the Kingdom of Kongo by putting the capital at Mbanza Kongo. They decided to make the descendants of Nimi a Nzima from Pempa sovereigns those of Nsaku should govern in Mbata by ensuring the application of this law of succession, thus Lukeni Lua Nimi son of Nimi a Nzima and Lukeni Lua Nzanze, was the first King and founder of the Kingdom of Kongo whose capital was Mbanza Kongo(San Salvador) in Angola. KINGDOM OF KONGO LOCATION The Kingdom of Kongo was located in northern Angola, southern Gabon, the Republic of Congo, and the western Democratic Republic of Congo. At its peak, the empire extended to the Kwango River, the Congo River, and the Atlantic Ocean. The Kingdom of Kongo covered a total area of about 2,500,000 km². ECONOMY The Kongo Dia Ntotila or the kingdom of Kongo lived from agriculture: the cultivation of manioc, sweet potatoes, cereals, and peanuts. The people also lived from fishing, cattle breeding, the Kingdom was already trading in ivory, raffia clothing, copper, and gold; the Kingdom had its currency called Mbongo RELIGION The Kongo people believed in their supreme god named Nzambi or Nzambe before being converted to Christianity. The people consulted a diviner or priest called Nganga, who served as an intermediary between them and their God Nzambi. This belief of having an intermediary between humans and their God is common to many Bantu people. The Baluba, for instance, had a Kitobo (as a Nganga for Bakongo) who was connecting them to their God Nvidye Mukulu. THE INTRODUCTION OF CHRISTIANITY During an expedition led by the Portuguese Diego Cao in 1483, he decided to stop in the kingdom, he left for Portugal taking some Kongo nobles with him, then he returned after 2 years. The reigning king wanted to convert to Christianity and sent a delegation of nobles with Diego Cão to Europe to learn Christianity, to learn how to read and to write. 5 years later Cão returned with roman catholic priests and soldiers in 1491. It was then that King Nzinga a Nguwu was baptized as Joao I. His son, successor to the throne, Mvemba a Nzinga or Alfonso I, was the one who extended Christianity to the entire kingdom. According to some authors (Graziano Saccardo: Congo e Angola con la storia dell’antica missione dei cappuccini. Vol. 3 published by Venise Mestre), the Kingdom of Kongo was converted to Christianity for political and economic rather than religious reasons. CULTURE The culture of the Kingdom of Kongo was characterized by its pottery, art, and its language. The shaping of pottery with a cone of clay and a rounded base identified in all the centers of production of traditional Kongo ceramics, The assembly of pottery with doves, The decoration of pottery with bridelia ferruginea by all the Kongo potters. Art: Specter sculptures or Nkisi represent sacred objects belonging to Kongo chiefs. These sacred objects or Nkisi were embodied by a divine spirit. Its language: The Kongo people spoke Kikongo which is one of the Congolese national languages (I invite you to learn Kikongo on our YouTube channel where the Congolese culture is highlighted) but it is also spoken in the republic of Congo, in Angola and a bit in a part of Gabon. THE POLITICAL SYSTEM OF KINGDOM OF KONGO By its creation the kingdom of Kongo had a matrilineal succession and a political system of constitutional or absolute monarchy, but the political system or the way in which power passed from one king to another was not maintained the same throughout the existence of the kingdom. The kingdom was ruled by a Sovereign King bearing the title of Mwene Kongo or Mani Kongo which means King of Kongo or Chief of Kongo, it was a highly centralized political system. The King presided from the capital Mbanza Kongo. The sovereign Kongo king or Mwene Kongo was elected by a council of elders and a set of governors (even Portuguese officers) and then the guardians of the spiritual and political principles from the Nsaku lineage would perform a ritual ceremony THE KINGDOM’S APOGEE The kingdom had its moment of glory under the reign of King Mvemba a Nzinga in 1509, thanks to the production and trade of weapons, and agricultural products which contributed to the rise of the Kingdom of Kongo. KINGDOM’S DECLINE The Kingdom of Kongo was a kingdom that covered the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Republic of Congo, Angola, and a small part of Gabon. It was created by Lukeni Lua Nimi or Ntinu Wene in 1375, it reached its apogee under the reign of King Mvemba a Nzinga between the 16th and 17th century, and it started to fall at the end of the same century to completely disappear in the 20th century with colonization. You can find captivating topics about congolese pre-colonial Kingdoms on the Congotalks243 website or watch the videos on YouTube. I invite you to follow us on our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages. CONCLUSION The Kuba kingdom was created following the migrations of the Mongo-speaking people in the 1600s. It was founded by King Shyaam a’Mbul a Ngoong, and it was known for its art of raffia weaving, the making of monumental helmet masks and statues representing Kuba kings. Today, the kingdom still exists and is headed by a King known as Kot-a-Mbweeky III. The Kingdom is located in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Want to know more about the DR Congo in general? We recommend you follow us on
A LOOK AT THE GREAT LUBA EMPIRE (Congolese pre-colonial Kingdoms)
The DRC is a country with a rich history. We find of course several kingdoms and empires that have shaped the Congolese culture of today. In this part of Congotalks243 dedicated to Congolese history, we will discover one of the greatest empires of Central Africa, the Luba Empire. The Luba empire origins The Baluba people would have originated from the village Nsanga Lubangu in the region located next to Lake Kisale and Lake Upemba; but according to the history books of the Democratic Republic of Congo, this region was uninhabited, and it was the Bantu who immigrated from the North and settled in Central Africa. That is why the Luba language, Kiluba (currently spoken in Kabongo in the province of Lomami) and Tshiluba (currently spoken in the province of Kasaï) where from Bantou people The location of the Luba kingdom The Baluba (the people of the Luba Empire) were located in the south of the present Democratic Republic of Congo, half of Katanga. The Luba Empire extended along the Lwalaba Basin and its major tributaries the Lomami, Lubilanji, Luvua or Lovoi and Lubudi. Currently the Luba people are located in Kabongo, Lomami, Kamina, Kaniama, Bukama, Manono, Malemba Mitwaba, Pweto, Kabalo, part of Central Kasai etc. The Luba Empire history The Luba empire was founded by Nkongolo Mwamba around 1500, he came from Basonge or Bayembe. The empire was located in the Eastern part of the Kasaï river just around the Headwaters of Lualaba. He was a powerful and ambitious man, living with two sisters whom he had taken as wives, Mabela and Bulanda. He imposed his domination in many territories. According to the priest ( priest or Kitobo named Mujibu wa Kalenge was an intermediary between Baluba and their god Nvidye, a spiritual advisor), he had made himself king without the permission of Nvidye Mukulu (the God or supreme spirit) so he did nothave the Bulopwe (royal power). It was then that a foreigner, Mbidi Kiluwe son of King Ilunga Kiluwe of the East Lualaba kingdom the Bupemba came and married the sisters Mabela and Bulanda of Nkongolo Mwamba. The foreigner Mbidi Kiluwe returned home where he became king but left Bulanda and Mabela. Bulanda gave birth to a child whom she named Ilunga Mbidi Kalala who killed his uncle King Nkongolo Mwamba and took over the power as he was elected by the Nvidye and held the Bulopwe (royal power). He was the first recognised king of the Luba empire or the first Luba Mulopwe (Empire’s King). Ilunga Tshibinda one of the brothers of Ilunga Kalala Became the King of Lunda Kingdom by marrying the princess Lweji or Rwej because he didn’t approve of the succession’s war Culture and tradition of Baluba people The Luba culture was based on sculptures and wood carvings. The sculptures of the Luba traditions were represented by women with water gourds, pregnant women, swords, specters, arrow holders, masks and drums. However, the Baluba were known more as warriors than as artists. They lived from fishing and agriculture. The women were not permitted to talk when men were talking. When a woman was menstruating she was obliged to stay in a hut outside the courtyard until she finished… Men also respected women in a certain way Luba Political System The chiefdoms grouped in provinces formed the kingdom, the succession was patrilineal. In each chiefdom, there was a chief appointed by a hierarchical committee. The capital, where political decisions were taken, was at Mwibele in the present day Kabongo in the province of Haut Lomami. The Luba economy The Baluba economy was based on a feudal system, with the nobles holding a monopoly on trade. The Baluba were able to develop an economy based on trade between different countries very quickly. Metallurgy, copper, and salt were very important sources of income for the Baluba The success of the Luba kingdom The Luba empire had its moments of glory under the reign of the monarchs Ilunga Songu (1780-1810), Kumwimba Ngombe (1840) and Ilunga Kabale. The Luba Empire decline The war of succession between the two brothers Like other brothers in the royal lineage, one had to either kill one’s brother or drive him out. The strongest one remained in power. The biggest war that took on a colossal scale was that between Kabongo and Kasongo wa Nyembo. Kasongo-a-Nyembo allied himself with the forces of Bayeke with M’siri the chief and his brother Kabongo allied himself with the forces of the Batetela. This is how the kingdom was divided into two chieftaincies by the Belgians: the southern region was occupied by Kasongo wa Nyembo and the northern by Kabongo. The slave trade The Arab-Swahili slave trade contributed to the fall of the tribes of the Luba Empire. With the help of Baluba warriors, the Belgians were able to repel the slave traders. The Belgian penetration The destruction of the Luba culture and tradition by the Belgian colonial authorities led to the complete disappearance of the empire. After provoking jealousy between the Baluba of Kasai and Balukat (Baluba of Katanga), they were able to obtain diamonds, copper, and other precious materials. CONCLUSION The LUBA empire is an empire from the south of the Democratic Republic of Congo, founded by Nkongolo Mwamba in the 1500s. It had as its first recognized Sovereign Bulopwe (King) Ilunga Mbidi Kalala. The Baluba had their success under the reigns of the Monarchs Ilunga Nsongu, Ilunga Kabale and Kumwimba. The Luba empire fell due to the war of succession, the slave trade, and Belgian colonialism. The Baluba people can be found all over the present day Democratic Republic of Congo, mainly in provinces like Kasai, Katanga and Maniema. Want to know more about the DR Congo in general? We recommend you follow us on your favourite social media platforms: Instagram (@congotalks243 and @yafelie), Twitter (@congotalks243), TikTok (@yafelie and @congotalks243), Facebook (@CongoTalks243) and LinkedIn (@CongoTalks243), and subscribe to our YouTube channel. ✅ How to support our works: PAYPAL: https://paypal.me/CongoTalks243 For business inquiries related to CongoTalks243, you can reach out at info@congotalks243.com.
WHICH CONGOLESE LANGUAGE SHOULD YOU LEARN BEFORE VISITING CONGO DRC
As with travelling to any country in the world, it is important to know one of the national or local languages of the destination country. The DRC is a vast country with more than 80,000,000 inhabitants, and about 250 ethnic groups, divided into several groups of which the Bantu represent 80% with the Luba, Mongo, Kongo, Tshokwe, Tetela, etc., and more than 400 local languages including 4 national languages. Don’t worry, you won’t have to learn all of them :). In this article, we will help you discover which Congolese language you should learn before visiting the DRC. The Truth About Traveling to the DRC To travel to the DRC is a bit like for other countries, you need to go through a process to obtain a visa, a process that can take a long time generally, depending on the quality of the service of the embassy from which you apply for a visa. The DRC is a warm country, which will surely welcome you very happily for a tourist visit or a long-term stay. The truth is that you should have certain prerequisites that will allow you to better understand its culture and have a certain ease in communicating with others. You may simply have basic knowledge of one of the languages of the DRC or you may have someone you already know who has been living in the DRC for a long time – read our article to understand the visa process of travelling to the DRC. The following section explains the most spoken languages in the DRC and therefore the national languages. The national languages of the DRC SWAHILI Swahili, as shown on the above map (light yellow shade) is geographically the most spoken language in the DRC as there is a bigger portion of the country that speaks it than other national languages. LINGALA Geographically Lingala (dark orange on the map) comes second, preceded just by Swahili. KIKONGO Kikongo (in red shade) comes third and it is mostly spoken in the lower western DRC. TSHILUBA The Tshiluba or Kiluba of Kasai (dark yellow shade) is a Bantu language and is spoken in the central part of the DRC. It is the least spoken national language but is, however, just as beautiful as the others listed above. So which Congolese language to learn before going to the DRC? With more than 400 languages, we think it is quite impossible to learn them all. If you decide one day to go to the DRC to eat its delicious dishes and discover the splendour of its biodiversity, you should choose one language that will allow you to communicate easily, especially with a large number of people in the DRC. The language you choose to learn depends mainly on the precise place you intend to stay in Congo. Whether in the East, the South, the West, the centre or in the North of the country, you can choose which language to learn according to that. See the map above (again). Our Language suggestion Learn Lingala! It will be difficult for you to learn every Congolese language of every province before going there, so we advise you to learn the most spoken Congolese language in the country. Although Lingala is not geographically the most spoken language in Congo, its omnipresence in all provinces of the DRC makes it the most spoken language. Due to it being spoken in the capital (Kinshasa) and in most Congolese arts, like music, Lingala is spoken as a second language in nearly all provinces across the country. Hence, to benefit from the advantages related to communication in Congo, Lingala is a good starting point. Why not French? It is true that the DRC is widely known as the most French-speaking country in the world because many people speak French there. However, French is much more spoken in formal settings and much more in writing. So if you want to connect and communicate easily with the people in the DRC please speak Lingala or another national language of your choice, based on where you want to spend most of your time. As for Lingala, our videos are here to teach you the basics of this beautiful language. Last Thoughts We have listed some of the most spoken national languages in the DRC, and we have chosen one of them that we think is the most suitable for a trip to the land of the Okapi. They are relatively easy to learn. Even if the documentation in learning it may be hard to find, it is still a relatively easy language to learn. Want to know more about the DR Congo in general? We recommend you follow us on your favourite social media platforms: Instagram (@congotalks243 and @yafelie), Twitter (@congotalks243), TikTok (@yafelie and @congotalks243), Facebook (@CongoTalks243) and LinkedIn (@CongoTalks243), and subscribe to our YouTube channel. ✅ How to support our works: PAYPAL: https://paypal.me/CongoTalks243 For business inquiries related to CongoTalks243, you can reach out at info@congotalks243.com.