Brussels Podcast Helps African Youth Fight Online Hate

When rapper Youssoupha took the stage in Brussels, he didn't sugarcoat the reality of online hate. But he offered young Africans something more powerful: a reason to focus on what builds them up instead of what tears them down.

The legendary Congolese-French rapper joined content creators and media professionals at L'Horloge du Sud for a live recording of "Laissons Parler les Gens" (Let People Speak), an Ivorian podcast that uses humor and storytelling to tackle issues facing young Africans online. The June 2026 event was part of the Kouman x Brussels initiative, bringing together voices from across the African diaspora.

Youssoupha's message cut through the noise. "The hard times will always be there, no matter the generation," he told the crowd. "If we settle for just the hard part, we won't move forward. We're going to move forward with the people who encourage us, the resources, the talents, and the strengths."

Digital creator Vanessa Caixeiro, who hosts "Les Confessions de Vanessa," brought raw honesty about navigating online spaces. "Social media is like a double-edged sword: it can either make you or break you," she said. She encouraged young people to anchor their self-worth in something deeper than likes and comments.

Comedian Sacko Camara offered a powerful reframe for handling trolls. "When people attack you online, they're not attacking who you really are; they're attacking the image they've built up of you," he explained. Understanding that distinction, he said, strips online hate of its power.

The gathering wasn't just talk. Workshops brought together researchers and institutional actors to explore how digital platforms can better connect with younger audiences and combat harmful content. Participants discussed podcast episodes covering everything from AI-generated misinformation to mental health and gender-based violence.

The Ripple Effect

Marta Rodriguez Martinez, co-founder of Istorias Media, which produces the podcast, sees these conversations as catalysts for real change. "We're coming out of this event with a great deal of hope and many opportunities for social cohesion," she said.

Congolese actress Blessing Ngoy captured the spirit of the gathering. "Our generations are trying to implement solutions that ensure we want to heal a society that has suffered in the past, while telling ourselves that it's possible to stay together, to live together," she said. "I think we should rely on these young people and give them a little more trust."

The podcast's approach matters because the problem is real. A 2019 UNICEF poll found that 34% of young people in sub-Saharan Africa experienced online bullying. But instead of just naming the problem, "Laissons Parler les Gens" is creating space for solutions, one conversation at a time.

Young Africans are finding their voices, building community, and proving that the internet can be a place where they rise together.