Exclusive interview with Jombelek
In this episode of "Dialogue d'initiés", Nestor Hemlé, Publishing Director of Jumelages et Partenariat, welcomes Jombelek, whose real name is Johanne Eli Ernest Ngo Mbelek. Author of the controversial book "La paix!", Jombelek offers a daring reflection on the notion of peace, challenging received ideas and conventional wisdom. On the occasion of the release of his book and as a prelude to the debate scheduled for June 07, 2025 (4pm to 8pm) at the Tamery bookshop, this conversation promises to explore fresh perspectives on peace and its implications for contemporary society.
Jombelek
Author, free voice and unruly presence
Jombelek, whose full name is Johanne Eli Ernest Ngo Mbelek, is an extraordinary creator. Writer, musician, actress - she navigates between disciplines as well as continents, tracking down the flaws of the contemporary world with the rigor of a thinker and the fever of an artist.
Her work is as disturbing as it is enlightening: she never pats reality on the back. It confronts it. With her latest book, "La paix! "she dismantles, word by word, the illusions of a sacralized concept. Her dense, precise pen refuses to accept consensus, preferring to open gaps rather than heal blind spots.
Jombelek was born between worlds - and has chosen her place there: at the crossroads of rebellious Africa, critical Europe and a two-faced cultural America. She distrusts smooth narratives, reassuring labels and "inspiring" postures. What is she looking for? An indomitable word, uncompromising beauty, art that thinks and scratches.
On Saturday 07 June 2025 at the Tamery bookshop (19 rue du Chalet, 75010 Paris) from 4pm to 8pm, she won't be coming to "talk peace". She's coming to discuss it.
Nestor Hemlé
Publishing director
NH : "Être africaine", is it still an anchorage or a provocation in the'cultural industrye ?
Jombelek : It is indeed a provocation, when we see that globalization is smoothing out the world and cultural differences, to give as many people as possible an identity soup, which in the end is indigestible for everyone.
NH : Would your art be the same without colère?
Jombelek : I find most of my work rather gentle on the whole, except for the book Peace, which stings the convictions of a large majority.
This anger has yet to find a voice to better express itself and be heard, nothing is shown, yet...
NH: What is the lie that'you're most often asked to tell as a journalist?'black artist?
Jombelek: As an actress, every word, every role is a truth for someone, so lies have no place in it, depending on the message to be conveyed. Propaganda becomes just the wish or expression of those who have the means to express it, but as with any vision or point of view, cannot be the solution or truth of the entire population.
NH: Why do you refuse to be 'inspiring' ?
Jombelek : I didn't know it was a refusal. When you put it like that, it's like asking me why I don't want to be tapped, which as an artist I am, is pretty legitimate.
NH : In "Peace!", you say that peace is an illusion - is this a declaration of war?
Jombelek: But it's brandishing it, appealing to it that's a declaration of war, you have to read my book.
It's a declaration of lucidity. The peace we're sold is often about putting struggles on hold. I keep my eyes open as much as possible. And I invite everyone to do the same.
NH: And if peace were only'a luxury for those who have already conquered?
Jombelek : It's worse than that. We're told to "stay calm", while they continue to take, to draw, to define our futures for us. I don't want a peace that's a straitjacket. I want a justice that screams and builds.
NH: Your life seems to circulate between disciplines, languages and continents. Où is "home ?
Jombelek : A lot of people ask me to come and squat lol!
NH : Are you closer to'une griotte ou d'une hackeuse ?
Jombelek: I can see that your vision goes further than the first appearance: the griotte composes with her ancestors, the hackeuse draws from what already exists. In both cases, it's more a question of working from the bottom up, to maintain a dynamic of diversity and cultural rootedness, through the maintenance and assertion of difference and therefore communitarianism, which isn't necessarily obvious in a country like France.
NH: Is travel still a place of wonder, or a privilege?ège qui t'oblige you?
Jombelek: This is where we come back to the issue of globalization. Whether I go to New York, Paris or London, I can't get lost, even if the architecture differs and the change of scenery is lessened by the homogenization of structures, customs and rites.
I'd like the world to remain plural, and for everyone to be freer to choose to be who they are. We don't have to become clones of each other. And that goes for people as well as cities.
NH: What'what annoys you most about the environment? "creative ?
Jombelek: Diversion. The creative world doesn't express itself enough for my taste. Instead of fighting wars to express issues that are sometimes external, a play that explains a point of view, a film that tackles difficult issues, is more constructive and fun.
NH: You played in "Diamondz are 4eva" - what's left of those diamonds once the camera is turned off?
Jombelek: I have to say that the script is very well written, so I'm proud to have been part of it. This film is like a window into the political world or social interactions, everyone has their own plan and if we're not careful, we'll all croak.
NH: How did you'and what were the main difficulties encountered?
Jombelek : Incredible. A whole team of talented actors and very efficient technicians, considering the conditions.
We were exhausted on the last day of shooting, but any work requires effort, and in cinema as in music, the culmination of a work and/or event is never easy.
NH : Do you think that'we can still create something new today?'new today?
Jombelek: Every second that passes is new. The problem with déjà vu is the boredom it generates, but it's still something new, not the same place, not the same people, not the same dates.
But it's certain that you can't experience this world like a gospel concert, where you sing the same songs over and over again to different people and places.
NH: Write that "peace'does not exist'is it revealing a secret or lighting a fire?
Jombelek: It's a truth that everyone needs to understand, so read the book and come and discuss it.
NH : Peace as a Western myth, ça dérange qui selon toi?
Jombelek : It bothers everyone, consciously or unconsciously. Then there are those who play with it or question it. But I've never seen peace that's truly consistent with fairness or justice.
NH : Why have you chosen to discuss this subject in bookshops and not in the media?
Jombelek : Because I haven't been invited yet! Lol.
NH: In your book "Peace!", you question the very notion of peace. What'What prompted you to write on this subject?
Jombelek: A disagreement with some feminists. Lol
NH: How do you hope readers will react to your book and its themes?ès provocative themes?
Jombelek: Above all, I hope they will react, think and question what they think they know.
NH: The debate scheduled for June 07, 2025 from 4pm to 8pm at the Tamery bookshop will focus on your book. What do you expect from this meeting with the public?
Jombelek: The opportunity to exchange ideas and address real issues. It sounds like a provocation, but everyone needs to be able to express themselves in order to evolve, and this is the opportunity to do so.
NH: Your book is'entitled "Peace!"with a'exclamation mark. What does this punctuation symbolize in the context of your message?
Jombelek: Several things, and applicable to several contexts in terms of what I'm saying. But perhaps a question mark is in order.
NH: Peace is often associatedwith universal values. How does your book challenge this universality? ?
Jombelek: Universal is another term worth thinking about and debating.
NH: Finally, what message would you like to convey to your readers through "Peace!" ?
Jombelek: Wake up.
Interview by Nestor Hemle
Publishing Director of Jumelage et Partenariat.
Paris (France), April 2025
Order the book here...
