Issue # 08

A tool to decolonize the arts?

How Fela Kuti's I Go Shout Plenty inspired a new exhibition

Read now Aimie Eliot

Could NFTs be used as a tool to decolonize the arts?

While institutions continue to drag their feet over returning looted heritage to Africa, Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) are bringing art home, one digital scan at a time. Standing in front of the Benin bronzes in the British Museum room, Chidi Nwaubani uses a LIDAR scanner to scan the artefacts one by one. The scanner is an advanced scanning technology used to generate high resolution three-dimensional digital models, but Chidi is neither an archaeologist nor a restorer from the museum. Instead, the...While institutions continue to drag their feet over returning looted heritage to Africa, Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) are bringing art home, one digital scan at a time. Standing in front of the Benin bronzes in the British Museum room, Chidi Nwaubani uses a LIDAR scanner to scan the...ArtsMukudzei Madenyika

Zimbabwe | Losing human gold

Inside the Brain Drain Destroying Zimbabwe's Health System After Zimbabwe reached independence in 1980 the state introduced free health care for citizens, with new clinics and immunisation available countrywide. But then training of doctors and upkeep of hospitals stalled, and three decades of neoliberal reforms and widespread corruption, in concert with sanctions targeting the ruling ZANU-PF party, have left the health system ravaged. Now many medical workers are voting with their feet. Zimbabwe’s...Inside the Brain Drain Destroying Zimbabwe's Health System After Zimbabwe reached independence in 1980 the state introduced free health care for citizens, with new clinics and immunisation available countrywide. But then training of doctors and upkeep of hospitals stalled, and three...InvestigationsZAM Reporter

03.08.22 – 01.10.22, Lagos | ‘I Go Shout Plenty’

Inspired by Fela Kuti, 31 artists from 11 countries explore the power of art as a transmitter for social change. ‘Our histories never unfold in isolation. We cannot truly tell what we consider to be our own histories without knowing the other stories. And often we discover that those other stories are actually our own stories.’ These words, by African-American activist and academic Angela Davis, accompany a statement by Princess Ayoola and Jana Terblanche, the curators of a new group exhibition...Inspired by Fela Kuti, 31 artists from 11 countries explore the power of art as a transmitter for social change. ‘Our histories never unfold in isolation. We cannot truly tell what we consider to be our own histories without knowing the other stories. And often we discover that...ArtsEstacio Valoi

Mozambique | The squandered taxes of Montepuez

When British mining outfit Gemfields Group Ltd launched a local partnership in Northern Mozambique, hopes were high that the taxes earned from this new company’s operations would help a historically disadvantaged region to develop. Several years down the road, amid a series of broken promises, hope is waning. But what went wrong? How millions of dollars don’t end the misery on the ruby fields. "We could say that there was an error," says Vicente Chicote, the police commissioner of Mozambique’s...When British mining outfit Gemfields Group Ltd launched a local partnership in Northern Mozambique, hopes were high that the taxes earned from this new company’s operations would help a historically disadvantaged region to develop. Several years down the road, amid a series of...InvestigationsSeth Onyango, bird story agency

New inspiring building designs in Africa

Thanks to the growing economies and population of Africa, the needs of the continent's built environment are offering architects a unique opportunity to influence how the cities of the future look and feel. Here are some examples of a new wave of inspiring African architects and architecture. When Diébédo Francis Kéré was handed the Pritzker Prize on May 27, the moment was of far more significance than an African-born architect winning the world's most prestigious architecture prize for the first...Thanks to the growing economies and population of Africa, the needs of the continent's built environment are offering architects a unique opportunity to influence how the cities of the future look and feel. Here are some examples of a new wave of inspiring African architects and...ArtsAlexander Tempel

Sindiso Nyoni at Afrovibes | ‘The busy streets of Johannesburg, a uniquely African aesthetic.’

As a collaboration between Afrovibes & ZAM, the upcoming Afrovibes Festival will host an exhibition with the works of artist and designer Sindiso Nyoni. Nyoni is a self-taught Zimbabwean artist who also works as a contemporary illustrator, activist, street artist, and multidisciplinary graphic designer. He has collaborated on projects that have won two Cannes Lions Awards. His work has been exhibited in the Guggenheim Bilbao, The Vitra Design Museum, The Museum of Modern Art in Mexico City and...As a collaboration between Afrovibes & ZAM, the upcoming Afrovibes Festival will host an exhibition with the works of artist and designer Sindiso Nyoni. Nyoni is a self-taught Zimbabwean artist who also works as a contemporary illustrator, activist, street artist, and...ArtsZAM Reporter

03.09.22 – 04.12.22, The Hague | Moshekwa Langa, Omweg/Detour

In his first solo exhibition in the Netherlands, artist Moshekwa Langa (1975, South Africa) turns his eyes towards the county of his birth, and especially to his hometown of Bakenberg in Limpopo province, which did not appear on official maps during the apartheid era. Langa makes drawings, collages, photographs, paintings, videos and installations. His personal history is a common thread in all his work. He grew up in South Africa in the era of apartheid – the system of racial separation that...In his first solo exhibition in the Netherlands, artist Moshekwa Langa (1975, South Africa) turns his eyes towards the county of his birth, and especially to his hometown of Bakenberg in Limpopo province, which did not appear on official maps during the apartheid era. Langa makes...ArtsZAM Reporter

Video | Until 30.09.22, Saint Raphaël, France | Excodes, Algeria

85 artists participate in a city-wide exhibition in Saint-Raphaël in France celebrating the 60th anniversary of Algerian independence. To celebrate the 60 years of the Evian Accords and the Independence of Algeria, eight historic buildings in the city of Saint-Raphaël, France, has been chosen by Simone Dibo-Cohen, directrice of UMAN in Nice. The city gave Dibo-Cohen carte blanche to display works by 85 artists of all ages and from all over the world, united under the theme of “Exodes”. The result...85 artists participate in a city-wide exhibition in Saint-Raphaël in France celebrating the 60th anniversary of Algerian independence. To celebrate the 60 years of the Evian Accords and the Independence of Algeria, eight historic buildings in the city of Saint-Raphaël, France, has...ArtsMartha Evans

Lilian Ngoyi - an heroic South African woman whose story hasn’t been fully told

Despite her key role in the struggle against apartheid in South Africa, details about Lilian Ngoyi’s life remain sparse. The short paragraphs on her legacy repeat a few well-worn phrases. South Africa’s “mother of the black resistance”, a widow and rumoured lover of Nelson Mandela, and the first woman member of the national executive committee – the core leadership of the African National Congress (ANC), the resistance movement that would later become the government of a democratic South Africa....Despite her key role in the struggle against apartheid in South Africa, details about Lilian Ngoyi’s life remain sparse. The short paragraphs on her legacy repeat a few well-worn phrases. South Africa’s “mother of the black resistance”, a widow and rumoured lover of Nelson Mandela,...Politics & OpinionZAM Reporter

Call for applications | Cinema without Borders comes to Horn and East of Africa

Movies that Matter’s Cinema without Borders new edition will take place from 28 November – 1 December, 2022 in Nairobi, Kenya. This multi-day interactive workshop programme for film festival organisers aims to strengthen new human rights film festivals and enhance the sustainability of existing festivals. In addition to connecting with like-minded festivals, sharing ideas and building new networks, participants get inspired and assisted. Deadline for applications : Sunday 11 September at midnight...Movies that Matter’s Cinema without Borders new edition will take place from 28 November – 1 December, 2022 in Nairobi, Kenya. This multi-day interactive workshop programme for film festival organisers aims to strengthen new human rights film festivals and enhance the sustainability...ArtsBart Luirink

Studio ZAM | People can create without making the boss happy

The new South African director of the Prince Claus Fund wants to create a self-sustaining ecosystem of the arts. Coming from a musical family of 21 and growing up with his mother at his granny’s place in Mamelodi, Pretoria, Marcus Tebogo Desando was not encouraged to be a quiet child. “The quieter you are, the more they forget you’re there.” So, you have to fight for your own space, which is what he did. Enter the school choir, then the church choir. Desando would eventually become a professional...The new South African director of the Prince Claus Fund wants to create a self-sustaining ecosystem of the arts. Coming from a musical family of 21 and growing up with his mother at his granny’s place in Mamelodi, Pretoria, Marcus Tebogo Desando was not encouraged to be a quiet...ArtsPanashe Chigumadzi

Can white South Africa live up to Ubuntu, the African philosophy Tutu globalised?

Just as Black people have been dispossessed of their land, Ubuntu has been dispossessed of its deeply radical demands for ethical historical and social relations among people, Panashe Chigumadzi argues. Under a 1986 newsletter headline, ‘Ubuntu, Abantu, Abelungu’, Black Sash, the anti-apartheid organisation founded as the vanguard of white liberal women’s opposition in South Africa, reported surprising findings from a white fieldworker in their programme against forced land removals – Black people...Just as Black people have been dispossessed of their land, Ubuntu has been dispossessed of its deeply radical demands for ethical historical and social relations among people, Panashe Chigumadzi argues. Under a 1986 newsletter headline, ‘Ubuntu, Abantu, Abelungu’, Black Sash, the...Politics & OpinionAnna Kućma

North Korean sculptures shaping the African horizon | Interview with Che Onejoon

In recent decades North Korean-made monuments have been unveiled in many African countries, honouring independence leaders and celebrating an African Renaissance. The South Korean photographer and filmmaker Che Onejoon has been documenting the monuments and the histories around them, their cultural significance and the relationships that they symbolize between two continents. The outcomes of his long-term exploration were recently published in a book titled International Friendship. The Gifts from...In recent decades North Korean-made monuments have been unveiled in many African countries, honouring independence leaders and celebrating an African Renaissance. The South Korean photographer and filmmaker Che Onejoon has been documenting the monuments and the histories around...ArtsJosephine Chinele

Malawi | Punished for not being corrupt

Not every civil servant in Malawi is corrupt- many just want to do their job and be paid. But rot within Malawi’s state systems makes honesty very difficult. How ‘the cartels’ protect their grip on power. As a van with ‘Central Medical Stores’ written on its side in bold text arrives at the health centre in Nsanje, the southernmost district in Malawi, residents quickly surround it. They are surprised, because actual deliveries of health supplies to the area are a rarity. But disappointment quickly...Not every civil servant in Malawi is corrupt- many just want to do their job and be paid. But rot within Malawi’s state systems makes honesty very difficult. How ‘the cartels’ protect their grip on power. As a van with ‘Central Medical Stores’ written on its side in bold text...InvestigationsBettie Johnson-Mbayo

Liberia | Ongoing Persecution of a colleague and her partner by a Liberian MP

Award-winning Liberian journalist and ZAM network reporter Bettie Johnson-Mbayo and her husband Dr Moses Mbayo were recently assaulted by a group of men working for Marvin Cole, a Representative in the Liberian government. The attack was a punishment for parking their vehicle near his driveway. The couple and four friends had still been inside the car on the roadside at the time, on their way to pay their respects to a local family who had suffered a bereavement. But rather than take action against...Award-winning Liberian journalist and ZAM network reporter Bettie Johnson-Mbayo and her husband Dr Moses Mbayo were recently assaulted by a group of men working for Marvin Cole, a Representative in the Liberian government. The attack was a punishment for parking their vehicle near...InvestigationsDaniel Steyn/GroundUp

South Africa | Restoring Cape Town University’s burnt archives will take years

After the flames that gutted the Jagger Library at the University of Cape Town (UCT) on 18 April 2021 were finally extinguished, the archives were thought to be lost. The Reading Room, where researchers could study some of the rare African books available from the short-loans desk, had been completely destroyed. It was a devastating loss of archival material, much of it irreplaceable. But in the days after the fire, the basements that housed the archives and parts of the African Studies collection...After the flames that gutted the Jagger Library at the University of Cape Town (UCT) on 18 April 2021 were finally extinguished, the archives were thought to be lost. The Reading Room, where researchers could study some of the rare African books available from the short-loans desk,...Politics & OpinionEyerusaleam Kassahun, Steven W. Thomas

Ethiopia | How we tell the story of African film history

For most outsiders, modern Ethiopian cinema means Haile Gerima and Salem Mekuria. But others, in addition to these, made its rich cinema history. In December 2019, film connoisseurs in Ethiopia received a rare treat when the Addis Ababa Cinema Houses Administration Enterprise arranged a festival to showcase some of the classic Ethiopian movies made between 1964 and 1992. These films had been largely inaccessible to filmgoers, filmmakers, instructors, and students, for decades. The last time any of...For most outsiders, modern Ethiopian cinema means Haile Gerima and Salem Mekuria. But others, in addition to these, made its rich cinema history. In December 2019, film connoisseurs in Ethiopia received a rare treat when the Addis Ababa Cinema Houses Administration Enterprise...ArtsZAM Reporter

Studio ZAM | In conversation with Marcus Tebogo Desando

Studio ZAM hosted Marcus Tebogo Desando, the newly appointed director of the Prince Claus Fund, on June 30th 2022. The programme was moderated by Augustina Austin aka Ms. Aba. You can watch the conversation again here :Studio ZAM hosted Marcus Tebogo Desando, the newly appointed director of the Prince Claus Fund, on June 30th 2022. The programme was moderated by Augustina Austin aka Ms. Aba. You can watch the conversation again here :ArtsAnna Kućma

CAP Prize 2022 | Female African photographers dominate this year’s edition of the prestigious award

This year marks my fourth time serving as a member of the panel judging the annual Contemporary African Photography (CAP) Prize. Every year it offers my fellow jurors and I a unique opportunity to engage with a dazzling array of photography from and about the continent, spanning all styles and disciplines. But the judging structure is designed in such a way - we submit our ratings privately and they are totalled up - that even the judges do not know the final winners until they are announced. This...This year marks my fourth time serving as a member of the panel judging the annual Contemporary African Photography (CAP) Prize. Every year it offers my fellow jurors and I a unique opportunity to engage with a dazzling array of photography from and about the continent, spanning all...ArtsZAM Reporter

Podcast | Black Afrikaans

Hosted by Musawenkosi Cabe, Radio New Frame unearths the roots of Afrikaans - once the ‘language of the White oppressor’ - and focuses on contemporary Black Afrikaans. The programme also tackles the misconception that Nelson Mandela rejected the use of violence in the struggle against Apartheid. A new book reconstructs his role as commander-in-chief of Umkhonto weSizwe and its war against Africa’s strongest army. Listen here. New Frame is one of our favourite not-for-profit social justice media...Hosted by Musawenkosi Cabe, Radio New Frame unearths the roots of Afrikaans - once the ‘language of the White oppressor’ - and focuses on contemporary Black Afrikaans. The programme also tackles the misconception that Nelson Mandela rejected the use of violence in the struggle...Politics & OpinionZAM Reporter

Cinedans Fest 2022 | Black Dance Matters

After a two-year hiatus, the Amsterdam Cinedans Festival returns with a very special edition. Opening on June 22, 2022, the state-of-the-art international dance film presents a wide range of productions, and on Saturday 25 June the works of black choreographers, companies and dancers will be celebrated at an event titled ‘Black Dance Matters’. The programme brings you reflection of diversity in dance and society and features relevant documentaries and a shorts programme, followed by a discussion...After a two-year hiatus, the Amsterdam Cinedans Festival returns with a very special edition. Opening on June 22, 2022, the state-of-the-art international dance film presents a wide range of productions, and on Saturday 25 June the works of black choreographers, companies and...Arts