Bismack Biyombo's Past and Present in the Congo

Bismack Biyombo has a deep connection to the Democratic Republic of Congo. He left his country at the age of 16 in order to enter the murky world of professional basketball and fell victim to the exploitation that befalls young kids that don't know better.
Growing up in a country rich in natural resources where millions live in extreme poverty, he's turned his focus to building resources in the DRC that will allow its citizens to build wealth without being exploited by foreign influences. His focus on youth programs and empowerment in Goma brought us see the basketball infrastructure that he's built countrywide.
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[@itr0863]

i notice a more humility with the overseas NBA players. it's not surprising.

[@ldk8]

No joke, a lot of NBA players come from the "hood" but THIS is the real poverty that we don't see very often.

[@itr0863]

amen brother. special place for athletes like this who dedicated their time and MONEY to good causes.

[@angelaanaconda55]

Brandon Martin no, its because in Africa people are humble and appreciative of the little things they have. Kids who grow up in the hood are angry and brainwashed to think their life will be better when they can afford the chains and cool cars.

[@EmileSenga]

I think you mean Low Expectations? You don't have much, you expect less from life. Low Standards is something totally diff.

[@christianjames9667]

Have you been to Chicago, Detroit, or Baltimore? I've been to Africa numerous times and when I went and saw the living conditions of some of these kids in those Baltimore ghettos it's just as bad.

[@jasonchong980]

BIYOMBO IS MY FATHER.

[@undefeatedandundisputedcha3773]

Jason Chong he needs to come back to Toronto :(

[@joereeve2569]

Just for a visit tho right? We have the OG Congo man now

[@bradye4974]

no he isnt

[@Datsdarren]

Bigger than basketball... you got a new fan Mr.Biyombo

[@Kofi.86]

this is true example when u r determine and work hard u will be successful.never give up.

[@clemchammer8816]

i dont know how many people like him doing that but end up worse :-/ he got lucky af but he seems humble

[@noahdejesus5601]

prince Wilkie And also be 6'9"

[@humzahhassan4521]

Noah DeJesus being 6'9 definitely helps

[@greenchef6]

Yeah..and growing to 6'9. As long as you're 6'9 and you work hard you can make the NBA. Not a lot of hope for the average person.

[@InFocusMIAKr3w]

He 6'9 and still trash lmao, height doesn't matter.

[@cesargonzales7234]

Shout out to Bismack for this. Before him, players like Hakeem and Dikembe would go back their home countries during the off season to do the same as Bismack is doing now. I love shit like.

[@spunkhead]

Cesar Gonzales yup, guys who give back are fucking awesome.. RIP Manute Bol...

[@fraby811]

now this is a powerful piece

[@zyxwut321]

I know several African immigrants and they are the hardest working most humble and disciplined people you'll ever find. They're family and faith centered and their kids work their ass off in school, especially math, science and engineering. They tend to be fearless early technology adopters and have boundless optimism for their future and are endlessly grateful to be in the West, especially in the United States. In the next generation African immigrants will be the next Asians. Tiger moms will be replaced by Lion Moms. :)

[@safilynn1563]

zyxwut321 Thanks

[@lostcompass]

Lion moms, I love that

[@EricLeePiano]

true that

[@garylin406]

Isn't serge ibaka from Congo too

[@melize7035]

Yes, I think he's from both Congos Brazaville and Kinshasa. His mother played for the DRC basketball team but then again she could also be from Brazaville. Either way, we love them the same

[@sunnyallegra]

His from both Congos. His mom is from Congo Kinshasa, and his father is from Congo Brazzaville. He was born and grew up in Brazzaville, his documentary was also filmed in Brazzaville. It is called " Son of Congo " in case you want to watch it. But like this sister said 🙂 we love them both. 🇨🇩❤🇨🇬

[@elliotkim2349]

from the republic of congo, bismack is from the democratic republic

[@youngslim8542]

Dj mbenga too

[@samyttv5085]

If u understand French smack that like button for yo boy

[@samyttv5085]

Karl Mondonedo ikr

[@kevon5397]

French is his native language idiots.

[@christopheralvarez517]

Karl Mondonedo French people aren't the only people who speak French dumbass

[@originalsal2141]

Kevon he also speaks Swahili, Lingala and Spanish. African people are really good with languages. My parents tought me 3 (Swahili, French and English) but my dads from the same area and knows 5 or 6.

[@samyttv5085]

Original Sal that's cool

[@CpttCanada]

You're the man Bismack, Toronto will always love you buddy.

[@randymarsh7049]

CptCanada you're not my buddy, guy

[@jhaymonroe4706]

I Have rabies your not my guy, pal

[@vicente1995]

Jhay Monroe You're not my pal, friend

[@Illmatic662]

You're not my friend, dude

[@duanejohn7059]

CptCanada for real he played hard for us men

[@nickdoan1012]

dang bismack's english got much better

[@xtremeexau11x]

Any other Congolese people here? ✋

[@amarimbumba6338]

XtremeExau11x on existe😂😂

[@OnTheGoWithNgongo]

XtremeExau11x We here

[@richymoutondo9042]

tozali!

[@Dougingu]

what song is 11:16

[@0070-y1c]

Fuse ODG - Antenna

[@GeorgesOpinion]

Respect to this man.

[@John-wb1ny]

shout out to melo for sharing stories of how athletes positively affect their communities. A lot of friends and family who don't enjoy sports complain about how much athletes get paid, this is a great documentary to show the humility and the hard work ethic successful athletes have

[@MrCanadianplayer]

Very nice! a point brought up by another person was that foreign players have more class and humility.. which is definitely true. Bismack is a class act on and off the court.. and you see that a good portion of what he makes goes back to Congo! amazing person! wish him all the best great video vice!

[@amarimbumba6338]

As a kid who comes from Congolese immigrants and is now playing in high school I relate to this like shit it's good to hear French and that kinda shit makes me miss the Congo, even tho the situation was kinda ass lmao

[@jamesson7976]

I am a 5"11 13 year old kid congolese to but nga wandakat na hollande how did you get to high school because i really want to go to america to play basketball do you have instagram or something

[@twibute1512]

Fuck I love Biyombo but I cant imagine his career being too successfull in Orlando. Wish he never had to leave the Raptors

[@TheSuperRayRay1]

Respect for biyombo

[@guntherdubastard8902]

7:39 That girl got game

[@Greekxmalaka]

I was at a Toronto fc game and he was there.. the whole city was cheering for him. 2 days later he left lol

[@originalsal2141]

Greekxmalaka Congolese impact in Toronto is actually a thing. Chris Mavinga MLS champ, Serge Ibaka playing hard, Myck Kabongo the former high school star....

[@clarenceseedorf8084]

the girl with the cornrows is gorgeous mashallah

[@greatestever8825]

clarence seedorf what does that mean?

[@DoubleA73]

Zuriel Ioasa It's just a term used when giving praise

[@Scottsdaleofficesteve]

Also damn good at ball

[@jeffreymeeks6035]

Speak good or be quiet. You should keep that to yourself

[@srkn5721]

Jeffrey Meeks It’s the KZbin comment section. You should expect to see bad things.

[@namewhat122]

Our skin is beautiful

[@jahbless4ever]

Extremely beautiful. It makes u look youthful n it's perfect for all types of climate, hot or cold. The power of melanin a natural absorber of energy, like a solar panel, converting UV radiation to Vitamin D and metabolic energy in the body. God I wish I was darker. Lol.

[@DeathPenguin1000]

Always have liked him but damn, I have a new level of respect for Bismack. Hope he keeps doing his thing.

[@roxabella10]

Congo is one of if not the richest country in the world. Don't get it twisted, all these western countries are to blame for how we are now...

[@joelee3917]

what the fuck are you talking about

[@giggs112008]

Testify....

[@sbakernyc5761]

"All of these" western countries are not to blame for Congos situation. Most of it is because of Belgium and France...there is also some blame that needs to be placed on corrupt Congolese politicians

[@jahbless4ever]

Pikachu exactly! Congo is full of natural resources. Colonialism, corruption in politics n greed played a role in stifling the people of Congo, but I trust God will bring a change to the country very soon. The people of Congo are a special group of people.

[@dax421]

slave trader you fool,before colonisation African countries were perfectly fine and had strong civilisations that’s why when slave trade began African countries willingly sold of slaves cause they knew what they were doing. It wasn’t until after the British empire started trying to take resources too that they got conquered and after the empire collapsed they had no idea what to do. Why? BECAUSE OF WESTERN COUNTRIES

[@gtnew]

Biyombo is up there with Tristan Thompson as the top rebounder in the NBA. Much respect to him for giving back to his community.

[@Sovereign237]

gabe newland Tristan Thompson is no where near one of the best rebounder in the NBA he was getting out rebounded by curry the entire finals

[@TheRealJuiceTv]

Ya steff out rebounded him ..

[@pedrosalazar6310]

Tristian Thompson can’t rebound for shit

[@malikmccauley458]

Props to Melo for directing this. Hope he does many more

[@leeboz6771]

Man, Much respect and love for Bismack and congo. Him and Ibaka should team up and aid Congo to the best of their abilities.

[@Thegoatt84]

Lee Boz they are actually from two different countries... DRC and Congo Brazzaville.

[@Kingelow1]

Bismack mwana mboka 👏🏿

[@ksalanpang]

this guy got passion in the league, always find to watch him

[@daimonperez5571]

When you get up reach down your hand and bring someone up too . That is Black Power.....

[@paulyorkman8764]

This guys got a huge heart on the court, hustles and busts his tail off every single play, especially last year in TO. Off the court, he's got the same attitude in bringing opportunities to people back home, good man!

[@A3W]

biyombo - kendrick lamar

[@Gigahertzzz]

I got to meet Biz a couple of years ago, he's a really down to earth guy and very respected. I respect him even more for what he's doing in his country.

[@xwers1234]

Love from Toronto, keep being a great person, #WeTheNorth

[@RedBearonFire]

Toronto wants you back!!

[@willneverstop]

that african bounce is real

[@sever427]

On god

[@TheBrandon9009]

That Kyle Lowry reference tho😂😂😂

[@hueyfreeman4922]

These guys and girls from CONGO are NICE. I also didn't know that the Congolese speak French

[@roxabella10]

Kevan Mageean yes it's one of our four official languages

[@Jack-hx3qv]

Hopefully he get's out of that contract with that agent

[@ecclairmayo4153]

These players from the Congo are gorgeous!

[@Skobie1kanobie]

could they give him a smaller chair? coliseum video though, much respect

[@itr0863]

haha i had to look back in the vid, little stool.

[@romanoonamor7690]

Damn I remember watching the documentary made by a french media about Evan Fournier's Hoop Summit 2011, and in the training footage seeing that center with long arms and athleticism, and trying to look for his name, which was Biyombo. Feels weird seeing him in the NBA now!

[@fuzzylogiceire]

Those kids at the end had great athleticism.

[@kevinyt9783]

Great story. Melo should retire from basketball and spend more time on great videos like this.

[@Tabbitt]

Miss Bismack in Toronto 😰

[@tryhardtrollsen5771]

lots of respect.....

[@mohammedraheef1415]

If you saw serge's documentary than like this one too

[@bilalksidd]

Fan favorite in Canada. #WeTheNorth

[@bwen18]

5:16 Bismack's sponsor, Jordan, probably won't be happy seeing this!

[@hezekiahwilliams7293]

wow great story and good work its always good to give back

[@joaopedrotoledo6550]

I love african french,for me its so much easier to understand they speak more slowly

[@amaanreer5311]

We miss you on the raptors.

[@FadeHook23]

where's mudiay?

[@TriggaPapi24]

Kalop Spring more like serge ibaka mudiay was raised in texas

[@deafsomali]

Was he born in Congo right ?

[@elvisamin]

Amir Boykin Yeah he was born in Congo

[@biznatchHo]

Ibaka has his own 5 part series. I forget the name though.

[@TriggaPapi24]

mattymattyC son of congo

[@kwii22789]

Carmelo Anthony was an executive producer on this? :o

[@aaronstringer3242]

I saw that too lol. ...?

[@Sixtus62]

qdp612 I don't think it's just this particular video, but for vice sports.

[@edwardeddie2739]

As a Congolese kid who has never been to Congo and grew up in different countries and now live in United States I'm proud of what you're doing and respect bro I just keep it up

[@kromezer28]

Mad respect to Bismack I hope others can learn from him and give back to 3rd world countries in the future

[@henben4746]

Carmelo is a great person. The image people of have of him should change , he always show love to others and enjoy it.

[@eduardosimao9818]

Thank you bismack what u do for to our country! 🙏🏾

[@RickSuaz]

this guy is moving his people towards, this man has a golden soul.

[@Jake-ku1rw]

That dunk contest at the end was 10x better than the NBA one this year

[@jinglejoe502]

Shout out to Melo for the production. This is some quality stuff man. I didn't know Biyombo and Ibaka share similar background but Biz is a class act for this

[@volgg]

I highly respect Bismack and Serge because of their status and wealth they got from NBA, they always try to give back and try their best to make things better in their home country.

[@hugo0295]

How can everyone have the same motorcycle?!

[@abadullah9422]

So nobody saw the kid flick off the camera at 0:13

[@abrahamrosas1997]

Bismack gonna become a champion this year Let's Go Phoenix suns

[@richgang8792]

blocked tf outta lebron

[@jmc3461]

This man Is a Saint

[@yveteauauguste4249]

Radiocarakbefm 94'5

[@urunclebwn]

Anyone know what the song is at the very end?

[@okfresh7032]

he speaks French?

[@duncansiror5033]

ok fresh Many African countries were colonized by France.

[@GrosPointRouge]

ok fresh The DRC was actually a Belgian colony.

[@originalsal2141]

Can't wait to go see and invest in eastern Congo myself. 😊

[@mutombemutombe3306]

Original Sal 🇨🇩

[@MegaKhas]

Damn he's very well spoken thought he would have broken English

[@duncansiror5033]

MegaKhas Lol, why assume that?

[@MegaKhas]

Duncan Siror My ignorance, I thought since the national language is French his English wouldn't be as good.

[@uncokee]

Africa is probably the most multicultural as so many countries colonized different african countries. don't think it's surprising that they learn 2-3 languages

[@duncansiror5033]

uncokee My parents are fluent in English, Swahili, and Kalenjin (tribal language).

[@marginelouis6674]

kenyan? I hear kalenjin are good runners

[@samelmudir]

dad. come back home.

[@WhoTheHeIlCares]

Much respect to this guy! You never think about their backgrounds when you just watch them play on the court. Great Video!

[@glodyngeyitala7486]

My Country of born 🇨🇩🇨🇩🇨🇩🇺🇲🕊️🙏🏻

[@theserbianguy2909]

Y tf is Kawhi Leonard in Biyombo school

[@jellyfish4913]

Hey, it's the chorus for Kendrick's new song.

[@MichaelCobbs]

Bismack Biyombo is the future.

[@jgp7414]

be humble

[@bigA-cy3he]

We know the Congo is beautiful that's why the French Colonized it

[@jey524]

BigA 5500 belgian*

[@arravYT]

he look like kamaru usman

[@fawn6]

Bismack, you seem like a great person.

[@conducttracks]

1,000 thumbs up!

[@gschranze]

Sit down, Biyombo

[@francoisnivet1233]

That's exactly what I understood from the song too :D

[@shaynehouslin2584]

etiquett3 lmao I thought I was the only one that thought it sounded like that

[@francoisnivet1233]

Your not alone then !

[@dlcapone]

😂😂😂😂

[@mrkj-py4br]

hahahahah k. lamar biyombo:)

[@bferg99]

This The clubhouse series is beautiful

[@1DayWarranty]

seems like a great dude

[@P3S0UPT0WN-DA0AK]

❤️🇨🇩

[@እምየኢትዮቤቴ]

I am from Ethiopia. I am so proud of you my brother❤ how you change life in your country is speechless may God bless you and I know you’ll do more and I know you’ll go all over Africa change the world. We appreciate you💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍👍👍🏿👍🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@wubrian4757]

poor congo chik with iphone 6

[@yungdeleuze4658]

Respect

[@dukelewis6341]

You want basketball to take off.....you don’t need all the organize crap. Build parks with hoops and let them play. Trust me they will figure it out. In Harlem in 60, 70, 80s the best players came from the playground.

[@rosalvavazquez5901]

This man has a beautiful soul.

[@lionprince7226]

Na sepeli; bazo beta on dirait ba beta ka na poto. Un point Bismack, moina ya moisi ya teint clair na tresse a kokende mousika ezo monana.

[@edr.2642]

So the speak french in Congo??? Damn

[@roxabella10]

Mr Ed yes, it's one of the four official languages

[@icecreamforcrowhurst]

6 pts 6 reb a game? $72,000,000? That's some incredible math Orlando

[@bryanzamora8861]

Dont know what to say besides even hell has a silver lining. The Congo is a true shithole, however people make due. However, with that new 17 mil salary, im pretty sure you can purchase entire city blocks worth of properties, etc. The level of rampant corruption is depressing.

[@originalsal2141]

Ultimately we’re going to have to build our own country and having this mindset is what will enable us to become the biggest and baddest in Africa. Quality of quantity but we really have both.

[@GARDO-gk4ki]

respect

[@Kabaselefh]

I have much respect for this brother, he stayed close to his roots

[@pepebrown35]

Great Biyombo! Congratulation about your Job. The true Warrior!

[@Dougingu]

what song is that 11:16