AGP Executive Report

Ebola Update (Eastern Congo): WHO chief Tedros says there are “encouraging signs” against the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in Ituri, with transmission down in the worst-hit areas, but warns the epidemic is still growing fast elsewhere, including North Kivu, where weekly cases nearly doubled. Football Focus (Congo-linked): Ibrahim Tanko rallies Ghana’s Medeama SC to refocus on domestic success after their CAF Champions League exit to TP Mazembe, with the new league season starting Sept. 19. Music & Culture (Global, Congo in the mix): The fallout from Macklemore being dropped from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour over a “Free Palestine” stage message keeps escalating—ticket prices reportedly fall, support acts quit in solidarity, and pro-Palestine groups plan protests outside Philly’s Lincoln Financial Field. Film Spotlight (Francophone): Namur’s 41st International French Film Festival opens Sept. 30–Oct. 4 with the Belgian premiere of Marc Fitoussi’s All About Corinne. Arts & Climate Journalism: The 2026 Covering Climate Now Journalism Awards highlight work including Congolese researchers pushing Congo Basin data into the global record.

Music & Protest Fallout: Macklemore says he’ll donate his $1m net earnings from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour to Palestinian aid groups and challenges Robert Kraft to match it, after Macklemore was dropped for “Free Palestine” remarks at MetLife Stadium; Tour Shake-Up: Sheeran insists he’s “not complicit” and blames venues/promoters, while multiple support acts—including Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe and Beoga—quit in solidarity, turning the tour into a wider debate over who gets a stage; Local Arts Lens (Congo link): One Irish station removed Ed Sheeran from the airwaves over listener reaction to the controversy, and Macklemore’s speech reportedly included “free Congo,” keeping Central Africa in the spotlight; Culture Spotlight: Rhiannon Giddens’ new album features Congolese guitarist Niwel Tsumbu, highlighting Congo talent in international folk circles.

Tour Drama: Ed Sheeran’s US Loop tour is in chaos after Macklemore was dropped for “Free Palestine” remarks at MetLife Stadium, and now every remaining support act has quit in solidarity—Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe, and Beoga all pulled out after Sheeran said venues/promoters forced the decision and that he’s “not complicit.” Celebrity Backlash: Pink and Roger Waters added fuel to the fire with public criticism and insults, while Macklemore claimed billionaire Robert Kraft pressured stadium owners to remove him. Local Culture & Heritage: In Congo, Angola’s embassy kicked off 17 September National Hero Day with a flower-deposition ceremony at Agostinho Neto’s bust in Ponta Negra, starting a month of civic and cultural events. Regional Arts Spotlight: A Swahili-language edition of the international culture magazine “Irs-Urithi” was launched, aiming to bring African readers closer to global heritage through Swahili storytelling.

Regional Energy & Investment: CABEF leaders met in Douala to build a communications push for the Central Africa Pipeline System (CAPS), aiming to boost public understanding, investor confidence, and regional visibility of the project. Music & Culture: A first Swahili-language issue of “Irs-Urithi” was published, expanding an international culture magazine’s reach across East Africa. Tour Drama Hits the Headlines: Ed Sheeran’s US stadium tour is in crisis after Macklemore was dropped over his “Free Palestine” remarks, triggering a wave of support-act walkouts including Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe, and Beoga; Sheeran insists the decision wasn’t his, while Macklemore and others point to venue pressure. Local Arts Calendar: “Love For The Locals” launches a September music series with a fall pass for five curated shows at Vilar Performing Arts Center. Congo-Linked Human Story: In Durban, asylum seekers face relocation options amid fears for safety, with some specifically naming Congo as their origin.

Cultural Diplomacy: Angola’s embassy in Brazzaville kicked off 17 September National Hero Day with a flower-crowning ceremony at António Agostinho Neto’s bust in Ponta Negra, launching civic, cultural and political activities across Congolese communities. Music & Identity: Senegalese artist Sahad is being hailed as a “Senegalese James Brown,” blending jazz fusion, Afrobeat, funk and traditional rhythms into a pan-African, youth-focused sound. Regional Spotlight: Nigeria dominated the 2026 AFRIMMA Awards in Dallas, with Davido winning Album of the Year (5ive), Tems and Phyno taking major prizes, and Mercy Chinwo recognized in gospel categories. Entertainment Buzz (Global, Congo-relevant): The Ed Sheeran–Macklemore tour fallout over “Free Palestine” remarks escalated as Macklemore was dropped after venue pressure, while Sheeran insisted he’s “not complicit” and framed it as a promoter/venue decision. Local Arts Note: A Congo Basin kayaking challenge by Welsh explorer Ash Dykes is going viral on TikTok, spotlighting the region through extreme adventure storytelling.

Immigration & Safety: Asylum seekers camping outside Durban Home Affairs face a split choice—return to their communities or go to Lindela—but some from Congo say neither option is safe, warning Lindela is a deportation centre and not a guarantee of protection. Media & Journalism: Liberia’s Information Minister Jerolinmek Mathew Piah and the Press Union of Liberia push for stronger protections and a new Media Governance and Sustainability Act, stressing ethical reporting and government-media partnership without censorship. Arts & Culture (Film): A spotlight on Sarah Maldoror’s pioneering anti-colonial classic Sambizanga returns attention to how African feminist cinema survives censorship, neglect, and rights battles. Music (Global, with Congo links): Macklemore is removed from Ed Sheeran’s US LOOP tour after onstage “Free Palestine” remarks, with the rapper explicitly naming “Congo” in his speech—turning a music controversy into a wider debate over politics in entertainment. Arts & Travel (Viral): TikTok is buzzing over Welsh explorer Ash Dykes kayaking 400+ miles down the Congo Basin’s Sangha River for “Project 6,” spotlighting extreme adventure and the region’s landscapes.

Music & Politics: Macklemore has been removed from the remaining dates of Ed Sheeran’s US “LOOP” tour after his onstage “Free Palestine” speech at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey sparked venue backlash, with tour promoter Messina Touring Group saying multiple stadiums would not allow him on the lineup. Artist Response: Macklemore says Ed Sheeran and his team made the decision, but he also alleges New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft rallied other stadium owners, and he frames the “victims” as Palestinian civilians. Pop Culture Ripple: The controversy has pulled in major music names, including Pink, as fans and artists argue over whether the message crossed lines. Arts & Film: A spotlight on Sarah Maldoror’s pioneering anti-colonial classic “Sambizanga” returns attention to African feminist cinema and its long, messy journey through archives and rights. Congo Basin Spotlight: A Welsh explorer’s viral plan to kayak 400+ miles down the Sangha River is driving fresh interest in the Congo Basin. Local Arts Calendar: Iowa City’s African Festival of Arts and Culture returns with Congolese dance, African fashion, and music across more than 20 countries.

Cinema & Memory: A new piece revisits Sarah Maldoror’s Sambizanga, tracing how its anti-colonial, feminist story of a woman searching for her abducted husband has been alternately celebrated, censored, lost, and rediscovered since 1972. Music & Congo Connections: Yemi Alade’s 7th studio album, It’s Yemi Alade, spotlights a rumba-leaning collaboration with Congolese star Ferré Gola on “Coco na Yam,” turning Lingala vocals and guitar into a cross-continental love letter. Arts Festival (Diaspora): The African Festival of Arts and Culture returns to Iowa City with fashion, food, and performances including a Congolese children’s dance troupe—showcasing African music, dance, and art for the local community. Royal & Cultural Life: Uganda’s King Oyo Nyimba is buried after a nine-day mourning period, with the Tooro succession dispute still shaping public conversation—an unexpected cultural story that echoes the region’s wider arts-and-tradition landscape. Global Arts, Local Rhythm: New Orleans’ Feel the Rhythm of the Drums Festival brings African and Afro-Caribbean performers, with Congo Square Preservation Society among the local acts.

Congo on Screen: Filmmaker Machérie Ekwa Bahango’s “Madi Makambu” wins Final Cut’s La Biennale di Venezia Prize, with the director pushing for Congo to be seen on its own terms through stories of love, violence, and women’s resilience. Afro-Pop Spotlight: Yemi Alade drops her 7th studio album “It’s Yemi Alade,” a guitar-led, genre-hopping love letter that spotlights her Congolese collaboration “Coco na Yam” with Ferré Gola. Arts & Community (Diaspora): The African Festival of Arts and Culture returns to Iowa City with a parade of nations fashion show, African food and vendors, and performances including a Congolese children’s dance troupe. Music & Heritage (Diaspora): New Orleans’ Feel the Rhythm of the Drums Festival brings African and Afro-Caribbean drumming, dance, and community performances to Bywater’s Music Box Village. Culture in Motion (Sports + Identity): Refugee athletes, including Congolese sprinter Rashid Rechene living in Uganda, prepare for a historic Youth Olympics debut in Dakar as the first Refugee Olympic Team. Film Buzz: Martin McDonagh’s “Wild Horse Nine” lands as a funny-sad 1970s spy caper, drawing attention for its irreverent take on friendship and politics.

Film & Identity: Venice Final Cut winner Machérie Ekwa Bahango talks “Madi Makambu,” aiming to have Congo seen on its own terms—through stories of women, violence, and social injustice. Music & Community: Bywater’s Music Box Village hosts the 4th annual “Feel the Rhythm of the Drums” festival on Oct 3, bringing African and Afro-Caribbean performers, including Congo Square Preservation Society and youth ensemble Watotos Kumbuka. Sports & Youth: Six refugee athletes, including Congolese sprinter Rashid Rechene living in Uganda, prepare for a historic debut as the first Refugee Olympic Team at Dakar’s Youth Olympics. Arts & Craft: Goldsmiths’ Fair spotlights Republic of Congo-born, London-based jeweler Makila Nsika using reclaimed palm materials, alongside 138 makers in London. Entertainment Buzz: The Pink–Macklemore–Ed Sheeran Palestine controversy keeps escalating online, with Pink publishing a long response after backlash. Royal News (Regional): Uganda’s Tooro King Oyo Nyimba is buried after a bitter succession dispute.

Music & Culture: Bywater’s Music Box Village will host the 4th annual Feel the Rhythm of the Drums Festival on Oct. 3, bringing African and Afro-Caribbean performers plus local Congo Square groups. Film Spotlight: Congolese director Machérie Ekwa Bahango talks about her Venice Final Cut-winning film “Madi Makambu,” aiming to have Congo seen on its own terms. Pan-African Sound: Yemi Alade releases her 7th studio album “It’s Yemi Alade,” with Congolese star Ferré Gola on the rumba track “Coco na Yam.” Sports & Youth: Six refugee athletes, including a Congolese 200m sprinter in Uganda, prepare for a historic Youth Olympics debut in Dakar. Arts & Craft: The Goldsmiths’ Fair in London highlights fine craft, including Republic of Congo-born jeweler Makila Nsika. Entertainment Buzz: The Pink–Macklemore–Ed Sheeran controversy keeps rolling, with Pink publishing a long response after backlash.

Film Spotlight: Final Cut Venice winner Machérie Ekwa Bahango talks about “Madi Makambu,” saying Congo must be seen for its own stories, not labels—her work centers women facing violence and social injustice. Music & Culture: Yemi Alade drops her 7th studio album “It’s Yemi Alade,” with Congolese rumba star Ferré Gola on “Coco na Yam,” plus pan-African collaborations and genre-hopping tracks. Arts & Craft: The Goldsmiths’ Fair returns with fine jewelry and silversmithing, including Republic of Congo-born, London-based Makila Nsika using reclaimed palm materials. Sports & Youth: Refugee athletes prepare for the Youth Olympics in Dakar, with Congolese sprinter Rashid Rechene aiming for medals and bigger stages. Royal Affairs (Regional): In Uganda, the Tooro Kingdom’s King Oyo Nyimba’s funeral ends a nine-day mourning period amid a succession dispute—an event drawing attention across the Congo border region.

Music & Culture: Pink breaks her silence on the Macklemore/Ed Sheeran “Free Palestine” backlash, saying a repost wasn’t a statement and vowing to keep speaking out despite being painted as the villain. Film Spotlight: Venice Final Cut winner Machérie Ekwa Bahango talks “Madi Makambu,” aiming to have Congo seen beyond labels, with stories rooted in violence, injustice, and women’s resilience. Pan-African Sound: Yemi Alade releases her 7th studio album “It’s Yemi Alade,” spotlighting rumba with Ferré Gola and more genre-hopping guitar-led tracks. Arts & Craft: The Goldsmiths’ Fair spotlights fine craft and digital-era creativity, including Republic of Congo-born London-based jeweler Makila Nsika. Entertainment Media: National Geographic and BBC Studios launch “Africa: Earth’s Wild Home,” promising Congo night-hunting hyenas and other wildlife stories across nearly 30 countries. Sports (Congo link): Orlando Pirates legend Gavin Lane backs the club after a goalless draw, noting last season’s tie with Congo’s Saint-Eloi Lupopo. Local Arts/Community: Durban’s migrant protests continue to disrupt businesses, with calls for relocation to Lindela—an offstage reality shaping community life.

Congo on the world film map: Machérie Ekwa Bahango’s “Madi Makambu” won a major Venice Film Festival prize, and she’s using cinema to push Congo beyond labels—centering women, violence, and social injustice in stories drawn from everyday life. Wildlife TV for Africa: National Geographic and BBC Studios are launching “Africa: Earth’s Wild Home,” with Congo footage including hyenas hunting elephants at night—plus new conservation voices and community-led stories. Music with Congo roots: Orchestra Baobab marks its 50th anniversary with new releases, celebrating the band’s blend of African rhythms, Congolese rhumba, funk, and Cuban influence. Diaspora arts spotlight: A Goldsmiths’ Fair in London highlights Republic of Congo-born, London-based craft maker Makila Nsika, showing how reclaimed materials and fine craft keep thriving in the AI age. Sports, with Congo ties: Orlando Pirates prepare for a CAF qualifier after last season’s tie against Congo’s Saint-Eloi Lupopo, with legend Gavin Lane backing a strong home return. Community pressure in Durban: Protests around Congolese migrants camping outside Home Affairs continue, with calls to relocate people to Lindela and clear pavements—an ongoing human story with arts-and-culture community impact.

Goldsmiths’ Fair & Craft Tech: London’s historic Goldsmiths’ Hall hosts the Goldsmiths’ Fair (Sept. 22–27, Sept. 29–Oct. 4), spotlighting 138 independent jewelers and silversmiths and how makers keep craft human in the AI age, including Republic of Congo-born, London-based Makila Nsika using reclaimed palm materials. Music Milestone: Orchestra Baobab marks its 50th anniversary with the release of “Made In Senegal,” revisiting classics and debuting new songs that blend Congolese rhumba, funk and Cuban rhythms. Afrobeats Spotlight: Ayra Starr opens up in 66 GREENE about solitude, finding her voice, and the making of “Starrgirl,” after moving into her first solo apartment in New York. Refugee Sport: Six refugee athletes prepare for a historic Youth Olympics debut in Dakar, competing in athletics, judo and taekwondo. Congo-Linked Culture & Community: A veteran broadcaster shares a rare story about presiding over Congolese singer Madilu System’s wedding, tying personal memory to Congo music legacy. African Dance Online: Viral African dance trends in China are turning hobby into livelihood for dancers building followings and opportunities. Conservation Power Debate: Reports swirl around African Parks and Prince Harry’s planned step-down amid allegations of abuse and questions of influence. Sports (Congo in the mix): San Diego FC could debut Congo striker Cédric Bakambu as the club pushes through a tight run of matches.

Refugee Crisis & Local Pressure: eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba says foreign nationals camping outside Durban’s Moore Road Home Affairs office will be relocated to Lindela, after months of protests led by March and March demanding pavements be cleared and undocumented migrants repatriated. Safety Alarm: Refugee leaders on Che Guevara Road fear a new “cleanup” attack, alleging deaths and clashes tied to March and March supporters and police. Music & Celebrity Politics: Macklemore’s “Free Palestine” remarks during Ed Sheeran’s US tour opener sparked petitions and backlash, with the rapper doubling down that equality “should never be controversial,” while P!nk and others weigh in. Congolese Rumba in Kenya: Koffi Olomide and Ferré Gola have confirmed Nairobi dates later this year, following Fally Ipupa’s sold-out local run. Arts & Food Opening: Chef Demetrius Brown’s Afro-Caribbean restaurant Heritage opens in Summerhill on Sept. 10, promising a diaspora-led tasting menu with Congo-linked influences. Sports (Congo Connection): Namibia’s Brave Warriors will face the Republic of Congo in AFCON 2027 qualifiers, with a Russia friendly also set for early October.