Dahomey: A triumphant tour highlighting cultural restitution

The film Dahomey by Mati Diop has begun its global tour with a warm reception in Benin, following its premiere in Senegal. Through the perspectives of young Beninese students, the film delves into the return of 26 art pieces restituted by France between 2021 and 2023, sparking a profound conversation about the role of cultural restitution in reclaiming African history. This compelling narrative sheds light on colonization's historical and modern implications while fostering meaningful and engaging dialogue. Journalist: Lefty Hounnou

Publications

Culture 17 July 2024

Harmony and passion: the journey of a violin-maker in Cameroon

Luthiery, the age-old art of making stringed instruments, is getting a new lease of life in Cameroon thanks to Clovis Tchoufack. Based in Douala, this visionary craftsman combines tradition and innovation to create unique guitars that are making their mark on the country's musical scene. From a passion born of heartbreak, Clovis has built a flourishing career, becoming a benchmark to be reckoned with.

Culture 5 July 2024

David Ochieng, a Kenyan renowned designer

Meet David Ochieng, known as Avido, a designer and former dancer whose passion for fashion has propelled him to remarkable heights. As the creative genius behind the Kibera Fashion Show, his innovative designs have dressed international stars like Beyoncé and Bruno Mars. Beyond the runway, he founded the Avido Foundation, dedicated to uplifting the community in Kibera, Kenya's largest slum.

Culture 3 July 2024

Premiere of the Burkina Faso show “Welcome to Kikidéni”

The TV show "Bienvenue à Kikidéni" (Welcome to Kikidéni) is back with a third part featuring an unlikely but emblematic trio: a village chief, an imam, and a priest, who embody the diversity and challenges of Burkina Faso society.

Culture 21 June 2024

Mata Gabin, multidisciplinary artist from Côte d’Ivoire

Actress, poet, singer and artist, Mata Gabin is passionate about art and refuses to be confined to a single discipline. Her eclectic career path and love of creativity have led her to explore various artistic fields with exceptional intensity. In this interview, she tells us about her current projects, her inspirations, and her commitment to the emancipation of women and the promotion of the African diaspora.

Culture 7 June 2024

Nukreche Pouna, fashion designer and creator

Originally from Congo-Brazzaville, Nukreche Pouna has conquered the world of fashion with her bold creations and refined sense. As a stylist and creator of the brand KRESHESSE, she has made a name for herself on the international stage and stands out for her exceptional use of raffia.

Culture 10 May 2024

Chidi Tsosheletso – South African poet, writer and researcher

Her research interests lie in indigenous languages and their role in representing and constructing social meaning around various societal issues. Additionally, she is a bilingual poet and writer proficient in both Sepedi and English. Chidi earned her Master of Arts degree in Creative Writing from Rhodes University in 2020, specialising in Sepedi poetry.

Culture 11 April 2024

Restitution: Is decolonisation well underway in European museums?

In Cape Town, South Africa, a major event took place highlighting the crucial developments in the field of restitution, and in some cases even the return, of ill-gotten African cultural property. Hundreds of thousands of African cultural objects, looted during the colonial period, have filled European museums for many decades. The “Reimagining Heritage, Archives and Museums: Today / Tomorrow" conference held in mid-February marked a turning point in this field and also in the relations between France and South Africa.

Culture 9 April 2024

Molemo Moiloa engaged in the preservation of African cultural heritage

Artist, Director, and Head of Research at Andani Africa and co-founder of Open Restitution Africa. With the MADEYOULOOK collective, she explores popular imagination and influences restitution debates.

Culture 29 March 2024

Jemiriye, Nigerian singer

Behind the scenes of Nigerian Afro pop resides a force of nature, a voice that transcends borders and a passion that lights the flames of female emancipation. Discover Jemiriye through her uplifting melodies and feminist message.