"My actions need to overshadow my personal self"
Raw and Real: A Chat with Multitalented Activist Kharis Petronelle Ikoko
Kharis Petronelle Ikoko, a powerhouse of talent and passion, is a singer, educational consultant, anti-racism trainer, curator, and political activist. After the murder of George Floyd in 2020, she spoke up and organized nationwide protests, all while pursuing a degree in communication design. Intrigued by her boundless energy and diverse pursuits, let's dive into a candid conversation about her whirlwind life.
Where does your relentless drive come from?
My energy derives from the immense support of my mom and my awesome team. We've been working together for two years. I believe what I do must be greater than me. My goal is to provide opportunities and open networks to others. I'm also deeply connected to the Congo, and I can't just sit back and do nothing while the country struggles. I'm privileged with the opportunity to speak for marginalized voices, and I take that responsibility seriously.
What role did your journey from the Congo to Germany at the age of eight play in shaping you?
I came to Germany for family reunification. It influences my perspective on life significantly. Life experiences, such as our upbringing, education, wealth, or lack thereof, shape us all. Being able to live such a rich life in Germany highlights the reality that many have been exploited or ignored in countries with abundant resources.
What is your sense of identity?
I'm German by passport, but I'm Congolese in spirit. I feel more connected to Congolese history than German history. The struggles and triumphs of the Congo resonate deeply with me, especially their deep-rooted connection to the exploitation of resources and human rights. I'm aware that, regardless of my personal history, my narrative is woven into the fabric of Germany's history through colonialism.
What's it like living in Germany as a woman of African heritage?
The question boils down to finding a place where I'm seen, heard, and accepted as part of society. Ultimately, it's about equal access to resources, opportunities, and belonging. For instance, living in a city like Munich where the housing situation is dire, I should not have to be treated any differently simply because I'm Kharis Petronelle Ikoko instead of Thomas Müller.
Do you address the Congo and colonialism in your workshops on anti-racism and critical whiteness?
Through anti-racism work, I aim to build bridges, foster understanding, and challenge the status quo. It's essential to acknowledge our interconnectedness and question the structures that lead to inequality. By understanding one another, we can work towards a more harmonious and just society, where nature and human rights take center stage.
Why is the Congo relevant to us?
Nature often provides the flame for much of our modern comforts, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo has been, and continues to be, a rich source of resources - from uranium to gold, diamonds, and copper. We'd have to examine and change our ways if we truly understood the cost of these resources on the people who mine them.
What's the role of music in your activism?
Music has been a constant in my life since I was a child in the Congo. It serves as my healing force, a language that connects everyone, and a way to exchange ideas and build bridges. Writing my music is a one-on-one conversation with myself. When I address injustice through music, it conveys a message differently than a speech at a demo.
What's your artist name, Kokonelle, all about?
Kokonelle is a blend of "Koko" from my family name, Ikoko, and "nelle" from my given name, Petronelle. The name represents the torn, diverse, and ever-changing nature of my life and my music.
What gives you hope?
I find hope in those who bravely fight injustice and continue to strive for a better world.
- Kharis Petronelle Ikoko's diverse pursuits extend beyond music, as she delves into lifestyle discussions about her identity, heritage, and experiences, making a significant impact in the realm of fashion-and-beauty as well as entertainment**.
- The concept of politics intertwines with Kharis Petronelle Ikoko's life, particularly as she openly addresses general-news topics such as anti-racism, critical whiteness, and colonialism in her workshops and public speaking engagements.
- Kharis Petronelle Ikoko's songs serve not only as a form of self-expression but also as tools for creating awareness and fostering change, making her a powerful voice in the music industry and a beacon for social activism.
