Congo's street models - 10th March 2023

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), sapeurs, or elegant dressers, have gathered in Kinshasa to celebrate Sapper Day. They're demanding that the government recognise their art. La Sape, the Society of Ambiance Makers and Elegant People, is the group they belong to. 'Sape' is the Congolese French word for 'clothes' or 'sapé', which means 'dressed up'.

La Sape has roots in the colonial period in Africa when West African colonial workers introduced a new style of dressing to the Congo. Initially, the wealthy dressed in this style to show their identity. Soon, the younger generation made the style their own.

Although many sapeurs work low-wage jobs or are unemployed, they remain loyal to their fashion sense. Papa Kimwanga, a well-known sapeur, refuses to spend less on his clothing.

Papa Kimwanga: "I work as a master painter and I am also resourceful. I ask the government to give me a job. I have children and with what I earn, I buy clothes."

La Sape has survived the Congo's independence movement and a violent division into two separate countries. President of the Republic of the Congo, Denis Sassou Nguesso, has considered La Sape, 'cultural heritage'. This gives sapeurs the opportunity to perform at cultural events.

However, in the DRC, many sapeurs feel that the government should offer more support and treat them the same as other artists.

Six Lokoto: "We sappers are abandoned. You only support the players and musicians. Today, you have taken musicians on tour to Dubai and Turkey. Why not us sapeurs? We are artists, we are very efficient. We ask our government to support us 100%."