Congo, which is one of the poorest countries in the world, has a unique community called La Sape where the people dress elegantly like crazy rich in the middle of a slum village.
La Sape adherents are known for their love of wearing expensive branded clothes, even though they live in poverty. Here are the unique facts of La Sape.
1. Derived from French
La Sape is the French acronym for Société des ambianceurs et des personnes elegantes or Society of Atmosphere-setters and Elegant People.
Sape itself also hints at a French slang word which means to dress up. This culture is centered in the cities of Kinshasa and Brazzaville, Congo. Its adherents are nicknamed sapeur for men and sapeuse for women.
2. Appeared in the early 20th century
La Sape's origins are believed to date back to the early 20th century during the Belgian-French colonial period where Congolese slaves worked to get used clothes.
Outside of working hours, Congolese men began to dress like fashionable French men, characterized by colorful clothing, fancy shoes, accessories such as bowler hats, sticks, and sunglasses. Wearing such clothes, they feel cool and get energy and joy.
3. Forms of social expression
La Sape is a form of social expression of people who have been colonized. Sapeur used this movement as an escape from their misery, which later became an inspiration to other communities.
But nowadays La Sape has also become the ideology of the movement about being happy and elegant even if one actually lacks food. La Sape is more than a subculture. It is an important part of Congolese culture. In fact, politicians and musicians respect this movement.
4. Like a celebrity
The Sapeurs are treated like celebrities. They bring hope and joy to communities gripped by years of violence and conflict.
Spending money on aesthetic suits and silk clothing may seem frivolous in Congo, where more than 70% of the population lives in poverty. But La Sape aims more than just to help people forget their problems. This culture has become a subtle form of social activism, a way to turn the tables on power and rebel against their economic conditions.
5. Reap the pros and cons
Some people criticize the sapeur style and think they are shallow. People who criticize, can't understand why someone is willing to starve and be poor by choosing to buy clothes made by famous designers rather than eating.
But others believe this lifestyle can bring a glimmer of hope. For the sapeurs, La Sape is not just an expression, but also their lifestyle, behavior and philosophy