Working the streets

Inacountry with 50% unemployment, locals do what they can to make a living.

- 

Standing in a makeshift salon on the side of a dusty backstreet in the Democratic Republic of Congo capital Kinshasa, Papy Kalume pulled a fresh razor out of his bag.

The 47-year-old barber placed the "Gillette" – as it is commonly called by street hairdressers in the city – against the back of a customer's head and began to shave.

Kalume is one of thousands trying to make ends meet with an off-the-books job in a country which, according to official figures, has nearly 50% unemployment.

It only took him a few minutes for him to finish.

But Kalume, like many street barbers, has spent years perfecting his technique on neighbourhood children and relatives.

"You have to master the blade to style hair well," Kalume said. "The Gillette can easily injure someone."

Brushing any stray hairs from around the customer's neck and shoulders, he finished the cut.