AGP Executive Report

Film & Identity: Venice Final Cut winner Machérie Ekwa Bahango talks “Madi Makambu,” aiming to have Congo seen on its own terms—through stories of women, violence, and social injustice. Music & Community: Bywater’s Music Box Village hosts the 4th annual “Feel the Rhythm of the Drums” festival on Oct 3, bringing African and Afro-Caribbean performers, including Congo Square Preservation Society and youth ensemble Watotos Kumbuka. Sports & Youth: Six refugee athletes, including Congolese sprinter Rashid Rechene living in Uganda, prepare for a historic debut as the first Refugee Olympic Team at Dakar’s Youth Olympics. Arts & Craft: Goldsmiths’ Fair spotlights Republic of Congo-born, London-based jeweler Makila Nsika using reclaimed palm materials, alongside 138 makers in London. Entertainment Buzz: The Pink–Macklemore–Ed Sheeran Palestine controversy keeps escalating online, with Pink publishing a long response after backlash. Royal News (Regional): Uganda’s Tooro King Oyo Nyimba is buried after a bitter succession dispute.

Music & Culture: Bywater’s Music Box Village will host the 4th annual Feel the Rhythm of the Drums Festival on Oct. 3, bringing African and Afro-Caribbean performers plus local Congo Square groups. Film Spotlight: Congolese director Machérie Ekwa Bahango talks about her Venice Final Cut-winning film “Madi Makambu,” aiming to have Congo seen on its own terms. Pan-African Sound: Yemi Alade releases her 7th studio album “It’s Yemi Alade,” with Congolese star Ferré Gola on the rumba track “Coco na Yam.” Sports & Youth: Six refugee athletes, including a Congolese 200m sprinter in Uganda, prepare for a historic Youth Olympics debut in Dakar. Arts & Craft: The Goldsmiths’ Fair in London highlights fine craft, including Republic of Congo-born jeweler Makila Nsika. Entertainment Buzz: The Pink–Macklemore–Ed Sheeran controversy keeps rolling, with Pink publishing a long response after backlash.

Film Spotlight: Final Cut Venice winner Machérie Ekwa Bahango talks about “Madi Makambu,” saying Congo must be seen for its own stories, not labels—her work centers women facing violence and social injustice. Music & Culture: Yemi Alade drops her 7th studio album “It’s Yemi Alade,” with Congolese rumba star Ferré Gola on “Coco na Yam,” plus pan-African collaborations and genre-hopping tracks. Arts & Craft: The Goldsmiths’ Fair returns with fine jewelry and silversmithing, including Republic of Congo-born, London-based Makila Nsika using reclaimed palm materials. Sports & Youth: Refugee athletes prepare for the Youth Olympics in Dakar, with Congolese sprinter Rashid Rechene aiming for medals and bigger stages. Royal Affairs (Regional): In Uganda, the Tooro Kingdom’s King Oyo Nyimba’s funeral ends a nine-day mourning period amid a succession dispute—an event drawing attention across the Congo border region.

Music & Culture: Pink breaks her silence on the Macklemore/Ed Sheeran “Free Palestine” backlash, saying a repost wasn’t a statement and vowing to keep speaking out despite being painted as the villain. Film Spotlight: Venice Final Cut winner Machérie Ekwa Bahango talks “Madi Makambu,” aiming to have Congo seen beyond labels, with stories rooted in violence, injustice, and women’s resilience. Pan-African Sound: Yemi Alade releases her 7th studio album “It’s Yemi Alade,” spotlighting rumba with Ferré Gola and more genre-hopping guitar-led tracks. Arts & Craft: The Goldsmiths’ Fair spotlights fine craft and digital-era creativity, including Republic of Congo-born London-based jeweler Makila Nsika. Entertainment Media: National Geographic and BBC Studios launch “Africa: Earth’s Wild Home,” promising Congo night-hunting hyenas and other wildlife stories across nearly 30 countries. Sports (Congo link): Orlando Pirates legend Gavin Lane backs the club after a goalless draw, noting last season’s tie with Congo’s Saint-Eloi Lupopo. Local Arts/Community: Durban’s migrant protests continue to disrupt businesses, with calls for relocation to Lindela—an offstage reality shaping community life.

Congo on the world film map: Machérie Ekwa Bahango’s “Madi Makambu” won a major Venice Film Festival prize, and she’s using cinema to push Congo beyond labels—centering women, violence, and social injustice in stories drawn from everyday life. Wildlife TV for Africa: National Geographic and BBC Studios are launching “Africa: Earth’s Wild Home,” with Congo footage including hyenas hunting elephants at night—plus new conservation voices and community-led stories. Music with Congo roots: Orchestra Baobab marks its 50th anniversary with new releases, celebrating the band’s blend of African rhythms, Congolese rhumba, funk, and Cuban influence. Diaspora arts spotlight: A Goldsmiths’ Fair in London highlights Republic of Congo-born, London-based craft maker Makila Nsika, showing how reclaimed materials and fine craft keep thriving in the AI age. Sports, with Congo ties: Orlando Pirates prepare for a CAF qualifier after last season’s tie against Congo’s Saint-Eloi Lupopo, with legend Gavin Lane backing a strong home return. Community pressure in Durban: Protests around Congolese migrants camping outside Home Affairs continue, with calls to relocate people to Lindela and clear pavements—an ongoing human story with arts-and-culture community impact.

Goldsmiths’ Fair & Craft Tech: London’s historic Goldsmiths’ Hall hosts the Goldsmiths’ Fair (Sept. 22–27, Sept. 29–Oct. 4), spotlighting 138 independent jewelers and silversmiths and how makers keep craft human in the AI age, including Republic of Congo-born, London-based Makila Nsika using reclaimed palm materials. Music Milestone: Orchestra Baobab marks its 50th anniversary with the release of “Made In Senegal,” revisiting classics and debuting new songs that blend Congolese rhumba, funk and Cuban rhythms. Afrobeats Spotlight: Ayra Starr opens up in 66 GREENE about solitude, finding her voice, and the making of “Starrgirl,” after moving into her first solo apartment in New York. Refugee Sport: Six refugee athletes prepare for a historic Youth Olympics debut in Dakar, competing in athletics, judo and taekwondo. Congo-Linked Culture & Community: A veteran broadcaster shares a rare story about presiding over Congolese singer Madilu System’s wedding, tying personal memory to Congo music legacy. African Dance Online: Viral African dance trends in China are turning hobby into livelihood for dancers building followings and opportunities. Conservation Power Debate: Reports swirl around African Parks and Prince Harry’s planned step-down amid allegations of abuse and questions of influence. Sports (Congo in the mix): San Diego FC could debut Congo striker Cédric Bakambu as the club pushes through a tight run of matches.

Refugee Crisis & Local Pressure: eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba says foreign nationals camping outside Durban’s Moore Road Home Affairs office will be relocated to Lindela, after months of protests led by March and March demanding pavements be cleared and undocumented migrants repatriated. Safety Alarm: Refugee leaders on Che Guevara Road fear a new “cleanup” attack, alleging deaths and clashes tied to March and March supporters and police. Music & Celebrity Politics: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” remarks during Ed Sheeran’s US tour opener sparked petitions and backlash, with the rapper doubling down that equality “should never be controversial,” while P!nk and others weigh in. Congolese Rumba in Kenya: Koffi Olomide and Ferré Gola have confirmed Nairobi dates later this year, following Fally Ipupa’s sold-out local run. Arts & Food Opening: Chef Demetrius Brown’s Afro-Caribbean restaurant Heritage opens in Summerhill on Sept. 10, promising a diaspora-led tasting menu with Congo-linked influences. Sports (Congo Connection): Namibia’s Brave Warriors will face the Republic of Congo in AFCON 2027 qualifiers, with a Russia friendly also set for early October.

Congo Basin Climate Warning: Former Gabon environment minister Lee White says protecting the Congo Basin is vital to prevent water wars across Africa, warning that forest loss could destabilize the continent’s water cycle. Congolese Rumba in Kenya: Koffi Olomide and Ferré Gola have announced Nairobi dates, with Olomide headlining Oct. 10 and Ferré Gola set for Dec. 12, following Fally Ipupa’s recent big show. Music Backlash Ripple: Macklemore doubled down on his “Free Palestine” remarks during Ed Sheeran’s MetLife Stadium shows, facing petitions and public pushback from major artists including P!nk and Boy George—while he insists his message isn’t aimed at Jewish people. Sports & Talent: San Diego FC says Congo striker Cédric Bakambu and defender Sam Vines could debut soon, adding to a growing international roster. Local Arts/Heritage Dining: A new Afro-Caribbean restaurant, Heritage, opens Sept. 10 in Summerhill, promising a diaspora-led tasting menu with Congo and other regional influences. Security & Culture Night: Nairobi foreign traders face tighter document rules, while Embakasi shop break-ins fuel fear—plus Cork’s Culture Night 2026 lines up 150+ free events, including Congolese rumba.

Congo Music Spotlight: Congolese rumba fans get more big news as Koffi Olomide and Ferré Gola confirm Nairobi dates later this year, following Fally Ipupa’s sold-out show—Koffi headlines the #MachokaAt50 Grand Concert on Oct. 10, 2026, while Ferré Gola lines up for the Dala Festival on Dec. 12, 2026. Local Arts & Culture: A new Afro-Caribbean dining concept is set to open in Summerhill—chef Demetrius Brown’s Heritage (opening Sept. 10) promises a multi-sensory tasting menu with influences spanning the diaspora, including Congo-linked flavors. Sports & Talent Pipeline: San Diego FC says Congo World Cup forward Cédric Bakambu could debut soon, adding another Congo connection to the global football spotlight. Arts-Adjacent Film Talk: A review of the survivalist horror sequel “Fall 2: Deadpoint” lands in the week’s entertainment mix.

Afro-Caribbean Dining: Chef Demetrius Brown is set to open Heritage in Summerhill on Sept. 10, a full-service Afro-Caribbean spot built around a 7–10 course tasting menu, with dishes and music meant to trace the diaspora—explicitly including influences from Congo and other French-colonized regions. Music & Global Spotlight: Angélique Kidjo, the first African musician to receive a Hollywood Walk of Fame star, is bringing free public events and a sold-out Athens performance as UGA’s Delta Visiting Chair for Global Understanding. Rumba Goes International: Congolese rumba legends Koffi Olomide and Ferré Gola have confirmed Nairobi dates later this year, following Fally Ipupa’s recent sold-out Kenya show. Sports (Congo-linked): Namibia’s AFCON group schedule includes a Sept. 24 match vs. the Republic of the Congo, with a Russia friendly set for Oct. 3. Arts & Culture (Local Flavor): A Culture Night 2026 push in Cork promises 150+ free events, including Congolese rumba and Afrobeat in Skibbereen. Entertainment Controversy (Diaspora): Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” remarks during Ed Sheeran’s MetLife Stadium shows sparked petitions and backlash, with his defense centering equality and peace.

Music & Rumba: Congolese rumba fans in Kenya get more big news: Koffi Olomide will headline Nairobi’s #MachokaAt50 Grand Concert on Oct 10, 2026, while Ferré Gola is set for the Dala Festival on Dec 12, 2026. Entertainment Buzz: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech while opening for Ed Sheeran at MetLife Stadium has sparked petitions and backlash, with the rapper later insisting his message isn’t aimed at Jewish people and expanding his call to include “Free Congo” among other places. Local Arts Calendar: Cork’s Culture Night 2026 will run Sept 18 with 150+ free events, including Congolese rumba and Afrobeat at Skibbereen’s Ar n’Áit. Community & Safety: In Nairobi’s Embakasi, CCTV captured a break-in at a Congolese shop, adding to fears among foreign small-business owners amid rising tensions over permits. Sports (Congo link): Namibia’s Oct 3 friendly vs Russia was announced, and their AFCON qualifiers include a Sept 24 match against the Republic of Congo.

Music & Politics Backlash: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” speech while opening for Ed Sheeran at MetLife Stadium has triggered petitions and calls to remove him from the rest of the Loop Tour, with supporters and critics clashing over whether a concert stage should be used for one-sided messaging. Pop Culture Feud: Pink has weighed in on the controversy, reposting criticism of Macklemore and later firing back at backlash with blunt, pro-freedom messages. Congo in the Spotlight: Macklemore’s remarks explicitly included “free Congo,” keeping Central Africa in the headlines even as the row centers on Gaza and Israel. Local Arts Moment: Congolese rumba star Fally Ipupa electrified Nairobi at Uhuru Gardens—fans danced for hours, though the night also saw reports of phone theft. Media Deal: Arte France’s streamer arte.tv and ARTE are set to air Thomas Lafarge’s documentary “Tax Me (If You Can),” which has landed multiple European broadcaster deals. Arts & Community Events: Cork’s Culture Night 2026 will stage 150+ free events, including Congolese rumba and Afrobeat in Skibbereen.

Music & Activism Backlash: Macklemore is facing mounting calls to be removed from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour after delivering a “Free Palestine” message at MetLife Stadium and performing “Hind’s Hall,” prompting petitions from the Israeli-American Council and heated online debate. Cultural Exchange & Art: A week-long look at how migration is reshaping contemporary art, with major exhibitions increasingly centered on artists shaped by exile, displacement, and cross-border identities. Local Spotlight (Congo-linked): Culture Night 2026 in Cork highlights Congolese rumba among its 150+ free events, showing how Congolese music travels and lands in new communities. Live Music Buzz: Congolese rhumba star Fally Ipupa returned to Kenya with a big Uhuru Gardens show—fans danced hard, but reports of phone theft circulated during the crowd surge. Media Sales: French documentary “Tax Me (If You Can)” (linked to “Congo Boy”) secured multiple European broadcaster deals ahead of Arte France streaming and TV launches. Safety & Community: Police in Nairobi warned people not to harass foreigners after a crackdown sparked viral street footage, urging calm as tensions rise.

Pro-Palestinian Backlash in Global Pop: Macklemore used Ed Sheeran’s MetLife Stadium stage to say “Free Palestine” and perform “Hind’s Hall,” sparking an Israeli-American Council petition calling for his removal from the rest of the tour. Nairobi Rhumba Spotlight: Congolese rumba star Fally Ipupa lit up Uhuru Gardens with a sold-out, high-energy show—while reports of phone theft during the concert circulated online. Local Praise & Pan-African Sound: COTU boss Francis Atwoli attended Ipupa’s Nairobi date and urged the singer to return to Kenya, as fans celebrated the cross-border pull of Congolese rhumba. Music Scene Loss: Dar es Salaam’s disco era mourned DJ Super Deo, a veteran turntable figure remembered for decades of dancefloor culture. Afro Hair Culture Event: World Afro Day’s “Fro Festival” marks its 10th anniversary with hair health checks, panels, poetry, and community catwalks in London.

Music Spotlight: Congolese Lingala-rhumba star Fally Ipupa lit up Nairobi’s Uhuru Gardens with a sold-out, two-plus-hour show packed with dancers and crowd singalongs, with notable attendees including COTU boss Francis Atwoli. Celebrity Buzz: Atwoli later praised Ipupa and urged him to return to Kenya, even sparking laughs over his pronunciation. Pan-African Sound: The Nairobi concert also showcased the continent’s crossover energy, with South African Amapiano and other top acts sharing the bill alongside local performers. Theatre & Romance: “Shifters,” a Black romance play that first captivated London audiences, is now enchanting New York theatre-goers with its intimate look at love and fear. Community Arts: Newburgh Sanctuary announced “Quassaick Creekfest at Crystal Lake” on Sept 13, a free multilingual festival mixing live music, kayaking, environmental activities, and community meals. Film/Streaming: Paramount+ unveiled its “Peak Screaming” Halloween lineup, led by the streaming debut of “Scary Movie (2026).”

Afro-Caribbean Culture: World Afro Day’s 10th anniversary is being marked with the first-ever “Fro Festival” in London (Sept 15–17), featuring a Wondermarket on Afro hair trust, community catwalks, free hair health check-ups, and a finale pop-up with Black chefs and brands—10% of sales go to World Afro Day CIC. Music & Activism: Macklemore used a major stadium opening slot to deliver a pro-Palestinian speech, then performed “Hind’s Hall,” and called out ICE—also mentioning Congo among other places. Film Buzz: Bruce Campbell says he has about five years left to live, while Martin McDonagh’s “Wild Horse Nine” continues to draw attention at the Venice Film Festival. Sports (Regional): Namibia named a provisional AFCON 2027 qualifying squad that includes a match vs Congo-Brazzaville on Sept 24. Arts & Events (Africa): WOMAD Cape Town returns Sept 15–24 with concerts at Artscape, including New Generations and United 4 Humanity. Wildlife & Trade: Vietnam seized over 1.1 tons of ivory and big-cat bones shipped from the Republic of Congo, hidden in timber crates.