Wrestling in the Congo (22 photos) Bashny.Net

Colin Delfoss traveled to the Congo to do a report on copper mining, but one night, returning to Kinshasa, he saw a man in a mask. This man, standing on the roof of the car, headed the procession of drummers and several dozen men and children.

Intrigued by Belgian photographer began to ask people around, and they explained to him that it hits the eve wrestling show. In a country where the bloodiest war since World War II from 1998 to 2003, was killed about 8, 4 million people, the last thing you expect to see - in the tradition of wrestling WWE. With parades, costumes, acrobatics, and all that is required to be present in wrestling.

Wrestling takes so important place in the life of the country that participates in the matches even the president's bodyguard. In the Congo, there are two kinds of wrestling. Classic wrestling tries to imitate the American WWE, as the so-called fetish wrestling involves the use of "magic" and "spell", wrestlers are more befitting witches costumes.

1. As the schedule shows as such does not exist, Roesler parade through the streets, thus alerting the public about the upcoming event. In this photo wrestler "Six strokes" sparred with volunteers from the public against the background of a passing train. (Colin Delfosse)



2. Often the team at wrestler is someone who entertains the audience. Wife of wrestler "Six flowers" out of the house wearing a mask and begins to laugh at him directly during a fight. (Colin Delfosse)



3. Roesler "Tyson" falls into a trance and began to read the Bible, came under the influence of magic his opponent by the name of "Hallelujah" (man in white, standing with his back). (Colin Delfosse)



4. Muimba "Texas", a wrestler, organized charity matches in favor of children with albinism, going to the ring in Matete, poor- area of ​​Kinshasa. (Colin Delfosse)



5. fake machete in the head - part of the scenic image. (Colin Delfosse)



6. Ebedende, which translates as "Iron", wearing a suit. He covers his body with black powder, to intimidate the public, and appears in the ring with shouts and roar, accompanied by an assistant, who allegedly keeps him on a chain. (Colin Delfosse)



7. "Zombie de Kibambi" calls the spirits before the fight. The area where it takes place, famous for its ancient occult traditions. (Colin Delfosse)



8. Classic wrestler, inspired colleagues from WWE, daily exercise. Most of them have a job, and they belong to the fetish-wrestler as a "street acrobats." (Colin Delfosse)



9. Young wrestlers during training in Matete. In Kinhase hundreds of young people studying Greco-Roman wrestling, hoping to become a wrestler. (Colin Delfosse)



10. Young Mabokotomo popular wrestler who participates in both classical and fetish games, shave before the match. Before the fight, it is important to look my best to impress the audience. (Colin Delfosse)



11. "Six strokes" removes his mask after the parade in front of fetish match. As in American wrestling, where each fighter has a crown techniques. For example, "six strikes" hit the enemy in the head, after which he climbs the nearest tree and sit there until someone does not strip him of his "spell". (Colin Delfosse)



12. Typically, the fights are on the street, and attract a few dozen to a few hundred spectators. (Colin Delfosse)



13. fetish fight "crotch" and "Django" use boards and chain as a weapon. Outcome of the battle is always predetermined in advance, but improvisation during the match also occurs. (Colin Delfosse)



14. The Duel "City Train" (wrestler named in honor of the bus is no longer running the company & quot; and "Spider». (Colin Delfosse)



15. The loser wrestler after a classic match. One of the first photos taken by Colin to report about wrestling in the Congo. (Colin Delfosse)



16. Fetish wrestling criticized for his "rituals" and "witchcraft", but he is very popular among children. (Colin Delfosse)



17. The match between the "Hulk" and a terrific wrestler pseudonym "Five building sites" in honor of the 50th anniversary of Congo's independence from Belgium. (Colin Delfosse)



18. Fetish-wrestler Maboktomo walks in the district before the match. (Colin Delfosse)



19. Jump on the enemy with ropes. (Colin Delfosse)



20. Roesler "Ninja" after the fight. (Colin Delfosse)



21. Roesler Mabokotomo with his assistant performs a ritual dance before the match. (Colin Delfosse)



22. Fetish-wrestler, bewitched soprenikom, throws himself on the ropes. (Colin Delfosse)