Afro-futurism: Osborne Macharia synthesizes a contemporary African urban aesthetic that is bold innovative and thought evoking, transporting African history and culture into a futuristic utopia.
Arts and Culture
Arts and Culture Rhodes University PhD graduate Hleze Kunju writes thesis in isiXhosa
Dr Hleze Kunju wrote his doctoral thesis in isiXhosa, Rhodes University’s first isiXhosa authored PhD thesis. The act has been described as a milestone. With recent agitations for the incorporation of African languages into the education system, Dr Kunju’s remarkable accomplishment could give impetus to efforts to transform South Africa’s education system.
Arts and Culture Greetings From The Fulani people in West Africa
Greetings as we visit the Fulani people (also called Peul or Fulbe) from West Africa, the largest nomadic group in the world. The ethnic group is diverse, with people who were conquered and became a part of the Fulani through the spread of Islam. The Fulani people are scattered from Lake Chad in the east to the Atlantic coast. You will find them mainly in Nigeria, Mali, Guinea, Cameroon, Senegal, and Niger. Their language, Fula, belongs to the Niger-Congo language family.
Arts and Culture Ghana: Meet sculptor Kumi Samuel whose work has won the hearts of many
Social media was inundated with the images of the works of immensely talented Ghanaian sculptor Kumi Samuel, carvings remarkably good that they resemble living beings. This Is Africa caught up with the artist, whose Facebook page is @SculptureMadeinGhana.
Arts and Culture Ghanaian Edward Enninful appointed new British Vogue Editor
Ghanaian-born Edward Enninful has been named as the new editor of the British Vogue, making him the first black male editor of one of the most respected, and famous fashion magazines. The widely experienced 44 year-old, a former fashion model, and a renowned stylist will commence his duties on August 1, 2017 as the publication’s first male editor in its 101-year history. Congratulations on the appointment.
Arts and Culture Greetings from Amagugu International Heritage Centre in Zimbabwe
Greetings from the Amagugu International Heritage Centre in Matobo, Zimbabwe (AIHC), a site which documents, preserves and promotes indigenous cultural heritage. AIHC was established in 2010 through the vision of renowned historian Pathisa Nyathi, the founding director and owner. We share with you some lovely pictures from the site.
Arts and Culture Moreira Chonguica and Manu Dibango release an album M&M
When two seasoned African jazz musicians come together to play music, what you end up getting is an unforgettable musical experience. Mozambican saxophonist, Moreira Chonguiça collaborated with Cameroonian jazz maestro Manu Dibango in a 10 track album that took five years of discussions. The album titled M & M was released at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival on the 31st of March. The songs are a remarkable mix of well known old jazz standards with an African twist.
Arts and Culture Nigerian brands capitalise on social media trend #keepthechangebae
Last week, Nigeria’s social media was alight with the hashtag #keepthechangebae which came after a date went awry. A young woman returned the money a guy spent during a date, and asked the man to keep the change. The man involved presumed that taking the woman on a date was an automatic ticket to a relationship. The disgruntled man called out the lady on Twitter in a crude tweet, and her response set social media on fire. Nigerian companies and brands were quick to capitalise on the trending story.
Arts and Culture Meet Katanu Kay: Kenyan artist using traditional African fabric in breathtaking artwork
Today we showcase artwork by Katanu Kay, a 19 year old artist from Kenya who uses Kitenge in her paintings. Her talent has taken social media by storm.