The Sape movement, originating in the Congo, blends fashion, culture, and resistance, symbolizing a form of social and political defiance. Sapeurs, members of the Society of Ambience-Makers and Elegant People, express identity and self-worth through meticulous fashion choices, creating a striking cultural contrast to poverty. Rooted in colonial resistance, the movement expanded globally through Congolese migration, spreading to Europe and the Americas. Sape combines luxury attire with the values of creativity, dignity, and resistance. It has also become intertwined with Congolese music, with iconic artists like Papa Wemba helping to popularize the movement worldwide.
Source: The Conversation