The Democratic Republic of Congo is a complex place, and a country with a history of war and suffering; it is estimated that war, disease and malnutrition are killing 45,000 Congolese every month.

But in disparity there can still be hope, and music can be an excellent vehicle for finding it. Enter Lopango ya Banka (translation: House of the Ancestors), an initiative founded in 1997 in order to help Congolese children and teenagers learn more about the country of their origin. The main goal of the initiative is the development of an open political mindset and the maintenance of Congolese culture.

In 2002 Lopango ya Banka’s founders decided to do so through the universal culture of hip hop, so that they could reach not only residents of Congo, but Congolese youth around the globe. The result is a collection of empowering songs that speak messages of hope, solidarity and a brighter future.

The following piece is entitled “Telema mpo na Kongo” (Stand Up for the Congo), and you can check out a full English translation of the lyrics here.

Learn more about the initiative and check out more music here.