Images of Africa are many and varied; from the rainforests of Tarzan stories and open plains of Karen Blixen to contemporary journalism focused on poverty, AIDS, and dictatorships, we have a heady mix of representations from which to build our picture of the continent and its people. These representations, far from being simple objective observations, have carried with them the prejudices and racism of the west, lending weight to colonialism and influencing our engagement with Africa in ways which persist even today, and even amongst the liberal left, further fuelling an imbalance of power. This part of The Manifesto aims to throw into sharp relief how this process has happened; and to examine, by engaging with African writers, artists, filmmakers, photographers, musicians and poets how it continues to skew our perceptions. Perhaps from this process new ways of engagement and new understandings of identity and history can grow.
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| Africa & Identity Posts | archive | add event
Farming innovations in Kibera, KenyaCheck out some green innovations taking place in Africa’s largest slum, Kibera. The Afrigadget Blog has the story.
Western Media Bias Against Africa“The negative reporting of Africa by the Western media is a subject very dear to the hearts of discerning Africans.”.. and likely of great interest to discerning Manifesto participants too. African Journalists explore this theme in depth in a recent edition of the New African magazine (June 2008). Below are links for:
0 Comments Photography: Pieter Hugo
Cape Town born Pieter Hugo engages with african people seeking mutual acknowledgement between subject and photographer. The relation builds up genuinely with Hugo spending time travelling between Zimbabwe, Durban, Botswana, Nigeria and Ghana talking to people and lingering on the negotiated contexts and blending of cultural nuances. He is a documentarist born and bred. Projects like “Nollywood” and “The Hyena Men” are paramount to understand his essence. Check out his portfolio along with texts 0 Comments Rodney was rightSuperb article on the European Union’s attempt to further exploit Africa - I’ve just discovered this magazine, it’s brilliant - Monthly Review. Article here. 0 Comments |
Events | archive | add event
Dressing up African DeitiesProfessor James Cox will be giving his inaugural lecture as the Personal Chair of Religious Studies at the University of Edinburgh, entitled ‘Dressing up an African God in Christian Clothing’ at New College on the Mound, September 18th, 2pm. Could be of interest to anyone interested in how euro-centric interpretations of African beliefs and practices have persisted and developed. Email me if you want to know more… A Night Of African Film
The Manifesto is kicking off its African exploration with a little night African film night next Wednesday (9th July) in Sofi’s Bar, Leith. It’s free in, would be great to get a crew down, spread the word. The film we’ll be screening has yet to be chosen, it’s a surprise, find out on the night. 7.30pm for an 8pm start. 0 Comments Amnesty International at the Edinburgh FestivalEvery year Amnesty International Scotland puts on a programme of exhibitions, comedy, discussions and campaign actions at the Edinburgh Festival in August. This year is no exception with a line up that includes events to mark the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and a play about the story of Burma’s recent history - right up to last year’s Saffron Revolution and the devastation wrought by Cyclone Nargis.
Each day authors appearing at the Book Festival will show solidarity with persecuted writers around the world by reading out from their work as part of the Imprisoned Writers Series. This year the daily themes will focus on the articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, with a different article highlighted each day. These events are FREE and tickets can be collected from the box office at the Book Festival site on Charlotte Square – simply turn up on the day of the reading. ‘Stand up for Freedom’, sponsored by the Cooperative Bank is a benefit night for Amnesty with two nights of the best comedy in Edinburgh. Book early. Touki BoukiThe Manifesto will be kicking off an opening party African-style in Leith, with a showing of the Mambety 1970’s classic Touki Bouki, followed by some sweet African tuneage. Details to follow shortly. 0 Comments |
