The Congolese-Canadian author Body Mpotitolu Ngoy proceeded to the presentation, in Kinshasa, of his book “Kassav’: from traditions to universality” in front of the press. Published by Editions du Net a few months ago, this 150-page essay is a return to the sources of inspiration that made the success of the legendary music group Kassav’. He explained the content and its importance for the Congolese.
According to the author, he was inspired by the journey of this Guadeloupean group as a model of success to offer to build respectable communities and societies. More than 4 decades of the Kassav’ group dear to Jacob Desvarieux are examined in such a way as to show the strength of the traditions of a people buried in the cultural and spiritual heritage, as well as self-knowledge.
“I will show the Congolese, Africans and Afro-descendants that what we call blacks have an extraordinary heritage, which is the cornerstone of humanity. We now have to find a framework, find people who will ensure that the project arrives successfully. It is to recognize that we are Africans and Congolese, with a rich heritage, wanting teamwork for the common interest,” said Body Ngoy.
Also, he wants the book to show the Congolese that they are a great people, who will have to dig into their heritage to develop, because, he says, the Kassav’ group has used the Congolese heritage, which has used the Wenge, Franco Luambo or Zaiko group. He indicates that there is a certain “congolity” in the group Kassav’, and in their music, part of Africa in general.
He says that with the publication of this book, it is preparing the minds of Congolese readers for other books that will dig deeper into Congolese culture and heritage. Among other music and spirituality that differentiates it from religion.
“Our ancestors had no religion, they had spirituality. Their practice was the strength during their displacement as slaves. Spirituality is balance, harmony. The Chinese have proven that you can evolve with your own culture, your own, your own spirituality. Religions divide us and this benefits our predators,” he said.
The group Kassav’ on which Body Ngoy leaned was founded in Guadeloupe in 1979. With Zouk as their main genre of music, it is one of the French groups that have performed the most abroad, holding at the same time the record number of visits to the Zénith de Paris. No less than 75 concerts were given in different capitals of the world.
Body Ngoy is an entrepreneur, writer and comic book author. He has lived more than 30 years outside the DRC, his country of origin, which he left at the age of 19. This book is the first of its kind essay of his written works. It is a reflection that is part of its vision of the world thanks to the implementation of the values of equity, social justice, living together, mutual respect, hard work, collaboration, reconciliation of peoples, etc. .
Emmanuel Kuzamba
DRC: presentation of the book “Kassav’: from traditions to universality” by Body Ngoy