El Anatsui Bags Traditional Title - IKEDIRE of Nsukka
On August 24, 2019, Emeritus Professor El Anatsui enjoyed an installation of a different kind. The traditional ruler of Ihe/Owerre Nsukka in Enugu State, Nigeria, Igwe George F. O. Asadu conferred a traditional title on the artistic icon and long-time resident of Nsukka (since 1975). In so doing, Prof El Anatsui was received into the Council of the Igwe and regarded as IKEDIRE.
Oyiza Adaba and Uche Onyishi
Photos: Elijah Okoro for Africa-Related
NSUKKA - NIGERIA
IKEDIRE of NSUKKA
Globally acclaimed sculptor and long-time Nsukka resident of 45 years, Ghanaian artist EL Anatsui is IKEDIRE of Nsukka. Photo by Africa-Related.
“power which is effective”
AUGUST 24, 2019
“Intimidating”
On August 24, 2019, Emeritus Professor El Anatsui enjoyed an installation of a different kind. The traditional ruler of Ihe/Owerre Nsukka in Enugu State, Nigeria, Igwe George F. O. Asadu conferred a traditional title on the artistic icon and long-time resident of Nsukka (since 1975). In so doing, Prof El Anatsui was received into the Council of the Igwe and regarded as IKEDIRE.
“Anyone that has remained happily in a place for 45 years is long overdue its citizenship.”
FULL REGALIA
Emeritus Professor El Anatsui - Ikedire of Nsukka with the traditional ruler of Ihe/Owerre Nsukka in Enugu State, Nigeria Igwe George F. O. Asadu.
The traditional title of 'Ikedire', meaning 'power which is effective' reflects Anatsui's commitment to his adopted community of Nsukka, a university town in the south-east where he taught at the University of Nigeria from 1975 until he retired in 2012. Although this native son of Ghana has enjoyed world wide acclaim through his art, he is also known for his humanitarian and community initiatives, which directly impacts lives.
‘Intimidating’, was the word used by Prof. Greg Mbajiogu, a lecturer in theatre and film studies to describe Anatsui’s citation. Above the accolades and speeches was one shared sentiment - “This is an honour overdue”. Fiends and colleagues who attended the simple ceremony at the Igwe's home; appreciate its depth and agree that Anatsui's contributions have in no small measure put Nsukka on the world map.
In Igwe Asadu’s words, ‘Anyone that has remained happily in a place for 45 years is long overdue its citizenship’.
For more info on El Anatsui, visit elanatsui.art . Watch El Anatsui’s biographical documentary here.
PHOTO HIGHLIGHTS
Photos by @africarelated
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Highlights of Anya Fụlụ Ugo 2015
An Interdisciplinary African Arts Conference in honour of El Anatsui and Obiora Udechukwu that took place at the Faculty of Arts, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria. The maiden edition was held in honour of Professors El Anatsui and Obiora Udechukwu.
By oyiza adaba - Africa-Related, Nigeria
Faculty of Arts Complex, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Photo: Africa-Related
anya fụlụ ugo jaa ya mma, na-adi afụ ugo kwa daa
- the eye that sees an eagle should adore it, for only rarely are eagles seen -
Video Courtesy of Africa-Related
Interdisciplinary African Arts Conference of the Faculty of Arts, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria in honour of El Anatsui and Obiora Udechukwu
Theme: African Art and Artists after the Millennial Turn
Venue: Princess Alexandria Auditorium, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
Date: 24-27 June 2015
This conference adopts an interdisciplinary approach to the discourse of the current state of art and artists in Africa and in the African Diaspora. It is our tribute to two important global artists associated with the Faculty of Arts at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, whose work over the past four decades demonstrates the multiple layers of critical, historical, and other narrative contexts that African art engenders today. Professors El Anatsui and Obiora Udechukwu are acclaimed for creating a respectable body of works that have grown to defy any marginal critical or historical narrative - a microcosm of the form and content of African art today.
The four-day even was attended by artists and educators from various countries including UK, Spain, The United States, Germany etc. The program was packed with activities such as breakout sessions, art exhibitions, guided tours etc.
The broad theme of the conference, “African Art and Artists after the Millennial Turn” proposes an interdisciplinary approach to the discourse of the current state of art and artists in Africa and in the African Diaspora. Under the banner “Anya Fulu Ugo”, this maiden edition was held in honour of Professors El Anatsui and Obiora Udechukwu.
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Memory Lane: A visit to China Achebe at Bard College
African journalists and educators Okey Ndibe, Joyce Ashuntantang, Omoyele Sowore and Oyiza Adaba visit Prof Chinua Achebe at Bard College in 2008
Press Release
African journalists and educators Okey Ndibe, Joyce Ashuntantang, Omoyele Sowore and Oyiza Adaba visited Prof. Chinua Achebe at his home at Bard College in 2008.
Annandale-on Hudson February 2008
Photos: Kofo the Wonderman & The Daylight Stars @ ZINC Bar NYC
Multi-talented Kofo Wonder performs at Freedom Park, Lagos
By Oyiza Adaba | Photos: Africa-Related New York
Kofo Wonder & The Daylight Stars at Zinc Bar NYC (Photos: Africa-Related/2008)
Our crew spent a wonderful evening with Kofo the Wonderman & The Daylight Stars taping our TV series MESSENGERS at Zinc Bar NYC.
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