MisBeee @ Africa Utopia 2015
If you didn’t make it to Africa Utopia @ the South Bank Centre, check out some of the designs here.
Category: history
Adinkra – more than just a pretty face
What is Adinkra? I put that question to friends and family recently expecting some consistency in the response. But I was surprised by how varied the replies were and how complex and mysterious the Adinkra story is. Continue reading “Adinkra – more than just a pretty face”
Azania – exploring cultural unity across ancient Africa
Although it is considered impolite to eavesdrop, the following conversation I overheard on my way home from work was enough to make me toy with the idea of taking the long route home instead of exiting at my usual stop. Continue reading “Azania – exploring cultural unity across ancient Africa”
Côte d’Ivoire sculptures: unmasking the truth
It is a rare treat for me to go to a museum showcasing African art. But when I do, face masks, figurines and other sculptured pieces tend to be displayed as an afterthought – in my opinion. Continue reading “Côte d’Ivoire sculptures: unmasking the truth”
Hidden histories: Jamaica’s colourful legacies
Small, perfectly formed but bursting with information is how I would describe the Jamaica Hidden Histories Exhibition at the Oxo Gallery in South Bank, London. And organiser Full Spectrum Productions did well to weave so much of Jamaica’s rich history into such a small space. Continue reading “Hidden histories: Jamaica’s colourful legacies”
Review of ‘N: The Madness of Reason’ – a Film Africa London Premiere
‘N: The Madness of Reason‘– a docu-drama co-produced by Peter Krüger and award-winning Nigerian writer Ben Okri – left me suspended between discomfort and awe. Continue reading “Review of ‘N: The Madness of Reason’ – a Film Africa London Premiere”
Notting Hill Carnival and its Crichlow connections
I pulled out this Evening Standard article ‘Girl on the Run‘ because I’ve been an avid fan of Lenora Crichlow ever since she starred in ‘Sugar Rush’ and ‘Material Girl’ – two of my favourite programmes. Continue reading “Notting Hill Carnival and its Crichlow connections”
Walter Tull: Gone but not forgotten
As we remember the war dead 100 years after the First World War started in 1914, let’s spare a thought for Second Lieutenant Walter Daniel John. Tull was the first Black outfield player in Britain, which means he played outside goal, and the second Black professional footballer after Ghana-born Arthur Wharton. Continue reading “Walter Tull: Gone but not forgotten”
Britain’s Cutty Sark: from Chinese tea to Ghanaian cocoa
The Cutty Sark is most famous for being one of the last tea ships or clippers to be built in Britain. But its voyages, which started from 1869, were not confined to just China, where Britain’s love for tea exploded, during the mid-1800s. In its later years, this infamous ship also transported wool and coal from Australia. The ship was then sold to the Portuguese in 1895 where it was renamed the Ferreira.
Continue reading “Britain’s Cutty Sark: from Chinese tea to Ghanaian cocoa”
The Brasil 2014 World Cup: a family affair
As Ghana limbers up to do some damage in this year’s Brasil (spelt the Portuguese Brasilian way) 2014 World Cup, it got me thinking about how deep the ties between the West African nation and the country that gave us samba and carnival actually are. Continue reading “The Brasil 2014 World Cup: a family affair”
Belle: a new kind of English rose
With London-born Ghanaian director Amma Asante screening her film ‘Belle‘ this month (June 2014), I thought it was high time I checked out what all the drama was about. I had come across Dido Elizabeth Belle’s story in 18th century England, before and had seen the famous picture of her with her Caucasian cousin Lady Elizabeth Murray. But upon reading about her life, I realised there was so much I didn’t know. Continue reading “Belle: a new kind of English rose”
Tracing identity and ownership through batik
In 2013, fabrics heavily influenced by West African batik-style finally took the world by storm. With the likes of Michelle Obama and Beyonce’s sister Solange Knowles readily sporting such outfits, its popularity has been growing. This celebrity endorsement has helped to propel emerging and established designers even higher into the echelons of the fashion industry and the public’s consciousness. See here.
Continue reading “Tracing identity and ownership through batik”
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