Effo Munguanzo ‘Jeux de Enfant (Children's Games)’ Mixed Media Found objects on styrofoam core, varnish

Effo Munguanzo ‘Moyibi ya Soso (Chicken Thief)’ Mixed Media Found objects on styrofoam core, varnish

Effo Munguanzo ‘Bi Mado’ Mixed Media Found objects on styrofoam core, varnish

Effo Munguanzo ‘Djalelo (Guitar)’ Mixed Media Found objects on styrofoam core, varnish

Effo Munguanzo ‘Nzalelo’ ‘Eclipse’ Mixed Media Found objects on styrofoam core, varnish

KILELO MILELO - Today we are crying

by Effo Munguanzo

19.01.23 - 02.03.23

“Kilelo Milelo” is a popular slogan by the residents of Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), famously known as the 'Kinois' meaning “today we cry”.

The prophecy of Mfumu Kimbangu on the liberation of Congo said that the country would be completely destroyed; there would be misfortunes, people would lament before God. Wars would return, but the leaders would persist in staying in power at all costs.

I realized the COVID 19 pandemic has left several African countries which have are under autocratic leadership, like in the DRC in a crisis of information.  In the time of quarantine many Congolese people who live in the rural areas and diaspora used social networks to obtain information.  Nothing hidden with most people being informed about events/breaking news within minutes on Tik Tok, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, You Tube and Twitter.

I want to believe that things will not change by being spectators.  We Africans need to understand where the problem has always started.  Today we are crying.

Effo Munguanzo ‘Kanisa Pona Lobi (Think of the Future)’ Mixed Media Found objects in Styrofoam core, varnish

Effo Munguanzo ‘Mile Lelo  (We are crying)’ Mixed Media Found objects on styrofoam core, varnish

Effo Munguanzo ‘Masuwa (Ship Passenger)’ Mixed Media Found objects on styrofoam core, varnish