New music from Healing in Harmony artists in Mulamba, DRC
Album: Najitegemea (I Take Charge of Myself)
Artist: Cohorte Héroïque
Producer: Janvier Mihigo
Label: A4A Records
Release date: May 13, 2022
Cover art: Null & Void
Najitegemea (I Take Charge of Myself) is the debut album by Cohorte Héroïque, a collective emerged from the Healing in Harmony program in the rural village of Mulamba, in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
The project was made possible with the partnership of Panzi Hospital and Foundations, and with support from the Fund for Innovation and Transformation (FIT). The initiative has brought together men and women in the community to address issues related to gender equality and positive masculinity.
READ: Addressing Male Trauma and Changing Perceptions of Traditional Gender Roles in Rural DRC
Title track ‘Najitegemea’ reflects the desire of the group to take charge of their lives despite the hardships they have all faced. The community of Mulamba has suffered from continued conflict in the region that has destabilized the entire population.
This first collection of songs is inspired by personal stories shared during therapy sessions – moments where participants found strength in knowing they were not alone.
My life is very painful
Sometimes I wonder how I can change it
Myself, I can’t understand
The suffering, the sadness,
I want this life to change
R / I take charge of myself, and I will never stop fighting for life x2
C2 / I have already been through a lot of difficulties and it exceeds the level of my reasoning
Every time I think about this, I wish this life would change
There is no one to whom I can present my needs
There is no mom
Nowhere I can take refuge
Nowhere dad
R/ I take charge of myself, and I will never stop fighting for life x2
C3/ I take charge of myself, and I don’t rely on anyone else
(Lyrics from title track ‘Najitegemea’)
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE FULL ALBUM + DOWNLOAD FROM ALL MAJOR PLATFORMS
Tracks were mixed by members of Artists 4 Artists (A4A)’s Community of Mixing and Mastering Engineers, a global network of professionals who volunteer their time to help Make Music Matter bring marginalized voices to the world stage.
Najitegemea tracklisting:
- Najitegemea – mixed by Neil Simons
- Elewa maisha – mixed by Robert L. Smith (Defy Recordings)
- Upendo (Love) – mixed by Paul J Hird
- Leo (Today) – mixed by Troy Zeng
Album mastered by Noah Mintz (Lacquer Channel Mastering)
