ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT - The African Mirror

Feb

20

2021

The quest to identify Fela’s successor: why it’s time to end it

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

IT'S nearly a quarter of a century since Fela Kuti passed away. Yet, the influence of his music and pan-Africanist thoughts hasn’t stopped. Fela was notorious for the deployment of his Afrobeat as a critical tool against human rights violations, social injustice and insensitive cum inept leadership in Africa. And the conversation as to who best fits the profile of a successor has continued unabated. GARHE OSIEBE, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Rhodes University Many Nigerian artists have gone as far as naming themselves as the reincarnation of Fela. From Dede Mabiaku’s endless references to his closeness to the Abami Eda –…

Jul

31

2021

By The African Mirror

S.Africa’s Ster-Kinekor bets on drive-in cinema under the stars

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

NQOBILE DLUDLA UNDER the stars of the South African night, the movie-goers who used to throng a cinema among the shops of Johannesburg's Sandton City mall, have since the pandemic watched the latest releases from a big screen in a rooftop car park. Drive-in movies are enjoying a revival in many parts of the world, but for South Africa, the stakes are higher because of a slow COVID-19 vaccine rollout that makes a return to normality especially hard and leaves more businesses facing the risk of closure. Ster-Kinekor, Africa's largest cinema group, is betting on the format to win back…

Jul

30

2021

By The African Mirror

Ola Rotimi: the enduring influence of a Nigerian theatre giant

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

TWENTY years after his death, the Nigerian dramatist Ola Rotimi is attracting renewed interest. San Diego State University hosted a webinar in April 2021 where the affection and reverence for the playwright were clear. Another webinar was held in his honour in August 2020 at Bowen University in Nigeria. SANYA OSHA, Senior Research Fellow, Institute for Humanities in Africa, University of Cape Town The appeal of Rotimi’s theatrical practice and vision is that they are based on his infectious humanism, conviviality and reciprocity. The playwright, director and scholar was born in Sapele, Nigeria, in 1938 and passed away in 2000.…

Feb

18

2021

By The African Mirror

Rihanna faces backlash over Hindu goddess disrespect

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

AFRICAN MIRROR REPORTER RIHANNA has been called out by the Hindu community online over an image that the singer posted on Instagram, which shows her culturally appropriating a sacred Hindu god. Rihanna posted a topless image of herself wearing silk shorts from her Savage x Fenty lingerie line and jewellery which included a beaded necklace that falls between her bust, showing the small sculpture of the elephant-headed Hindu god of beginnings, Lord Ganesha (also called Ganesh). View this post on Instagram A post shared by badgalriri (@badgalriri) As a caption, she wrote: "when @popcaanmusic said 'me nuh wan ya wear…

Feb

16

2021

By The African Mirror

Celebrity Somizi good for business

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

AFRICAN MIRROR REPORTER A collaboration with mega South African influencer and celebrity Somizi Mhlongo-Motaung has become an instant boost to the business of entrepreneur Theo Baloyi, the brains behind the local shoe brand Bathu. Barely 24 hours after the launch of a specially designed shoe for Somizi - BathuXSomizi - Bathu sold over 30 pairs. The buyers were Somizi’s friends. And the celebrity took to social media to celebrate the purchase. “Friends like this are a blessing … two of my close friends just bought 30 and 10 pairs of my #bathuxsomizi pairs for their staff members... at full price...sneakers…

Jul

27

2021

By The African Mirror

Building an art gallery in the midst of war in Zimbabwe

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

AFTER being disenchanted with his work as a detective inspector in Rhodesia’s British South Africa Police, Derek Huggins quit his job and in 1975 decided to open an art gallery. The venture, Gallery Delta, is now an important institution in Zimbabwe’s art history. His partner and collaborator was his wife, Helen Lieros, a talented artist in her own right. In a documentary, Art for Art’s Sake: The Story of Gallery Delta, released in June 2020, Huggins explained: While we knew that a tiny gallery of three rooms in the midst of conflict and war and sanctions would not make a…

Feb

27

2021

By The African Mirror

The importance of remembering Kenyan artist Rosemary Karuga

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

ANNE MWITI, Lecturer, Kenyatta University A vast chapter of the still mostly untold story of women’s art in Kenya starts with Rosemary Namuli Karuga. Karuga passed away on 9 February 2021 at the age of 93. She was one of the pioneers who made major contributions to contemporary art on the continent and is recognised as one of the finest East African artists of her generation. Karuga is known for her collage works depicting pastoral and domestic African scenes, commonly villagers and farmers and animals. They would go on to be shown internationally, but she only began to produce commercial…

Feb

26

2021

By The African Mirror

Vanessa Bryant slams Meek Mill over Kobe lyric

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

AFRICAN MIRROR REPORTER WIDOW of NBA Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant has lashed out at American rapper Meek Mill for the use of Kobe’s name in his song, calling the rapper’s actions “extremely insensitive and disrespectful”. Meek Mill released his new single titled ‘Don’t Worry (RIP Kobe)’ where the rapper mentioned the way in which Kobe Bryant died in a helicopter crash. In the song, the rapper from Philadelphia said: “Yeah, and if I ever lack, I’m goin’ out with my chopper, it be another Kobe.” Vanessa Bryant voiced her anger on an Instagram story, writing: “Dear @meekmill, I find…

Feb

25

2021

By The African Mirror

Cardi B opens up to Mariah Carey

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

AFRICAN MIRROR REPORTER CARDI B has as many layers as an onion. She does not come off as someone who struggles with self-confidence judging by her large personality, daring fashion looks or her risqué covers, but she told Mariah Carey that it was a big factor in her going under the knife. The New York rapper sat down with the R&B queen of confidence Carey for her cover story in Interview magazine, speaking about her journey to superstardom, the insecurities that she faced growing up in the Bronx and “I’m Trini and I’m Dominican, and there’s a lot of Dominicans…

Jul

22

2021

By The African Mirror

Megan Thee Stallion brings hot girl summer to Sports Illustrated

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

MPHO RANTAO MEGAN Thee Stallion has brought her famous ‘Hot Girl Summer’ energy as the cover star for Sports Illustrated (SI). The Texan rapper was unveiled as one of the cover stars for the annual SI Swimsuit issue, along with transgender model Leyna Bloom and Tennis champion Naomi Osaka. All three women appearing on the cover is a historic feat, with Osaka as the first female black athlete; Haitian and Japanese woman; Bloom being the first transgender model of colour, and Megan Thee Stallion being the first rapper. Previous cover stars of the swimsuit issue include Beyonce, model Tyra Banks,…