MOST CONTROVERSIAL CONCERT IN KIGALI, KOFFI OLOMIDE!
The Congolese legendary musician Antoinne Christophe Agbepa Mumba known as Koffi Olomide, who likes to call himself Le Grand Mopao (The big boss), is awaited in Kigali on the 4 Dec 2021 to entertain Rwandans at the Kigali Arena. This is his first performance in Rwanda after five years, first in 2009 followed by 2016, meaning that the 65 years old soukous singer eagerly awaits his fans.
Here the controversy kicks in; the DRC’s very own Koffi Olomide has been spotted on numerous occasions violently mistreating women, also struck a Rwandan photojournalist Jean Ndayisenga during a gig at the luxury Pamodzi hotel in Lusaka in 2012, resulting in him being barred from entering.
2016 he kicked one of his dancers at the Jomo Kenyatta airport in Kenya, which led to Kenyans pressuring on Twitter & him being deported. Followed by being found guilty in 2019 of the statutory rape of his female dancer, merely aged 15 and handed a two-year suspended jail sentence by a court in France, which immediately restricted him from performing at specific concerts. He was scheduled on the 27 Nov 2021 at Paris La defense arena for the Grand MOPAO show in France.
It did not take long for the debates to commence over on Twitter, some wanting Koffi to perform and continue with the scheduled concert to entertain Rwandans, whilst others calling for the show to be outright banned. #CancelKoffiKigaliConcert became the most trending hashtag on Twitter in Rwanda, renowned local gender activist Juliette Karitanyi wrote on her Twitter page
“Koffi Olomide is a known abuser; he was banned in Kenya in 2016, after assaulting one of his dancers at the Nairobi airport… there is no way this man is going to perform in Kigali; it is a shame on our country.”
The icing of this dilemma is that the concert is being held during the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children, which takes place from 25 Nov (Int Day of No Violence against Women) to the 10 Dec (Int Human Rights Day)
Many others showed their support, including famous artists and media personalities like the radio presenter Jeanne D’Arc Cyuzuzo, musical artists like Andy Bumuntu, Nirere Shanel and others who joined support of the #CancelKoffiKigaliConcert hashtag.
Human rights is and should always be the very most priority in our community!
As we are coming from an era where Women have swallowed enough pain of GBV,this is the time for Change.
I stand/understand and pay respect to everyone who feel deeply frustated by Koffi's concert— Andy Bumuntu (@AndyBumuntu) November 28, 2021
It’s crazy how in Rwanda we always say we are fighting against GBV yet soo many of us are aware that Koffi Olomidé was convicted of sexually assaulting a 15 years old yet hyped to see him in a concert, we saw him allegedly beating his dancers and more but hey! Separate art/artist
— CYUZUZO Jeanne d'Arc (@Cyuzuzodarc) November 25, 2021
The public wanted was awaiting a response from INTORE Entertainment LTD as they are the organisers for this event, Bruce Intore, CEO of INTORE who has been hailed for bringing back entertainment to Rwanda after post covid, released the following statement, set the companies view:
After the release of this, Twitter was once again on a hot streak, some showing their support for ‘INTORE Entertainment LTD’ statement, whilst some feel that a certain level of accountability and vetting had been overlooked, the statement was merely published three days before the event:
Opposing Concert:
“If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor” https://t.co/AV4o9er6aI
— Ryosuke Takahashi 🛸 🇷🇼 (@kidd_stef) December 1, 2021
“If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.” By choosing to be a passive bystander Bruce, you have actively enabled the perpetrator. https://t.co/WSNFsrpgOP
— Tasha✨ (@NatashaAgasaro) December 1, 2021
In summary, @BruceIntore picked a side.
The side that does not believe women and victims of sexual assault. https://t.co/K5xPCDtSH7— Michelle (@mishi254) December 1, 2021
Entertainment Cos are not only qualified to pronounce themselves on moral principals & have policies on criminal behavior but MUST. We need you to visualize the world we dream of-One that truly respects all and brings people together for positive change.#CancelKoffiKigaliConcert https://t.co/JsLguQEp28
— Elisabeth Jeannette (@ElisabethJT) December 1, 2021
Pro Concert:
🔺NOW, Mr. BRUCE ‼️ It’s 3 Days to GO
Remember my Playlist Request! 🙏
1. Alidor
2. Elegance
3. Papa Mobimba
4. Un Dollars
5. Ko ko ko Ft Fally Ipupa..@BruceIntore @Intore_ent pic.twitter.com/Xygc3HoseB— David Bayingana (@david_bayingana) December 1, 2021
Fair enough! The show must go on, respecting all sides. I believe for those seeking justice, it will be served at some point. From a business & entertainment perspective, this is what should happen. It doesn't mean that the voices haven't been heard. https://t.co/Jwwn2Bc9rQ
— Edmund Kagire (@kagire) December 1, 2021
Well said! Go get your tickets. https://t.co/VshQa1H9Eu
— Aristide gahunzire (@AristiGAHUNZIRE) December 1, 2021
This pronouncement is timely and called for…..can't wait for the day https://t.co/7A5f0w7p9y
— Namanya Fred (@NamanyaFred11) December 1, 2021
This uproar was warranted & foreshadowed with Rwanda having strong female values renowned for supporting her women; a perfect example is Rwanda paving the way forward worldwide regarding women rights with the Rwandan parliament consisting of 61.3% women as of 2020.
There is no surprise that the female activists & supporters ensured that their voices were being heard and catapulted for all to hear.
What would you have done in this situation if your favourite renowned artist had been convicted, seen and had a habit of mistreating women?
Would you apply the cancel culture?
After all, we all vote with our wallets?
Lastly, stay up to date with all you need to know about African music at SOA, right here.
MOST CONTROVERSIAL CONCERT IN KIGALI, KOFFI OLOMIDE!
