Crystabel Ukwuegbu
Inside the Goma Cultural Center, musical instruments sit untouched beneath protective covers. Pianos and electronic keyboards remain idle, while guitars that once filled the space with melodies hang unused on the walls. Typically a vibrant hub for musicians, artists, and aspiring performers, the center has been largely inactive since M23 rebels took control of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in January. The Rwanda-backed group has since expanded its hold, capturing the region’s second-largest city.
The ongoing conflict has severely impacted Goma’s economy, with banks remaining closed for months and financial activity grinding to a halt. Like many cultural organizations across Africa, the Goma Cultural Center depended heavily on external grants and funding, much of which has now been cut.
Cultural Activities Brought to a Standstill
Augustin Mosange, the center’s director, revealed that before the crisis, around 600 young people were enrolled in music courses, while approximately 1,500 artists passed through annually to participate in performances. “Everything here is made possible through grants,” Mosange explained. “But due to the current crisis, several funding sources have been withdrawn.”
The cultural shutdown has extended beyond the center, affecting bars, clubs, and other artistic venues. The French Institute, a major venue for concerts and theater productions, suspended all activities in January. “Previously, every night in Goma, live music filled the bars,” Mosange lamented. “Now, that’s no longer the case. If this situation continues, we risk losing our cultural identity.”
Artists Struggling to Survive
Local musician Jenny Paria, known for blending rap, slam poetry, and singing, has felt the impact firsthand. Practicing at home with a fellow artist, he shared how performers relied on live shows for income. Before the conflict escalated, he had several concerts lined up—all of which were canceled.”Sadly,” Paria remarked, “hunger doesn’t wait. We still have to find food and a means to get by.”
Despite the setbacks, Paria remains hopeful that Goma’s cultural scene will recover. He believes that music plays a vital role in bringing people together and fostering peace. “People need music,” he said. “They long to experience live performances from the artists they admire.. In some ways, culture itself can be part of the solution in the pursuit of peace.”
Paria’s contributions to using music as a tool for peace have been recognized internationally. In 2019, The Carter Center awarded him a prize for promoting democracy and harmony in the DRC through his songs. Just last month, Radio France Internationale profiled his efforts to inspire hope among Goma’s youth.
The Void Left by Music
Despite some aspects of daily life continuing as usual in Goma, the absence of live music is deeply felt. Resident Serge Wahemukire shared his disappointment at the lack of concerts since the conflict began. “It’s heartbreaking to see this situation drag on,” he said. “Before, we could go to the cultural center, enjoy live performances, and relieve stress. Now, that’s no longer possible.”
As the region grapples with ongoing instability, the fate of Goma’s once-thriving cultural scene remains uncertain. However, artists like Paria continue to hold onto the hope that music and creativity will one day return to their city.
