Libende Boyz
by Wendy Bashi
The belief of some young men
in the radiance of rap
Wendy Bashi | Democratic Republic Congo, Belgium | 2021 | 46′ | OmeU
Libende Boyz, which means “men of steel” in Lingala, is the nickname of a group of young rappers who have been fighting since 2015 to create a different history of the city of Beni. Beni is located in the north of the Democratic Republic of Congo, in a region that has been the scene of repeated massacres of civilians since 2014. Wendy Bashi accompanies the musicians’ collective, which is trying at all costs to keep its own work alive. But how do you create space for creativity in a city where everyone is in constant fear for their lives? The director accompanies the Libende Boyz in their public everyday life, at rehearsals, performances and interviews, as well as in their private life. The result is an intimate portrait of a band and a young generation full of dreams.
DOUBLE PROGRAM with RUMBA RULES, NEW GENEALOGIES
