Contested Terrains at Tate Modern

The exhibition Contested Terrains features four artists; Kader Attia,Sammy Baloji, Michael MacGarry and Adolphus Opara. Four artists all working in present day Africa.

Their work engages with ideas of history and identity, that in Africa,have long been shaped by the claims and disputes of conflicting ideological and economic interests.

Sammy Baloji uses photography to explore the histories, present day realities and contradictions inherent in the formation of his homeland, the Democratic Republic of Congo.In his photomontages , he superimposes archival images of European officials and Congolese labourers (who built the mine's once imposing industrial sites ) onto contemporary photographs that highlight their current state of decline and ruin The remnants and realities of industrialisation and global trade.

These artists reveal that history is more than a straightforward succession of events and that the present remains contested terrain.

Elise Godsell

Contested Terrains
Tate Modern
London.
Until 16 October 2011

Not to be missed.

Manifesto: a means of expression

La Biennale di Venezia ; Illuminations

Since the establishment of the Biennale in Venice, at the end of theeighteenth century,as far as the 54 nations of Africa are concerned,Egypt is the only country to have maintained a national pavilion.Unfortunately, Africa and African artists have been unrepresented. As a result, it has been easy to dismiss the continent ,which is forever seemingly reaching out to receive food and money . Africa appears unconnected to the tide of the contemporary art world, but this is set to change.

The theme of this years Venice Biennale; Illuminations, sparks debate to sharpen our tools of perception and for all nations to question their geography and space that they occupy now and in the future "Seeing Ourselves" presented at the Zimbabwe Pavilion, presents a window into the life of that nation, through the eyes of four selected artists.

Zimbabwe's image has shifted away from being the beautiful and desirable house of stone - a nationally significant material, on which its reputation and very soul had been proudly built. Instead it's perception has undergone a radical shift and the country is seen as not so desirable and not so beautiful.

Misheck Masamvu an emerging young painter, is willing to move beyond the immediately commercial ,as seen in his Gentleman's Hustle.2011. He remarked 'I wish to produce a body of work pregnant of optimism and hope. I wish to stimulate positive energy and bring to attention the need to create new emblems and motifs that encourages dialogue. I desire to find alternative solutions to the sometimes dire circumstances we come across '.

Visit Venice and see for yourself !

Elise Godsell

Illuminazioni
La Biennale di Venezia
Until 27 November 2011

Manifesto:a means of expression

Manifesto presents Simo Lagnawi

We are pleased to announce that our first night after 1 year was one of the best nights to date. There was an amazing vibe within the authentic African setting.

We are pleased to announce we are starting a new journey in a new place in Soho. Gerrard House will be the new ‘home’ of Manifesto, in a more warm, relaxed and familiar environment.

The band invited to perform and which is now part of Manifesto’s portfolio, is Simo Lagnawi. Simo is a charismatic dancer and player of the Guembri - a lute-like stringed instrument made from camel skin - while his mesmeric voice harks back to the original use of Gnawa in rousing people into a 'cleansing' trance. In the short three years the boundary-pushing Gnawa master Simo has been in the U.K he has already played in different venues including Leighton House and most recently Glastonbury Festival keeping an exceptional African tradition alive.

This will be a culturally rich night out that should appeal to anyone looking to experience one of the most intimist forms of music in the world. Joining them will be resident DJ’s spinning music from a variety of African genres. Alberto Tavares opens the evening with his mellow eclectic mix on the decks. Later in the evening Manifesto has invited the renowned producer and DJ Simbad. Constantly travelling between London, Tokyo or New York via Puerto Rico & other places , he has worked with some great artists including Tony Allen & Bugz In The Attic or Talvin Singh to name a few…Dj Simbad will hit the turntables with his inimitable, sassy, and sexy spin on dance African style.

Moreover, there will be a specially designed African inspired menu created exclusively for the Manifesto Acoustic evening. The menu consists of traditional Chicken stew from Angola (Xinxin) and Masamba from Mozambique.

Manifesto Acoustic is a concept whereby live music, afro-beats, DJ sessions and traditional food intertwine. Manifesto team look forward to seeing you.

30 July 2011

9 – 2am Gerrard House

40 Gerrard Street,

Soho, W1D 5QE

Tube: Leicester Square or Piccadilly

Admission: £5

Manifesto: a means of expression.

Figures and Fictions, South African Photography

Figures & Fictions; Contemporary South African Photography is the first UK exhibition of South African photography undertaken during the last ten years.

Under National Party rule (1948-94) and the implementation of Apartheid, photography was used by the State to manage racial classification. But it also served to document resistance and record the lives of those subjected to racial laws and social segregation.

This vibrant work of 17 South African photographers address that history. Through their images they challenge the country's rethinking of issues of identity across race, gender, class and politics.

All the photographers question what it is to be human at this time in South Africa.

Go see !
Figures & Fictions; Contemporary South African Photography showing at the V & A London until 17 July.

Elise Godsell

Manifesto: a means of expression

Basketry; Making Human Nature

Basketry is something everybody understands; It is a marriage of practicality and beauty.

Basketry; Making Human Nature is a new stunning exhibition showcasing both anthropology and visual art. Its techniques and materials are vividly illustrated by both beautiful world objects and contemporary art.

In Central Africa close communication with the dead and beliefs in the effectiveness of their powers, are mediated by healers, diviners and banganga (ritual specialists ).Banganga use containers, including baskets, filled with spiritually charged materials for divination purposes.

These baskets become so potent that they are themselves often contained in places of secrecy.Basketry costumes appear in masquerades in which a masked figure impersonates a spirit, ancestor or some other ideal entity. Masks have a life of their own, acting as a second skin which subsumes the identity of the performer.

This mask is from Salampasu, Democratic Republic of Congo 1951.

The exhibition is at the Sainsbury Center for Visual Arts, University of East Anglia, Norwich until 22 May 2011.


Elise Godsell.

Not to be missed.

Manifesto: a means of expression

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

Rail Band, Belle Epoque Vol. 3 - Dioba

Rail Band, Belle Epoque Vol 3 showcases post-colonial West African musicians celebrating their cultural legacies which featured world music stars to be Salif Keita and Mory Kante. It is a buoyant interplay of percussion, bass, horns, brass, voices and multiple electric guitars that will take you on a journey through the roots of Mandigo heritage.

Rail band presents a selection of tracks recorded between 1970 and 1983 documenting a blend of Congolese Rumba, Latin music and folklore tradition.

This double-cd testifies the stylistic openness of Malian music, one not to be missed.


Manifesto: a means of expression

Johnny Mad Dog by Jean Sauvaire

Johnny Mad Dog is a brutal film directed by Jean-Stephane Sauvaire. The film depicts a group of soldiers in their early teens and the lives they lead as a gang of freedom fighters in an unnamed African country, their self-proclaimed mission is to unseat the government.

Their country has been plagued by war for many years to the point there its all the young boys have ever known, Johnny Mad Dog and his small commando robs, pillages, and slays everything in his path. In contrast Laokole, pushing her disabled father around in a rickety wheelbarrow, attempting to invent a glorious future, strives to flee her city occupied by teenage-soldier militias, with her little brother Fofo

The performances are incredible Casting boys who actually been soldiers in their past enhances the loss of innocence amongst the young boys and the dramatic reality of civil war.

Johnny Mad Dog is now showing at Curzon Renoir, Brunswick Square, London wc1.

Not to be missed.

Manifesto: a means of expression.

Lyle Owerko photojournalist

Lyle Owerko is a photojournalist and commercial photographer based in New York City. He travels the world shooting for many NGO's and human rights groups.

His work is an effort to unveil unknown cultures and bridge the gap between human groups. It involves themes related to his profession, such as politics, industrialisation and technology. However, Lyle focuses on the humanistic aspect presentation a different point of view. It could be said his work is a critique to globalisation.
Through a quite critical- evocative- shocking perspective, he stimulates the audience and makes us re-evaluate values and taxonomies.

His work "Africa" is mainly a series of portraits. Lyle was fascinated by the people of East Africa and they were a great source of inspiration for him. His trips in Kenya and the interaction with the inhabitants influenced an unknown aspect of the African culture.
Guided by his passion for photography and his motivation, he tries through his work to contribute for a better living. As he claims, " this is a lifetime commitment for me".

Lyle Owerko has also a blog where he publishes projects, ideas and introduces new artists and their work.

Olia Psarrou

Not to be missed

Manifesto: a means of expression

Manifesto presents Harare, Zimbabwean dance music

We are pleased to say that our first night back after the summer at Momo’s was one of the best nights to date, there was an amazing vibe within the authentic African setting.

Our second evening brings a special performance by Harare, which is one of the few groups to be playing Zimbabwean dance music in Europe . Formed by two musicians from the heart of Zimbabwean urban music.

Harare formed by Kudashe Matimba – marimba, keys, vocals, Kenny Chitsvatsva - Drumkit, Jules Faibe- Bass and Laurance Corns - Guitar combines different styles from Jit Jive to tradional hypnotic rhythms of mbira(lamellaphone) which reflect the different backgrounds of the people who make up the group. Harare music is also heavily influenced by Afro-Mbira, the genre develop by Thomas Mapfumo.

Led by highly energetic Kudashe Matimba, Harare have the style, momentum and experience to show there is a promising future ahead for Zimbabwean based dance music and for their exciting new songs.

This act is fantastic and will be a tremendously enjoyable evening that should appeal to anyone looking to experience the very best of Zimbabwe music.

Joining them will be resident DJ’s spinning music from a variety of African genres. Alberto Tavares open the evening with his mellow eclectic mix on the decks. Later in the evening DJ Todd Hart hits the turntables with his inimitable, sassy, and sexy spin on dance African style. Manifesto has invited the renowned Mozambique DJ Baga who is very well Know for his sets in Lisbon,Portugal.

Manifesto Acoustic is a concept whereby live music, afro-beats and DJ sessions intertwine. Manifesto team, in collaboration with Momo, one of the hippest, vibrant and eclectic clubs in London, look forward to seeing you.

8 October 2009
7.00pm - late
Starting at 7pm
Performance at 9pm
Free Admission


Manifesto: a means of expression

Manifesto presents Jally Kebba Susso - Manding Sabu

We are pleased to announce we are starting a new journey in this highly renowned place thats is known as Momo after our time at the exclusive and eclectic Double Club.

The band invited to perform and which is now part of Manifesto’s portfolio, is Jally Kebba Susso - Manding Sabu, a 5 member group that celebrates the GRIOT tradition. They are West African poets and wandering musicians. Popularly known as praise singers and storytellers, this band is keeping an exceptional African tradition alive.

Jally Kebba Susso is a Griot, and the Susso family goes way back in time as they represent a dynasty of traditional oral historians passed through generations. Kyasi Guitarist, Alua Percussion, Karl a bass player and Drea a lover of all things creative is a poet and singer.

Jally Kebba Susso - Manding Sabu ‘s ultimate goal is to “expand the boundaries of the griot tradition whilst keeping its heart and soul intact”.

This will be a tremendously enjoyable evening that should appeal to anyone looking to experience one of the most ‘infectiously danceable forms of music in the world!’

Joining them will be resident DJ’s spinning music from a variety of African genres. Alberto Tavares opens the evening with his mellow eclectic mix on the decks. Later in the evening DJ Todd Hart hits the turntables with his inimitable, sassy, and sexy spin on dance African style. Manifesto has invited the renowned Mozambique DJ Baga who is very well known for his sets in Lisbon, Portugal.

Manifesto Acoustic is a concept whereby live music, afro-beats and DJ sessions intertwine. Manifesto team, in collaboration with Momo, one of the hippest, vibrant and eclectic clubs in London, look forward to seeing you.

24 September 2009
7.00pm - late
Momo

25 Heddon Street, London W1B 4BH
Tube: Oxford Circus or Picadilly
www.momoresto.com
Admission is Free

Manifesto: a means of expression

Oumou Sangare Music from Mali

Sangare's vibrant electro-acoustics take on infectiously funky Wassoulou sounds of Southern Maliland.

The voice of Oumou Sangare is a extensive and agile, rhythmically emphatic and deeply soulful, her music emanates style and grace.

"Seya" her latest album benefits from fantastic arrangements combining contemporary and traditional instruments in ways that add further nuance to her emotive singing with pungent social commentary.

This is a subtle masterpiece, a journey through roots music/acoustic/Afro-beat that you need to listen.

Not to be missed.

Manifesto: a means of expression

Photography by Pieter Hugo, Nollywood

Cape Town born Pieter Hugo powerful photographs engages with african people with a sheer determination to unveil, understand and depict Nollywood.

"In Africa, Nollywood movies are a rare instance of self-representation in the mass media.

The continent has a rich tradition of story-telling that has been expressed abundantly through oral and written fiction, but has never been conveyed through the mass media before.

Movies tell stories that appeal to and reflect the lives of its public: stars are local actors; plots confront the viewer with familiar situations of romance, comedy, witchcraft, bribery, prostitution. The narrative is overdramatic, deprived of happy endings, tragic. The aesthetic is loud, violent, excessive; nothing is said, everything is shouted.

In his travels through West Africa, Hugo has been intrigued by this distinct style in constructing a fictional world where everyday and unreal elements intertwine.

By asking a team of actors and assistants to recreate Nollywood myths and symbols as if they were on movie sets, Hugo initiated the creation of a verisimilar reality.

His vision of the film industry’s interpretation of the world results in a gallery of hallucinatory and unsettling images.

The tableaux of the series depict situations clearly surreal but that could be real on a set; furthermore, they are rooted in the local symbolic imaginary. The boundaries between documentary and fiction become very fluid, and we are left wondering whether our perceptions of the real world are indeed real."

Also the series The Hyena & Other Men are not to be missed.

www.pieterhugo.com

Manifesto: a means of expression

Cape Verde Crioulo Colony to Independent Nation

"The Cape Verde Islands are located off the coast of Senegal, were first settled during the Portuguese Age of Discovery in the fifteenth century. Dr. Richard Lobban outlines Cape Verde’s complex history over five centuries, beginning with its role in the slave trade, the years under Portuguese colonial administration and its protracted armed struggle on the Guinea coast for national independence.

Dr. Lobban offers a rich ethnography of the islands, exploring the diverse heritage of Cape Verdeans who have descended from Africans, Europeans, and Luso-Africans. Looking at economics and politics, Lobban reflects on Cape Verde’s efforts to achieve economic growth and development, analyzing the move from colonialism to state socialism and on to a privatized market economy built around tourism, fishing, small-scale mining, and agricultural production.

He then chronicles Cape Verde’s peaceful transition from one-party rule to elections and political pluralism. He concludes with an overview of the prospects for this tiny oceanic nation on a pathway to development."

Manifesto: a means of expression