2022 was an eventful year for culture in Africa. From cinema to architecture and music, let’s bring to light some of the most significant news in the world of art and culture from last year.
The ribbon was cut and “The Amazon” was inaugurated in Cotonou. Clad in bronze with a total height of 30 meters, the statue of the same name was inaugurated in the Beninese capital. The monument pays homage to the women fighters known as Agoodjié. Until the end of the 19th century, they belonged to the elite corps of the royal army of Dahomey, a kingdom located in the south of the country.
Centuries later, their reputation precedes them. The American film “The Woman King” was loosely inspired by her story.
Many viewers in Benin praised the film, as well as the African American Film Critics Association.
The cast of “Black Panther Wakanda Forever” traveled to Lagos, Nigeria for the African premiere of the blockbuster.
The film takes up the story of the Kingdom of Wakanda which is in mourning for its king. Disney called on various artists from the mainland to produce music for the film’s soundtrack. African singers include artists from South Africa. Ghana is represented by Ammarae and Nigeria has the most number of featured singers; with big names like Burna Boy and Tems.
Away from Hollywood, African cinema is alive and well. The Cartago Film Festival, one of the oldest festivals of its kind still active on the continent, celebrated its 56th anniversary. Among the award-winning fiction and documentary films is “Sous les Figues” or Under the Figs by the Franco-Tunisian filmmaker Erige Sehiri. The film had already won awards at the Namur Francophone Film Festival (Belgium) and during the Quinzaine des réalisateurs in Cannes.
Among the giants of African music who passed away in 2022 was Senegalese percussionist and singer Rudy Gomis. The founding member of the group Orchestra Baobab passed away on April 27 at the age of 75.
In Nigeria, the news of the death of gospel singer Osinachi Nwachukwu at the age of 42 plunged millions into grief. It also shed light on the plight of domestic violence. In fact, during the trial of Nwachukwu’s husband, some of her relatives claimed that she died as a result of her partner’s violence.
School and clay infrastructures are the trademark of Diébédo Francis Kéré. The Burkina Faso architect is recognized for his sustainable constructions at the service of the population. He became the first African to receive the highest honor in the occupation, the Pritzker Prize. Following the announcement, the laureate wished to pray in tribute to the talented African youth. He also traveled back to his homeland to celebrate his party.
UNESCO has enriched its list of intangible cultural heritage by featuring additional African traditions and music. Among them are the Algerian Raï, a song full of emotion and poetry; the Zambian Kalela dance, traditionally performed during funerals or harvest festivals. Harissa, a spicy paste beloved by Tunisians, was also noted to represent the cuisine of Africa.
When some make their first appearances, others return. After 45 years of censorship, Kenya’s most famous play, “Ngaahika Ndeenda”, translated as (“I will marry whenever I want”), was staged once again. The work highlights the exploitation of ordinary citizens by the political and economic elite.
The work displeased the authorities in 1977 and was banned. Its authors Ngugi wa Thiong’o and Ngugi wa Mirii were even imprisoned.
The Dakar Biennale returned to its audience after a postponement in 2020. On the programme, the best of contemporary artistic creation from Africa and more than 2,500 artists. Tegene Kunbi Senbeto, an Ethiopian abstract artist won the Grand Prix of the event.
South African DJ Black Coffee returned from Las Vegas with a head full of memories and a suitcase containing his first Grammy. He became the first African to collect the Grammy Award for Best Dance/Electronic Album.
