Félicité Safouesse

Félicité Safouesse (born Jeanne Félicité Safou-Safouesse, 28 September 1933 – 1 August 1996) was a Congolese journalist, television presenter, and women's rights activist. She is recognized as the first African female presenter of Radio AEF (French Equatorial Africa) and a pioneering figure in radio and television broadcasting in Central Africa.^[1][2]

Safouesse began her career at Radio AEF on 8 February 1952 in Brazzaville, after passing a civil service entrance exam. Trained as a schoolteacher, she quickly became a key figure in the team led by Jacques Alexandre, alongside figures like Jean Malonga, Joseph Locko, Henri Pangui and Marc Kayi. She notably hosted the program Le concert des auditeurs, and became known for her warm voice and engaging tone. At the time, Radio AEF focused on local reporting, Africanizing its programming, and expanding its broadcasting power.^[2]

After independence, she joined Radio Congo and later Télé Congo from its creation in 1962. There, she created and hosted several cultural programs that became widely acclaimed, including Dites-le par le disque and Le Concert des auditeurs. She became known for her expertise in cultural journalism, conducting in-depth interviews with Congolese and international artists.^[1]

Committed to defending women's rights, Safouesse launched in 1990 the journal La Congolaise dans la société, dedicated to raising awareness on women's struggles around the world.^[3] She also chaired the association Étoile de Mer, and published the poetry collection Pensée pour votre album (1985). She was a member of the cultural women's association La Violette-Brazza, which promoted Congolese rumba and operated the bar-dancing venue Chez Faignond.^[1]

Her writing style was introspective and lyrical. A notable excerpt from her collection illustrates this:

"You are gone. I will wait endlessly, perpetually if I must. I will wait for you to hurt me, to consume my soul."^[4]

Safouesse was the inspiration behind the famous song Parafifi, composed in 1953 by Grand Kallé (Joseph Kabasele) as a tribute to her and to Paraiso, a Beninese friend of the artist. The title is a contraction of "Paraiso" and "Fifi" (a nickname for Félicité). According to journalist Clément Ossinondé, her beauty and popularity inspired this rumba classic.^[5]

Safouesse died at the age of 63.^[1]

In 2008, the 4th edition of the Congolese Press Awards paid tribute to her. In 2012, a bust bearing her likeness was inaugurated in the Alley of Busts in Brazzaville, alongside figures like Paul Kamba, Pamélo Mounka and Jean-Baptiste Tati Loutard, honoring her contributions to African media.^[6]

Journalist Clément Ossinondé described her as "one of the historic voices of Congolese radio and television".^[2]

• Pensée pour votre album. Brazzaville: Self-published. 1985.
• La Congolaise dans la société. Brazzaville: Self-published. 1990. p. 38.

• Marie José Sombo

• Gabio, Joseph (2020). Mes années de radio-télé à la Radiodiffusion Télévision Congolaise. Paris: L'Harmattan. p. 220. ISBN 978-2-343-19122-5.
• Moukoko, Philippe (2019). Dictionnaire général du Congo‑Brazzaville (2nd ed.). Paris: L'Harmattan. p. 564. ISBN 978-2-343-16574-5.
• Nkonda, Bianca-Cornélie (2022). Femmes et médias au Congo: l'information de proximité en journalisme: mon combat (in French). Editions L'Harmattan. ISBN 978-2-14-024191-8.
• Nguesso, Denis Sassou (2010). Histoire générale du Congo des origines à nos jours (in French). Paris: l'Harmattan. ISBN 978-2-296-13628-1.