Virtual Exhibition "Molokay, l'écho d'un homme et de sa forêt" by Congolese Photographer Joyce Kipunga Highlights Climate Action in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Unpublished Africa
Sep 13
3 min read

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Harare, Zimbabwe – July 28, 2025 – Unpublished Africa announces the launch of "Molokay, l'écho d'un homme et de sa forêt" (Molokay, the Echo of a Man and His Forest), a virtual photography exhibition by Congolese documentary photographer Joyce Kipunga. The exhibition tells the story of Jean-Paul Nkoy, a 74-year-old man living in Molokay Village, and his quiet resistance against the devastating impacts of climate change in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Curated by Unpublished Africa with advisory support from Chido Nyaruwata of the Flames and Lillies Climate Initiative (FLCI), this exhibition combines visual storytelling and environmental advocacy to spotlight urgent ecological issues.

A Milestone for Photographer Joyce Kipunga

This is Joyce Kipunga’s first solo exhibition, marking a pivotal moment in her career. She is an alumna of Unpublished Africa’s Creative Business Studio program, where she developed her practice as a socially engaged photographer. She has previously contributed to “Impact in Mind” (2024) and “I’d Be Empowered If” (2025), both group exhibitions curated by Unpublished Africa.

About the Exhibition

Molokay Village, situated between Kinshasa and Kongo Central, is home to Jean-Paul Nkoy, who chose to leave Kinshasa to live in harmony with nature. Through her lens, Kipunga documents Nkoy’s daily resilience as he faces deforestation, soil erosion, and erratic rainfall—all consequences of the global climate crisis.

Her photographs capture not only environmental degradation but also the human-nature connection, showing how individual choices can model sustainable living.

“Kinshasa has been the scene of chaotic events in recent months. Torrential rain has devastated entire neighbourhoods, sweeping away homes, roads and lives,” explains Kipunga. “Through my photographs, I want to pay tribute to this man — this silent hero — who is fighting to preserve what little of nature remains for us.”

Why It Matters

Links to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
- SDG 2 – Zero Hunger
- SDG 13 – Climate Action
- SDG 15 – Life on Land
Provides a visual educational tool for climate awareness.
Demonstrates how African photographers are driving climate advocacy.

Unpublished Africa founder Anesu Chikumba states:

“We are proud to present Joyce Kipunga’s ‘Molokay.’ Her work makes the climate crisis deeply personal while affirming art’s power to spark consciousness and action.”

About the Artist

Joyce Kipunga is a documentary photographer based in Goma, DRC. Her practice explores social justice, climate change, and overlooked human experiences. She is a graduate of Ndoto Art and Activism, completed a residency at Tulizo Ele Espace, and has exhibited internationally. Her ambition is to establish a gallery dedicated to socially engaged photography that amplifies marginalized voices.

About the Curator

Unpublished Africa is a platform empowering African visual storytellers. Through programs like the Creative Business Studio and exhibitions such as “Molokay, l'écho d'un homme et de sa forêt”, Unpublished Africa provides access, networks, and professional opportunities for emerging photographers. Its mission is to build sustainable creative careers while amplifying underrepresented African narratives globally.

About the Advisory

The Flames and Lillies Climate Initiative (FLCI), founded by Chido Nyaruwata in Zimbabwe, is an ecofeminist youth climate organization. It amplifies the voices of girls and women in climate justice, capacity-building, and policy advocacy, advancing African ecofeminist approaches to environmental action.