LIFESTYLE - The African Mirror

Feb

21

2024

Women in South Africa’s armed struggle: new book records history at first hand

LITERATURE

SOUTH Africa’s young democracy was a culmination of years of sweat, blood and revolution against the apartheid regime. In the early 1960s, after decades of “non-violence” as a policy of resistance, the African National Congress (ANC) and Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) formed military wings to take the fight to the apartheid regime. THOKO SIPUNGU, Lecturer in Sociology, Rhodes University Based on the living record and popular discourse, it would be easy to assume that the struggle against apartheid was almost entirely the domain of men. But women played a crucial role – one which is only really coming to light…

Feb

20

2024

By The African Mirror

Nervous Conditions: on translating one of Zimbabwe’s most famous novels into Shona

LITERATURE

THE publishing journey of Zimbabwean writer and filmmaker Tsitsi Dangarembga’s Nervous Conditions wasn’t easy. Yet the novel is today considered by many as one of Africa’s 100 best books of the 20th century and is studied at universities around the world. TINASHE MUSHAKAVANHU, Junior Research Fellow, University of Oxford When she submitted the manuscript to publishing houses in Zimbabwe in the early 1980s, they all turned it down. Dangarembga felt at the time that it was “very difficult for men to accept the things that women write and want to write about: and the men (were) the publishers”. It was…

Feb

16

2024

By GBEMISOLA ESHO, BIRD STORY AGENCY

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

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

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

10

2024

By GIBSON NCUBE

Books: folklore and fantasy combine in Langabi, a supernatural historical epic from Zimbabwe

LITERATURE

IN 2023, award-winning Zimbabwean author Christopher Mlalazi published a new book, Langabi: Season of the Beast. He’s the author of novels like Running with Mother (2012), Dancing with Life: Tales from the Township (2012) and They are Coming (2014). His books grapple with diverse social and political issues in Zimbabwe. As a scholar of African literature, including speculative fiction, I have researched Mlalazi’s previous books, especially his depiction of the Gukurahundi Genocide in Zimbabwe. Langabi is a novel that draws on the storytelling of the Ndebele people to recount the tale of a young man who finds himself in a…

Feb

08

2024

By The African Mirror

Zuleikha Mayat: South African author and activist who led a life of courage, compassion and integrity

LIFESTYLE, LITERATURE

FEW Indian South African women have achieved wider public recognition than author, human rights and cultural activist Zuleikha Mayat, who passed away on 2 February 2024. An honorary doctorate from the University of KwaZulu-Natal was just one of many awards bestowed on her during a life that spanned almost 98 years. SALEEM BADAT, Research Professor, UFS History Department, University of the Free State Mayat was a remarkable pioneer, evocative writer, public speaker, civic worker, human rights champion and philanthropist. She was a staunch supporter of Palestinian freedom and an end to Israeli apartheid and genocide. I am a scholar of…

Feb

05

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

03

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

03

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

30

2024

By VELMA PAMELA and IRENE MUMBI, BIRD STORY AGENCY

Mastering an age-old tradition has given Fatma Hina space to perfect her art – and generate an income

BEAUTY AND FASHION

A crowd has assembled on both sides of a narrow street in the Swahili Town of Lamu, making it difficult to see what has drawn so many people onto the road. From the sound of the festivities and the cries of approval from the crowd, it is something worth seeing. Today's crowd is a mixture of tourists and local townsfolk, with people in Western attire mingling with those dressed in more traditional garb. They are all here to witness the Lamu Cultural Festival. In the crowd, a woman and two children mingle. The mother's hat, worn over hijab, gives her…

Jan

25

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…