Po Na Congo is an immersive fundraiser rooted in radiance and resistance. Presented by DRC Apeparel & The Garden of Synergy, Every World is the ultimate celebration of culture that unifies the vivacious spirit, rhythm, and flavors of Charlotte’s creative ecosystem. The Po Na Soul rendition warmly welcomes the community to experience the brilliance of Africa and diasporic creativity through a dynamic fusion of fashion, artistry, music, food, and community—with a soulful purpose. Synergizing, we will honor the rich traditions and modern influences of the mother continent.

Guests will enjoy radiant cultural showcases, engage with exclusive apparel customizations, embellish with body paint artists, grove through dance sessions and DJ sets, and satisfy taste buds with Africa’s diverse culinary delights.  As if to teleport over the pond, we curated an authentic marketplace featuring local artisans, crafts, and fashion, overflowing with unique finds and handcrafted products. The evening will highlight a walkthrough fashion show, dropping DRC Apeparel’s summer line, and a thrilling spectacular by Kenya Safari Acrobats. 

The electrifying, inaugural event will ignite on June 28, 2025 at Superstars in Charlotte, NC.  This date, chosen with deep reverence, honors Independence Day in the DRC on June 30th—a day that symbolizes the enduring strength and freedom of the nation. The vibrant activations will unite the creative ecosystem, amplify the voices of the Congolese people, while directly supporting those impacted by the conflict in the DRC. Po Na Soul is more than an event; it’s a living pulse where celebration, creativity, and collective action come alive. This immersive event calls the global community together with aligned purpose as a portion of the proceeds will directly support the creative ecosystem in the Democratic Republic of Congo — ensuring these platform’s continuation to nurture the next generation of African designers, dancers, and cultural influencers. 

The heart of Po Na Soul beats for the DRC, honoring its vast cultural contributions and international significance.  The showcased expressionism is a heartfelt testament to the unbreakable spirit of the Congolese—an anthem of resilience sung through every motion, every beat, every thread of culture.  Our intention inspired by our Congolese brothers, David and Bienco, whose relentless spirit mirrors the soul of their homeland. The Bala Bala Arts Academy transforms the language of dance into therapy where Bienco empowers Congolese youth to reclaim their heritage; where rhythm defies despair. Whilst David flows through the fires of adversity to keep the flame of Lupita Fashion Week alive—a beacon of peace and cohesion where threads and color speak louder than conflict. 

Their devotion is a drumbeat that calls us to rise. It reminds us that art is not a luxury—it is a lifeline. Their unwavering dedication fuels our mission: to share the unyielding heartbeat of Congo with the world, while also uplifting efforts that address the resource-based humanitarian crises that is devastating the Congolese people. Every World: Po Na Soul reminds us that when we lift up art, we lift up futures. Our contributions are not charity; they are an investment in our future—proof that art can not only heal, but lead. 

One Troop. One World.

Event Objectives

Woven into every aspect of Every World is a deep commitment to sustainability and resource justice. Congo is home to the minerals that power the modern world—yet faces exploitation, environmental degradation, and displacement. This event will:

4. Celebrate/Artistic Expression: Hitting all the senses, engagements will include cultural performances, African-rooted dance sessions, live art activations, a Congolese DJ set, an artisan marketplace, and culinary delights that highlight the richness of African culture, 
5. Educate/Raise Awareness: Serve up a plate of realness surrounding the human and environmental rights violations, violence, and exploitation in the DRC through the universal language of art, culture, and performance.  
6. Support/Showcase Local Businesses and Creative Ecosystem: Transport the event across the pond and into a living, breathing marketplace of culture and commerce—fueling the local creative economy while bridging it to a global collective that recognizes African influence in global economics.
• Feature local performers, creatives, artisans, fashion designers, & food vendors.
• Collaborations with local creatives: performers, musicians, dancers, acrobats, screen printers, air brush artists, painters, muralists, and culinary artists.
• Foster cross-cultural exchange and networking. All involved will have free access to event’s festivities – including screenprinting, body painting, and air-brushing.
• Conscious Community Development: Nurture aligned partnerships that highlight sustainability and social impact, and promote local businesses and creatives committed to ethical production, regenerative practices, & cultural preservation. 
7. Support Humanitarian Efforts: Use percentage of event proceeds to provide direct relief for Congolese entrepreneurs impacted by conflict to ensure the continuation of designated projects. 
8. Foster International Solidarity: Unite communities across Africa, Latin America, Asia, and US to express solidarity with the Congolese people for peace, justice, and freedom.
9. Empower: Inspire guests to consume with care, support sustainable African-led initiatives, and see culture as a catalyst for global transformation - through showcasing DRC Apeparel’s commitment to conscious design and slow fashion practices.
10. Offset: through low-waste event strategies and directing a portion of proceeds to ecological and humanitarian efforts in the Congo.