Fela Anikulapo Kuti, Musical

The musical Fela! based on the life of Fela Anikulapo- Kuti, is currently playing at London's National Theatre.

It may be two hours long, but with a mix of tight choreography from Bill T Jones and a 12 piece band belting out Afro Beat; a blend of funk jazz and traditional West African drumming, you are soon transported to 'The Shrine' in Lagos, summer of 1978.

Fela, who called himself Adami Edo (Strange One) was a musician who was both political activist and a gifted composer. A showman to the last, he lived life full to the full.

Hopefully this show will bring Fela's life and music to a wider audience.

Elise Godsell.

Not to be missed,

Manifesto: a means of expression

Theatre, ultimatum:ultimato-te

u:u – King in check !

December 1884, 126 years ago in the heart of Europe, distinguished politicians and diplomats of the most civilized countries (sic) met to perform one of the greatest acts of Cartesian Geometry applied to Geography that the world has ever seen.

Equipped with a ruler and set-square, these "experts" in African matters drew up imaginary lines of non-existent countries, in the disputed share of a ‘black-delicacy’ with which they would satiate industry’s greedy hunger for resources, and rescue an economy in steep decline.

Justified by the need of progress, and by the philanthropic deed of taking civilisation to the fragile tribal communities of Africa, this action undertaken with the involvement of several African kings (still a controversial fact nowadays, with mixed scholar views), proved to be too sugary for the teeth of all these gentlemen.

What goes around comes around, and this bittersweet gathering which became known as the Scramble for Africa, was one of the reasons that triggered World War I and gave rise to an indigestible rose candy between Portugal and England, in 1890.

This play puts in context a part of history that is unknown to many people. Being part of a western Capitalistic, "well designed society" where the flow of information is constructed and the education poor, people forget to ask pertinent question such as why Africa is divided by straight lines.

Hence this play is an opportunity to introduce a part of history that is supposed to be given more attention since it would provide a useful source of information and it would explain many political decisions taken upon Africa.

Ultimatum:Ultimato-te was presented in Cape Verde and in England, and it will sail further in 2011.

www.10pt.org/ultimatum

Links. www.10pt.org www.facebook.com/pages/10pt-Associacao-Artistica-Cultural-Lusofona/127564653954040 www.facebook.com/pages/UU/171646969524574

Manifesto: a means of expression

Album: Do Misiani and Shirati Jazz

Daniel Owino Misiani, more than any other Kenyan musician, has helped to develop and advance the modern guitar dance music of the Luo people known as "Benga."The King of History" is an intoxicating amalgam of sounds and songs of the 1970s.

The lyrics apparently warn of imminent social upheaval and political change delivered by means of a sweet vocal harmonies, jangling electric guitars and pounding bass beat that characterize "Benga"

Not to be missed.

Manifesto: a means of expression

The Akan Drum

The British Museum currently have a unique display which centers around the Akan Drum.This drum is the oldest African-American object in the museum and was brought from West Africa to the colony of Virginia, as part of the slave trade around 1735. It was acquired by Sir Hans Sloane whose collection formed the basis of the British Museum, when it was established in 1753.

The first part of the display describes the journey of the drum from West Africa, to the colony of Virginia and in doing so relates to the suffering and displacement of people ,as a result of the transatlantic slave trade.

This journey would typically include the practice of'dancing' the slaves, which meant in effect, forcible exercise out on deck when the drum would be used.

The second part of the display shows the massive influence of African and African- American music, on most popular music from the 20th century.

Visitors who take smart phones to this exhibition will be able to download the soundtrack to the display.

Elise Godsell

Manifesto:a means of expression.

Urban Africa; David Adjaye

The London based architect David Adjaye ( born in Tanzania) has amassed over 3,000 picture postcard size 'snaps' of his foray into Africa.
Most document various styles of urban buildings ( well he is an architect, after all), but I am not too sure what he is trying to achive in this exhibition.

It is well neigh impossible to document a vast continent such as Africa, through the windows of a taxi !. Where are the limits and how come he has missed Lagos, home to 18 million people?

They say a picture speaks a thousand words, but maybe quality would be preferable to quantity.

You decide !

Design Museum, London until 5 of September.

Elise Godsell

Manifesto: a means of expression

Kingdom of Ife; Sculptures from West Africa.

Kingdom of Ife; Sculptures from West Africa. Currently on show at the British Museum, London.

Ife (pronounced Ee-fah) is located in Southwest Nigeria and is regarded as the spiritual heartland of the local Yoruba speaking people. Yoruba are Nigeria's largest ethnic group and their myths celebrate Ife as the center of the creation of the world and all mankind.

These refined brass and copper sculptures, made using the lost wax process, were found adjacent to the Royal Place in 1938. They are now acknowledged, as some of the most refined and beautiful sculptures to be found in Africa.

A hundred or so pieces in this, not to be missed exhibition, shows that Africa civilization, was as sophisticated , as anything in the west during the 13/15th centuries.

This must see exhibition, will surely challenge people's assumption about the nature of Art coming from Africa. Enjoy !

Elise Godsell

Manifesto: a means of expression

AIM (Arts in Marrakesh) Biennale

The AIM (Arts in Marrakesh ) Biennale November 09, kicked off with Isaac Julien's multi screen installation, Western Union; Small Boats. Thousands of Africans hope for a better life, trying to escape bad economic and human rights conditions.

They make the perilous departure from N. Africa across the Med to the coast of Sicily, in small boats, often drifting for days on end. In the film they end up at the seaside village of Agrigento, where local families sunbathe whilst the 'clandenstines' are washed ashore, often dead. Such beautiful surroundings, but bathed in tragedy.

Julien uses no narrative, but on the 3 screens we have just a collage of sound and image. A meditation on migration and hope for a better life?


Elise Godsell

Manifesto: a means of expression