Michel Kuka Mboladinga, aka Lumumba VEA: From Silent Supporter to National Icon
A key figure in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Michel Kuka Mboladinga, known as Lumumba VEA, is on a spectacular rise. His fame, gained in such an original and impressive way, is opening new doors for him. The former Congolese baker has just reached a major milestone by signing a prestigious partnership with mobile giant TECNO.
Recent reports reveal that Lumumba VEA has signed an advertising contract worth 100 million Congolese francs, about $50,000. He becomes the new face of the TECNO CAMON 50 smartphone in his country.
From Anonymity to Popular Phenomenon at the AFCON
During the 2025 AFCON, Michel Kuka Mboladinga captured the attention of viewers and internet users with his unique demeanor. At every match of the Leopards, the AS Vita Club supporter stood still in the stands, arm raised, striking a pose reminiscent of Patrice Lumumba.
This silent presence, almost mystical, quickly transcended mere folklore. Going viral on social media, Lumumba VEA became a true popular mascot of the tournament, embodying passion, national pride, and historical memory.
His aura did not go unnoticed by Moroccan authorities. Invited to the final and publicly honored, Michel Kuka Mboladinga received a powerful symbolic gesture: a legendary jersey of the Zaire Leopards from 1974, presented by the Moroccan ambassador to the DRC, further solidifying his status among the Congolese public.
TECNO, a Strategic Choice for Lumumba VEA
The deal with TECNO is particularly significant in the DRC, where the Chinese brand dominates the smartphone market. By partnering with this social phenomenon, the company is betting on a popular, authentic figure deeply rooted in the collective imagination.
For Michel Kuka Mboladinga, this collaboration illustrates a meteoric rise. From simple supporter to national icon, the “statue supporter” shows that beyond the pitch, the AFCON can also change lives and create legends.
