Rebecca Manzi Kinshasa artists turn trash into art, combining creativity with environmental activism to raise awareness and teach reuse through performances and workshops.
@ndaku_ya_la_vie_est_belle
In the heart of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s capital, a group of artists has found an unexpected way to tackle the city’s overwhelming waste problem—through creativity. In Kinshasa, where managing discarded materials is a daily struggle for residents, a movement has emerged that transforms what is thrown away into artistic masterpieces and theatrical costumes.
The birth of Ndaku Ya La Vie Est Belle
Founded in 2018, the collective Ndaku Ya La Vie Est Belle, translated as “the place where life is beautiful” and also known as V.E.B.L., began by gathering everyday items considered useless. Bottles, wires, metals, plastics, and discarded clothing become the raw materials for sculptures and striking costumes. “We saw potential in things people no longer wanted,” one member explains. “Every object has a story, and we want to tell it through art.”
These artists do more than just craft eye-catching outfits—they wear them in neighborhood parades and city festivals, turning each appearance into a public performance. Each costume carries a story, sending a powerful message against overconsumption and the lack of effective environmental policies. In this context, art becomes a voice that challenges habits, infrastructure, and social systems governing waste management.
Workshops and educational activities
Their parades are not just spectacles; they are moments of environmental awareness, engaging children and adults alike. The imagination with which the artists repurpose materials destined for the landfill offers a concrete example of reuse over disposal, demonstrating that creativity can drive change. One participant reflects, “It’s inspiring to see trash turned into something beautiful. Kids understand immediately that waste is not the end of a story.”
The project extends beyond performances. The collective organizes workshops and educational activities that teach participants to transform waste into creative resources. These sessions serve as spaces for sharing and participation, where art becomes a common language, uniting people around a shared socio-environmental goal.
Transforming waste into cultural innovation
Thanks to the work of Ndaku Ya La Vie Est Belle, Kinshasa’s waste is being reimagined as a symbol of sustainability and cultural innovation. Their initiative not only beautifies neighborhoods but also fosters dialogue, providing fresh perspectives on addressing the city’s growing trash crisis.
By turning discarded objects into instruments of creativity, the collective reminds us that art and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand, sparking both wonder and reflection in every corner of the city.
