The return of the witnesses

The return of the witnesses

Artists Koenraad Ecker and Haldi Okudheyo investigated recordings of Congolese songs kept in colonial archives and dating from 1911-1912. Collective listening and translation sessions with communities in northeastern Congo revealed the profound and codified meanings of certain recordings. These songs are direct testimonies of Congolese living under Belgian occupation at the time of the Congo Panorama’s creation.

In this video, a virtual table brings together various voices across space and time: Congolese from the early 20th century, residents of present-day northeastern Congo, and excerpts from colonial archives being read out loud.

This video is part of the Kumbukumbu project. The Kiswahili word for ‘memory’, Kumbukumbu was founded in 2021 by Koenraad Ecker and Haldi Okudheyo to convey the realities of the colonial occupation of northeastern Congo through sound.

Koenraad Ecker (Belgian, Bruges, 1986 – lives and works in Berlin), Haldi Okudheyo Nzia (Congolese, Aru, 1983 – lives and works in Aru). De terugkeer van de getuigen / Le retour des témoins / The return of the witnesses. RD Congo, Belgium, Germany. 2025.
Interviewees, translators and interpreters:
• Chefferie Mamvu-Ateru, Socopa, 2023: hon. Bagbalanga Aleku Médard, Andi Gbili Emé, Kongili François, Asimba Philippe, Kinita Jean-Pierre
• Chefferie Mamvu-Kebo, Andudu, 2024: Kamata Phirolima, Memgba Endré, Costama Karuma, Deyane Lamu
• Amati, 2024: Aloma Nzia, Ate Awaku, Atsidri Obhitre, Ondoa Nzia, Oworo Onyiko, Adide Debhaya
• Aru, 2025: Eleku Obiku Antuanette, Nvanva Obibhitre Jean-Paul
• Isiro, 2024: Gaga Michel Madangba, Kumbondruane Cristine, Tindadra Regine
• Dubele, 2023: Uneni Richard
• Aba, 2024: Avokiri Tiaka Gaston, Lumery Lenga Marcel, Mandwara Lwate Jozef, Tadi Lopùro, Mandwara Dada
• Lagabe, 2024: Malema Akuma Griff Moses, Kimumdema Maskini, Afoiti Aladro, Bakonzi Albert, Desiré Mamvotama
• Rokosi, 2022: Chef Ndo Gubha Alfonse
• Lagabe, 2024: Malema Akuma Griff Moses, Kimumdema Maskini, Afoiti Aladro, Desiré Mamvotama
• Wamba, 2024: Adjanga Nestor, Azanga Makapuna Nestor, Kangasi Christophe, Anza Tepe Danga, Nebondo Elisabeth, Gabi Adumana
• Chefferie Zaki, Ariwara, 2023: Androa Gonde, Adjo Ndema, Kirikiri.