DRC presenter Lumumba Vea claims he is “in danger” amid dispute with veteran entertainer Evoloko

Congolese television presenter Michel Kuka, widely known as Lumumba Vea, has publicly claimed that he fears for his safety following a growing dispute within the country’s entertainment industry, accusing some colleagues of jealousy and hostility towards him.

Speaking in an interview with Art de la Rue TV from Paris, where he is currently based, the presenter delivered a series of explosive allegations about tensions behind the scenes in Congolese media and entertainment circles.

Lumumba Vea said he had decided to speak out after what he described as repeated acts of disrespect from people he once considered close allies.

While emphasising his admiration for pioneers of the industry, he expressed disappointment at what he sees as a lack of support from certain senior figures.

Among those he named was veteran musician Evoloko, whom he accused of harbouring resentment towards his growing profile in the media.

“I regret to see that some colleagues whom I appreciate and for whom I have affection do not show the same love towards me. I am speaking of old Evoloko. Dear elder, you have had your day, now it is Lumumba’s time. Stop the jealousy. You are my elder and I respect you greatly,” he stated.

According to Lumumba Vea, tensions escalated following his appearance on international broadcaster TV5 Monde.

He suggested that the opportunity had triggered negative reactions from some within the industry, including Evoloko.

The presenter claimed that during a conference call involving media professionals, Evoloko questioned who he was, despite their longstanding acquaintance.

Lumumba Vea described the alleged incident as both hurtful and disrespectful.

Reflecting on their relationship, he argued that he had previously supported Evoloko in various ways and was surprised by what he considered a lack of recognition for that support.

“I have a big heart and I endure a lot. If I’m speaking out today, it’s because I’m fed up. I was invited on TV5 Monde and you took it badly. During a conference call with other presenters, you asked, ‘Who is Lumumba?’ Yet you forget that the hand I raised is the source of many advantages you received, including a car and your first trip to Europe,” Lumumba Vea confided.

The presenter also used the interview to make a direct appeal to Congolese Minister Didier Budimbu, whom he described as a father figure and protector.

Claiming that the situation had become increasingly serious, Lumumba Vea said he wanted to make public what he described as concerns for his personal safety.

“We only live once. Indeed, I am in danger. We are surrounded by hypocrites. I am Tetela and I have always told the truth. In any case, I will no longer sleep with them. I am making this statement to show my father, Didier Budimbu, that I am in danger. His Excellency Budimbu has done everything to keep us united, but some do not want it.”

His comments move the dispute beyond a professional disagreement and into more serious territory.

Presenting himself as someone committed to speaking openly, Lumumba Vea said he no longer wished to remain silent about what he believes are threats emerging from within his professional environment.

The remarks have drawn attention to divisions within parts of the Congolese entertainment sector, with the presenter portraying the dispute as a combination of personal rivalry, professional jealousy and a wider breakdown in relationships among industry figures.

For now, Lumumba Vea says his decision to speak publicly is intended to alert both authorities and the wider public to what he claims is a dangerous situation, insisting that he feels increasingly vulnerable amid the tensions surrounding him.