Episode 50: How the SAPES of the Congo and Other Diaspora Subcultures Reinvented Dandyism

Papa Wemba regarded as the godfather of the SAPES movement; image from BBC

Dandyism or the dandy style is defined as a man who pays great attention to fashion and overall appearance. The modern practice of this style first appeared in the 1970s in London and Paris. However, Black communities around the world, like the Sapeurs and sapeuse of the Congo and the rude boys of Jamaica, adopted this style and made it what it is today. Listen as Taniqua describes how Black people in the diaspora became the face of dandyism.

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Photos of SAPES by Tariq Zaidi and photos of Rude Boys from Underground

Episode Sources/Further Reading:

1. Fashion Matters: "La Sape" and Vestimentary Codes in Transnational Contexts and Urban Diasporas

2. Subcultures and Sociology

3. THE STORY OF SUBCULTURE: THE RUDE BOY (& RUDE GIRL)

4. The Surprising Sartorial Culture Of Congolese 'Sapeurs'

5. Congo's Sapeurs Pass Their Style on to a New Generation

6. Dandyism: This global style movement offers a view on black male identity

7. How a world-famous Congolese style tradition is changing with the times

8. Congolese dandies: Meet the stylish men and women of Brazzaville – in pictures