A singer-songwriter, live performer, workshop facilitator, speaker, and cultural leader, Emmanuela Yogolelo is originally from Upper Zaire and Kivu in the Eastern DR Congo.
Emmanuela developed her passion for music from a young age. Immersed in the musical surroundings of her native land, Emmanuela was exposed to the traditional music of the Shi and Mbuti pygmies, the musical genres of neighbouring Rwanda and Burundi, the music of the streets, the radio and the local nganda pubs. Emmanuela performed traditional songs as part of family events, weddings, and funerals. Her inspirations come from far and wide, including African gospel, Afro jazz, and from Congolese styles of music such as Ramba, Seben, and Agwaya.
The video above is an interactive musical storytelling showcase, co-commissioned by Counterpoints Arts as part of ‘To love, care, breathe… as acts of justice’. It was first performed at HOME Manchester, as part of Push Festival 2021, and is now available for bookings.
Emmanuela expresses:
‘Climate problems in so called ‘developing countries’ are created by Western capitalism and neo-colonialism and while ‘developed countries’ are hostile to migrants, they are the ones who create a climate change that forces people to migrate or internally displace. Act local but think global.’
Emmanuela’s passion for music and her native culture, led her to co-found the Manchester-based Amani Creatives alongside fellow African artists in 2015. Amani Creatives focuses on profiling, developing, and promoting art of African styles to celebrate and preserve African history and culture in all its forms. Amani Creatives, by providing a platform to artists, most of whom are refugees, promotes access to practising and performing African arts, generating opportunities for them, to encourage and inspire.
Emmanuela is an Assistant Producer at Community Arts North West.
Image (c) Emmanuela Yogolelo
