AGP Executive Report

Film & Screen: Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Oscar winner Russell Crowe are set to star in the sci-fi action thriller Bluefly, directed by Nimród Antal, with sales launching at TIFF and filming planned later this year on Australia’s Gold Coast. The story: a grieving UN translator is pulled into a covert black-ops mission deep in the Congo to recover a mysterious aircraft that “isn’t supposed to exist,” as a Special Operations team pushes upriver through militia-held territory. Animation & Streaming: DC’s Creature Commandos Season 2 is confirmed for HBO Max in 2027, expanding the Gunn-led roster after Season 1’s dark-comedy chaos and major finale shakeups. Cinema Spotlight: Sarajevo’s Kinoscope and Kinoscope Surreal programs return with auteur-driven art-house and bolder genre picks, including Congo Boy. Music Buzz: Harmonize’s “Coming Home” keeps climbing as a top Singeli trend, with fans praising its Singeli guitar-driven 6/8 feel and heartfelt lyrics. Arts & Culture: A new Josplay feature highlights how African music, stories, and audiobooks are being packaged for global listeners. Local Music Talk: Charles Okocha weighs in on the long-running P-Square feud, suggesting a boxing match as a public way to settle it.

Congo on the big screen: Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Oscar winner Russell Crowe are set to star in Nimród Antal’s sci-fi action thriller Bluefly, with the story “deep in the Congo” following a grieving UN translator pulled into a black-ops mission to recover a downed aircraft that “isn’t supposed to exist.” Music & culture: Veteran Congolese singer Awilo Longomba urged the P-Square twins (Paul and Peter Okoye) to reconcile, sharing throwback moments and calling the feud “sad and heartbreaking.” Entertainment talk: Nollywood actor Charles Okocha suggested a boxing match as a way to settle the P-Square dispute once and for all. Media exchange: A Russia–Africa new media blog tour in Moscow wrapped with 50 African journalists, including participants from the Republic of the Congo, visiting major cultural and tech sites. Arts beyond borders: A review spotlights Josplay, an Afrocentric audio platform aiming to broaden global access to African music, stories, and audiobooks. Film/arts spotlight: An interview highlights Alexis Peskine’s nail-and-wood artworks drawing inspiration from Congo traditions like minkisi power figures, exploring Black identity, healing, and resistance.

Film & TV: Priyanka Chopra Jonas has officially joined Oscar winner Russell Crowe in Nimród Antal’s sci-fi action thriller Bluefly, set deep in the Congo. The story follows a grieving UN translator pulled into a black-ops mission to recover a downed aircraft that “isn’t supposed to exist,” as a Special Operations team pushes upriver through militia-held territory and the mission turns into a descent. Production & release: Principal photography is slated to begin later this year on Australia’s Gold Coast, with worldwide sales planned for the TIFF market. Music: Harmonize’s “Coming Home” is making waves on Singeli playlists, with the track’s 6/8 feel and lyrics about hustling, waiting, and getting back to love. Culture & community: Afi Sesika Norgbey’s “Dance With Sesika” is using African music and dance workshops to build kids’ confidence and teamwork, including a recent Congo-themed performance and cultural activities at a local fete.

Film & Casting: Russell Crowe and Priyanka Chopra Jonas are set to star in the sci-fi action thriller Bluefly, directed by Nimród Antal (Predators). The plot kicks off “deep in the Congo,” where a grieving UN translator is pulled into a black-ops mission to recover a downed aircraft—turning the journey upriver into something darker than expected. Music & Film Festivals: The Jecheon International Music & Film Festival (JIMFF) returns next month with a record 189 films from 45 countries, including the musical film Congo Boy as the opener, and a new split competition track for music-focused works. Arts & Storytelling: Africa Monologue Challenge confirms Nouvelle Place as the Pan-African House for Season 3, hosting 12 finalists (including the Republic of Congo) for a residency and reality-show production in Ghana. Local Culture Spotlight: A profile of Congolese Mapouka’s influence shows up in Flavour’s candid confession about a masturbation addiction—he says Congo dance videos helped fuel it. Health & Community: Ebola response workers in eastern Congo protest overdue pay, warning disruptions and security incidents are undermining the outbreak response.

Ebola Response: Ebola workers in eastern Congo staged protests in Ituri, demanding nearly three months of overdue salaries and allowances, as security incidents and community mistrust keep disrupting treatment efforts. Consular Support: Angola’s embassy delivered essential goods to Angolan citizens in the former Kondi Mbaka refugee camp in Pointe-Noire, urging mass consular registration to regularize documents. Music & Film Festival: Jecheon’s 22nd International Music & Film Festival (Sept. 3–8) will spotlight music-focused cinema with a revamped competition lineup and a dedicated music scoring segment. Arts & Culture Spotlight: A new feature profiles kimono stylist Kara Harris, tracing how she turned a lifelong fascination into professional styling after years in Japan. Sports & Identity: Rising NBA prospect AJ Dybantsa says his senior international team choice—U.S., Jamaica, or Congo—will be a “game-time decision,” tied to family discussions. Creative Residency: Africa Monologue Challenge confirmed Nouvelle Place as the Pan-African House for Season 3, hosting 12 finalists including the Republic of Congo for a Sept–Oct 2026 residency and production hub.

Ebola Response in Congo: Ebola workers in eastern Congo staged protests in Bunia, Rwampara and Mongbwalu, demanding nearly three months of overdue salaries and allowances, as security incidents and community mistrust keep disrupting the outbreak response. Angolan Consular Aid: Angola’s embassy delivered essential goods to Angolan citizens in the former Kondi Mbaka refugee camp in Pointe-Noire, urging residents to complete consular registration to regularize their documents. Arts & Culture Spotlight: A profile of kimono stylist Kara Harris highlights how she turned a lifelong fascination into a licensed craft, showing how global audiences can reshape traditional fashion. Music & Celebrity Talk: Nigerian Afrobeats star Flavour opened up on a two-year masturbation addiction, describing how Mapouka dance videos from Congo intensified the habit and how he tried to overcome it. Pan-African Storytelling: The Africa Monologue Challenge confirmed Nouvelle Place as the Pan-African House for Season 3, with a Congo finalist among 12 creatives set to live and create in Ghana.

Ebola & Community Tensions: Ebola response workers in eastern Congo staged protests in Bunia, Rwampara and Mongbwalu over nearly three months of overdue salaries and allowances, with police dispersing demonstrators in Mongbwalu and security incidents plus mistrust continuing to disrupt care. Music Spotlight (Congo ties): Afrobeats star Flavour opened up on a two-year masturbation addiction, saying it worsened after a friend introduced him to Congolese Mapouka dance videos—then he sought help through spiritual guidance and other support. Sports & Identity Watch: Rising basketball prospect AJ Dybantsa says choosing to represent Congo at senior level is still a “game-time decision,” with his eligibility tied to his father’s Congolese roots. Arts & Culture (Pan-African storytelling): Africa Monologue Challenge confirmed Nouvelle Place as the Pan-African House for Season 3, with a Republic of Congo finalist among 12 creatives set to live and create in Ghana from Aug 30 to Oct 1. Music at African Energy Week: Congolese legend Roga Roga is confirmed to headline the African Energy Week 2026 JET Concert, blending business networking with major Central African entertainment.

Music & Culture: Congolese Mapouka dance videos are at the center of Flavour’s latest personal confession—he says he battled a two-year masturbation addiction, even using liquid soap, before finally breaking free after spiritual guidance and other attempts. Creative Industry: The Africa Monologue Challenge has confirmed Nouvelle Place in Ghana as the Pan-African House for Season 3, hosting 12 finalists including artists from the Republic of Congo for a late-August to early-October residency and show. Arts & Entertainment (Pan-African): Roga Roga is set to headline the African Energy Week 2026 JET Concert, bringing major Central African music to a high-profile continental event. Sports & Identity: Claude Makélélé says African football is trending upward, pointing to progress from Congo and other nations as they rebuild conditions and bring back dual-national talent. Global Spotlight on Congo: Ben Affleck and Jamie Ding’s $1m Who Wants to Be a Millionaire win is earmarked for the Eastern Congo Initiative, boosting attention for eastern Congo advocacy.

Pan-African Storytelling: Africa Monologue Challenge has confirmed Nouvelle Place as the Pan-African House for Season 3, a 25-room creative hub in Accra hosting 12 finalists (including the Republic of Congo) from Aug 30–Oct 1 for a residency and reality-show production. Arts, Culture & Music: Congolese star Roga Roga is set to headline the African Energy Week 2026 JET Concert, blending business networking with major Central African entertainment. Literature & Heritage: A fresh spotlight on Joseph Conrad’s “Heart of Darkness” revisits why the Congo-set classic still sparks debate over power and colonialism. Sports & Representation: Former France and Chelsea legend Claude Makelele says African football is trending in the right direction, pointing to progress and the return of dual-national talent. Local Community (Congo-linked): African journalists visiting Moscow’s Victory Museum included a Republic of Congo journalist, highlighting how global media tours connect African voices to international history.

Music & Culture: Congolese musician Roga Roga is confirmed as the headline for Africa Energy Week 2026’s JET Concert, bringing major Central Africa star power to a night built for both networking and entertainment. Film/TV & Philanthropy: Actor Ben Affleck and Jeopardy! champ Jamie Ding won $1 million on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, with the prize going to Affleck’s Eastern Congo Initiative. Arts & Community: A new spotlight on disability arts marks Jeanne Calvit’s 30-year legacy through Interact Center for the Visual and Performing Arts, celebrating theater and visual work that challenges how society sees disability. Sports (Congo-linked): Zimbabwe’s CAPS United edged Highlanders in a dramatic six-goal thriller, keeping the spotlight on regional football rivalries. International Arts Note: African journalists, including one from the Republic of the Congo, visited Moscow’s Victory Museum as part of a Russia–Africa new media tour.

Local Sports: CAPS United turned on the style in a six-goal second-half blitz to beat Highlanders 4-2 at Rufaro, with Tinotenda Meke scoring twice after the break and Chris Mugalu and Uchizi Vunga adding to the damage. Music & Culture: Congolese musician Roga Roga is set to headline the African Energy Week 2026 JET Concert, bringing Central Africa’s sound to a major energy-and-networking stage. Arts & Media: Paramount+ is gearing up for August with Lioness Season 3 dropping Aug. 2, plus a big slate of new movies and shows across the month. Community & Performance: Woolwich Works’ Brassworks 2026 returns Sept. 5 with a free, brass-filled day—featuring Congolese Afro-jazz collective Kongo Dia Ntotila (KDN) among the lineup. International Spotlight (Congo-linked): A Congolese journalist, Thérésa Bouams, shared her reaction after visiting Moscow’s Victory Museum during a Russia–Africa new media tour.

Sports Spotlight: CAPS United turned a flat first half into a six-goal second-half blitz, beating Highlanders 4-2 in a Castle Lager Premiership clash at Rufaro—Tinotenda Meke led with a late double, with goals also from Chris Mugalu and Uchizi Vunga. Arts & Culture (Music): Congolese musician Roga Roga is confirmed as the headline for African Energy Week 2026’s signature JET Concert, blending business networking with Central Africa’s live music energy. Creative Economy (Trade + Storytelling): Bombo Investments partnered with the Africa Monologue Challenge to push intra-African trade through AfCFTA-aligned storytelling, with AMC Season 3 set for Ghana this September. International Arts Note: African journalists visited Moscow’s Victory Museum during the Russia–Africa: New Media Meanings tour, including a Republic of Congo journalist reflecting on the moving exhibits about wartime contributions. Streaming (Global Pop Culture): Paramount+ rolls out August releases including Lioness Season 3, plus a large slate of films—good for audiences hunting fresh entertainment.

Congo in the spotlight (France corruption case): French prosecutors have asked a Paris court to put more than 20 people and companies on trial in the long-running “ill-gotten gains” probe, including BNP Paribas and family members tied to Gabon and the Republic of the Congo—an arts-and-culture-adjacent reminder of how politics and money shape public life. Music & culture (Central Africa): Congolese Afro-jazz collective Kongo Dia Ntotila (KDN) is set to headline London’s Brassworks festival at Woolwich Works, bringing Afro-jazz energy to a big brass celebration. Local arts & community (Congo-linked charity): Ben Affleck and Jeopardy! champ Jamie Ding won $1 million for charity on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, with the prize going to Affleck’s Eastern Congo Initiative. Entertainment (streaming): Paramount+ is rolling out Lioness Season 3 on Aug. 2, plus more new shows and movies for August viewers. Music release (African pop): Ghanaian-American star MOLIY dropped debut mixtape BADDIES ❤️MOLIY, featuring artists across Africa including Tyla and French-Congolese singer Theodora.

Congolese Music & Energy: Roga Roga is confirmed as headline for African Energy Week 2026’s JET Concert, with the event framed as a mix of deal-making and big African entertainment. Cultural Spotlight: A Congolese journalist, Thérésa Bouams, shares her reaction after visiting Moscow’s Victory Museum during the Russia–Africa: New Media Meanings tour, highlighting how war history is presented through interactive displays. Arts, Fashion & Craft: Rahim Bikouta’s Loutaya herbal tea brand bridges Brazzaville roots and South African life, turning Congolese botanicals into a lifestyle story you can taste. Community & Music Events: Woolwich Works’ Brassworks 2026 returns Sept. 5 with a free outdoor programme led by Congolese Afro-jazz collective Kongo Dia Ntotila (KDN), plus a community parade and workshops. Entertainment (Global, Congo-linked): Ben Affleck and Jeopardy! champ Jamie Ding win $1M for charity on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, with the prize going to Affleck’s Eastern Congo Initiative.

Music & Culture (Congo spotlight): Congolese musician Roga Roga is set to headline the African Energy Week 2026 “JET Concert,” blending business networking with major Central African entertainment. Arts & Disability: Jeanne Calvit is celebrated for 30 years of work through Interact Center for the Visual and Performing Arts, creating professional-level theatre and visual art that challenges how society views disability. Local Creative Industry: Congolese-born fashion and tea entrepreneur Rahim Bikouta (Loutaya) bridges Brazzaville heritage and South African life with handcrafted herbal blends. International Arts/Media (Congo-linked): Actor Ben Affleck and Jeopardy! champ Jamie Ding won $1 million for charity on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, with funds going to Affleck’s Eastern Congo Initiative. Fashion/Beauty Business: Italian beauty brand Kiko Milano appoints former Space NK executive Margaret Mitchell to expand North & Central Europe and shape global commercial strategy. Arts & Community Events: Woolwich Works’ Brassworks 2026 announces its lineup, including Congolese Afro-jazz collective Kongo Dia Ntotila (KDN).

Music & Culture: Congolese legend Roga Roga is confirmed as headline for the African Energy Week 2026 JET Concert, where business networking meets top Central African entertainment. Fashion & Lifestyle: Brazzaville-born entrepreneur Rahim Bikouta is bridging Congolese and South African tastes with handcrafted herbal tea brand Loutaya, built from family botanicals and heritage. Local Arts & Community: London’s Woolwich Works announces Brassworks 2026 with a free community parade and a lineup led by Congolese Afro-jazz collective Kongo Dia Ntotila (KDN). Entertainment (Global, Congo-linked): Hollywood star Ben Affleck and Jeopardy! champ Jamie Ding won a $1 million charity jackpot on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, with the prize going to Affleck’s Eastern Congo Initiative. Media & Travel: African journalists on the Russia–Africa: New Media Meanings tour visited Moscow’s Victory Museum, including Congo reporter Thérésa Bouams.