A Congolese musician, Tresor Riziki, has launched an appeal to raise funds for communities affected by the recent volcanic eruption of Mount Nyiragongo, near the city of Goma.
The appeal is in partnership with the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) and will support their emergency response on the ground in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Tresor who was born in Goma told the BBC’s Focus on Africa that the eruption evoked memories of a similar experience he had in 2002.Quote Message: I thought because I am in a better position I have a voice and platform I should be able to assist this time I should be able to step in and assist.”
I thought because I am in a better position I have a voice and platform I should be able to assist this time I should be able to step in and assist.”
Tresor, who lived as refugee in South Africa many years ago, says he just wants to help those who need a helping hand over the next few months.
The singer, who still has family and friends in Goma, says people in the city are very strong.Quote Message: They have a very resilient spirit, slowly they are starting again to try to rebuild and trying to figure a way to work around the current situation.”
They have a very resilient spirit, slowly they are starting again to try to rebuild and trying to figure a way to work around the current situation.”
He has also dedicated a song to the people of Goma. Written before the eruption, it tells of the hardships in different parts of DR Congo hit by insecurity.Quote Message: I wrote this song for my third album, it’s very sad and speaks about growing up war… It speaks about how people have gone through a lot but they are still standing.”
I wrote this song for my third album, it’s very sad and speaks about growing up war… It speaks about how people have gone through a lot but they are still standing.”
But he says he did not release the song at the time – but now he feels it is the right track to help raise funds.
