Give Peace a Chance

Louis Armstrong receives a grand welcome in the Republic of Congo.
(Photo from the Louis Armstrong House Museum)

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Three months before Louis Armstrong arrived, civil war broke out in the Republic of the Congo—a war that would last five years and claim over 100,000 lives.
 
In the Autumn of 1960, however, the war was given a one-day intermission when Satchmo arrived for a concert, where over 175,000 people from both sides of the conflict attended.
 
He didn’t intend to interrupt the war. He was merely fulfilling a contract with Pepsi to promote the opening of new bottling plants in West Africa. But merely showing up was enough for the country to give peace a chance (and all that jazz).
 
“Man, they even declared peace in The Congo fighting the day I showed up,” Louis later remarked. “They all dig me and my horn!”[1]
 
African lore tells of a legend of Okuka Lokolé, a mystical being with powers to charm wild beasts with his music, inspiring musician Le Grand Kallé to compose these lyrics in response to Louis’ intermezzo: “They call you Satchmo, but to us you are Okuka Lokolé.”[2]
 
At the time, Louis’ talent was unrivaled by his contemporaries, even taking down The Beatles in 1964 when he ended their 14-week streak topping the charts with his number one hit “Hello, Dolly.”
 
Satchmo’s career spanned six decades—as a musician, actor, philanthropist, activist, and ambassador. And for one day in The Republic of Congo, as a peacemaker.
 
He didn’t even have to say a word—he let his horn do all the talking. And if we allow it, Louis Armstrong’s presence can still speak to us today, if we’re ready to listen:​
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Louis performs for children at the Tahhseen Al-Sahha Medical Center in Cairo, Egypt (1961)
(Photo from the Louis Armstrong House Museum)

Reflection
What’s your horn?
What is it saying to those around you?
What happens when you fulfill your contract by showing up as your authentic self?
 
Want More?
Jonas Cain, M.Ed. is a storyteller, magician, musician, and facilitator of fascination, helping people experience abiding joy by remembering who they are. Connect with Jonas today to discuss your challenges, goals, and obstacles.

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References
[1] Overby, J. (October 30). A moment in time: Louis Armstrong in Leopoldville.” West End Blog. www.louisarmstrongfellowsblog.wordpress.com/2017/10/30/a-moment-in-time-louis-armstrong-in-leopoldville/
​[2] "Satchmo blows up the world." (n.d.). Meridian. www.meridian.org/jazzambassadors/louis_armstrong/louis_armstrong.php