DRC: Kinshasa’s ‘sapeurs’ honor the father of Congolese elegance

In the heart of Kinshasa, dozens of impeccably dressed “sapeurs” gathered recently to commemorate the father of their movement—a subculture where fashion becomes art, dignity, and even a livelihood in one of the world’s poorest countries.

Standing before the tomb of Stervos Niarcos, who died 31 years ago, sapeurs paid tribute to the man whose 1989 song “La Religion Ya Kitendi” elevated the pursuit of elegance into a way of life. “

He…