Espoir Dekin

Espoir Dekin is an independent artist and singer from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, whose music - spanning Afrobeat, Ndombolo, Congolese Rumba, Lingala Rap, and Soukous - carries the rhythm and resilience of a remarkable personal journey.

He discovered his love of singing at five years old, and after leaving the DRC at eight, travelled through Angola, Turkey, and Greece before arriving in the UK, where he recorded his first studio track through the organisation YouPres. He found community and creative purpose through Music Action International, becoming one of the first young people involved in the organisation's projects.

Since being granted asylum, Espoir has channelled his own experience into supporting others, working as a co-facilitator with both Music Action International and Compass Collective, mentoring young refugees through music. "I couldn't imagine one day I would teach people how to make music, how to sing, record, perform. I'm proud - it gives them hope for the future," he reflects. Now releasing original music independently, Espoir's work carries a clear and powerful message: "35 years of war in the DRC, almost 10 million people dead - it's important to share what's happening. This song is for anyone, everyone. My wish is that someone listens and does something for humanity."