Highlighting Canada’s Talented Refugee Artists
In celebration of the wide variety of refugee artists living across Canada, our Creator Series profiles the individuals, their work, and their inspiration in creating unique artistic products. From authors and painters, designers and singers, these profiles examine how their lived refugee experiences have informed their practice and where (or how) you can further support their work.
Njamba Koffi’s creative work focuses on the refugee experience, youth empowerment, and belonging. With more than eight years of experience in advocacy for minoritized groups, Koffi’s efforts include writing, public speaking, and the planning and management of youth-engaged projects. Originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, he has lived and traveled in multiple countries as a refugee, a United World Colleges Scholar, a Yale Young Global Scholars student and instructor, and a UBC student pursuing a Master’s degree in Business Administration. He currently works as a Grants and Community Initiatives Manager at the Vancouver Foundation. He brings a global perspective, cultural sensitivity, and a rich international experience to all of his work.
Some of the most notable awards that Njamba has received include the Outstanding Leader in the University of British Columbia (UBC) Community and Beyond (2022), Faces of Tomorrow Award (2020), and the UBC International Community Achievement Award (2019).
When asked about the support he received, he highlights two scholarships: The United World Colleges (UWC) scholarship and the International Leader of Tomorrow scholarship. The UWC scholarship allowed Njamba to leave the refugee camp and attend a world-class International Baccalaureate program. The International Leader of Tomorrow scholarship provided Njamba with the opportunity to come to Canada and study at UBC in Vancouver.
Njamba credits his creativity to his refugee experience. He states “The refugee experience has been the primary inspiration of my artistic practice. Writing and Music are and have been the main outlets through which I process my emotions.” Not only does Njamba express himself through storytelling but also through music. He has also spoken on multiple stages and at times performed songs that have roots in his culture, country and region in Africa.
There is no doubt that the journey of a refugee artist is difficult, however, Njamba focuses on the light at the end of the tunnel. In his words, “If you are a refugee, you have to keep hope; to believe in yourself. You have to know that your resilience and strength know no bounds. You have been through a lot, but the worst of circumstances have passed. From where you are right now, it only gets better. It’s just a matter of time before you ascend to the very apex of your destiny.”
Koffi’s book is available for purchase on Amazon.