Renowned Congolese‑French rapper Youssoupha gathered with content creators, media professionals and young people in Brussels to discuss the forces shaping a new generation of African youth, spanning music, culture, mental health and social media.
The event was part of the Kouman × Brussels initiative, which centers on the popular Ivorian podcast “Laissons Parler les Gens.” That show employs digital storytelling, humor and culture to spark dialogue about the challenges young Africans face online.
Youssoupha noted that cyberbullying, harassment and online abuse are realities of the digital era, yet he encouraged young people to concentrate on the positive aspects of their online experiences.
“We must build on the positive. We often find ourselves in difficult circumstances, but hard times are inevitable regardless of era or generation. As I said moments ago on set, ‘The hard times and challenges will always be there—no matter the times or era, whatever the generation.’”
“If we focus only on the difficulties, we stall progress. Moving forward relies on supportive people, resources, talent and strength—those are the forces that lift us up. Anything that does not contribute to advancement is ultimately useless.”
Supported by the CFI Médias Kouman project and the European Union, the panel at L’Horloge du Sud in Brussels also included Congolese‑Belgian digital creator Vanessa Caixeiro and Ivorian‑French comedian Sacko Camara.
According to Istorias Media, the producers of “Laissons Parler les Gens,” events like this offer a valuable chance to nurture dialogue that can drive social change.
“Laissons Parler les Gens” is a podcast aimed at young people; it brings them together and, most importantly, gives them a platform to express themselves. As Marta Rodriguez Martinez, co‑founder of Istorias Media, noted, the event left participants feeling hopeful and full of opportunities for greater social cohesion.
The Brussels discussions opened with workshops that gathered researchers and institutional representatives to explore how digital platforms can better engage younger audiences, promote civic participation and counter the harmful use of social media.
Attendees also joined a listening club, where they discussed podcast episodes covering topics such as online hate speech, malicious AI‑generated content, cyberbullying, mental health, gender‑based violence and geopolitical discourse.
Identifying problems is only the first step; proposing solutions is another, as one participant observed.
“I think our generation is working to put in place solutions, resolutions and measures that not only heal past societal wounds but also affirm that we can coexist and live together,” said Blessing Ngoy, a Congolese actress.
“And that is what makes this initiative beautiful—we should place greater trust in these young people,” Ngoy added.
UNICEF Survey Shows 34% of Sub‑Saharan African Youth Have Faced Online Bullying
Vanessa Caixeiro echoed this view during a live audience recording of the podcast.
Speaking from personal experience with the darker side of online attention, Caixeiro did not shy away from describing how quickly digital affection can turn into hostile attacks, and why it is essential to ground oneself in something more meaningful than superficial online validation.
“Social media is a double‑edged sword: it can lift you up or tear you down,” Vanessa said. “Success never comes without struggle, and easy victories today often precede major setbacks tomorrow.”
Caixeiro, host of the unfiltered podcast “Les Confessions de Vanessa,” in which she discusses her personal challenges, faith and healing journey, urged young Africans to be bold and confident, trusting their self‑worth despite the pressures of digital life.
Seated beside her, comedian Sacko Camara offered a clear‑headed perspective, combining sharp wit with frank honesty. Sacko, who regularly performs across Europe, turned the conversation to the mechanics of online hate, dissecting the psychology of internet trolls and presenting a solid mental framework for self‑preservation.
“When someone attacks you online, they are not targeting your true self but the persona they have imagined,” Sacko told the audience. “Once you recognize that, their words lose their power to hurt you.”
By separating his real identity from his public image, he also described how humor and emotional distance act as protective shields that preserve his dignity when under attack.
A 2019 poll conducted by UNICEF and the UN Special Representative on Violence against Children revealed that 34% of respondents across sub‑Saharan Africa reported having experienced online bullying.
Most respondents identified Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and Twitter (now X) as the primary venues where such bullying took place.
International development expert Mame Peya Diaw stressed that tackling these problems starts with raising awareness.
“We believe this kind of initiative is vital for African youth,” she said. “It raises awareness, improves communication and creates numerous opportunities for the continent’s young people. We therefore support this style of podcast.”
