On October 30, 2026, Congolese musician Céline Banza unveiled her new song and music video, "Nous Vivrons," on YouTube. The song is a tribute to the victims of violence in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Banza first performed the song on stage in April 2025. The song's release is accompanied by a poignant artwork that reflects its themes of memory, pain, and resilience.
The song "Nous Vivrons" is dedicated to those affected by the ongoing violence in Eastern DRC, including displaced persons and refugees. Banza announced the song's release on October 24, 2026, with the phrase "On meurt sous vos yeux" ("People die before your eyes"). The lyrics address the fear of being forgotten and the struggle to cope with trauma. The song aims to keep the memories of the victims alive.
The artwork for "Nous Vivrons" features Céline Banza dressed in white, carrying a guitar, amidst a desolate landscape with numerous white crosses. The image conveys a sense of mourning and remembrance. The crosses symbolize the lives lost, while Banza's presence represents the persistence of life despite destruction. Her gaze, directed at the camera, adds a sense of testimony to the image.
The title "Nous Vivrons" (We Will Live) emphasizes a collective "we" that encompasses survivors, families of the deceased, and those still affected by the conflicts. The song affirms that the future should not be defined by suffering, but rather by the hope for a better tomorrow. This message aligns with Banza's long-standing commitment to promoting peace in the DRC and commemorating the Genocost, a term used to describe the massacres committed in the country for control of its resources.
As the national ambassador for UNICEF in the DRC since 2021, Céline Banza has been actively involved in promoting peace and supporting vulnerable populations. In November 2025, she collaborated with other artists on the song "Nous voulons la paix" (We Want Peace). Her music career has been marked by notable achievements, including winning the RFI Découvertes Prize in 2019 and releasing her first album, Praefatio, in 2021.
The creation of the artwork for "Nous Vivrons" involved a team of professionals, including Ahas for graphic design, Blera Fula for photography, and Christian Lepira for artistic direction. The song and video have been well-received, with many appreciating Banza's efforts to raise awareness about the situation in Eastern DRC.
Céline Banza's "Nous Vivrons" is a powerful tribute to the victims of violence in Eastern DRC, and a testament to the resilience of those affected. The song and its artwork serve as a reminder of the importance of memory, solidarity, and hope in the face of adversity. With this release, Banza continues to demonstrate her commitment to using her music as a force for positive change.
Key points
- Céline Banza releases song and video for "Nous Vivrons," a tribute to victims of violence in Eastern DRC.
- The song aims to keep the memories of the victims alive and promote hope for a better future.
- The artwork for "Nous Vivrons" features a poignant image of Céline Banza amidst a desolate landscape with white crosses, symbolizing lives lost and the persistence of life.
