How long have you been in New York?
I travel a lot and have been to different cities and countries. New York has captured my heart. I've been here for three years now. This is an amazing city with its own traditions and culture.
What is your favorite place in New York?
I am impressed by the Harlem area.
It is the heart of African-American culture. Every street here tells its own story, and the architecture breathes the spirit of the past. But the main thing that attracts me to Harlem is its cuisine.
How do Americans differ from residents of other countries?
An American's calling card is a smile. People always smile at you when they meet you and thus easily gain your trust, which cannot be said,
for example, about the
inhabitants of Europe, who may be more restrained in expressing
emotions.
What interesting habits have you acquired while in New York?
As a member of the royal family, I always use personal security and transportation, but in New York, I had to speak at important events several times, and I was taught how to pay for a train ride to get there on time. It was a rather unusual experience for me.
What inspired you to create the book "Zaiire The prince of Kongo The Necklace of Destiny"?
The source of inspiration was my own life, as well as the rich history of my people, my ancestors and the tribe living in the heart of the Congo.
The Congo is a land of untold riches, the depths of which contain numerous treasures. This is the homeland of people endowed with special talents and incredible fortitude. I decided to capture their struggles, their triumphs and defeats, turning their stories into an exciting comic strip. I was struck by the absence of African superheroes in popular culture, and I saw this as an opportunity to preserve the memory of the past, breathe new life into the traditions of my ancestors and pass on their legacy to future generations.
Tell us more.
This book is my contribution to a modern world where the awareness of one's own identity and the celebration of cultural roots are so important.
Zaiire, the main character, is a modern symbol, an iconic figure who embodies African excellence and calls on a new generation to reconnect with their heritage.
Continuation of the interview in the new issue of the journal “My New York”
Photographer: Angel Guadalupe
Journalist: Vinrelo
