The Congolese dance company, Pepenas, has been invited as the guest of honor at the prestigious Expression International Dance Competition in Italy. The company will present its spectacle-performance "Ata ndele, ekoya" at the 22nd edition of DanzainFiera, the largest international event dedicated to dance, taking place in Florence from February 19 to 21, 2027. This international recognition puts the company's participation in the Italian festival at the forefront of Congolese cultural news.
The story of "Ata ndele, ekoya," subtitled "Prevention of a Conscience," began in Kinshasa in June 2025. The company's choreographer, Naswa Pepe Raison, also known as Elmas, created the piece during a residency at the Centre Wallonie-Bruxelles, directed by Cécile Djunga. The first production was well-received by influential personalities, including Françoise Balais from the French Institute of Kinshasa and Élodie Cacheux from the Eunic Pole.
The 45-minute performance is inspired by peaceful marches in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where citizens demand justice and dignity in the face of poor public management. The show features a mix of rock and ndombolo music and powerful dance moves, including mimed tear gas and thunderstorms. The company's message is universal, calling for attention to the rights of the Congolese people to health, education, and fair justice.
The Pepenas company is comprised of six professional dancers, including Elmas, Lumingu Kangudi Eunice, Bola Ikina Hadassa, Pongo Loleke Daniel, Lumingu Tshilombo David, and Malombo Falonne Falonne. The dancers' bodies serve as mouthpieces for the Congolese people, conveying their struggles and demands through powerful performances.
Despite the international recognition, Elmas criticizes the Congolese government's lack of support for the arts. He denounces the authorities' passivity in accompanying artists with administrative tasks, such as obtaining visas and travel documents. This lack of support has previously hindered the company's international performances.
Elmas emphasizes that participating in the Italian festival is not only a competition but also an opportunity to promote Congolese culture and make the voice of the Congolese people heard through contemporary dance. He highlights Kinshasa's importance as a capital of artistic creation and resistance.
The Pepenas company's performance at the Expression International Dance Competition is a testament to the power of art to convey social messages and promote cultural exchange. Despite facing obstacles and institutional neglect, the company continues to shine on the international stage, proudly representing the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Key points
- The Pepenas dance company performs at the Expression International Dance Competition in Italy, showcasing its spectacle-performance "Ata ndele, ekoya."
- The company's participation in the festival highlights the contrast between its international recognition and the lack of support from the Congolese government.
- The performance conveys a powerful message about the struggles and demands of the Congolese people, promoting their rights to health, education, and fair justice.
