The 7th African Comic Art and Music Festival in Kinshasa will feature the work of Alfred Liyolo and focus on the theme "Life, Nothing But Life."
The 7th edition of the African Comic Art and Music Festival (SABDAM) will take place from September 11 to 13, 2026, at the Academy of Fine Arts in Kinshasa. This year's event will include an immersion into the artistic universe of the late Congolese sculptor Alfred Liyolo, recognized as a pioneer of bronze art in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Organizer Barly Baruti Kandolo stated that the choice of the Academy of Fine Arts aims to bridge academic, artistic, and cultural dimensions.
The chosen theme, "Bomoyi, kaka se bomoyi," translates to "Life, Nothing But Life." Baruti explained that a mural at the venue, depicting mine workers and the country's underground riches, visually represents this theme. He described the mural's imagery of workers producing honey that flows from Congo to a hive and a queen, symbolizing both the nation's suffering and its wealth. The festival also intends to amplify the voices of those who struggle to be heard.
Several international delegations are expected to attend the 7th edition, with participants arriving from Belgium, Mexico, Colombia, Asia, and Canada. Baruti emphasized the social dimension of the salon, stating, "We want the cries of the voiceless to be heard." The festival seeks to connect higher education with artistic and cultural spheres, creating an intersectional space for expression and dialogue.
Why it mattersThe festival aims to give a platform to underrepresented voices and highlight the nation's economic realities through art.
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