Arts

The Earthshot Prize, initiated by Prince William in 2020, stands out as a groundbreaking environmental accolade, striving to tackle the pressing issues of climate change, air pollution, and the decline of biodiversity. This year, Africa has been chosen as the venue for the prestigious Earthshot event, shining a spotlight on the continent's vital role in enhancing climate action and addressing the most daunting environmental challenges that our world contends with today. "When I created the Earthshot Prize, my aim was to…

For many, the fascination with horror can appear insensible. With real-life nightmares like school shootings, child abuse, and war rampant in our society, why do we chase after fabricated fears for entertainment? This thought-provoking question raises eyebrows, as noted by Sarah Kollat in an insightful piece for The Conversation Africa. Unlike in some parts of the world, Halloween celebrations are low-key on the African continent. Discussions around "black magic" and "witchcraft" often accompany any mention of the holiday,…

Idris Elba has set his sights on a significant shift in his life over the next ten years — he wants to move to Africa. This isn’t just a personal endeavor; it’s a heartfelt commitment to bolster the continent's burgeoning film sector. With an eye toward progress, Elba envisions constructing film studios in two pivotal locations: Zanzibar in Tanzania and Accra in Ghana. He believes it’s high time for Africans to take charge of their own stories. “We need to reclaim our narratives,” he asserts, urging a break from the confines…

In South Africa, the battle for women's rights has reached a new crescendo, with dedicated activists rallying against the anticipated performance of the controversial U.S. artist, Chris Brown. The advocacy group, Women For Change, has initiated a petition aimed at urging both the government and concert promoters to reevaluate the decision to host him in December. The petition articulates a clear demand: the Department of Home Affairs should revoke Brown's visa, thereby preventing him from entering the country altogether.…

Renowned musician Ayodeji Balogun, more famously known as Wizkid, has recently set his sights on fellow artist David Adeleke, or as many call him, Davido, igniting yet another round of verbal sparring across social media platforms. There's been talk that Wizkid intended to drop the inaugural track from his eagerly awaited album, "Morayo," on the same day Davido teased his first single for the upcoming 2024 calendar. In a bold move, Wizkid took to his X account, unleashing a stinging critique against Davido. He described…

The celebrated Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has announced her forthcoming novel, titled *Dream Count*. This captivating tale follows Chiamaka, a Nigerian travel writer grappling with the complexities of life in the United States. Readers can mark their calendars for the official release on March 4, 2025. Adichie is not a stranger to literary acclaim. Her debut novel, *Purple Hibiscus*, earned her the prestigious Commonwealth Writers' Prize. Following that success, *Half of a Yellow Sun* garnered the Orange Prize…

The literary world is mourning the loss of the illustrious Struggle poet, esteemed publisher, and gifted writer James Matthews, who peacefully passed away in his sleep at his Cape Town residence. He graced us with his presence for 95 remarkable years. Matthews's poignant poetry faced banishment under the oppressive apartheid regime, exposing him to relentless intimidation, arbitrary arrests, and the stifling of his artistic expression. His work vividly echoed the hardships and realities faced by Cape Town’s marginalized…

"Dahomey," a groundbreaking documentary crafted by Mati Diop, delves into the echoes of royal artifacts pilfered from West Africa by European colonial powers. These treasures have only recently made their way back to their homeland—modern-day Benin. In a candid conversation with RFI, Diop expressed her hope that the film will trigger deep introspection on pressing themes like displacement, exile, and the elusive notion of return—not only for objects taken but also for the people affected by these historical injustices. Of…

For almost two months, artists have occupied the National Arts Council in Johannesburg. This institution would distribute EUR 17 million through a presidential fund to support employment, but not all applicants could benefit from it. At the initiative of opera singer Sibongile Mngoma, artists took possession of the building in early March to demand transparency in the distribution of funds and to…