UNICEF Ambassadors in DRC
UNICEF Ambassadors defend the rights of Congolese children and shine a light on the challenges most disadvantaged children and adolescents face.
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Our Ambassadors have varied backgrounds and expertise, but they all have one thing in common: a proven commitment to improve the lives of children. And in each case a celebrity's association with UNICEF comes about because he or she has already demonstrated that commitment.
Ambassadors play a critical role in shining a light on the challenges children face across the country.
They use their talents and volunteer their time to raise awareness and mobilize support, helping UNICEF to save children's lives, defend their rights and help them reach their potential.
Celine Banza
Céline Banza started singing when her father gave her first guitar to her. Afterwards, Céline nurtured her dreams and launched a professional career in music in 2019. Backed by her single, “Tere Mbi”, as well as a diploma in ethnomusicology, the Congolese singer, composer and songwriter was bestowed the prestigious Prix Découvertes RFI in 2019.
Céline Banza worked alongside UNICEF as part of the “Girls’ Well-Being and Empowerment: My Voice is Our Voice” campaign, during which she held discussion forums with women and teenage girls in all four corners of the country.
On 31 July 2021, she was named UNICEF National Ambassador on African Women’s Day. Through her music and her engagement with UNICEF, Céline Banza wants to place child marriage, girls’ secondary education, adolescent health, hygiene and menstrual health, and particularly gender-based violence in humanitarian crises at the heart of debates.
Fally Ipupa
Raised in the rousing rhythms of Ndombolo and the Congolese rumba, Fally Ipupa launched his solo career in 2006, his first album earning him the Best Male Artist award at the Césaire Awards. An artist with many sides, Fally Ipupa has wide influence on the international scene as an artist and as an engaged African citizen.
Since 2017, Fally Ipupa has engaged with UNICEF in the fight against chronic malnutrition, which affects close to 8.5 million Congolese children under the age of 5 across the DRC every year.
On 10 July 2021, Fally Ipupa was officially nominated UNICEF National Ambassador in the DRC during World Breastfeeding Week. As a National Ambassador, the artist will continue to lend his voice to promote, protect and support food practices for infants and young children.
Lokua Kanza
Born into a family of 8 children, Lokua Kanza had the responsibility to support his family’s needs very early on. After the death of his father, he took on several small jobs while also continuing to go to school.
After being a guitarist, Lokua Kanza became the rising star of African music. His latest album “Moko” was recorded in 8 different countries, sung in 7 languages with the support of around a hundred musicians.
On 8 September 2021, Lokua Kanza obtained the title of UNICEF National Ambassador in the DRC on International Literacy Day. The multitalented artist will use his visibility to raise public awareness about children’s rights and youth issues.
Didi-Stone
French-Congolese model Didi-Stone is a fashion design student. She has become one of the best-known fashion references and has over a million followers on Instagram.
Over the years, Didi-Stone has supported non-profit organisations in the DRC, with a particular focus on providing a safe space for orphaned children. Didi-Stone attended the US premiere of Vaillante, a UNICEF mini-series about child marriage in West and Central Africa.
On 8 March 2022, she was named a National Ambassador for UNICEF on International Women's Day. Didi-Stone is committed to fighting child marriage and giving every Congolese girl the opportunity to build a better future.
