KIMPAVITA is a pan-African, feminist and eco-responsible initiative based in Dakar, Senegal.
Our goal is to build an eco-responsible feminist movement in West Africa. We are fighting for:
We chose to name the event in honour of this great figure from African history who is little known, in order to mark our pan-African, anti-colonial commitment to highlighting women in African history and its diaspora and promoting African cultures throughout the world.
Each edition of the KIMPAVITA festival highlights a female figure from the country in the spotlight, who will be the face of all the visuals.
Kimpa Vita was an anti-colonial resistance fighter and prophetess from the Kingdom of Kongo, born at the end of the 17th century. She fought for the reunification and liberation of the kingdom, which was dominated by the Portuguese. She was captured by the Capuchins, condemned to be burned at the stake, and died burned alive on the orders of King Dom Pedro IV on 2 July 1706.
Kimpa Vita fought for the unity and reunification of Kongo dia Ntolila, which was ravaged by a war that lasted nearly 40 years, and she also campaigned against Portuguese colonisation and the slave trade. Beyond her image as a prophetess, Kimpa Vita is also a figure of nationalism and anti-colonialism. Her actions benefited Mvemba Agua Rosasa, king of Kongo dia Ntolila, who was responsible for the reunification of the kingdom.
The story of KIMPAVITA is originally a story of friendship. Already aware of gender issues and passionate about culture, the Collektif Sankarista, founded by Elena and Chloé, developed the idea of creating a unique, cultural and socially engaged event that would highlight women and African and Afro-descendant culture. Through dialogue and collaboration, KIMPAVITA came to life. The Collektif Sankarista organises the KIMPAVITA festival and has been registered as an economic interest group (GIE) since 13th December 2021.
A dermatologist by profession and passionate about Capoeira. Committed to promoting women's representation in sport and culture, in 2021 she co-created the sub-region's first feminist and eco-friendly cultural festival with the aim of providing women with spaces where they can express themselves, perform and encourage each other.
Film producer and cultural activist. Convinced that culture and cinema are powerful tools for bringing about profound change in attitudes and societies, in 2021 she co-created the sub-region's first feminist and eco-friendly cultural festival with the aim of making a positive impact through art, promoting African cultures and its diaspora, and highlighting the female figures who have shaped its history.
A big thank you to our partners, without whom the KIMPAVITA adventure would not have been possible!
becoming a PARTNeR