Afropop: The Ultimate Cultural Exchange turns its lens on the Democratic Republic of Congo this week, with a documentary that examines the daily struggle for power—both literal and figurative. “Tongo Saa,” airing Monday at 8 PM ET on World, is set in the sprawling city of Kinshasa, where the promise of progress clashes with the reality of life on the ground.
The film centers on the government’s ambitious plans to build a hydroelectric plant, a project meant to modernize the city’s infrastructure. But the documentary reveals a stark disconnect between the official narrative and the lived experience of Kinshasa’s residents. Electricity distribution is uneven and unreliable, forcing many to find their own solutions to get by after sunset.
Director Nelson Makengo captures a city defined by resilience and ingenuity. With insecurity and violence a constant threat, residents use torches and self-made infrastructure to light their way through the darkness. The film presents a portrait of a community working to survive within a system that has largely failed them.
“Tongo Saa” is a powerful entry in the Afropop series, which consistently celebrates the cultural and historical fabric of Africa and its diaspora. The film avoids easy answers, instead offering a clear-eyed look at the social and political realities of a city in flux. It’s a quiet but forceful examination of how people adapt when the basic necessities of modern life remain just out of reach.
Afropop: The Ultimate Cultural Exchange airs Monday, June 16 at 8:00 PM ET on World.
