GOMA, Congo — Congolese rapper Clem Cléopâtre energized the audience during the final evening of a three-day women-organized music festival in Goma, delivering powerful verses focused on community unity, peace, and social harmony.
Organizers report that approximately 3,000 attendees participated in “Musika na Kipaji,” marking the seventh consecutive year for this event designed to address gender-based violence while highlighting female artistic talent in music and dance.
Sunday’s crowd moved rhythmically to Cléopâtre’s performance, with audience members joining in song and showing their appreciation while brightly dressed dancers performed alongside her on stage.
The strategically important city of Goma, located in mineral-wealthy eastern Congo, has been controlled by the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel faction since January 2025, following their rapid seizure of major cities throughout the eastern territory. This takeover has triggered intense fighting between the rebel forces and Congo’s national army. United Nations reports indicate that despite peace negotiations spearheaded by U.S. President Donald Trump aimed at resolving the decades-old conflict, hostilities persist with continued use of heavy weaponry.
The ongoing warfare has led to increased incidents of sexual violence, prompting festival organizers to position their event as a platform for women to resist violence and advocate for peace.
“I come from a place where war breaks out at any moment, ever since we were little. And for me, that’s a real motivation,” Cléopatre, one of the many women performers of the night, told The Associated Press. “I encourage young people not to feel alone, especially women, because they are often forgotten, and for me, it’s a real motivation to make music just to prove to these women that they are not alone.”
The fighting has created one of the globe’s most severe humanitarian emergencies, forcing at least 7 million residents of eastern Congo from their homes, yet community members maintain their optimism.
Within a city where violence remains a daily concern, festival participants describe the gathering as increasingly meaningful—a venue where diverse groups can come together to strengthen community connections despite their differences.
“Today, we are all together as young people. A year ago, that was impossible because of the war. Here, we can express our frustration … and see young people united around culture and women,” said Jean Luc Maroy, a festivalgoer.
