Wrestling in the Congo

• Wrestling in the Congo

Colin Delfoss traveled to the Congo, to make a report on the mining of copper, but one night, returning to Kinshasa, he saw a man in a mask. This man, standing on the roof of the car, led the procession of drummers and several dozen men and children.

Intrigued by the Belgian photographer began to ask people around, and they explained to him that it hits the eve of the wrestling show.

In a country where in the bloodiest war since World War II from 1998 to 2003, killed about 8, 4 million people, the last thing you expect to see - wrestling in the best traditions of the WWE. With parades, costumes, acrobatics and all that is required to be present in wrestling.

Wrestling occupies such an important place in the life of the country, even the president's bodyguard involved in the matches. In the Congo, there are two kinds of wrestling. Classic wrestling tries to imitate the American WWE, as well known fetish wrestling involves the use of "magic" and "spells", the wrestlers are more befitting witches costumes.

As the schedule shows as such does not exist, wrestler parade through the streets, so alerting the public about the upcoming event. This photo wrestler "Six strokes" sparred with interested member of the public against the background of a passing train.

is often a team from wrestler is someone who entertains the audience. The wife of wrestler "Six flowers" out of the house wearing a mask and begins to laugh at them directly during the match.

Resler "Tyson" falls into a trance and began to read the Bible, he came under the influence of magic his opponent by the name of "Hallelujah" (man in white standing with his back).

Muimba "Texas", wrestler, organized charity matches in favor of children with albinism, going to the ring in Matete, poor- Kinshasa area.

fake machete in the head - part of the scenic image.

Ebedende, which translates as "Iron" puts on a suit. He covers his body with black powder, to intimidate the public, and there is the ring with the cries and the roar, accompanied by an assistant, who reportedly keeps him on a chain.

"Zombies de Kibambi" calls the spirits before the fight. The area where it takes place, famous for its ancient occult traditions.

Classic wrestlers inspired by colleagues from the WWE, daily exercise. Most of them have a job, and they belong to the fetish-wrestler as a "street acrobats."

Young wrestlers during training in Matete. In Kinhase hundreds of young people studying Greco-Roman wrestling, hoping to become a wrestler.

Young Mabokotomo popular wrestler who participates in both classical and fetish games, shave before the match. Before the battle, it is important to look your best, to impress the audience.

"Six strokes" removes his mask after the parade in front of the fetish game. As in American wrestling, there is every fighter has a crown techniques. For example, "six strikes" breaks the enemy in the head, after which he climbs the nearest tree and sit there until someone withdraws from it "spell".

Usually fights are on the street, and attract a few dozen to a few hundred spectators.

In the fetish-match "pubis" and "Django" using circuit boards and as a weapon. The outcome of the battle is always predetermined in advance, but improvisation during the match also takes place.

The Duel "City Train" (wrestler Named after the bus is no longer working for the company "and" Spider ".

The loser wrestler after classic match. One of the first photos taken by Colin to report about wrestling in the Congo.

Fetish wrestling criticized for its "rituals" and "witchcraft", but it is very popular among children.

The match between the "Hulk" and a terrific wrestler pseudonym "Five building sites" in honor of the 50th anniversary of Congo's independence from Belgium.