This is a Congolese “Sapeur” - They’re gangs of men that spend tens of thousands of dollars on expensive European designer suits while frequently otherwise living in abject poverty.
They have gang battles where instead of fighting each other, they have “Defi de Sape” - They go to another gang’s turf where their presence demands that the host gang run home and change into their finest suits to prove that they’re classier.
Their gangs have names like “L’Association des Anglais” (The Association of Englishmen) and “Deux Grands Dandies de la Capitale” (Two Rich Dandies.)
They are awesome.
say, what?
Is that true? Can we go hang out with these dudes?
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 André 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.
