Burna Boy’s critical single “20 10 20” highlights the emancipatory triad of protest art, people power movements and social media. Young African protesters are using their own platforms to undermine the coordinated abuses of state violence and censorship.
Onai Stanely Mushava
African identities Pan-Africanism under spotlight at the African Crossroads 2020 Hybrid Edition
New directions for Pan-Africanism, lockdown wellness, adaptive technologies and resistance music came under spotlight at the 2020 hybrid event of African Crossroads. The event merged immersive playlists with engaging, decolonial discussions.
Sport, Arts and Culture Connected states of Africa – Creatives look beyond national lockdowns
The Covid-19 pandemic interrupted dynamic Pan-African movements and efforts but artists are regrouping to pursue new opportunities enabled by the internet. Digitally and financially inclusive models are the next step to empower citizens and creatives, circumventing various existing restrictions.
Sport, Arts and Culture “African leaders are not thinking right” – Thomas Mapfumo
The 2020 African Crossroads headliner Thomas Mapfumo addressed African unity and decolonial sonics in a stellar musical performance largely drawn from his wide and high-octane collection.
Sport, Arts and Culture How to be Oliver Mtukudzi
Oliver Mtukudzi is dead but the world has hardly begun to skim the surface of his greatness. In this tribute, Stan Mushava flips through the African superstar’s catalogue, looking at how conscientiousness, attachment to heritage and artistic integrity were not only central to the making of the legend but are also the universal mainstays of art.
Lifestyle Dorothy Masuka and the problem of the state
Following the death of legendary singer-songwriter Dorothy Masuka at 83, Stan Mushava reflects on how she was denied a place both in Rhodesia and South Africa. Similar post-colonial experiences of artists, journalists and activists support the argument that ultimately it must be the role of the African Union and sub-regional bodies to protect free expression, because individual states have narrower minds and temporary interests.
Lifestyle Charles Mungoshi, through the eyes of his peers
Acclaimed Zimbabwean novelist Charles Mungoshi died on 16 February 2019 after a 10-year fight with a neurological condition. Fellow writers and publishers share their encounters with the African literary giant whose many accomplishments included works of translation, breaking the colonial chokehold on education and co-founding the Zimbabwe International Book Fair.
Politics and Society Tsitsi Dangarembga opens up about being raped, challenges “callous” Mnangagwa
Zimbabwean soldiers allegedly raped 17 women and brutally assaulted many others during the state crackdown on protests against a 150 percent fuel price increase in January 2019. Government has denied these claims, but legendary writer and filmmaker Tsitsi Dangarembga has weighed in on the side of the alleged victims, while opening up about her own experience.
African identities Zimbabwe to reintroduce Literature Bureau to promote indigenous languages
Zimbabwe is preparing to reintroduce the Literature Bureau to promote the publication of literature in indigenous minority languages.