Artists of African descent explore better representation and the politics of their work. Imagine freedom of expression where Western views are not dominant, what is needed for change, and what is possible in the future.
Do you remember the story that broke lockdown and saw people take over streets and parks? The global pandemic and the world-wide call for change and affirmation that Black Lives Matter threw existing inequalities into sharp focus. The future we want to see emerging from this pandemic is a decolonised one. But how does one begin to imagine decolonised futures when dominant Western worldview shapes our present and our collective imagination? The Sub-Sahara Advisory Panel (SSAP) created ‘Siku Za Mbele’ (Kiswahili) or ‘Days Ahead’/‘DyDDiau o’n Blaenau’ as a space for creative reflection.
For the past 15 months, the youth-led (SSAP) Youth Leadership Network (SYLN) has worked with 16 young creatives of Welsh-African heritage to explore deep narratives, trace colonial tropes and create new knowledge in their stead. Supported by The National Community Lottery Fund’s (TNCLF) ‘Emerging Futures Fund’, the project created a safe space where young creatives could reflect on what we are emerging from, where we are, and where we want to go next.
Following a public call out, 16 participants were selected to take part in the project and during our weekly online sessions, we invited Black, African and Diaspora artists to share their practice and journey with us, and discussed the importance of creativity, activism and heritage. New artworks, narratives and understandings grew from workshops with leading Black and African creatives.
But we also found new questions; what unites the creatives involved in this project? From Black Welsh to White African, Mixed Heritage, Third Culture Kid, Asylum Seeker to Butetown Native or British Ghanaian the identities we carry are individual and unique, and many of us know more than one sense of self. Artist Hazel Ravu describes her hidden selves like an undercover agent, code-switching to fit in as the only Black girl in her school and neighbourhood.
There is no one Black or African identity. And yet, this cohort of artists know they carry these labels – it seems the luxury of ‘neutrality’ is reserved for white artists only.
To be a Black Artist can be a source of joy, as Gabin Kongolo’s performance ‘My Skin Is My Logo’ proudly states. It can also be a reductive label and a source of conflict. Sean Suter’s poems question Where Do I Belong?
African creativity is not confined to Western labels and disciplines, it is multidimensional and cross-disciplinary. We have brought together poems and stories, performance, paintings, zines, photographs and graffiti for this online exhibition. Our artwork explores digital and physical spaces, from Instagram to the pub to football stands, reflecting on how we inhabit our bodies and environments.
Through the artworks we share with you, we are telling our stories, speaking of our struggles and experiences in a beautiful way, vibrant and powerful and in your face. We are not a monolythic people, but a movement, rich with global connections. We occupy multiple spaces, at the margins, at the centre and in-between. Some of our work will connect universally, some may challenge or confuse those who do not share our lived experiences.
Through this showcase we invite you to question hierarchies and labels. Our artworks reflect on where we come from, where we are, and where we want to go next. We share with you our points of view and our journeys.
As Charles Obiri-Yeboah writes in his pilot script:
Try this fufu, this jollof and this waakye…
Yusuf Ismail’s mural, titled ‘My City, My Shirt’ is part of the project and has already provoked discussions across Wales and beyond. Mr Ismail reiterates that:
“a public mural like this will be a powerful affirmation and provide daily comfort and encouragement. For Cardiff City FC supporters, and the wider population it can be an eye-opener, a point of view they may have previously missed, and hopefully a step towards changing mind sets.”
Fadhili Maghiya, Director of Sub-Sahara Advisory Panel, said:
“A lot has happened over the past year and the murder of George Floyd will go down in history as one of those ‘where were you’? moments. From BLM demonstrations to reviews of statues and monuments associated with slavery in Wales, the introduction of Black History to our new Welsh curriculum and wider societal and institutional changes in relation to race, diversity and inclusion; change is in the air and as we live in the present, we can look back and reflect, and look forward to imagine how we can make this World a better place to live”
“There is rich creative talent within Black and ethnic communities and this project has not only brought these young creatives together, it has developed a momentum and space for the public to see what we are capable of. Their artistry represents the youthful energy that led BLM marches across Wales and beyond. The exhibition will be on the 25th May from 1800 as part of Africa Day and commemorates the anniversary of George Floyd. Register via https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/emerging-futures-by-creatives-of-welsh-african-heritage-exhibition-launch-tickets-152656857771.
Young creatives taking part on the project include
Abraham Makanjuola
Temeka Davies
Onismo Muhlanga
Sizwe Chitiyo
Mujib Yahya
Bethan Williams
Chembo Liandisha
Cynthia Sitei
Gilbert Sabiti
Hannah Newell
Hazel Ravu
Joshua Odonkor
Nicole Ready
You can view workshops, artworks and learn more about the project via our online showcase