ZAIIRE: THE PRINCE OF KONGO 

Zaiire, the Prince of Kongo: The Necklace of Destiny is the story about a young man from Kinshasa who journeys into the heart of Africa to embrace his destiny as a warrior-king and protector of his people. An adventure story featuring vibrant African culture, blending royalty with the contemporary life. 

The story is part of a larger project called “Zaiire the Prince of Kongo”, an innovative brand that aims to redefine African stories through storytelling and animation. Created and written by King Kufulula, Glody Diangutukulu Kimaka, Renate Wafish, and Aris Aloko, it was published April 3, 2025.

Looking critically at the art, we notice a unique blend of Anglophone (American superhero) and Francophone (Franco-Belgian BD) styles. We discussed these in our 3-part commentary on the Ninth Art, particularly in NINTH ART 3- MANGA & THE AFRICAN PERSPECTIVE. Their characteristic approach to detailing is reminiscent of Herge’s famous ligne claire method. Definitely worth learning more about Zaiire and Isolele.

Here’s some enlightening information on the movement from the creator, H.R.M. King Kufulula. His Royal Majesty is the king of the Bapindi Tribe in Central Africa. He is a king/entrepreneur a.k.a. the Lion of Congo and was crowned at the age of 18. Exiled three times and facing homelessness in America, he eventually recovered and built a multimillion-dollar investment by the age of 22 and returned to Congo to help his people.

WHAT IS ZAIIRE ABOUT?

Zaiire- The Prince of Kongo: The Necklace of Destiny is the story of a superhero who was never meant to be one. A child of pain, turned chosen by destiny. It’s my story and the story of my people, the Bapindi (Bapende) tribe, woven into a powerful mythos of power, identity, and revolution.  

Zaiire is not just a hero. He is a symbol of what we lost and what we’re about to reclaim.

In writing Zaiire, I aim to bring attention to the Bapindi tribe in Congo, my country, and the whole continent of Africa. Attention to a community that is largely overlooked and forgotten, even by our government. Our rich cultural heritage risks fading away, but through this book, I strive to provide my people with a reflection of their identity. A reminder of our history and a renewed sense of hope. This work transcends the traditional boundaries of a comic. It represents a cultural resurrection, an effort to preserve and revitalize our legacy.

WHAT IS ISOLELE?

Isolele is a vibrant universe that showcases a diverse array of African superheroes, deeply rooted in authentic traditions, tribes, and locations. The name “Isolele” translates to “The Chosen Ones,” signifying that each character has been selected to be part of this remarkable narrative. This initiative represents not only a cultural movement but also encompasses a publishing company, as well as ventures in gaming, movie animation, and storytelling.

Children often speak of Isolele with a deep familiarity, able to guide others to its cities and share the profound connection they feel to the land and their ancestors. This place is steeped in rich Black mythology, featuring elements like Mami Wata’s enchanting underwater city and the mystical powers of the animal kingdom. All reimagined in a vibrant cultural narrative.

WHAT MAKES IT DIFFERENT FROM OTHER POPULAR COMIC UNIVERSES?

While Marvel and DC give you fiction. Isolele connects Africans to their own reality and stories. Zaiire presents characters that go beyond mere fantasy; they embody reflections of our culture, history, and aspirations for the future. This initiative is not only a fresh interpretation of black mythology but also represents a transformative vision for global superheroes.

“Under the cameras, I’m building a legacy. 10 million years from now, they will still talk about the impossible I did. I am the greatest African visionary of this era and this is only the beginning.”

What do you want readers to feel or take away after reading The Prince of Kongo?

The Prince of Kongo is a deep sense of pride, empowerment, and connection to African history. I wrote this story not just to entertain, but to awaken something in people to show that our history is rich, complex, and powerful. Too often, the narrative around Africa has been shaped by outsiders. With The Prince of Kongo, I wanted to reclaim that story and center it in truth, honor, and royalty.

It’s about remembering who we are, where we come from, and how much potential lies in our legacy. I want readers, especially young Black and African readers, to walk away feeling seen, inspired, and hungry to learn more about their roots.

Zaiire is just the beginning of something monumental.

I’m building an entire world around this story that’s unlike anything anyone’s ever seen before. The next chapter of the saga is coming, and it’s going to blow minds. I’m not just talking about more political intrigue or ancient power struggles. I’m talking about a deep dive into the spiritual realms, ancient wisdom, and untold secrets of the Kongo Kingdom that will make readers rethink everything they know about African history.

But it doesn’t stop there. I’m turning “Zaiire” into a multi-dimensional experience. There’s a groundbreaking video game in development, think GTA, but set in the heart of Kongo. Players will explore an open world environment where they can drive cars, ride horses, fly, and even use teleportation to navigate this vast, dynamic kingdom. Whether it’s racing through the jungle, engaging in epic battles, or discovering ancient secrets, the possibilities are limitless.

And that’s just the beginning! You can fight in the ring, playing your way through intense martial arts challenges, dominate on the soccer field. Or even show off your skills in the streets with dance battles that blend traditional and modern moves. The game isn’t just about survival. It’s about mastering the kingdom’s diverse cultures and tapping into the power of your surroundings. This isn’t just a game; it’s an experience that brings the world of Kongo to life like never before.

On top of that, the animated movie will bring this vision to the screen, combining breathtaking African art with cutting-edge animation techniques. It’s going to be a visual spectacle that redefines how we tell stories. One that showcases the grandeur of African civilizations and their untold stories in a way the world has never seen.

This is more than a book, more than a game, more than a movie. This is a movement. I’m not just creating a story, I’m reshaping how the world views African history, legacy, and culture. Prepare for something bold, immersive, and, frankly, unlike anything you’ve ever experienced before!