Composed of more than 12 million individuals, the Bakongo people are one of the biggest Bantu-speaking groups in Central Africa. They developed agriculture and commerce and became the founders of the Kongo Kingdom in the 15th century. The descendants of this powerful African kingdom were colonized in the 19th century by the Belgians, the French and the Portuguese. Their culture was heavily eroded, and in the biggest cities of both Congos a ‘new tribe’ of urban Bakongo appeared: the Sapeurs.
This name comes from ‘Société des Ambianceurs et des Personnes Elegantes’ in French language. The meaning is ‘Society of Ambiance-Makers and Elegant People’. The acronym ‘Sape’ means in French slang ‘clothes’ or ‘dressed up’. According to historians, the Sapeurs dressing code comes from Bakongo employees working for European colonists. During the weekends, they imitated their masters by using European-style clothing.
There are other theories about the unique urban phenomenon of the Sapeurs, but the truth is that today, they have become icons of Brazzaville and Kinshasa. We can also find Sapeur groups in Luanda and other Congolese cities, but in lesser numbers.
¿Do you want to meet the Sapeurs?
Join Jorge Fernández on our next trip to R. of the Congo from 11 to 19 of October 2024 during which you will be able to meet the mythic Sapeurs and learn about the connection between France and Congo. Click here for all the details of the trip.
During our trips to the D.R. of the Congo and the R. of the Congo, we plunge into the popular streets of central Kinshasa or Brazzaville. There, we meet the Sapeurs and enjoy their unique vintage and postmodern looks, contrasting with the neglected constructions of this old but vibrant African megalopolis.
Last Places started traveling to the D.R. of the Congo in 2018, and we fell in love with this chaotic and marvelous central African nation. Every trip is a real adventure, but now we know how to manage Congo’s chronic incognitos.
© Photos by Ingrid Koedood and Xavi de las Heras taken during trips to the D. R. of the Congo.
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