ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT - The African Mirror

Feb

2024

Omotunde Akiode is bringing joy to children. It’s what she always dreamed of

OMOTUNDE Akiode sits at her workstation in Lagos, appearing to doodle. To the occasional visitor, this may look like play but the result of the creative session will be a very real cartoon character, possibly for an acclaimed African cartoon series -- like Supa4. “I grew up watching Sesame Street, the Muppet show animations on television. I saw the vibrant colours, fluid movement, and captivating storytelling. It intrigued me, and I could not help but wonder how these enhancing worlds were created and dreaming of one day I could be the writer of those shows,” Akiode said. Akiode has always…

Feb

2024

By The African Mirror

South Africa’s Tyla makes history as youngest female artist to win a Grammy

NEWS, ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

South African artists, including Black Coffee, Sho Madjozi, and Nasty C, celebrated Tyla's victory, highlighting the collaborative and supportive spirit within the African music community. IN a groundbreaking moment for South African music, Tyla, at the tender age of 22, has etched her name in history as the youngest female artist in 55 years to clinch a Grammy Award in the category of "Best African Music Performance." Her winning track, "Water," catapulted her to the forefront of global recognition, surpassing established icons such as Nigerian sensation Burna Boy. Tyla, whose meteoric rise has captivated music enthusiasts worldwide, has become a…

Feb

2024

By LISA RICHWINE

Music from Africa rising on global charts, with help from TikTok

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

WHEN the biggest names in music gather for the industry's top honours at the Grammy Awards, they will hand out a new trophy for best African music performance. The prize reflects the growing popularity of Afrobeats, and other music from the continent, which is gaining a global audience with help from social media platforms such as short-form video app TikTok. Afrobeats originated in West Africa, primarily Ghana and Nigeria, though the term is often used as a catch-all for various music styles coming from Africa. It features percussion rhythms mixed with various genres from rap to jazz, R&B and others.…

Feb

2024

By The African Mirror

Grammy Awards: Africa finally has its own category – but at what cost?

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

FOR the first time in its 65-year history, the Grammy Awards in the US has introduced an African category, Best African Music Performance, which recognises the song of the year. The Grammys is the most prestigious award in the largest music industry in the world. Its focus has always been US music styles in categories like pop, R&B, rap, country, jazz and classical. ERIC CHARRY, Professor of Music, Wesleyan University As musical styles from abroad (or in Spanish) have moved into the US commercial market, the Grammy Foundation has tried to recognise them – beyond the generic “folk music” category…

Feb

2024

By The African Mirror

Ethiopian protest music: the songs of Hachalu Hundessa reveal the struggles of the Oromo people

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

THE Oromo are the largest ethno-national group in Ethiopia, accounting for over 40 million people or more than one-third of the population. However, they have been politically oppressed, economically exploited and culturally marginalised under successive Ethiopian regimes. Since the 1960s, the Oromo have sought self-determination through various forms of resistance, such as armed struggle under the banner of the Oromo Liberation Front. ASEBE REGASSA DEBELO, Senior research and teaching fellow, Department of Geography, University of Zurich Music has played a key role in the Oromo resistance movement. As is the case in many other societies – especially those where open…

Jan

2024

By KATE OKORIE, BIRD STORY AGENCY

Doosuur Tilley-Gyado helped launch the careers of some of Afrobeats’ biggest stars. Now she wants to do the same for women creatives

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

THE year was 2011, Ice Prince had already released his chart-topping song, "Oleku," featuring industry newcomer Brymo, and plans were underway for a music video. This would be a star-studded affair, featuring appearances by Wizkid as well as M.I. and Jesse Jagz, Ice Prince's label mates at Chocolate City, a Nigerian record label. But before plans were finalised, the music label received an unusual request. "Even though the Chocolate City crew members were scattered across the world, Ice Prince wanted all of us to be present for a cameo appearance," said Doosuur Tilley-Gyado, who had assumed dual roles as Talent…

Jan

2024

By The African Mirror

Life on an African island can be great when you’re part of the gig economy – just ask this woman photographer

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

MONICA Marura spent several years managing her family’s cyber café in Mombasa, along the coast of Kenya. All the while she knew she wanted more out of life. In 2020, Marura met her husband, Robert Mwangi, a professional photographer. This meeting helped Marura discover a talent and passion for telling stories through the camera. Her life changed when the couple was given the chance to move to Lamu Island. Although her first thought was, “Wait, what part of Kenya is Lamu?” Not long after arriving, Mwangi heard about clients seeking a woman to photograph a Muslim bridal celebration. As per…

Jan

2024

By BONFACE ORUCHO, BIRD STORY AGENCY

African creativity radiates excellence on the international stage

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

THE global stage has become a platform where African creatives are increasingly gaining recognition, showcasing their exceptional talents, and receiving accolades that underscore the continent's rich creative value. News of Trevor Noah bagging an Emmy award in the Outstanding Talk Series category is the latest recognition of African creativity being appreciated by global audiences. The South African comedian, who hosted The Daily Show until September 2022, also won the 2017 Emmys in the Outstanding Short Form Variety Series. According to the Emmys website, Noah has been nominated 18 times and won two awards. "It's amazing that I get to be…

Jan

2024

By ANN MBUTHIA, BIRD STORY AGENCY

Her passion for dance transformed Moesha Tajiri’s life. Now she’s changing the lives of hundreds of children

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT, MULTIMEDIA

ON any given day, Moesha Kibibi Tajiri's house, located in the heart of scenic Madaraka Estate in Nairobi, can be home to as many as 30 children, all eager to welcome visitors with the greeting, “feel at home.” It may be a crowd, Tajiri is quick to explain, but these are just some of the over a thousand she has "adopted", country-wide. “I have four types of kids: orphans, children from mentally unstable parents, special needs children and those coming from vulnerable spaces. I pay rent to 14 different houses in different ghettos in the country. And despite all challenges,…

Jan

2024

By The African Mirror

Soul Brothers: the story of a band that revolutionised South African music

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

BIOGRAPHIES of important South African musicians often fall into two categories: they either emerge from PhD or other university-based research or are the fruit of dedicated digging by a fan or family member. The first kind benefits from institutional resources and support; the second from community knowledge of personal details that may be documented nowhere else. GWEN ANSELL, Associate of the Gordon Institute for Business Science, University of Pretoria Because of that very scarcity of a public record, the first kind might miss many parts of the story that can’t be checked in formal records and archives. The second risks…