Bwana Kitoko

De Nieuwe Snaar's song 'Bwana Kitoko' delves into the complex and tumultuous history of Belgium's colonial relationship with Congo. The song is divided into two distinct parts, each reflecting a different visit by King Baudouin to the Congo, capturing the stark contrast between the initial euphoria and the subsequent disillusionment.

The first part of the song describes King Baudouin's visit to the Belgian Congo in 1955. The lyrics paint a picture of a young monarch warmly welcomed by hundreds of thousands of Congolese people. The streets were decorated, and the atmosphere was festive. The king's attempt to speak Lingala, a local language, was met with great enthusiasm, symbolizing a moment of connection and mutual respect. This visit is portrayed as a grand success, filled with joy and celebration, reflecting the colonial propaganda of harmony and benevolence.

However, the tone shifts dramatically in the second part of the song, which recounts King Baudouin's visit in 1960, the year Congo gained its independence. The king arrives with memories of his previous triumphant visit, but he is met with a very different reality. The document in his possession signifies Congo's newfound independence, yet the Belgian government still seeks to maintain control. The once-celebratory atmosphere is replaced by political tension and unrest, epitomized by Patrice Lumumba's powerful speech and subsequent assassination. The king's return to Belgium is marked by disillusionment, highlighting the collapse of colonial illusions and the harsh realities of decolonization.

'Bwana Kitoko' serves as a poignant commentary on the fleeting nature of colonial power and the inevitable push for independence and self-determination. It underscores the deep-seated complexities and contradictions of colonial rule, as well as the profound impact of historical events on both the colonizers and the colonized.