Fela Kuti And His Politics
Fela Kuti was one of the most significant musical icons in the history of black music. Born on September 21, 1938, Fela grew up during a time of change in Africa. After colonial rule by European nations ended and independence was achieved, the country’s new leaders began asserting a socialist economic system that critics claim caused widespread poverty and corruption.
FELA: The Funky Jazz Man
He created Afrobeat by fusing traditional West African talking drums with American funk, jazz, and soul.
By Fortune Ehiwayas
FELA: The Funky Jazz Man
Fela Kuti was one of the most significant musical icons in the history of black music. Born on September 21, 1938, Fela grew up during a time of change in Africa. After colonial rule by European nations ended and independence was achieved, the country’s new leaders began asserting a socialist economic system that critics claim caused widespread poverty and corruption.
Such injustices inspired Fela to speak out against his native country’s government and provide hope for Africans who felt despair at social ills like famine, poverty, and a lack of education. Although many know about his political activism, few are aware of his prodigious musical talent as well as his innovative contributions to Afrobeat music that have influenced international musicians such as Michael Jackson and Bob Marley.
Fela was born in Abeokuta, Nigeria, where his father was a famous Nigerian barrister and champion for human rights. As a child, Fela took great interest in both his mother’s speeches and his father’s legal work. Although he received a degree in accounting, Fela began playing music at night while working during the day. He formed The Koola Lobitos before founding an Afrobeat band that came to be known as The Africa 70, which also included his wife at the time, Remi (Remigius) Cardoso, whom he met when she was traveling back to Nigeria from abroad.
Although Fela was not the first African musician to incorporate jazz into his music, he was one of the first to create a new sound called Afrobeat by fusing traditional West African talking drums with American funk, jazz, and soul. His version of Afrobeat music provided hope for Africans struggling under their government’s corruption, as he openly criticized officials in many of his songs.
Fela Kuti & Africa 70 - Pansa Pansa 1/2 (Berlin 1978)
He strongly believed that the politicians and military leaders in Africa were taking advantage of low-income families, and their hope for political change led to his involvement with the Koola Lobitos, a group that played jazz at nightclubs around Nigeria.
In 1960, Fela and his group The Koola Lobitos began playing a mixture of indigenous rhythms and jazz with heavy influence from American soul music in Lagos nightclubs. They were also involved in extracurricular activities like union organizing against the Nigerian police force as well as organizing food drives for students and poor citizens. He was arrested once for performing "Alagbon Close" ("Agbon Close") in 1962 about government corruption.
FELA! on Broadway was a theatrical musical biopic that successfully toured globally
Fela Ransome-Kuti And Africa ’70 with Ginger Baker - Live! (1971) full Album
The FILM FESTIVAL MASTERY Class Is Every Filmmaker's Guide
It's common knowledge that the success of an indie film can be heavily influenced by whether or not a film has a successful festival run. This FREE webinar by Festival Director Jon Fitzgerald and Filmmaker Justin Giddings teaches how to navigate the circuit AND how to advance your career.
By Africa-Related New York
The Film Festival Mastery
Festival Director Jon Fitzgerald
Filmmaker Justin Giddings
If you missed the FREE webinar titled The Film Festival Mastery by Festival Director Jon Fitzgerald and Filmmaker Justin Giddings, here is a replay for you!
WATCH THE REPLAY
Here’s what was covered:
How to get into the festivals that will advance your career and the goal(s) of your film.
How to ensure your film has the highest chance of being seen by the actual programmers (instead of the interns)
One simple trick on saving $1,000+ on submission fees without begging programmers for freebies or handouts
How to create a custom strategy based on your film and goals to ensure your film gets into the right festivals
...and a kick-ass Q+A with some GREAT questions!
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HIGHLIGHTS: 2023 NYWIFT Creative Workforce STEM Summit
The New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT) recently held its 2023 NYWIFT Creative Workforce STEM Summit. The three-day hybrid program brought together the most unique and diverse voices of women; and proved a unique opportunity to start conversations on life-changing projects.
By Oyiza Adaba
Africa-Related New YoRk
The New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT), a body which connects, educates and advocates for equality for women in the media, recently held its 2023 NYWIFT Creative Workforce STEM Summit. The three-day hybrid program gathered together "the most unique and diverse voices of women" to establish forward-moving strategies to create change.
Day 1: Award-winning Aerospace Engineer, Tiera Fletcher delivering her keynote
The keynote was delivered by Tiera Fletcher, an award-winning Aerospace Engineer who spoke on inspiring the next generation of women aerospace engineers. Her story of persistence in setting and achieving her goals while operating as a minority in her field, left many truly inspired.
Other panel discussions held explored the intersections of filmmaking, with science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Through films like “The Human Trial” and “Aftershock”, filmmakers like Lisa Hepner and Paula Eislet brought attention to pertinent issues like diabetes and maternal mortality; while Dr. Marc Schiffman and Dr. Tamatha Fenster humanized the medical field with their groundbreaking studies with ICU and Fibroid patients. William Kenworthey, an urban designer and architect at HOK brought a visual perspective to climate change and the rising sea levels; Catlin Saks explained content strategies behind science-based channels like NOVA.
NYWIFT Board President Leslie Fields-Cruz in a conversation with Filmmaker Lisa Hepner
NYWIFT CEO Cynthia Lopez with Astronaut Ellen Ochoa, at a luncheon by NYWIFT
During a private luncheon, NYWIFT CEO Cynthia Lopez held a 20-minute Q&A with another keynote, Astronaut Ellen Ochoa - the first Hispanic woman in space in 1993. Now retired, after logging nearly 1,000 hours in space over the course of four missions between 1999 and 2002, Dr. Ochoa brought new insights on the A-Z of space travel with an assimilating video presentation.
Participants at luncheon during NYWIFT STEM Summit
The STEM Creative Summit proved a unique opportunity to rub minds and start conversations on how to translate these great ideas into life-changing projects in the near future.
With over 2,500 members and as many as 50 productions each year, the New York Women in Film & Television NYWIFT continues to energize and illuminate the achievements of its members. The prestigious association is led by multi award-winning media strategist Cynthia Lopez, and has Leslie Fields-Cruz, CEO of Black Public Media as its sitting Board President.
NYWIFT is open to new members and donors. Learn more here.
PHOTOS BY AFRICA-RELATED
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Eternal Rest To A Media Icon - High Chief Raymond Alegho Dokpesi
Africa-Related condoles with The Dokepsi and DAAR Family on the passing of "Chairman" High Chief Raymond Alegho Dokpesi. Eternal rest to one who has been most supportive of an independent media and of us at Africa-Related. Rest In Peace Sir, Produced by Oyiza Adaba © 2023 An @Africa -Related Production
Africa-Related ABUJA
““The average Nigerian youth finds it impossible to find employment...””
Africa-Related condoles with The Dokepsi and DAAR Family on the passing of "Chairman" High Chief Raymond Alegho Dokpesi. Eternal rest to one who has been most supportive of an independent media and of us at Africa-Related. Rest In Peace Sir. Video by Africa-Related
REST IN PERFECT PEACE
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VIDEO - Q & A With Moussa Sène Absa At NYAFF On Film Xalé
Following the screening of Xalé, a drama focused on women, Prof. Mamadou Diouf of Columbia University moderated a Q & A that got director Moussa Sène Absa discussing the qualities that make him an outstanding filmmaker.
Africa-Related New York
““We need to change the way we educate...””
Q & A With Moussa Sène Absa At 30th New York African Film Festival On Women-focused Film Xalé. He spoke in detail about his production process, inspirations, music scoring, managing budgets, community engagement, storytelling techniques, his overall love for Africa, and how it all plays into the final output.
Video by Africa-Related
The New York African Film Festival is one of the longest running film festivals in the United States. For Opening Night and to celebrate its 30th anniversary, The New York African Film Festival (NYAFF) in partnership with The Film at Lincoln Center (FLC) premiered Xalé, the third film in Senegalese Director Moussa Sène Absa’s trilogy.
Following the screening of Xalé, a drama focused on women, Prof. Mamadou Diouf of Columbia University moderated a Q & A that got director Moussa Sène Absa discussing the qualities that make him an outstanding filmmaker.
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Xalé Opens The 30th New York African Film Festival
The New York African Film Festival (NYAFF) is one of the longest running film festivals in the United States. For Opening Night and to celebrate its 30th anniversary, the NYAFF in partnership with The Film at Lincoln Center (FLC) premiered Xalé, the third film in Senegalese Director Moussa Sène Absa’s trilogy.
By Oyiza Adaba, Africa-Related New York
Photo by Africa-Related
““Culture Is Like A Strong Army””
The New York African Film Festival (NYAFF) is one of the longest running film festivals in the United States. For Opening Night and to celebrate its 30th anniversary, the NYAFF in partnership with The Film at Lincoln Center (FLC) premiered Xalé, the third film in Senegalese Director Moussa Sène Absa’s trilogy.
For movie lovers, it is a real treat, as the week-long festival ending on June 1st is hosting an incredible lineup of events showcasing African films at various landmarks locations in the city including FLC, Maysles Documentary Center, and Brooklyn Academy of Music.
The festival’s roster is graced with directors and producers representing 50 films from 25 countries. All week long, fans can count on enjoying close proximity to the talented African film industry names like Guy Kazadi, Ery Claver, Tunde Kelani, Nolitha Mkulisi, Yeelen Cohen, Ifeyinwa Arinze, Florence Ayisi, Fatou Cisse, Alex Rappoport, and a host of others
Prof. Mamadou Diouf of Columbia University moderated the Q & A with director Moussa Sène Absa. Photo by Africa-Related
Following the screening of Xalé, a drama focused on women, Prof. Mamadou Diouf of Columbia University moderated a Q & A that got director Moussa Sène Absa discussing the qualities that make him an outstanding filmmaker. He spoke in detail about his production process, inspirations, music scoring, managing budgets, community engagement, storytelling techniques, his overall love for Africa, and how it all plays into the final output.
Video: Highlights of the 30th New York African Film Festival at Film at Lincoln Center. Video by Africa-Related
Mahen Bonetti, Executive Director NY African Film Festival. Photo by Oluwaseye Olusa
The New York African Film Festival was founded “to reflect on the myriad ways African and diaspora filmmakers have used the moving image to tell complex nuanced stories of cultural and aesthetic significance”.
In a chat with Africa-Related, Executive Director Mahen Bonetti attributed the festival’s growth over the years to collaborations and comradeship between creatives, which shows Africa’s deep-rooted stories are yet to be fully explored.
Opening Night: Photo Gallery
Films showing include Hyperlink, Employee of the Month, Cordelia, Ota Benga, A Daughter’s Tribute To Her Father, Den Muso, Know Your Place, Our Lady Of The Chinese Shop, and others. Ticket are available here
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AFRICAN MUSICIANS - Through the Lens of MARCOS DE CASTRO
Marcos de Castro is a New York-based photographer who enjoys capturing cultural and natural elements in his works. His images put the viewer right in the midst of real people, places and experiences he is capturing.
photos by Marcos de Castro
In this series, Africa-Related is given a rare opportunity to explore and publish from the archives of journalists, photographers and media colleagues across the world.
Marcos de Castro is a New York-based photographer who enjoys capturing cultural and natural elements in his works. His images put the viewer right in the midst of real people, places and experiences he is capturing. De Castro has photographed the Bahia Carnival in Brazil, Myanmar, Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam. Marcos describes his photography as "a truly fantastic journey and an amazing experience".
AFRICAN MUSICIANS - Through the Lens of MARCOS DE CASTRO
The photographs in this collection are of various performances across New York City featuring artists from Africa such as the late 'Queen' Of Saharan Song Khaira Arby, Vieux Farka Touré Malian guitarist and songwriter and son of the legendary Ali Farka Touré; the iconic Zimbabwean musician Oliver Mtukudzi who passed in 2019; the Grammy Award-winning Malian Wassoulou musician Oumou Sangare; and Seun Kuti, Afrobeat musician and son of Fela Anikulakpo-Kuti.
© Marcos de Castro
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GHANAIAN SCULPTOR EL ANATSUI HONORED AT TIME100 MOST INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE GALA IN NEW YORK
Time100 is a yearly event that selects and brings together prominent, history-making, global figures. Adoring fans lined the streets leading up to the Jazz at Lincoln Center, where Time Magazine was hosting a gala in honor of Time100 Most Influential People.
By Oyiza Adaba, New York
April 28, 2023
“Trust has never been more important, and it speaks to both our legacy and our future”
Adoring fans lined the streets leading up to the Jazz at Lincoln Center, where Time Magazine was hosting a gala in honor of Time100 Most Influential People.
Notable names were included in this year’s list of categories, which were: Artists, Icons, Pioneers, Leaders, Titans and Innovators. .Actress Jessica Collidge hosted and joked, "Think of how many followers you could get", while calling for further collaboration among honorees. American rapper and “pioneer” honoree, Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini, aka Doja Cat, thrilled the 300 plus guests with her performance.
Among the prominent names at the event were Salma Hayek Pinault, Michael B. Jordan, Keegan-Michael Key, Austin Butler and Angela Bassett. Veteran Director Steven Spielberg received the Impact Award, and credited Time Magazine's longevity - since the first issue on March 3, 1923 - to keeping up with current issues. The plaque was presented to him by two former child stars from his films, Drew Barrymore and Ke Huy Quan
Africa was well represented on the list with Ghanaian sculptor, El Anatsui - one of the most respected, international contemporary artists - leading the way. Other game changers from the continent were Wangira Mathai, a Kenyan environmentalist and activist, VP/Regional Director World Resources Institute; Dimie Ogoina, a Nigerian infectious disease, physician-scientist at Niger Delta University and President of the Nigerian Infectious Diseases Society; Nigerian politician and President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Elizabeth Maruma Mrema, the Tanzanian biodiversity leader and Cameroonian soccer player, Kylian Mbappé.
In an interview with El Anatsui, an Emeritus Professor of Sculpture, he fondly recalled the early years of his career, when he was questioned about what he could possibly do in art. He described this year’s recognition from Time magazine as "quite significant, indicating that I have been able to make an impact and do something with my art”.
Jazz at Lincoln Center is a prestigious upscale venue in New York City that has hosted Jazz and Blues greats, such as Miles Davis, Wes Montgomery, Ella Fitzgerald, Wayne Shorter, BB King, Charles Mingus, Billie Holiday, and Sarah Vaughn.
Time100 is a yearly event that selects and brings together prominent, history-making, global figures. The final list of these influential individuals is exclusively chosen by Time’s editors, with nominations coming from the Time 100 alumni and the magazine's international writing staff. The ceremony has been held annually since 2004.
Photo Highlights: Photos: Africa-Related/elanatsui.art
See complete list: Time100 Most Influential People 2023
ARTISTS
• Michael B. Jordan
• Drew Barrymore
• Ali Wong
• Austin Butler
• Aubrey Plaza
• Rian Johnson
• Salma Hayek Pinault
• Zoe Saldaña
• Judy Blume
• Colin Farrell
• Lea Michele
• Simone Leigh
• Wolfgang Tillmans
• Suzan-Lori Parks
• Neil Gaiman
• Shervin Hajipour
• El Anatsui
• Colleen Hoover
• Steve Lacy
ICONS
• Jennifer Coolidge
• Ke Huy Quan
• Sara Mardini and Yusra Mardini
• Shah Rukh Khan
• Pedro Pascal
• Brittney Griner
• King Charles
• Salman Rushdie
• RowVaughn Wells
• Tracie D. Hall
• Peng Lifa
• Shannon Watts
• Haluk Levent
• Imara Jones
• Yvon Chouinard
PIONEERS
• Doja Cat
• Mikaela Shiffrin
• Bella Hadid
• Sam Altman
• Niloofar Hamedi and Elaheh Mohammadi
• Thom Browne
• S.S. Rajamouli
• MrBeast
• Elizabeth Maruma Mrema
• Britney Schmidt and Peter Davis
• Sam Rivera
• Robin Zeng
• Edward Reynolds
• Margaret Mitchell
LEADERS
• Olena Zelenska
• Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva
• Hakeem Jeffries
• Evan Gershkovich
• Janet Yellen
• Sherry Rehman
• Mitch McConnell
• Anthony Albanese
• Margrethe Vestager
• Joe Biden
• Samuel Alito
• Gustavo Petro
• Gina Raimondo
• Oleksandra Matviichuk
• Fumio Kishida
• Cindy McCain
• María Herrera Magdaleno
• Olaf Scholz
• Bola Ahmed Tinubu
• Min Aung Hlaing
TITANS
• Angela Bassett
• Laurene Powell Jobs
• Lionel Messi
• Padma Lakshmi
• Johan Rockstrom
• Beyoncé
• Patrick Mahomes II
• Elon Musk
• Gina Prince-Bythewood
• Karen Lynch
• Shou Zi Chew
• Ozlem Tureci and Ugur Sahin
• Deborah Lipstadt
INNOVATORS
• Bob Iger
• Sarah Kate Ellis
• Kylian Mbappé
• Natasha Lyonne
• Monica Simpson
• Nathan Fielder
• Wanjira Mathai
• Hidetaka Miyazaki
• Jerrod Carmichael
• Catherine Coleman Flowers
• Sean Sherman
• Iga Swiatek
• Kate Orff
• Dimie Ogoina
• Andrea Kritcher
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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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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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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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ACT NOW!
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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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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Tom Adaba Receives 2021 Distinguished Media and National Leadership Award
Tom Adaba Receives 2021 Distinguished Media and National Leadership Award
Words: Oyiza Adaba
Photos: T.A.L.P | INYA ODE | Africa-RelateD
Abuja, nigeria
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MEDIA AWARD
Prof. Aaze Tom Adaba Receives 2021 Distinguished Media and National Leadership Award
Nearly a year after being announced, veteran broadcaster known as the 'Father of Independent Broadcasting' in Nigeria, Prof. Aaze Tom Adaba finally received the 2021 Nigeria Media Merit Award (NMMA) at his home in Abuja,on July 5, 2022.
The 2021 Distinguished Media and National Leadership Award was given ‘in recognition of his professional and exemplary life dedicated to the promotion of media excellence and service to the nation'.
The Ohietohueyi of Ebiraland, commended the prestigious organization for continuing this long tradition of honoring the best media minds for the last 29 years, and expressed joy that media practitioners can still come together to celebrate each other.
The NMMA Chairman, Board of Trustees, Dr. Haroun Al-Rashid Adamu and the Trustee Chief Administrator, Mr Samuel Yemi Akeju made the presentation. While reminiscing on old broadcasting days, the veteran broadcaster pledged to do more within his powers, in mentoring the next generation of broadcasters.
The Nigeria Media Merit Award is a non-profit that was established in 1990 to recognize, encourage and reward excellence in media practice in Nigeria and help build a more progressive Nigeria by fostering the bonds between the press and citizens. It does so with events like the annual award ceremony. Entries for the 2022 season just closed.
Adaba was joined by two of his children Pst. Elizabeth Gomwalk & Dr. Inya Ode, as well as his devout wife of 55 years, Mrs. Theresa Adaba - to dedicate the award to what he described as, 'The Struggle of the Nigerian and Human Condition'.
He presented copies of his upcoming book But For God, and challenged the occupants of the 4th Estate to use their voices against the odds.
The main award ceremony was held in Lokoja, Kogi State in October 2021. Prof. Adaba was unable to attend due to health reasons.
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
Oyiza Adaba is a journalist & producer @africarelated
CELEBRATE EACH OTHER IN LIFE
TIME WAITS…
CELEBRATE EACH OTHER IN LIFE
Words: Africa-Related
Video: Durban University of Technology
Much respect to the late Dr. Joseph Shabalala, and the harmonious sounds he brought us through Ladysmith Black Mabmazo, the five-time Grammy-winning South African male choral group he founded in 1976.
Video of Dr. Jospeh Shabalala being awarded an honorary degree at Durban University of Technology in 2015. Video courtesy of DUT
This video of him being awarded an honorary degree at Durban University of Technology in 2015 is heartwarming, as he would pass on only five years later on February 11, 2020 at the age of 79. Most striking was how speechless he was with the award, and how vocal he got when the singing started. He was well celebrated in life and deservedly honoured in death.
He founded the music group - fondly remembered for their work on the 'Graceland' album with Paul Simon - in his hometown of Ladysmith district in KwaZulu-Natal region in South Africa. He officially handed down the group's leadership to his son Thamsanqa Shabalala in 2015. Thank you for the music, Sir!
You’ve got to love South African music!
Africa-Related is a media content production house
GOGE AFRICA Highlights WEAVING In EBIRALAND
Words: Rosemary O. Onubaiye & Oyiza Adaba
Photo/Video: Goge Africa
Okene - Kogi State, Nigeria
Nneka & Metche Isaac-Moses
Cultural Ambassadors & Hosts of
GOGE AFRICA
“The Itinochi hand woven cloth of the Ebira people is perhaps Nigeria's most authentic traditional fashion masterpieces. It is the most durable and wearable artistic heritage of our people. Let us celebrate the uncommon beauty of an economy-driven traditional practice, sustained by women through the ages”.
- Nneka & Metche Isaac-Moses
Gogeafricatv at Ohueje Ohinoyi Cultural Festival March 2022
The long-running multi-award winning travel TV series Goge Africa, gave extensive coverage to the 2022 edition of Ohueje Ohinoyi - the yearly Cultural Festival of the Ebira people held every March in Okene, Kogi State, central Nigeria. In line with the theme 'The 100 Loom Match', the three-day event gave focus to one of the more visible qualities of the Ebira people - Weaving. Ohueje Ohinoyi is in its sixth edition and is supported by Africa-Related and Ita'i Our Cloth.
Full Report: Ohueje Ohinoyi Cultural Festival 2022
THEME: 100 LOOM MARCH - Repositioning Ebira Heritage for Economic Prosperity
Features
Weaving Competition
Symposium
Dancing Competition
Exhibitions
Food-fair
The 2022 edition of Ohueje Ohinoyi themed 100 LOOM MARCH - Repositioning Ebira Heritage for Economic Prosperity - took place on March 3-5 2022 at Ado Ibrahim Civic Centre, Okene, Kogi State. The 3-day event was all about empowering women through the ancient art of weaving. The festival is supported by Anebira Heritage Foundation and in partnership with Ita'i Our Cloth and Africa-Related.
3rd March 2022
Day 1: Opened with a display of current and historical images of Ebira sons and daughters, exhibition stands for display by Art & Culture Abuja, Ita’i Our Cloth, a symposium with participating schools and many more activities.
Symposium Topic: Traditional Cloth Weaving in Ebiraland. Presented by ALH. Okehi Abdulaziz Yusuf
The symposium called on the relevant educational bodies to include weaving in the school curriculum.
The weavers were already set up to start the weaving competition, as seen in their different colours, skills and patterns other activities were going on side by side
School children and visiting guests were shown the weaving process by weavers from various parts of the region, who congregated at the venue with their loom, yarns and weaving material. They provided several demos for the crowd.
4th March 2022
Day 2: Food Fair with a variety of locally made food produce and meals on display. Dancing competition, amidst the weaving contest
5th March 2022
Day 3: Grand finale with every activity from day one, culminating in the finale with some additional features With the exhibition, festivities, masquerade, sales etc all happening simultaneously, there was a fashion display presented by SHIZANUEL Collections an Abuja based designer, dancing masquerades, GUODO products made from fabric from the Middlebelt region states of Plateau, Nassarawa, Benue, Taraba, Kogi, Niger and Southern part of Kaduna states.
Highlights of the festival include an address by Ebira Historian and Emeritus Professor of Art History Prof. John Picton who covered the region extensively from the 60s; and the award ceremony that presented winning weavers for BEST QUALITY, MOST CREATIVE and OVERALL Best with certificates of participation. The women could not hold back their joy knowing that they are finally getting the recognition they deserve, and expressed their thanks to the organizers.
Ohueje Ohinoyi - which means the king's courtyard - is an annual festival to celebrate Ebira indigenous culture and tradition.
Photo Coverage: Ohueje Ohinoyi 2022
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Oyiza Adaba is a journalist & producer @africarelated
Rosemary Onubaiye works with media, women & communities
HOUSTON - GLOBAL ENERGY CAPITAL Takes The Lead In Energy Transition By 2050
HOUSTON
GLOBAL ENERGY CAPITAL Takes The Lead In Energy Transition By 2050
Houston aerial view: Photo by Vlad BusuiocWords: Oyiza Adaba
Photo: Africa-Related/Vlad Busuioc
Houston, Texas
Mayor Sylvester Turner's office announced on Friday that the city of Houston will be leading a delegation to Paris from June 27-July 2, as part of its preliminary mission in combating the environmental impact of the global energy industry..
Christopher Olsen, Director of Trade and International Affairs City of Houston
Bob Harvey President and CEO of the Greater Houston Partnership
Speaking to the Foreign Press, the President and CEO of the Greater Houston Partnership, Bob Harvey outlined the objectives and commitments of Houston Energy Transition Initiative (HEDI) which was launched last year. The coalition of 18 key global energy stakeholders will begin the steps toward this transition process, which is expected to lower the world's carbon footprint to net zero by 2050. Their strategy, which leverages on the oil and gas leadership to accelerate these global solutions, will focus on four working sectors - carbon capture, use & storage; clean energy & hydrogen development; industrial decarbonisation, and funding or capital formation.
Known as the energy capital of the world, Houson is strategic for many reasons. It is home to the renowned Texas Medical Center with MD Anderson Cancer Center, the Johnson Space Center, 25 Fortune 500 corporate headquarters, the Port of Houston which is the largest port in the US, over 1,700 foreign-owned firms and a large foreign born population.
"Houston is the only city in the world frankly, with the technology expertise, the commercial skills, the manufacturing talent, the infrastructure, to lead the transition to a more sustainable, open future on a global scale"
-Bob Harvey
Mayor Sylvester Turner who also heads the U.S Climate Network acknowledged the benefits of this initiative to the city's institutions and residents, and said much of Houston's success is built on private public partnership. He was represented by Christopher Olsen, Director of Trade and International Affairs, who used the opportunity to commend the 'robust' African Diaspora residents in Houston and their contribution to politics, culture and the economy. He called on the Nigerian Government to establish a much-needed Consulate in the city for what he described as 'one of the largest Nigerian populations outside of Nigeria'.
HEDI to some may be an acknowledgement to decades of environmental degradation caused by the industry's practices like burning of fossil fuel. To others, it could be a start in the industry's effort to right some of its past wrongs, as seen in places like Nigeria's Niger Delta region. The burden of delivering environmental justice, clean energy and development to communities especially those most impacted, however shouldn't be on Houston alone. In Harvey's words,
"…There's simply no way we're going to move forward globally, with trillions of dollars of investment to support the energy transition, without it being inclusive, and being very mindful of both current and past inequities, and how this program is going to speak to them.
- Bob Harvey
HEDI estimates about 560,000 new jobs by 2050, if properly implemented. If HEDI were to make a dent of an impact, it would need partnerships and commitments from global Governments, corporations and communities to adopt their framework, in order to credibly achieve its objectives of clean energy production and environment.
"If we do nothing but follow the path of the traditional energy industry, Houston will likely shed half 1,500,000 jobs by 2050.
- Bob Harvey
Learn more about HEDI and the City of Houston
Oyiza Adaba is Nigerian journalist and producer @africarelated
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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