Osée Elektra, a Voice from Goma Echoing in Brazzaville – His Journey to the Slamouv Festival
Goma to Brazzaville
When poetry crosses borders, it becomes a shared cry of hope. Osée Elektra, a spoken word artist from Goma, recently represented the Democratic Republic of Congo at the Slamouv Festival in Brazzaville. His journey, beyond words, tells a story of human resilience, artistic expression, and deep symbolism.
From Goma to Brazzaville – A Journey Against the Odds
Being invited to perform at Slamouv is no small feat. The festival regularly launches open calls for submissions to ensure an inclusive and fair selection. But beyond applications, it also taps into its international network to reach renowned artists. Osée crossed not only geographical borders, but emotional and symbolic ones, carrying with him the voice of a wounded city—Goma—to the heart of Brazzaville.
Passing through more peaceful countries wasn’t disturbing for Osée—it was eye-opening. “It reminded me that peace is still possible,” he said. “What we live through in Goma is just a phase. Peace will come.”
The Vital Support of Music Beyond
Music Beyond, a nonprofit committed to supporting artists in Democratic Republic of the Congo, made this journey possible. The organization fully funded Osée’s travel to and from Brazzaville—a gesture that went far beyond logistics. “It brought back my faith in humanity and the power of music to revive hope that was suffocating,” Osée shared.
A Week of Poetry, Workshops, and Purpose
Once in Brazzaville, Osée jumped straight into the festival. He joined writing workshops led by artists from around the world, performed slam poetry in public spaces, engaged in interviews with local media, and spent time with students at CAMARA LAYE School to inspire them with the power of words. On April 12, the festival’s closing night, Osée took to the stage with a performance that left a lasting impression: “It was just beautiful, especially seeing the audience’s response.”
His poetry—written in both French and Swahili—touched hearts. “Poetry is universal,” he reflected. “It is human, and it reflects all of us in our uniqueness.”
A Message of Hope from a Committed Voice
For Osée, this trip was more than an artistic opportunity—it was a call to action. It reaffirmed his mission as a committed slam artist and a voice for Goma.
“My message to everyone in and from Goma: Nothing is sealed. Hope is still possible. Let’s stay united, strong, and standing. The light is near.”
Through his voice, an entire generation speaks—one that refuses to be silenced by war and believes that art can still heal and inspire, even in the darkest times.