Description

MBOK’ ELENGI is a piece brimming with life, conceived by choreographer and dancer Jolie Reymond since her arrival in Europe. In Lingala, her native language in its typically Kinshasa version, the concept of Mbok’elengi refers to a land filled with the joy of living, a place of beautiful things and positive vibes. This concept was recently coined, almost by chance, by the youth of Kinshasa to highlight a certain outlook on life. It is the combination of « Mboka, » meaning country, place, or location, and « Elengi, » meaning pleasure, joy, or ecstasy. It has now become a popular slogan on the streets, embraced by musicians, actors, and street vendors across Kinshasa.

This is a people capable of turning their misfortunes into the subject of biting sarcasm and transforming any out-of-the-ordinary event into a collective comedy in which they take turns playing a role, hoping to leave a lasting impression. This self-mockery is reflected in expressions that, once “released” into the public, bring joy to the community, which seizes upon them, regardless of social background. Using such expressions is seen as trendy, a way to show that one is fully aware of current political and social affairs, or even the wild antics of the high society.

Today, the popular expression is “Mbok’elengi!” Almost untranslatable, it is a contraction of the Lingala phrase “Mboka ya elengi,” or « land of joy. » On social media platforms like TikTok and others, it has replaced a similar but more sonically impactful expression, “Mboka-goût.” “Mbok’elengi!” is, in reality, a provocative expression, advanced in its nuance. Its playful tone should not deceive often distracted leaders. On the contrary, they would be wise to decode the hidden message behind these seemingly harmless two words.

Indeed, “Mbok’elengi,” the sharp humor of a people who have had enough, is a cry of distress from a population helplessly watching the frenzied enrichment of a privileged minority while the majority sink deeper into the abyss of poverty. It reflects a profound humanitarian imbalance, where the population is forced to survive rather than live.