‘Free Congo’ Painting
Free Congo Painting
By Janina Nana Yaa
Acrylic on Canvas, 2025
58 cm x 20 cm
The Democratic Republic of Congo has been victim of a brutal and relentless genocide at the hands of M23 rebels driven by Rwandan militia forces backed by the USA. There have been over 8 million deaths during this time period. While women and children are raped and killed frequently, men go missing and are also killed at the hands of these rebels particularly young adults and activists.
Congo is an abundant land, rich in natural resources. Minerals such as coltan and cobalt are mined by local Congolese and sold at extremely low prices while they in turn are paid almost nothing. These minerals are sold at higher rates and supplied to companies such as Apple and Tesla. Without these two minerals none of us would have access to the phones we have in our hands today or the electric cars some of us drive.
95% of proceeds will go directly towards Justin Shukuru Mulindwa and Bel Avenir. The remaining 5% will go towards printing costs. When purchased, proof of transfer to Justin will be emailed directly within 7 days.
Justin Shukuru Mulindwa is a 20 year old slam poet, activist and law student from Goma, Eastern Congo. He is co-founder of Bel Avenir a network of youth that support women and children within displacement camps in Congo with basic resources such as food and clothing. Due to the recent genocide in January 2025 in his hometown Justin has also been displaced. Unable to return home for his safety leaving his elderly mother and father behind. These funds will provide Justin with his basic necessities and resources to resettle, build a new life and support his studies. These resources provide Justin with some peace of mind in a very stressful and vulnerable time.
Janina Nana Yaa Asiedu (they/them) is a Queer Ghanaian artist, Ritualist and Ancestral practitioner. Born in Aotearoa NZ and founder of Nyame Dua x House of Afi, they offer visual art, herbal skin-care, spiritual adornments and divination that guide the collective through the waters of Ancestral healing & intimacy.
Janina’s artwork embraces the use of vibrant tones to call the unseen to be seen - honouring African Divinities, Adinkra symbols and mystical forces of Nature. Their heart is most fulfilled when uplifting LGBTQIA+, African, Black and Brown community. Deeply inspired by Indigenous patterns, line work and naturally informed by their upbringing in Tāmaki Makaurau their art reflects their ancestral migration as manu / tauiwi and the ongoing connection to whenua.
Follow Justin Mulindwa & Bel Avenir on Instagram at 👇🏿
For commission artwork email [email protected]