List of National Museums in Nigeria
The National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) is an offshoot of a department in the then Federal Ministry of Works that was established in 1953. It was transferred to the Federal Ministry of information as the Department of Antiquities by ordinance 17 of the Colonial Government of 1953.
The National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) is Nigeria’s governing body that was “stablished to manage the collection, documentation, conservation and presentation of the National cultural properties to the public for the purposes of education, enlightenment and entertainment”.
By AFRICA-RELATED
List of National Museums in Nigeria
How many have you visited?
1
National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Abuja
Office of Head of Service,
Federal Secretariat Complex,
Block C, First Floor, Shehu Shagari Way, Abuja FCT.
PMB, 171, Garki – Abuja
2
National Museum of Colonial History, Aba
No. 6 Ikot Ekpene Road
P.M.B. 7116 Aba,
Abia State.
3
National Museum, Abakaliki
No. 6 St. Patrick Road,
Kiriri, Abakaliki
Ebonyi State.
4
National Museum,
Abeokuta
Baptist Girls College, Idi-Aba, P.M.B. 2004 Abeokuta
Ogun State
5
National Museum,
Akure
Opposite Post Office
Oba Adesida Road, P.M.B 444
Akure, Ondo
6
National Museum,
Asaba
Mungo House Park,
P.M.B 95071
Asaba, Delta State.
7
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Mausoleum, Bauchi
Kofar Ran Road
Bauchi, Bauchi State
8
National Museum, Benin
Ring Road, Benin City
P.M.B. 1115, Benin City
Edo State
9
Rock Art Interpretive Centre, Birnin- Kudu
Kano-Bauchi Road
Birnin Kudu, Jigawa State
10
National Museum,
Calabar
Ekpo Eyo Drive, P.M.B. 1180, Calabar, Cross River State
11
Slave History Museum, Calabar
Marina Resort,
P.M.B. 1180 Calabar, CRS
12
National Museum, Damaturu
Opposite Ben Kadio Housing Estate, Behind Cultural Centre, Maiduguri Road
Damaturu, Yobe State
13
National Museum of Unity, Enugu
65 Abakaliki Road
P.M.B. 1285, G.R.A, Enugu
14
National Museum,
Esie
P.M.B. 301, Esie
Kwara State
15
National Museum Gombe
Gombe Federal Secretariat Complex,
Room 289-294 2nd Floor,
Gombe City Centre, Gombe State.
16
National Museum,
Hong
Local Govt. Secretariat Complex, P.M.B. 2262,
Hong, Adamawa State
17
Institute of Archaeology & Museum Studies (I.A.M.S)
Opposite Central Bank Parking Space,
P.M.B 2031
Jos, Plateau State.
18
National Museum of Unity, Ibadan
Alesinloye Area, P.M.B. 5524,
Ibadan, Oyo State
19
National Museum ICT Centre, Oko Surulere
National Museum, Oko Surulere, Oko
P.O.Box 1706
Oko, Ogbomosho
Oyo State.
20
National Museum,
Igbo-Ukwu
Km. 4, Umudege Ezinifite Road,
Igbo-Ukwu, Aguata LGA, Anambra
21
National Museum,
Ile-Ife
Enuwa Square, P.M.B. 5515,
Enuwa Ile-Ife, Osun State
22
National Museum,
Ilorin
14 Abdulkadri Road, P.M.B. 1549,
GRA Ilorin, Kwara State
23
National Museum, Jalingo
Besides Taraba State Ministry of Culture and Tourism,
Opposite Governor’s Office, Jalingo
24
National Museum,
Jos
P.M.B. 2013,
Jos, Plateau State
25
National Museum, Kanta
Kanta Museum
P.M.B. 1001
Argungu
Kebbi State.
26
Museum of Traditional Nigerian Architecture (MOTNA), Jos
Opposite High Court
P.M.B. 2931, JosPlateau State
27
Zoological Garden, Jos
Opposite Jos Museum,
P.M.B. 2013, Jos Plateau State
28
Centre for Earth Construction Technology (CECTECH)
Opposite Jos Museum,
P.M.B. 2013 Jos, Plateau State
29
National Museum, Kaduna
No. 33, Ali Akilu Road
P.M.B. 2127, Kaduna, Kaduna State
30
Gidan Makama, Museum, Kano
Opposite Emir’s Palace, Kano city,
P.M.B. 2023, Kano State.
31
National Museum, Katsina
Kofa Uku, along Mohamadu Dikko Road,
P.M.B. 409, Katsina State.
32
National Museum, Koko
Nana Living Spring Museum,
Koko, Delta State
33
National Museum, Lafia
Behind Deputy Governor’s Office, Shendam Road,
P.M.B. 127, Lafia, Nasarawa State
34
National Museum, Lagos
King George V. Road, Onikan,
P.M.B. 12556, Lagos State.
35
National Museum of Colonial History, Lokoja
P.M.B. 1022, Lokoja,
Kogi State.
36
National Museum, Maiduguri
Custom Area, Maiduguri, P.M.B. 1029,
Maiduguri, Borno State
37
National Museum, Makurdi
GP 4, Ahmadu Bello, Opp. Deputy Governor’s Office,
P.M.B. 102294,
Makurdi,
Benue State.
38
National Museum, Minna
Federal Secretariat Complex, Minna,
P.M.B. 538, Minna, Niger State
39
National Museum, Nok
Kwoi-Jaba LGA, Kwoi,
P.M.B. 0006,
Kaduna State.
40
National Museum, Ogbomosho
No. 3 Museum Street
Off, Sunsun Road
P. O. Box 1602, Ogbomoso
Oyo State.
41
National Museum, Oron
P.M.B. 1004, Oron,
Akwa Ibom State
42
National Museum, Oshogbo
Ataoja’s Palace, P.M.B. 4376, Oshogbo
Osun State.
43
National Museum, Owerri
B65 Shell Camp, Off Orlu Road,
P.M.B. 1585, Owerri Imo State.
44
National Museum, Owo
Olowo’s Palace, Owo,
P.M.B. 1003, Owo,
Ondo State
45
National Museum, Oyo
No.1 Palace Road,
Aafin Oyo,
Oyo State
46
National Museum, Port Harcourt
Near No. 2 Hairle Street, Old GRA, Opp Delta Hotel,
P.M.B. 5766, Port Harcourt,
Rivers State.
47
National Museum, Sokoto
Federal Secretariat Complex, Sokoto,
P.M.B. 2367, Sokoto, Sokoto State.
48
Interpretation Centre, Sukur
Mubi-Maiduguri Road, Sukur,
P.M.B. 06, Madagali Local Government,
Adamawa State.
49
National War Museum, Umuahia
War Museum Road, Ebite-Amafor, Isingwu by Ugwunchara,
P.M.B. 7074, Umuahia, Abia State.
50
National Museum, Uyo
Ring Road II, Aka Offot (Behind Ibom Hall), P.M.B. 1109,
Uyo,
Akwa Ibom State.
51
National Museum, Yenagoa
Ijaw House
Sani Abacha Express Way,
Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
52
National Museum, Yola
No. 2 Mohammed, Tukur Road, Off Ahmadu Bello Way (Opposite Army Command Primary School), Jimeta, P.M.B. 2262, Jimeta-Yola, Adamawa State.
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CUTTING THE STORY SHORT: The Steady Rising of Ihunmehai Isaac
From a struggling accounting student to working on an Emmy-nominated project, Ihunmehai Isaac’s story is that of difficult struggles, dogged determination and rewarding triumphs.
OYIZA ADABA Africa-Related, NEW YORK
Contributor: Fortune Ehiwayas
From a struggling accounting student to working on an Emmy-nominated project, Ihunmehai Isaac’s story is that of difficult struggles, dogged determination and rewarding triumphs.
Ihunmehai Isaac: video editor determined to make a difference/Photo by Yolanda Hoskey
Ihunmehai Cynthia Isaac is a dynamic African storyteller from Edo State, Nigeria, whose profile as a video editor in the U.S. film industry is on a gradual rise.
Having studied accounting in Nigeria, Ihums, as she is popularly known, had grown increasingly conscious of her artistic side.
“I told myself that the only way to survive in a world as competitive as this is to change my career path to what I like.”
From taking simple snapshots, she started applying for work in television and radio stations in Nigeria. She eventually landed a professional course at the School of Media and Communication Pan-Atlantic University, which is a part of the prestigious Lagos Business School.
Her desire to tell authentic stories led her to study film and acquire specific industry-related skills. In 2018, she migrated to the United States to obtain a Master's degree in Media Management from The New School in New York.
During her studies, she co-hosted a podcast titled The Grad Life Uncut, where graduate students from different schools were interviewed about their different experiences in the graduate school ecosystem.
Ms. Isaac has participated in several projects including Shalini Kantayya's educational documentary, which was post-produced by The Dakoit Team entitled ‘Coded Bias’. This received an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Science and Tech Documentaries in September 2022. Others projects are ‘Freestlyed’, ‘Donut Kid’, a stand-up special called ‘The Ghost of Academic Future’, and ‘TikTok Boom’, a documentary on the impact of social media in today’s world and a special project achieved by passion and “very long hours”.
The role of the video editor is crucial to any production. While Wikipedia describes film or video editing as the process of ‘manipulation and arrangement of video shot used to structure and present all video’, Ihunmehai describes the job of a video editor as “demanding but tremendously gratifying”.
Ihunmehai Isaac/Photo by Yolanda Hoskey
Ihunmehai Isaac/Photo by Yolanda Hoskey
"Just picture a crowd of people viewing a movie you edited and laughing or reacting to it with the kind of emotion you expected. Observing that, having people respond favorably to your work, in my opinion, is simply the highest compliment you can receive."
As she continues to take on bigger projects, Ihunmehai Isaac's primary objective is to create narratives with strong emotional undertones that inspire and educate; treating subjects like life, love, education, women, mental health, social issues and entertainment. Her unique difference is to always have an underlying purpose, which is to add value.
IHUNMEHAI ISAAC on the SET of ‘Donut Kid’ and music video for kofo wonder iN NEW YORK
Film Works
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ROXANNE SHANTE Leads Women Honored By HIP HOP MUSEUM
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop and in honor of International Women's Day, the Universal Hip Hop Museum held an exhibition titled [R]Evolution of Hip Hop “Golden Era” 1986-1990s.
OYIZA ADABA Africa-Related, NEW YORK
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop and International Women's Day
UHHM Front Bronx Point Render | Photo by UHHM
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop and in honor of International Women's Day, the Universal Hip Hop Museum held an exhibition titled [R]Evolution of Hip Hop “Golden Era” 1986-1990s.
The South Bronx is the birthplace of this music genre that spread globally from a basement party in 1973. It has since evolved, creating sub genres of Hip Hop culture, and represented in most countries today.
International Women's Day
To mark International Women's Day, the museum honored women in Hip Hop including Roxanne Shanté, the first female battle rapper and catalyst of the 'Roxanne Wars'. She spoke candidly on the recognition and sacrifices female Hip Hop artists have made for the genre to firmly take root.
Shanté was in the good company of five other women of Hip Hop. Cindy Campbell, the graffiti artist of the 'Back To School Party' fame, Sylvia Robinson of Sugar Hill Records, who is known as the Mother of Hip Hop; MC Sha Rock the first female emcee, Sparky D, a pioneer female emcee; and lastly Lady Pink, a pioneer female graffiti artist.
Carlifonia-based visual artist The D.o.T. aka Dorothy Wilson donated a series of portraits entitled UHHM Hip Hop Flowers Volume 1, celebrating iconic women in Hip Hop culture to the museum's permanent collection. She made a personal presentation to Roxanne Shanté at the event.
Giant Boombox interior | Photo by UHHM
According to the museum, the five elements of Hip Hop are DJ, which is the mixing of the music, emceeing, which is rapping - the vocal elements of Hip Hop; breakdancing which is the dance form of Hip Hop. Graffiti, a visual form of expression, is the fourth element; the fifth and sometimes forgotten element is knowledge - the education part of Hip-hop.
UHHM Lobby Render | Photo by UHHM
The “Golden Era” Exhibition
The UHHM’s current ongoing [R]Evolution of Hip Hop exhibition, the “Golden Era” 1986-1990 is located at the Bronx Terminal Market at 610 Exterior St. The permanent museum will open to the public in 2024.
The exhibition’s artifacts and memorabilia were curated by Paradise Gray, who used archival materials, storytelling, music etc from the streets and clubs of New York to the suburban neighborhoods of Compton. It highlights the lyrical skills of artists like Rakeem, Kool G Rap, Big Daddy Kane and others that transformed the definition of emceeing; and features the likes of Whodini, Beastie Boys and Run DMC who established rap, making it more marketable leading to the MTV Raps era.
To take this immersive journey through Hip Hop history, tickets are available online at uhmm.org
Photos By Africa-Related
For more on this topic, watch the full episode on Season 3 of Messengers - Coming soon.
NOTE TO PUBLISHERS: Please credit source
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GORDON PARKS - The Best $12.50 Ever Spent
Multitalented filmmaker Gordon Parks turns the camera on himself in final film
Oyiza Adaba | AFRICA-RELATED NEW YORK
Photo credit: Screenshot from Moments Without Proper Names
“I’ve chosen my camera as a tool of social consciousness.”
To celebrate Black History Month, we remember Gordon Parks.
In his final 1986 film titled Moments Without Proper Names, multi-talented director Gordon Parks turned the camera on himself, delivering decades of work as a photographer, journalist, poet, composer and social icon.
The best $12.50 he would ever spend was on a camera purchased in a pawn shop in Seattle. He never looked back and would go on to document and showcase America and the rest of the world through decades of change and evolution. Through his lens, Parks tells the Black story, the African-American story, the Human story. His camera took him around the world, and opened doors to places most black people could only dream of accessing. He composed many music scores, including the motion picture 'Shaft' and spearheaded the Blaxploitation movement in the 70s.
Parks' penetrating gaze was just as intense as his haunting images, which were backed by the potency of his carefully-crafted words and smooth baritone. He humanized every story.
Gordon Parks was born the last of 15 children in Kansas in 1912. His passing in 2006 at the age of 93, left behind an unrivaled legacy in documenting poignant global historical 'moments without proper names'.
'The Learning Tree' was the Memoir he finally wrote in 1963. With the full backing of a major motion picture studio - another rarity in his time - he scored, produced and directed the film adaptation in 1969. He took this as a 'responsibility' to set a precedent for black filmmakers.
Photo credit: Screenshot from Moments Without Proper Names
In his words, "I've chosen my camera as a tool of social consciousness. Common sense told me I had to have insufficient understanding of what was right or wrong. Otherwise, my camera eventually became my own enemy. I tried to keep my own consciousness alert, at the highest level of integrity, those things I gave myself to. It was clearly defined from the very beginning that it'd be hard not to betray myself, to remain faithful to my emotions when facing the controversial issues of black and white. I was a journalist first. I would have to remain aware that being true to my own beliefs counted even more. I would have to bear the anguish of objectivity and trying to avoid those intellectual biases and subjectivity can impose on a reporter. I was a journalist, and expected to fulfill the commitment as all journalists are supposed to have emotional detachment. Succeeding years would test my ability to retain that detachment".
Listen to Gordon Parks Reading of The Learning Tree
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VIRTUES ON DISPLAY - Amarachi Okafor Announces ‘Beauty, Mercy, Kindness and Love’
For Amarachi Okafor, an Abuja-based visual artist, curator, cultural producer, author and founder of ORIE STUDIO, the last two decades of experimentation have culminated in an interesting array of mediums, materials and techniques.
By Oyiza Adaba | Africa-Related New York
“‘Announcing Beauty, Mercy, Kindness and Love’, is a metaphor and a call for human connection, building up, garnering that strength, which is almost only found in unity.”
AMARACHI OKAFOR/Photo credit: Red Door Gallery, Lagos
Our world today could certainly do with a few doses of these indelible qualities.
For Amarachi Okafor, an Abuja-based visual artist, curator, cultural producer, author and founder of ORIE STUDIO, the last two decades of experimentation have culminated in an interesting array of mediums, materials and techniques. With a BA in Painting, a Masters in Sculpture and also in Curatorial Practice, some of these techniques came to life at Red Door Gallery Lagos, where her 20th anniversary retrospective themed ‘Announcing Beauty, Mercy, Kindness and Love’ is currently holding.
A recipient of numerous awards, prizes and scholarships, including the 2007 UNESCO Aschberg Artist Award and the Commonwealth Connections Artists Award in 2009, Amarachi has worked as a senior curator at the National Gallery of Art, Nigeria, and has also served as a juror in several regional and national competitions including Life In My City Art Festival (LIMCAF).
Her worldview and wide range experience at Universal Studios, Aina Onabolu Studios and New Afrika Studios have propelled Okafor’s works to explore related topics such as environment, unity, nation building, hunger, education etc. With a variety of media, objects, words and events that includes painting, plastic bags, textiles, installations, performance art etc, she continues to promote these global themes that sometimes require audience participation.
In her words, “It has been a very rewarding journey locating methods for pursuing research, audience-participation and collaboration as part of my processes for making art; whilst studying and embedding tangible and visual notions of structure, design and architecture.”
This 20th anniversary retrospective exhibition is a ‘cultural production’ that gives visitors a glimpse at the evolution of Amarachi Okofor’s practice through the years. She has a renewed focus on opening up the conversation about her creative process - from conceptual to creating, curating, research, documenting and archiving - masterful skill sets she continues to build on and share with beauty, mercy, kindness and love.
Video Credit: Orie Studio/CKG Media
PHOTOS OF THE EXHIBITION /Photo credit: Red Door Gallery , Lagos
If you are in Lagos, the exhibition runs from October 29 to November 19, 2022 at the Red Door Gallery, Lagos.
Original Quote
“To announce beauty, mercy, kindness and love is the act of flying over limits. However tiny they may be. The act of erasing bricks and doors. The way to let the words that make us more beautiful flow.”
Additional links to works by Amarachi Okafor
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TEDx OKENE 2022: IT'S 2 DAYS TO GO!
Among the impressive lineup of speakers are Dr Tom Adaba OON of the Tom Adaba Legacy Project, teen speaker Ohinoyi Ohikere, Ms. Salamatu Yunusa, a first-class graduate of Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the University of East London, and Rev. Fr. George Ehusani of Lux Terra Leadership Foundation.
Rosemary Onubaiye | Africa-Related
“We want a changed mindset, one geared towards positivity.”
It's 2 days to go!
Don't miss #TEDxOkene 2022 this Saturday in Okene and online on Saturday September 3, 2022.
Among the impressive lineup of speakers are Dr Tom Adaba OON of the Tom Adaba Legacy Project, teen speaker Ohinoyi Ohikere, Ms Salamatu Yunusa, a first-class graduate of Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the University of East London, and Rev. Fr. George Ehusani of Lux Terra Leadership Foundation.
This year, the organisers are working towards a ‘changed mindset’ in individuals and communities. By pairing young mentees with inspiring mentors, they hope to better keep track of projects in development .
The event will be graced by the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, HRM. Alh. (Dr.) Ado Ibrahim, alongside royal fathers and mothers. Past speakers like Hamza Lawal of Connected Development CODE, will be back as a guest
Check out more scenes from TEDXOkene 2021
MEET THE 2022 SPEAKERS
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U.S Supports UN Permanent Forum on International Day for People of African Descent
August 31 marks the 2nd anniversary of the International Day for People of African Descent, a day created by the United Nations to celebrate the achievements of people of African descent worldwide.
By Oyiza Adaba | Africa-Related New York
“It is essential that we continue to speak up – loudly and without fail – against any notion of racial superiority and that we work tirelessly to free all societies from the blight of racism.”
— UN Secretary-General António Guterres
2014-2024
How much progress has been made in the UN’s International Decade, aimed at advancing social justice, eradicating racism and promoting human rights for people of African descent?
August 31 marks the 2nd anniversary of the International Day for People of African Descent, a day created by the United Nations to celebrate the achievements of people of African descent worldwide.
A panel of experts came together to examine The Critical Role of Racial Equity and Justice in U.S. Foreign Policy and to highlight their works in the last year to protect and advance human rights, to combat systemic racism, discrimination and xenophobia around the world as well as the work of the United Nations Permanent Forum on People of African Descent.
The briefers include the U.S. Representative to the United Nations Amb. Linda Thomas- Greenfield , The Honorable Congressman Gregory W. Meeks, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Special Representative for Racial Justice and Equity Desiree Cormier Smith and Justin Hansford, Howard University Law Professor.
All speakers touched on US efforts around the world in highlighting the indispensable contributions of Africans and people of African descent in multiple facets of society, while calling for people worldwide to continue to stand united inspite of the profound injustices and systemic discrimination they may confront today.
“Honoring this day means not shrinking away from our painful past or our current responsibilities.”
- Amb. Linda Thomas- Greenfield U.S. Representative to the UN
These U.S efforts in the last year include support for the UN Permanent Forum for people of African descent, partnerships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU), which led to the creation of the Thurgood Marshall Centre at Howard University Washington D.C, as well as various country programs in Mali, Columbia , Mauritania and Brazil.
“We need voices”
- Gregory W. Meeks, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Cmtee
The 193-member UN body unanimously adopted a resolution establishing this office, presided over by a 10-member advisory body, who have set targeted goals by 2024.
Some of the key questions that arose include placements of key policy makers of African descent around the world and collaborative platforms for advancement? All these, as we look ahead to the second U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit in December
See press briefing transcript here
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W.E.B. DU BOIS MUSEUM COMPLEX GHANA - Restoration Plan Commences
The W.E.B du Bois Center in Ghana is where the remains of Man, his wife Shirley and vast collection of books and personal items have been since his death on August 27, 1963.
By Oyiza Adaba | Africa-Related New York
And Beatrice Arthur | Ghana
The great African-American Scholar, Civil Rights Activist and father of Pan-Africanism who influenced the likes of Ghana’s first Prime Minister/President Kwame Nkrumah, envisioned Ghana to be his final resting place.
W.E.B du Bois Photo by webdbmf.org
This symbolic and historic gesture gave birth to the W.E.B du Bois Centre in Accra, where the remains of the Man, his beloved wife Shirley and the vast collection of his books and personal items have been, since his death on August 27, 1963. He had spent a good part of 1961-1963 in Ghana curating the contributions of Africans to global development in the five-volume Encyclopedia Africana. Du Bois was interred in a state funeral outside Christiansborg Castle in Osu, formerly a holding pen for the slave cargoes bound for the Americas.
“I had planned an "Encyclopedia Africana" in 1909 but my leaving Atlanta for New York postponed this project and the World War prevented its renewal. In 1934 I was chosen to act as editor-in-chief of a new project of the Phelps-Stokes Fund to prepare and publish an Encyclopedia of the Negro. I spent nearly ten years of intermittent effort on this project and secured cooperation from many scholars, white and black, in America, Europe and Africa. But the necessary funds could not be secured. Perhaps again it was too soon to expect large aid for so ambitious a project directed by Negroes and built mainly on Negro scholarship. Nevertheless, a preliminary volume summarizing this effort was published in 1945. (p.302)
- W. E. B DU Bois 1968 Autobiography
In recent times however, that vision has weathered the storms of indifference and neglect, giving room for a new vision by the management of the W.E.B Du Bois Museum Foundation. Headquartered in New York and under the leadership of Japhet Aryiku, the Foundation stresses that the redesign and expansion project aims to re-establish a cultural destination for academics, the diaspora, and the local Ghanaian community that honors the momentous work of its namesake.
On the 59th anniversary of his death, this milestone unveiling was witnessed by du Bois’ great grandson Jefrey Peck, and made possible through a partnership with Ghana’s Ministry of Tourism Arts & Culture.
The Museum Complex has Sir David Adjaye of Adjaye Associates as the design Architects. The project is expected to be completed in 2024 with public support and donations. See how you can support below.
Get to know the WEBDB Museum Project here
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EXHIBITION: THE MET Tributes CHEIK DIOP With ‘African Origin of Civilization’
The exhibition highlights five millennia of extraordinary artistic production on the African continent.
By Oyiza Adaba | Africa-Related New York
Photo: metmuseum.org
The ongoing exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, NY titled The African Origin of Civilization, may be a vindication of sorts, of the Senegalese historian Cheik Anta Diop’s previously debunked theory about Africa’s time and place in the global civilization discourse.
In his 1974 book The African Origin of Civilization: Myth or Reality, Diop challenged what history had long taught about Africa.
The exhibition bulletin highlights five millennia of extraordinary artistic production on the African continent. Twenty-one pairings unite masterpieces from the Museum's collections of ancient Egyptian and West and Central African art to reveal unexpected parallels and contrasts across time and cultures.
“The African Origin of Civilization will remain on view while The Met’s galleries of Sub-Saharan African Art are closed for the complete renovation of the Michael C. Rockefeller Wing. The re-envisioned wing is expected to reopen in 2024, and will feature three distinct suites of galleries for Sub-Saharan African Art, Ancient American Art, and Oceanic Art.
- The MET Museum -
The Met continues to set an encouraging example to museums worldwide by giving well-earned spaces to their African Ancient & Oceanic Art sections. Our own museum coverage and experience show that in most cases, these sections are reserved at farther wings from the main space, leaving visitors sometimes discouraged by distance, time or exhaustion.
The exhibition opened on December 14, 2021 and remains ongoing.
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KOFO WONDER! Live @ Freedom Park
Multi-talented Kofo Wonder performs at Freedom Park, Lagos on August 28, 2021
Africa-Related New York
If you are in Lagos on Sunday August 28th and every last Sunday of the month, don't miss a chance to see the multi-talented Kofo Wonder + The Daylight Stars!
PHOTOS: Kofo Wonder & The Daylight Stars on MESSENGERS at Zinc Bar NYC (2008)
Music that moves! Watch Kofo Wonder bring the talking drum to life!
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US VISAS: State Department Gives Post-Pandemic Update
The US State Department briefed journalists on recent measures taken to combat post-pandemic visa backlog at consular posts overseas. Some of the measures include the global visa approach, whereby applicants can apply for U.S visas anywhere in the world.
By Oyiza Adaba | Africa-Related New York
“Applicants can apply anywhere in the world where there’s an appointment available.”
The Deputy Assistant Secretary for Visa Services, Julie Stufft provided an update to members of the foreign press on the current status of visa processing and services at the U.S Consular sections overseas. The pandemic, no doubt impacted the world’s travel
“Right now the wait time for routine visa appointments at half of our overseas posts is less than four months and at some posts is actually far, far shorter than that.
- Julie Stufft, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Visa Services -
She however stressed that the State department is viewing the visa workload globally, and that Consular posts worldwide are experiencing a faster recovery than initially expected. She highlighted some of the measures taken to meet visa demands and reduce the backlog. They include:
Waiving in-person interviews;
Upgraded Staffing and ‘doubled consular hiring’;
Remote/Virtual Adjudication processes leading to more visa adjudications ‘this year than in the past six years’;
Expedited visa appointment for business travel, urgent humanitarian or medical travel;
Increased number of visas to Temporary Workers (including agricultural workers) and Student categories;
Global Visa approach where applicants can apply in any U.S consulate, and not necessarily in their country of origin.
“… if an applicant is in a country with a long wait time, that applicant go to another post… and this has really been successful for thousands of visa applicants this year.
- Julie Stufft, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Visa Services -
What has been your post-pandemic experience at the U.S Consulate in your country?
See transcript here
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HIGHLIGHTS: CHALE WOTE & HOMOWO FESTIVALS
See images of the colorful display of Culture and Talent at annual Chale Wote and Homowo Festivals in Accra Ghana
By Africa-Related New York
Photos: Beatrice Arthur
TWO FESTIVALS SIDE BY SIDE
The Chale Wote Street Art Festival also known as Chale Wote is an alternative platform that brings art, music, dance and performance out into the streets. The festival targets exchanges between scores of local and international artists and patrons by creating and appreciating art together. Wikipedia
Homowo is a harvest festival celebrated by the Ga people of Ghana in the Greater Accra Region. The festival starts in the month of August with the planting of crops before the rainy season starts. During the festival, they perform a dance called Kpanlogo. Wikipedia
Photos by @annabetya
Get to know more about the historic location of Jamestown Accra, and plan your next visit.
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2022 GLOBAL CITIZEN FESTIVAL: ACT NOW!
The Lineup for the 2022 Global Citizen Festival has been announced. It will take place in New York and Accra Ghana on September 24, 2022
Words: Oyiza Adaba
Africa-Related New York
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Listen to the Message in the Music…World Leaders Told
Advocacy is at the core of the 2022 Global Citizens Festival. Bearing that message to world leaders, corporations and citizens, is an impressive lineup of performers across different musical genres. The message is this:
Amply voices of Girls
Tackle Global Food Crisis
Address Financial Imbalance of Climate Change
Provide Debt Relief
It is a call that would be heard from the historic Black Star Square in Accra, Ghana to Central Park New York, where performances would run concurrently on September 24, 2022.
The U.S lineup include Metallica, Mariah Carey, Jonas Brothers, while Usher, SZA, Stormzy, Gyakie, H.E.R., Sarkodie, Stonebwoy, and TEMS will perform in Ghana, to celebrate the country’s 65th independence anniversary and the 20th anniversary of the African Union.
Learn more about the upcoming festival and how you can get involved.
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FOREIGN AID IN AFRICA: Did It Work?
Dr. Mo Ibrahim, Prof. Bill Easterly of New York University, Prof. Celestin Monga,and Ms. Tanaka Chiimba discuss The Impact of Foreign Aid in Africa
By Africa-Related New York
Dr. Mo Ibrahim, Prof. Bill Easterly of New York University, Prof. Celestin Monga and Ms. Tanaka Chiimba discuss The Impact of Foreign Aid in Africa. (Screeshot from: Wheeler Institute)
The Wheeler Institute for Business & Development and the London Business School organized a 10-week open access course titled, African History through the Lens of Economics. This plenary session on the 10th week hosted Prof. William (Bill) Easterly of New York University, Prof. Celestin Monga of Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, and Dr. Mo Ibrahim of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation. The plenary session, which examined The Impact of Foreign Aid was moderated by Tanaka Chiimba, a Senior Advisor at McKinsey & Company in South Africa.
- Did foreign Aid work in Africa
- Africa's approach to Aid
- Governance of Aid in Africa
- China in Africa
The 10-week course was attended by over 50,000 participants with over 28,000 certification awarded. The initiative is the brainchild of the main teaching faculty made up of Elias Papaioannou, Leonard Wantchekon, Nathan Nunn and Stelios Michalopoulos. The ideas and lessons from such programs can no doubt germinate into seeds of change for Africa.
If you missed it, you can still take the classes at your leisure. All course materials and lectures are free and can be found here:
Background on Speakers
Bill Easterly, Professor of Economics at New York University and Director of its Development Research Institute, is a leading scholar and authority on foreign aid and development. His books 'The Tyranny of Experts', 'The White Man’s Burden', and 'The Elusive Quest for Growth' have had a profound impact on policy making and our thinking on these issues.
Celestin Monga, Visiting Professor of Public Policy at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, Former Chief Economist and Vice-President of the Africa Development Bank Group, has done important research and policy work across the continent.
Mo Ibrahim has been one of Africa’s most successful entrepreneurs, whose business journey continues to inspire millions of Africans. Through the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, he and his team have focused their philanthropic work stressing the importance and promoting good governance and leadership.
Tanaka Chiimba is a Senior Advisor at McKinsey & Company in South Africa and a graduate of Sloan Fellow of London Business School (2019)
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FUNDING FOR CULTURAL OPERATORS IN AFRICA
African Culture Fund offers its 11th batch of funding to cultural creators
By Africa-Related New York
CALL FOR PROPOSALS #11
The African Culture Fund (ACF) is searching for cultural operators in the following sectors:
PERFORMING ARTS
CINEMA/AUDIOVISUAL
VISUAL ARTS
Application Deadline: September 16, 2022 at midnight GMT.
Get to know the stories about past recipients of the funds by following ACF on social media.
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CALL FOR DESIGNERS: 2nd TinCity Fashion Week
TinCity Fashion Week calls for indigenous and international designers
By Africa-Related New York
Are you a budding designer based in Nigeria or abroad? Would you like to showcase your designs on a global platform that works directly with grassroots communities? If your answer is ‘Yes’, here is the perfect opportunity for you!
TinCity Fashion Week is an annual event that lights up creative fashionable minds in the city of Jos every November.
See photos and highlights from the TCFW 2021 Guodo edition with Ita'i Our Cloth showcasing the Ebira woven cloth.
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CALABAR GALLERY NYC: Wants Female Artists
Calabar Gallery seeks female artists
By Africa-Related New York
The call is out for female artists around the globe to participate in the Calabar Gallery New York’s search for Africa Women Artists who are ready to EXPLORE in an Online Exhibition.
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
August 31, 2022
See flyer above for more information.
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DIGNITY DEFINED: Tom Adaba @ 81
Words: Oyiza Adaba
Photos: David Araga, Margaret Adaba-Soyemi, T.A.L.P, Africa-Related
SEPTEMBER 2022
2nd Edition
The veteran broadcaster remains a rare breed with a fighting will to live, do more and witness the change he has long-desired for his motherland Nigeria. On his 81st birthday, he speaks to the conscience of both the Nation and citizens alike.
In the second edition of his upcoming memoirs But For God, soon to be released on September 1, 2022, the Ohi Etohueyi of Ebiraland reflects deeply on a life richly blessed life, the challenges and triumphs along the way. The memoir - in book and audiobook formats, will be released on September 1, 2022.
“Over time, Nigeria has morphed into a convoluted country driven by greed, corruption, and leadership and governance ineptitude. The sheep have no credible shepherds and so are left to flounder in poverty, indiscipline, insecurity and blossoming criminality. Right before our eyes the country is bound on a journey to nowhere and is careening towards total collapse. We are watching a steady disintegration of human values and national ethos.”
- Thomas Aaze Adaba -
Excerpt from ‘BUT FOR GOD’
In 2021, The Tom Adaba Legacy Project (T.A.L.P) was launched with operations in Abuja and Okene. The project’s key focus areas are preserving indigenous culture, promoting education & improving living standards.
To live up to its set objectives, the project joined forces in 2022 with Ita’i Our Cloth - a weaving social enterprise - to build a community centre for learning seated in the heart of Okene. The Tom Adaba Legacy Center is a purpose-driven community centre for knowledge, which will house training facilities for vocational and academic exchange, with a global outlook.
The project is expected to be carried out in two phases over a twenty-four month period, and is open for local and international partnerships.
T.A.L.P works with children’s education, cultural preservation, philanthropy and advocacy
Sign up to the Tom Adaba Legacy mailing list to get notifications, news and upcoming events
SPOTLIGHT ON GUODO: ITA'I @ 1st TINCITY Fashion Week
The spotlight is cast on one of the oldest woven cloth pieces from the middle belt region of Nigeria…
Words: Rosemary Onubaiye
Photos: TCFW/Africa-Related
Jos, Plateau State NIGERIA
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Ita'i Our Cloth, a weaving social enterprise based in Okene Kogi State recently showcased at the TinCity Fashion Week, which took place in the city of Jos, Plateau State in November 2021.
The first edition highlighted the Guodo - the woven cloth of the ethnic groups found across the Middle Belt Region of Nigeria. Participating designers were thrilled to deliver their creative interpretations and transform the runway for three nights in Jos!
Ita’i featured designers like Zizi Cardow and Morino, who worked with the Okene/Ebira woven cloth . The event was organised by Ms. Christabel Bentu of TCFW and supported by various sponsors.
Read more about the historical significance and the many uses of the Guodo Cloth below.
Historical Background
It has been observed by stakeholders in the FASHION and THE CREATIVE industry on the PLATEAU and the MIDDLE BELT region of Nigeria that there is a CRITICAL NEED to revive and promote the local textiles and fashion industries in order to rekindle a general interest among the people of Central Nigeria and by extension Nigeria and globally in patronizing our indigenous traditional fabric and designs.
This is to ensure that the local industries are sustained at home and in the global market. This will also serve as forum for the Preservation, Promotion and Presentation of our unique and rich traditional fabrics. It will further create job opportunities for millions of unemployed youths, thus reducing the incidence of extreme poverty within the already highly marginalized region.
2021 PROGRAMME CONTENT
(A)TEXTILE FAIR
This event will involve textile, weavers and accessories produced and displayed by the traditional fabric manufacturers and producers from the MIDDLE BELT REGION states:- Plateau, Nassarawa, Benue, Taraba, Kogi, Niger and Southern part of Kaduna states. They will converge in Jos and at an Event center to display a variety of traditional fabrics, accessories etc to the public and for sale---a kind of textile market for the JOS FASHION WEEK.
(B) FASHION SHOW
This Event will bring together FASHION DESIGNERS from these six States to display their designs in an organized show with emphasis on fabrics from the six earmarked States of the Middle Belt Region .
(C) STAR APPEARANCES
This will feature Nationally and Internationally known fashion designers, putting up a show-appearance to add value to the entire event. Similarly, Music stars, Comedians, Actors, Star footballers etc to perform/show up at the event for Endowment.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
1. To introduce the Middle Belt region traditional fabrics to the Nigerian/Global market.
2. To Promote and Create a market local textile and fashion designers within the area of coverage.
3. To provide a platform for Exchange of ideas among producers in order to enhance standards for National and International recognitions and patronage.
4. To promote Middle belt dress culture and provide a tourist market that would sustain the viability of the industry.
5. To showcase the creations of promising designers newly introduced to the fashion world.
6. To help strengthen the Entertainment and Creative industries on the Plateau, thereby restoring it's lost glory.
7. To provide at forum for fostering PEACE AND UNITY among all Nigerians.
PROJECTING GUODO - Africa Fashion Week
BRIEF HISTORY OF PLATEAU STATE
The name PLATEAU is derived from the nature and form of its prominent landmass, which is largely occupied by Rocks, Hills, Mountains ETC.
Out of the original area coverage created initially, two States later emerged out of PLATEAU STATE namely BENUE and NASSARAWA STATES. These three states namely PLATEAU, NASSARAWA and BENUE STATES make up the center of the Geographical area called the Middle Belt region. Other states within the Middle belt region include TARABA, KOGI, NIGER and SOUTHERN PART OF KADUNA STATES.
Historically, these six/seven States have similar cultures having migrated from the famous KWARARAFA KINGDOM. The dances, dress code, language, values and norms of the people have similarities. This is why our proposed programme plans to concentrate largely on the indigenous fabrics and designs from the Middle Belt region
Source: TinCity Fashion Week
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Steel Pulse @ Brooklyn Bowl NY December 2019
The Legendary Steele Pulse perform live @ Brooklyn Bowl NY
“Life without music?
I can’t go on...”
— Steele Pulse ‘Roller Skates’
By Oyiza Adaba | Africa-Related New York
The Legendary multi-academy award winning Reggae band performed at the Brooklyn Bowl New York on December 27-28 2019. The show also featured artists like The Lagond Allstars and DJ JAH Culture.
Artist Info
Bearing witness to the accelerating negativity of global affairs, UK reggae legends, Steel Pulse, emerge with musical vengeance to halt the disarray of humanity. The forthcoming album, Mass Manipulation, set for early 2019 release (Rootfire Cooperative / Wiseman Doctrine), reflects four decades of bettering mankind through music. The debut single “Stop You Coming And Come” features ancient melodies paired with catchy lyrics, transporting the mind to a period of time where secrets of an African dynasty are unmasked. As reggae revolutionaries, Steel Pulse is revered by the younger generation of artists and remains a powerhouse on stages around the globe. Through the example of Mass Manipulation, Steel Pulse demonstrates the endless possibilities that come from breaking down the walls of systemic greed, and nurturing the fellowship of mankind.