Congo street gang finds social healing in capoeira ancestral martial art

The leader of the street gang Gloire Balume gives a kick capoeira to his friend, who bends over and blocks the menacing leg before responding with a skilful kick. The city Gum in the east Democratic Republic of the Congo has experienced its own share of violence, but this road race aims to achieve something different: to promote self-confidence and social healing.

THE Uncle and his friends practice capoeira, a Brazilian contactless martial art that combines dance, acrobatics and music.

THE Uncle, 21 years old, lives on her streets Rubber for 13 years, since his parents divorced and his father died.

As the leader of his group of friends, who call themselves “The gang of fire”, hopes that the capoeira will help them realize their dreams of becoming a professional band.

“THE Capoeira “It’s important to me,” he told Reuters. “I tell myself that when I’m good at it capoeira, I will make some songs and videos where I will practice it capoeira and that will help me a lot in the future. “

Its origin Capoeira it is at Kingdom of the Congo, from where the Portuguese slave traders transported their human cargo to work in sugarcane plantations in Brazil in the 16th century.

Art was developed by slave communities as a form of resistance that could cultivate emotional and spiritual empowerment. Recognizing its power Capoeira, the authorities banned it for several decades after the abolition of slavery.

Now, a Brazilian charity, the Gingando Pela Pez (GPP), brought her capoeira back to Congo, offering homeless young people a safe place away from frequent violence and rape, where they can live, play and socialize, says Flavio Saudade, who works for IT DOES NOT MATTER.

“These street children are invisible to the community,” he said Missing. “Most of them live only in the present. With the Capoeira have someone to guide them and help them look to the future. They are given the opportunity to dream. “