The "Mwinda Immortel" trophy, a lifetime achievement award, was presented posthumously to Francis Kankonde, a renowned cultural chronicler, at an official ceremony in Kinshasa. The event was attended by his ex-wife, Feza Mushobekwa, who expressed her emotions, stating that receiving the award on behalf of her late husband brought back memories of his absence, but also immense pride and deep recognition.
Francis Kankonde had a distinguished career in the Democratic Republic of Congo's media landscape, particularly during the 2000s on the private television channel "Antenne A". He hosted popular cultural shows such as "Chez Francis" and "Top 10", showcasing his exceptional talent. The posthumous award is a testament to his contributions to Congolese media and culture.
The "Mwinda Immortel" award is part of the "Mwinda Awards", a citizen-led initiative that celebrates Congolese individuals who have made a positive impact on society through their excellence and achievements. The award ceremony was organized to honor Francis Kankonde's memory and acknowledge his legacy in the media industry.
Throughout his career, Francis Kankonde received numerous awards and recognition for his work. Some of his notable awards include the "Meilleur animateur culturel" at the Mérite Congo Awards in 2001, "Meilleur chroniqueur et animateur culturel" by Aprosoc in 2002, 2003, and 2006, and "Meilleure émission musicale" for "À Pluriel" at the Grands Prix Média in 2004.
Feza Mushobekwa, the ex-wife of Francis Kankonde, expressed her gratitude to the jury of the Mwinda Awards and Jonathan Bilari, the initiator of the event. She dedicated the award to their son, François-Didier, and described the recognition as "infiniment plus grande", honoring her late husband's memory.
Francis Kankonde passed away on January 8, 2025, in Belgium due to illness. His legacy continues to be celebrated through the "Mwinda Immortel" award, which serves as a reminder of his impact on Congolese media and culture.
The "Mwinda Awards" aim to promote and celebrate Congolese excellence, and the posthumous award to Francis Kankonde is a testament to his remarkable contributions to the country's media industry. The event highlights the importance of recognizing and honoring individuals who have made a lasting impact on society.
Key points
- The "Mwinda Immortel" trophy was awarded posthumously to Francis Kankonde for his contributions to Congolese media and culture.
- Francis Kankonde had a distinguished career in the Democratic Republic of Congo's media landscape, hosting popular cultural shows on "Antenne A".
- The "Mwinda Awards" is a citizen-led initiative that celebrates Congolese individuals who have made a positive impact on society through their excellence and achievements.
