A 15-year-old Nigerian boy has received a scholarship to study Civil Engineering after building a cardboard replica of the stadium.
In the vast and ever-evolving world of social media, a heartwarming tale emerged in 2020, captivating the hearts of football fans and architecture enthusiasts alike. It’s the remarkable story of Jorkiam Samba Mampuya, lovingly known as Djodjo, a teenage boy with a dream of becoming one of the world’s most renowned architects.
Djodjo, hailing from Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is making waves on social media with his extraordinary talent for crafting miniature models of iconic football stadiums from around the globe, including his homeland.
This young teenager aspires to join the ranks of the best architects on the planet, and his journey is already an awe-inspiring one. Djodjo’s creations include miniaturized versions of legendary stadiums like Santiago Bernabéu, Camp Nou, and Tata Raphael Stadium in Kinshasa, to name just a few.
Djodjo’s passion for constructing these intricate stadium models is truly astonishing. Armed with only cardboard, magazine paper, glue, and paint, he manages to recreate these grand structures with meticulous attention to detail.
Surprisingly, Djodjo doesn’t consider himself a football enthusiast, but rather a devoted creator of stadium models. He candidly admits, “I don’t like football, but I like making stadium models.” His motivation is rooted in the joy he finds in bringing these sporting arenas to life.
What propelled Djodjo to internet stardom was his rendition of the Martyrs Stadium in the Congolese capital. “I started with small stadiums, until I reached this scale,” he shared in an interview, showcasing his dedication to perfecting his craft.
Despite his budding talent, Djodjo is just a teenager, the eldest of five siblings. He acknowledges that he devotes more time to meticulously perfecting his stadium models than playing football. His creations are a testament to his artistic passion and remarkable commitment.
Djodjo envisions leaving a lasting legacy. He aspires to be remembered as the Congolese architect who achieved remarkable feats. Despite the daunting challenges he faces, living in a country with one of the world’s lowest Human Development Index (HDI) scores, he remains resolute in his dream.
“I want the world to know me and consider me one of the famous architects of this world… the Congolese who created great works,” Djodjo expresses his aspiration with unwavering determination.
As Djodjo’s story continues to capture the imagination of those who discover it, he exemplifies the incredible potential that can be found in the most unexpected of places. His journey serves as a heartwarming reminder that dreams can flourish under even the most challenging circumstances, and that the world is always ready to embrace talent and passion when it shines brightly. Djodjo’s dream of becoming a renowned architect may very well be within his reach, and his journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, creativity, and the indomitable spirit of youth.
