The Congolese Sape

Hector Mediavilla

Polaris

SAPE:Societe des Ambianceurs et des Personnes elegantes. Severin Mouyengo, who has been a sapeur since the seventies, poses in the entrace of his family house in the Bacongo neighborhood. SUMMARY: At the beginning of the XXth century when the French arrived in Congo, the myth of the Parisian elegance was born among the youth of the Bakongo ethnic group, who were working for the colonizers. At that time, the white man was considered superior, someone showing better manners and elegance. In 1922, Grenard Andre Matsoua was the first Congolese ever to come back from Paris dressed as a genuine French. His arrival caused indescribable commotion and admiration among his fellow countrymen; he became known as the first Grand Sapeur. Having the respect and admiration of his community, today’s sapeurs consider themselves artists. They add a touch of glamour to their humble environment through their refined manners and impecable dressing styles. Each of them is unique showing a particular repertoire of gestures. They all share the same dream: To go to Paris and return to Brazzaville as an aristocrat of elegance.

Hector Mediavilla, "The Congolese Sape," in POYi Archive, Item #45649, http://archive.poy.org/items/show/45649 (accessed June 24, 2025).