An Africa-Themed MET GALA? New Chief Mark Rollein Speaks
Max Hollein, Director and Chief Executive Officer of The Metropolitan Museum of Art New York, recently hosted members of The NY Foreign Press Center to a breakfast tour, and answered the burning question on every African fashionista’s mind.
By Oyiza Adaba, new york
The Met Fifth Avenue, New York. Photo Africa-Related
Max Hollein, Director and Chief Executive Officer of The Metropolitan Museum of Art New York, recently hosted members of The NY Foreign Press Center to a breakfast tour, and answered the burning question on every African fashionista’s mind.
Members of The NY Foreign Press Center at The MET briefing with Director Max Hollein. Photo Africa-Rleated
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, one of the United States’ leading cultural institutions which boasts “over 5,000 years of art from around the world for everyone to experience and enjoy”, recently gave an exclusive opportunity for members of the Foreign Press to sit down with its Director and Chief Executive Officer Max Hollein to learn their latest news from the Met.
In the Q&A session that followed his remarks, Mr Holllein provided insights on his vision for The Met’s future and the role of a universal museum in the 21st century, and updates on the museum’s priorities, including new cultural property initiatives; post-COVID attendance/revenue recovery; efforts to address issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, and access across themuseum’s collection, programming, and staff; the Museum’s $2B capital projects program, and a look ahead to upcoming exhibitions and events.
Questions from the international press centered around national interests and engagements opportunities, as well as reparations and returns of artworks with controversial aquisistion histories. Mr Hollein explained that The Met has doubled its efforts in protecting global heritage by streamlining its acquisition process with rigorous factchecking mechanisms that will serve both past and future purchases.
Max Rollein spekas on an Africa-themed MET Gala
THE MET GALA 2024
Theme: “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” Photo: Met Gala®
The Costume Institute Benefit, also known as The Met Gala®, will take place on May 6 2024. Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion is the 2024 theme that will explore notions of rebirth and renewal, using nature as a metaphor for the impermanence of fashion
Exhibition Dates: May 10–September 2, 2024
Exhibition Location: The Met Fifth Avenue, The Tisch Galleries, Gallery 899, Floor 2
“Over 5,000 years of art from around the world for everyone to experience and enjoy”
INSIDE THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ARTS
AFRIFF Selects Biographical Documentary DELA To Screen At 12th Edition
The Biographical Documentary "DELA: The Making of El Anatsui" has been selected to screen in the 12th Anniversary Edition of the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF). The screenings will take place in Lagos, Nigeria, scheduled to run from Nov. 5th-11th, 2023.
By Africa-related, new york
"DELA: The Making of El Anatsui" has been selected to screen in the 12th Anniversary Edition of the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF). The screenings will take place in Lagos, Nigeria, scheduled to run from Nov. 5th-11th, 2023.
“DELA”
AFRIFF SCREENING DATE
Tuesday Nov 7, 2023
2:30 - 5:30PM (WAT)
FILMHOUSE LANDMARK CENTRE, LAGOS
About the Documentary
The biographical documentary chronicles the foundational influences of El Anatsui. From humble beginnings in Anyako Ghana, thus began an artistic journey that would redefine an art form, create a movement about art from Africa, and produce one of the greatest contemporary artists of our time.
The 2-hour documentary, which took 10 years to make was produced by Africa-Related, and directed by Nigerian journalist and producer Oyiza Adaba, in her directorial debut. The project is supported by Meridian Creative Centre, Jack Shainman Gallery NY, Faysal Khalil, Olajide Bello, Access Bank Ghana, 7-Up Bottling Company Nigeria.
Follow for updates - DELA: The Making of El Anatsui @elanatsuifilm
screening schedule
It's GOODNEWS All Round For A Happy Couple
When one of ours say “I do”, we rejoice and of course share
When one of ours say “I do”, we rejoice and of course share
A JOYOUS UNION
Congratulations Victoria & Goodnews
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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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BOLD AND BRAZEN - The Jaw-Dropping Art of WANGECHI MUTU
I finally made it to the last day of the ”Intertwined” exhibition by Wangenchi Mutu, the Kenyan born American visual artist, painter and sculptor, whose thirty year body of work showed at The New Museum in the Bowery district of New York from March to June 4, 2023.
By Oyiza Adaba
Africa-Related New York
Wangechi Mutu “Intertwined” at The New Museum. Photo by Africa-Related
“I went to a Catholic school and we were all girls. I was surrounded by women, women teachers, women students, the Virgin Mary - all kinds of feminine energy.”
I finally made it to the last day of the ”Intertwined” exhibition by Wangechi Mutu, the Kenyan born American visual artist, painter and sculptor, whose thirty-year body of work showed at The New Museum in the Bowery district of New York, from March to June 4, 2023. I was left with a mixture of shock, strength, pride, fascination and inspiration. Never have I seen mud, clay and feathers look this good.
On Woman
“It's an eternal source of inspiration for me. The way we worship the image of the woman but denigrate the actual human being of woman - that schism bothers me” - Wangechi Mutu
Fifty year-old Mutu, whose art career started in the mid-90s with painting and collages, later became known for her works in sculpture, film, performance arts. She often shuttles between her studios in Nairobi and New York, from where she draws two different types of creative energies.
Crocodylus
The magnificent 6 ft.1 half-woman-reptile bronze sculpture influenced by the artist's memories of the Kenyan wilds. Photo by Africa-Related
Crocodylus
In August 2022, The New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) announced the acquisition of Crocodylus, the magnificent 6 ft.1 half-woman-reptile bronze sculpture influenced by the artist's memories of the Kenyan wilds. While critics challenge her for ‘objectifying women’ in her works, Mutu credits her creativity to anatomy images she read in her mother's science books growing up; combining her love for nature and plants and animals, insects and sci-fi in thematic works - where the female character, form or subject “remains central”. She continues to use the feminine form to highlight social issues around casualties of war, harmful practices, rape, and the environment.
The Sentinels
The Sentinels
“The Sentinels is sort of this regal figure who is standing representing a female Divine Feminine. I want to make sure that she is absolutely stable and that she's able to stand… guarding.”
The Sentinels
Guarding Regal Figures
The Sentinels
“I want to make sure that she is absolutely stable and that she's able to stand… “
It has been a fantastic ride since Wangechi Mutu’s first solo exhibition in the U.S at the National Museum of Art in 2013. Her works have shown at notable spaces from the Tate Modern, Art Studio Museum and MoMA, Modern Art Contemporary Austin and the Art Museum Gallery of Ontario, Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, and has participated in the Venice Biennale. Mutu also founded the Africa Out organization, a Brooklyn-based nonprofit that supports artists around Africa.
Stay tuned: Wangechi Mutu upcoming episode on Messengers Season 3.
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Tradition, Oh My Love - Art Therapy at El Borinquen Residence
If you are looking for a prime example of how art can be used as therapy in the healing of both mind and body, look no further than the El Borinquen Residence located in the Morrisania neighborhood of the Bronx.
By Oyiza Adaba
Photo: Africa-Related
If you are looking for a prime example of how art can be used as therapy in the healing of both mind and body, look no further than the El Borinquen Residence located in the Morrisania neighborhood of the Bronx. The colorful facade of the newly constructed 148-apartment building stands out, in sharp contrast to standard aesthetics of the South Bronx. Added to that are brightly painted murals in the hallways by artists Aurelio del Muro and Martha Blain, which give the feel of walking through an aquarium of culture.
“Tradition, Oh My Love”, an exhibition that just wrapped featured artists whose works were based on or influenced by folk art. Blanka Amezkua, a New York City based contemporary artist who herself combines diverse fusions in her art, curated the art space in the lobby of the building to be just as colorful visually and mentally.
From February to May, 2023, artists of Latin American descent with deep roots in Puerto Rico, Ecuador, Dominican Republic and Mexico, presented works that establish the connection of color, rhythm and emotion. The group include Tanya Torres, Diego Espalliat, Gabriel García Román, Mercedes Molina, Julio Rodríguez, Itzy Ramírez, Matilde Merced María Nasio, Yoloxochilt Marcelino Cano, Quito/Ecuador, Michael Vásquez.
Beyond aesthetics, El Borinquen serves a higher purpose, as a refuge offering supportive services to New York City’s homeless and mentally ill population. At the 2021 opening, New York City Mayor Eric Adams described it as the blueprint to treating “homelessness as a housing problem”. Further stating, "With the completion of the El Borinquen Residence, more of our neighbors experiencing homelessness and mental illness will have a place they can call home.”
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Bronx Council on the Arts - Grants Award Celebration Show How Philanthropy Supports Community Art
The BCA is a non-profit organization. Just like all the other art cooperatives in New York City's five boroughs, it raises money and provides a venue for the borough's resident artists to flourish. On May 9th, more than 50 people gathered to witness artists and community leaders receive grant funding.
By Oyiza Adaba with Fortune EhiwayAs
Photo: Africa-Related
The Bronx Council on the Arts is a place where community arts and philanthropy connect
The BCA is a non-profit organization. Just like all the other art cooperatives in New York City's five boroughs, it raises money and provides a venue for the borough's resident artists to flourish. The Council’s calendar of activities is a clear testament to the residents artistics resources.
On May 9th more than 50 people gathered to witness artists and community leaders receive grant funding at an in-person celebration that was held at the BCA headquarters in the Bronx's East Tremont district. Amid light refreshments and a performance by a Japanese American artist who combined American culture with Japanese art; grantees, jury members, and officials from the art financing and community art space also took the opportunity to network.
Programs Manager, Dionne Dauxy, presented 45 awards totaling about 60,000 USD to selected candidates. They include individuals and groups who support art in a variety of disciplines, such as music, visual arts, art education/promotion, film, poetry, etc.
BCA Executive Director Viviana Bianci spoke on the value of the council's work in raising finances and public awareness while decrying the ongoing financial cuts to the arts. Jazz saxophonist and jury member Mr. Tyrone Brikett described the ceremony as "a rewarding experience for any artist".
A number of the grant recipients that Africa-Related spoke with commended the initiative and the impact of the funds. Blanka Amezkua, a Mexican-American contemporary artist who runs AAA3A believes artists in the Bronx are the most overlooked. Her grant money will ensure she continues her home-based artist-run project which offers food, dialogue, workshops and art.
More than 50 people gathered to witness artists and community leaders receive grant funding at the BCA headquarters in the Bronx's East Tremont district.
During the 2023 edition of iRep, the annual documentary festival in Nigeria, which had its focus on documenting underserved stories, filmmakers and art promoters alike all cited the lack of funding as the major challenge in any art space.
Because of this, many projects fizzle out or get stuck for a very long time. Organizations like the Bronx Council on the Art have fantastic models to follow in a time when creators must manage their business affairs while maintaining their creative abilities.
For more information, visit bronxarts.org
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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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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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Protecting the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Persons with disabilities often face stigma, exclusion and discrimination, and are over-represented amongst the people living in persistent poverty, and are less likely than others to be able to lift themselves out of poverty.
By Oyiza Adaba | Africa-Related New York
Protecting the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
It is estimated that 80% of people with disabilities live in developing countries.
Persons living with disabilities are rated among some of the strongest people we know. Their ability to triumph and even excel above what life throws, leaves much to be admired by the ‘fully formed’. Every July 3 serves as a reminder to celebrate these inspiring individuals.
The U.S. Special Advisor on International Disability Rights Sara Minkara addressed the media about the United States’ new role as co-chair for the Global Action on Disability Network GLAD . In collaboration with the International Disability Alliance (IDA) led by Vladimir Cuk, the goal of the GLAD Network is to achieve inclusive international development and humanitarian action.
“... our priority is disrupting the narrative surrounding disability, moving from a charity lens to a value-based lens”
Persons with disabilities often face stigma, exclusion and discrimination, and are over-represented amongst the people living in persistent poverty, and are less likely than others to be able to lift themselves out of poverty.
“We are really traveling the world and working with different governments and countries to really support in building capacity and helping governments uphold their commitments when it comes to disability”.
- Sara Minkara, U.S. Special Advisor on International Disability Right
It is estimated that 80% of people with disabilities live in developing countries. What is your country doing to make life easier for people living with disabilities? Guide to
INSPIRING VOICES: Nigerians Living with Disabilities
Obi Ndefo, Juanita Ashade, Irene Olumese and Yagazie Foundation are among the Nigerians working to bring more attention to the subject. Follow their inspiring stories below.
See full press briefing transcript here
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PARADISE PREPARED: Rev. F. M. LAWLUVI Transitions at 95
He answered the call to serve as a minister of the Gospel at a young age. On August 16, he answered heaven's call at the grand age of ninety-five.
By Oyiza Adaba | Africa-Related New York
“Self realization... Know yourself ”
Rev. F. M. Lawluvi 1927-2022
He answered the call to serve as a minister of the Gospel at a young age. On August 16, he answered heaven's call at the grand age of ninety-five.
On and off the pulpit, he taught us a great deal throughout his lifetime. He was a uniting force to his community and lived by example, displaying no fear of truth. In one of his sermons, he called for unity in the family and community; and members to “stand up and check” divisive forces.
“Jesus receives outcasts, criminals, evil doers. For he said, I've come not for the righteous but for sinners”
Rev. F. M. Lawluvi
Africa-Related was privileged to visit and film the great Rev. Fredrick M. Lawluvi in Anloga Ghana, while producing his cousin El Anatsui's documentary film in 2015. He had such a profound influence on the life of the young El Anatsui, who was raised by his Uncle - also a minister. We captured that memorable moment between the two great men - the Reverend and the Artist. The meeting was their first in 67 years, since 1948.
“My strength is revived”, he joyfully proclaimed during our interview later that day on his emotional meeting with his beloved cousin El Anatsui. It was no lie. It was evident to those present, akin to a ‘Lazarus’ moment - enough to add years to man’s life. Thankfully, they had another seven to make up for the time.
Rev. Lawluvi was instrumental in giving the El Anatsui film its final title, to which we remain truly grateful.
We commiserate with the entire Lawluvi and extended family.
Rest in peace Sir. Your work continues…
Follow the artist @elanatsui.art
Follow the film release @elanatsuifilm
Rev. Lawluvi El Anatsui in over 60 years + hear Rev. Fredrick Lawluvi speak during one of his life-changing sermons in Anloga, Ghana’s Volta Region.
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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
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
FINALLY! EL ANATSUI OPENS THE CONCIERGERIE IN PARIS
The pandemic had delayed Anatsui's first solo exhibition in France, and a welcomed breath of fresh air greeted the art world today, as galleries and museums worldwide slowly begin reopening.
A welcomed breath of fresh air greeted the art world today, as galleries and museums worldwide slowly begin reopening.
PARIS, France
Words: Oyiza Adaba
Photos: Eric Dereumaux
Exhibition: May 19, 2021
Exhibition: May 20 - November 24, 2021
The pandemic delayed Anatsui's first solo exhibition in France, and now the doors the former medieval royal palace which became a prison during the Revolution, have opened to the public.
The poetic installation by the globally-acclaimed sculptor echoes the history of the location and the passing of time. By calling on the five elements: water, wind, wood, metal and stone, Anatsui fills the walls and fireplaces with six new sculptures that reflect the theme.
The exhibition is part of the Africa 2020 Season and is opened through November 24, 2021.
El Anatsui The Film Produced by Africa-Related Inc COMING SOON
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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.