Shaheera Asante
November 2005 - Tiken Jah Fakoly, Afrikids & MAG
Hello and welcome back, here's what's in store this month:
Tiken Jah Fakoly
Over the past two years, there has been a new generation of creative, dynamic and talented African musicians (Thandiswa, Emmanuel Jal et al), artists who are re-inventing and expanding the concept of African music.
However, there is a vacancy for a powerful, vibrant and influential African artist (besides Femi Kuti) whose lyrics can inspire the fire of a new generation of Africans, who refuse to accept things the way they are and speak out about the economic, social and political injustices that rage throughout our continent.
There is a vacancy for someone to point out the legacy of colonialism, the consequences of which still prevail within the Europe/Sub-Saharan African relationship.
Tiken Jah Fakoly please take the post!
Having witnessed the energy, music, performance and thought-provoking lyrics of Tiken Jah Fakoly, for the first time at Womex a few weeks ago (see my photo gallery from Womex) - Tiken Jah Fakoly is the name on my lips these days. I must confess I hadn't heard much about him before, where have I been then? Not everywhere obviously!
Currently on a 20-date sold out tour in France, Tiken, following in the footsteps of his musical mentor Alpha Blondy, fuses pulsating African reggae with hard-hitting lyrics that speak out on the political and social issues between Francophone Africa (although not exclusively) and France. He has become a huge star across Africa and in France has sold over 100,000 albums to date.
Although presently living in exile in Mali, Tiken was born in the North-Eastern region of Ivory Coast in 1968. Music has always been part of his life and is a family tradition. The Fakoly family belong to the legendary line of Griots - storytellers and musicians who guard the history of their people, passing stories and wisdom from generation to generation, through oral tradition. As a young boy, Tiken developed a passionate interest in music; however he didn't put this passion into practice until after the death of his father.
In 1999, he recorded a series of new songs in the Ivory Coast (intended to remind the country's new head of state of the promises he had made to the population), his album 'Le Caméleon' was released solely in that country in 2000, however shortly after, the Ivory Coast entered another turbulent period in its political history with rival factions rioting on the streets after controversial election results.
Tiken's outspoken criticism of corrupt politicians and abusive regimes made him a more potent protest symbol than ever and thousands of young Ivorians adopted him as a role model. The same is happening now with young French fans, both black and white.
Having sold 500,000 copies of his next album 'Magercrati' Tiken was firmly established as a West African superstar. He then went to Jamaica and recorded his next album 'Francafrique' in the legendary Tuff Gong Studios.
His current self-titled album is a combination of his hit albums 'Coupe de Gueule' (2004) and 'Francafrique', both recorded in Kingston, Jamaica with an impressive rhythm section featuring Sly Dunbar, Robbie Shakespeare, Tyrone Downie (also the album's producer). I have a feeling we'll be seeing and hearing a lot more of Tiken Jah Fakoly in the near future. Vacancy filled.
Afrikids & MAG
Information and communication are two of the most powerful tools for life so make sure you don't miss out! You should know about...
Afrikids , a grass roots, non-political and non-religious charity working with communities in the Upper East and Northern regions of Ghana to help make life better and safer for children. They have six programme initiatives including a children's medical and educational fund. Money is raised for their projects through the vibrant Afrikids gallery, located in the heart of London, where they exhibit and sell the work of talented young Ghanaian artist Paul Apowida along with a wide selection of photography, cards, masks and other craft work from Northern Ghana.
Launched in June 2005, MAG (Modern African Generation) is a new hard-hitting, quarterly lifestyle magazine, with well-written features and in-depth articles on music, life and politics. MAG is run by a group of young Africans and backed by African Outreach, a UK-registered African development charity working for improved living conditions in African communities.
Events to check out
Check out two fantastic exhibitions at the Horniman Museum , Forest Hill, London, curated by Kenyan-born Dr Hassan Arero, who is Head of Anthropology at the Horniman and the first Black curator to be hired by a British Museum!
West African Textiles and Costumes a colourful and vibrant exhibition featuring Adire-dyed textiles from the Yoruba region in Nigeria and eye-catching costumes from around the region, these are still worn today on the streets of London and other European cities, so this unique dyeing tradition is still thriving! The exhibition, which launched in March 2005, runs until 1 January 2006.
Also make sure you catch the groundbreaking exhibition Amazon to Caribbean: Early Peoples of the Rainforest revealing the cultural links between early Amazonian cultures and Caribbean art from Guyana's (South America), Amerindian culture. The exhibition was launched in early October 2005 and runs until October 2006 For more information and Africa 05 events at the Horniman Museum call 020 8699 1872.
Africa 05
2005 is coming to a close, and what an incredible year it's been! Let us not forget that Africa 05 is and will be, just the beginning and not the conclusion of African culture represented within the institutions, organizations, government departments and media in Britain.
Exposure, knowledge and awareness are the most important tools for an ignorant mind. I certainly hope that Africa On Your Street, Africa 05, Africa Remix,Africa Lives and the countless other mediums of cultural exchange, which have contributed to make this year such an outstanding success are not seen as a 'trend for the moment' but continue to have a lasting impact for years to come.
I wish you a peaceful end to 2005 and I wish 2006 brings each and every one of you, your deepest desires.
Peace and Love
Shaheera x
Shaheera Asante's Recommended CDs
Tiken Jah Fakoly
Congotronics 2 - 'Buzz'n'Rumble from the Urb'n'Jungle'
Souad Massi - 'Mesk Elil'
Check out my recommended CDs this month in the CD Reviews section or go to Music Search to look at our archive of recommended CDs.