Jozi celebrates Africa Month with the continent's best

25 May 2016

 

Africa's literary giants, intellectuals and some of the continent's internationally acclaimed music stars have converged to take part in a host of activities to mark Africa Month.

 

The cultural and musical activities celebrating Africa's heritage will be hosted by Joburg City Theatres - an entity of the City of Johannesburg - in partnership with the Department of Arts and Culture.

Iconic Ghanaian author Ama Ata Aidoo, Nigerian Nobel literature laureate Professor Wole Soyinka and Egypt’s Mona Eltahawy will headline a series of special events at the Joburg Theatre in Braamfontein and Soweto Theatre in Jabulani until Monday May 30. The music programme features South Africa’s Jimmy Dludlu and Zamajobe, and Zimbabwean artists such as Selmor Mtukudzi, daughter of the legendary Oliver Mtukuzi; Tariro neGitare; and guitarists Louis Mhlanga and Tendai Manatsa.

“This gathering of African intellectuals from Cape to Cairo aims to stimulate and rekindle the African Renaissance that many of us have cherished for years," says Joburg City Theatres CEO Xoliswa Nduneni-Ngema.

"At its core, it is a meeting of minds through words and the vibrant melodies of our continent; calling for us to continue to fight for democracy and freedom from all forms of oppression and exploitation.”

She says Africa Day – on May 25 - celebrates the continent's achievements and affirms its vision to create a better life for all. Throughout the month, African countries are encouraged to celebrate their heritage by showcasing their diverse cultures, beliefs and traditions. This could be done through literature, rhythms, dance and song.

On Monday May 30, the Department of Arts and Culture will, in conjunction with Independent Newspapers and Press Club SA, host Professor Soyinka at the Soweto Theatre. The discussions will centre on politics, culture and the role of the new African.

Soyinka, one of Africa’s most famous literary figures, was the first African to receive the Nobel Prize for Literature. He has been a strong critic of successive Nigerian governments, especially its many military dictators.

Much of his writing has been about “the oppressive boot and the irrelevance of the colour of the foot that wears it”. He has taught at several international universities, including Oxford, Harvard and Yale.

To attend or take part in any of the activities, contact Nonceba Ntintili on urbanart10@gmail.com or 074 368 6353, or Ntombi Mashaba am ntombi@joburgtheatre.com or (011) 877 6800.