Nigerian literary giant Chinua Achebe discusses the devastating impact of colonization on Africa in this You Tube video. (Google Images)
African literary legend Chinua Achebe died last week at the age of 82. While re-reading, re-imagining and revisiting his work, we came across this video of interest, in which Mr. Achebe discusses the devastating impact of colonization on Africa. Listen to what the man referred to as the “Grandfather of African Literature” has to say about colonization which he says was “made possible by the devastation of the slave trade that came before.”
Watch more Burton Wire videos of interest at YouTube.
Afro-Cubans in Cuba are still waiting to reap the benefits of the revolution. (Photo Credit: Orlando Luis Pardo Lazo)
In an op-ed for the New York Times, Afro-Cuban Roberto Zurbano discusses the ongoing struggle with being black in Cuba. In a place where social mobility is attached to skin color, what are Afro-Cubans to do when being systematically shut out of opportunities for advancement? The Revolution promised many changes, but change for Afro-Cubans has been painfully slow, unlike that of their white counterparts. Read an excerpt of Zurbano’s editorial below:
CHANGE is the latest news to come out of Cuba, though for Afro-Cubans like myself, this is more dream than reality. Over the last decade, scores of ridiculous prohibitions for Cubans living on the island have been eliminated, among them sleeping at a hotel, buying a cellphone, selling a house or car and traveling abroad. These gestures have been celebrated as signs of openness and reform, though they are really nothing more than efforts to make life more normal. And the reality is that in Cuba, your experience of these changes depends on your skin color.
The private sector in Cuba now enjoys a certain degree of economic liberation, but blacks are not well positioned to take advantage of it. We inherited more than three centuries of slavery during the Spanish colonial era. Racial exclusion continued after Cuba became independent in 1902, and a half century of revolution since 1959 has been unable to overcome it.
In the early 1990s, after the cold war ended, Fidel Castro embarked on economic reforms that his brother and successor, Raúl, continues to pursue. Cuba had lost its greatest benefactor, the Soviet Union, and plunged into a deep recession that came to be known as the “Special Period.” There were frequent blackouts. Public transportation hardly functioned. Food was scarce. To stem unrest, the government ordered the economy split into two sectors: one for private businesses and foreign-oriented enterprises, which were essentially permitted to trade in United States dollars, and the other, the continuation of the old socialist order, built on government jobs that pay an average of $20 a month.
It’s true that Cubans still have a strong safety net: most do not pay rent, and education and health care are free. But the economic divergence created two contrasting realities that persist today. The first is that of white Cubans, who have leveraged their resources to enter the new market-driven economy and reap the benefits of a supposedly more open socialism. The other reality is that of the black plurality, which witnessed the demise of the socialist utopia from the island’s least comfortable quarters.
Cuban Jazz legend Bebo Valdés has died. He was 94. (Amazon)
Patrick Jarenwattananon of NPR is reporting that Cuban music legend Bebo Valdés has died. The iconic pianist, composer and arranger had recently battled pneumonia, which led to his death.
Jarenwattananon writes:
“Ramón Emilio “Bebo” Valdés Amaro was born in 1918 in a village outside Havana. Trained at conservatory, and having absorbed the sounds of Afro-Cuban street music and American jazz in various ensembles, he became the house pianist and arranger at the Tropicana Nightclub in 1948. The Tropicana was the hottest venue in Havana at the time; many American entertainers performed there, and Valdés became known as the go-to arranger in town for studio dates, film scores and dance numbers. In 1952, he also participated in the first Afro-Cuban descarga, or jam session, recorded in Cuba, where a group improvisation turned into the recording ‘Con Poco Coco.’
But as his career was booming, a revolutionary government took over in Cuba, accompanied by a crackdown on the entertainment industry. In 1960, he left Cuba to play a gig in Mexico City with his own band. He never returned, leaving behind his wife and children. Valdés eventually wound up in Sweden, where he remarried and pursued a quieter music career, often playing piano for cruise ships or in choice hotels.”
One of Valdés’ sons whom he left behind in Cuba, Chucho Valdés developed into a well known jazz pianist, playing with the acclaimed band Irakere. In 1977, Irakere played a date at Carnegie Hall and Bebo Valdés made the trip to reunite with his son, Chucho. The reconciliation resulted in several collaborations, including the Latin jazz performance film Calle 54 and the duet album Juntos Para Siempre.
Later in life Bebo Valdés, released two Grammy award-winning albums El Arte de Sabor (2001) and Lagrimas Negras (2004). Mr. Valdés was 94.
“While we still have about 3 weeks before the festival unveils its full lineup (they usually do so in pieces, spread out over a short period of time), I thought I’d start to take a look at what African Diaspora films just might be selected to debut in competition, at the world’s most prestigious film festival this year – films that we’ve been following on this site for the last year or 2, that have the strongest chances of being included in the festival’s full lineup, once it’s announced.
The 12-day festival runs from May 15 to 26… I [Obenson] certainly hope that this year’s line-up, unlike recent previous years, includes a substantial representation of Diaspora films (relative to previous years), especially since there are a good number of titles that I think could be candidates.”
Obenson offers five films that have the strongest possibility of making the festival and offers an additional ten that could potentially make the cut in another post. Below is his list of three that are strong contenders.
1. Twelve Years A Slave: An absolute no-brainer as far I’m concerned. Steve McQueen‘s third feature which stars a rather impressive cast of actors, including Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Ruth Negga,Adepero Oduye, Alfre Woodard, Lupita Nyong’o, Paul Dano, Benedict Cumberbatch, Scoot McNairy, Garret Dillahunt, Brad Pitt, Michael K. Williams, Paul Giamatti, Sarah Paulson and others. No word yet on a release date for the film; but I’d be really surprised if it didn’t debut at Cannes this year, en route to other top-tier film festivals before opening in USA theaters in the early fall. I expect it to be an awards season favorite, especially in key roles, both in front of and behind the camera.
2. Grisgris: Chadian filmmaker Mahamat Saleh-Haroun’s follow-up to his last work, the critically-acclaimed drama Un Homme Qui Crie (aka A Screaming Man). The film was shot last fall, and, given that Saleh-Haroun isn’t a stranger to Cannes (3 of his last 5 films all premiered at Cannes) I fully expect that Grisgris will continue that trend, and debut at this year’s Cannes edition. The film centers on Grisgris, a 25 year old boy with dreams of becoming a dancer despite the fact that he’s paralyzed from the waist down. His dreams are shattered when his uncle falls seriously ill. To save him, he decides to work for petrol smugglers. Not quite the same father/son relationship theme that seems to run through his work (see Abouna-2002, Daratt-2006, A Screaming Man-2010), but still seemingly very much in that similar relational vein.The film stars Soulémane Démé, Mariam Monory, Cyril Guei, and Marius Yelolo (who’s worked with Haroun on at least 2 other past films).
3. Half Of A Yellow Sun: last month, it was rumored that the film would premiere at FESPACO, but those rumors turned out to be false. And given that it skipped Berlin, I think this is primed for a Cannes debut. The film adaptation of celebrated author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Orange Prize-winning novel, Half Of A Yellow Sun, is directed by playwright Biyi Bandele (his feature film directorial debut), with an international cast that includes Thandie Newton, John Boyega, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Dominic Cooper, Anika Noni Rose, Joseph Mawle and Genevieve Nnaji. If both Twelve Years A Slave and this film make the Cannes selection list, Chiwetel Ejiofor will be attending the festival with 2 films in which he stars. Both films should be released in theaters (USA) this year, so, either way, it should be a big year for Mr Ejiofor, who does have at least one project on the horizon.
Click here to see part one of Obenson’s list. Read more about the films and part two of Obenson’s list here.
“I’ve been up and I’ve been down , until you helped me put my feet on solid ground ; I’ve been rich and I’ve been poor, then you showed me that there’s so much more than the rat race and the fast pace could ever offer me.”Lyrics from the song ‘Something in the Way You Make Me Feel’
STEPHANIE MILLS, SINGER
Stephanie Dorthea Mills, Grammy Award winning singer and Broadway star, was born in Brooklyn, New York on March 22, 1957. Mills appeared in her first play at the age of nine and two years later won Amateur Night at the Apollo Theater a record six times. Mills made her Broadway debut in 1968 in the musical “Maggie Flynn” and in 1973 she recorded her first single, “I Knew It Was Love.” Mills’ career took off in 1974 when she portrayed Dorothy in “The Wiz,” for which she received a nomination for the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actress in a musical. Also in 1974, Mills released her debut album, “Movin’ In the Right Direction.” In 1979, Mills had her first gold album with “What Cha Gonna Do with My Lovin” and that was followed by “Sweet Sensation” (1980). That album featured “Never Knew Love like This Before,” which earned Mills a Grammy Award for Best R&B Vocal Performance, female.
In the 1970s, Mills was briefly married to Shalamar’s Jeffrey Daniels and dated legendary singer Michael Jackson. Mills had several hits throughout the 1980s and 1990s including “I Have Learned to Respect the Power of Love”, “I Feel Good All Over,” and “The Comfort of a Man.” Mills, a born-again Christian, withdrew from the limelight in the 1990s, reemerging in 2000 with singles featuring BeBe Winans and rap artist DMX. In 2004, Mills independently-released the album Born For This on Expansion Records in the UK. She tours regularly.
The Akosua Report: Facts on The African Diaspora, is written by Akosua Lowery. Follow her on Twitter @AkosuaLowery.
African literary giant Chinua Achebe has died after a brief illness. He was 82.
Jonathan Kandell of the New York Times is reporting that literary great Chinua Achebe has died after a brief illness. Kandell writes:
“Besides novels, Mr. Achebe’s works included powerful essays and poignant short stories and poems rooted in the countryside and cities of his native Nigeria, before and after independence from British colonial rule. His most memorable fictional characters were buffeted and bewildered by the conflicting pulls of traditional African culture and invasive Western values.
For inspiration, Mr. Achebe drew on his own family history as part of the Ibo nation of southeastern Nigeria, a people victimized by the racism of British colonial administrators and then by the brutality of military dictators from other Nigerian ethnic groups.
Mr. Achebe burst onto the world literary scene with the publication in 1958 of his first novel, “Things Fall Apart,” which sold millions of copies and was translated into 45 different languages.”
There are few details surrounding the literary giant’s death as this story is still developing. Mr. Achebe was 82.
Rising star Lianne La Havas discusses her musical journey. (Photo Credit: Alex Lake)
At first glance, Lianne La Havas’ Instagram and website show photos of her audience. Even more impressive, after her shows, she takes pride in taking time to interact with the very same people.
To the 23-year-old Greco-Jamaican, South London-born singer/songwriter, the fans come first. Onstage, she gives her all: bristly poofy curls and a Danelectro Silvertone guitar by her side. Her vocals are rich with flavor: pouring a buttery smooth, vibrato-heavy jazz style over raw, syrupy chord deliveries.
Speaking via phone with La Havas who had just performed in Manchester, UK, the multitalented performer, with infectious spirit and a delightful British accent, spoke excitedly about her 18-city U.S. tour. La Havas has her heart set on making new friends, one day meeting President Obama and winning a Grammy Award. “It’s me singing about my life using my voice the best way I know how. I sing with the rhythms. There’s art in me. It’s all a part of being creative,” says La Havas.
La Havas originally played piano as a child but graduated to the guitar at age 18. She originally wanted to be an art teacher: enrolling in Croydon’s Norbury Manor Business & Enterprise College for Girls. Ultimately deciding to pursue music full-time, La Havas sang background for singer/actress Paloma Faith and recorded two EPs, Lost & Foundand Forget, in 2011. Her transition from art teacher to performer is continuing to pay off.
La Havas’ talents landed her an invitation to jam with Prince in Minneapolis at Paisley Park. Stevie Wonder sat in on one of her gigs and expressed his admiration. Another one of La Havas’s idols, Jill Scott, gave the singer praise after hearing her cover of “He Loves Me (Lyzel in ‘E’ Flat).”
Along the way, La Havas has opened for Bon Iver, Robert Plant, Alicia Keys and Erykah Badu. “It’s all about connecting with the people that support the records. I sing the songs to the best of my ability. I make it so that the music and the lyrics are the most important things.” says La Havas.
La Havas would like to eventually produce and develop new artists. Even with unquestionable drive, ambition and enthusiasm, her success all comes as a shock to her. “It’s such an amazing concept that so many people have discovered music in some way and want to come and hear it. I always can’t believe that people all came to the show in the first place. Sometimes when I think I haven’t played that well, I still feel happy. I would like to be making music as long as possible,” says La Havas.
Christopher A. Daniel is a pop cultural critic and music editor for The Burton Wire. He is also a contributing writer for Urban Lux Magazine and Blues & Soul Magazine. Follow Christopher @Journalistorian on Twitter.
Rising star Lianne La Havas discusses her musical journey. (Photo Credit: Alex Lake)
At first glance, Lianne La Havas’ Instagram and website show photos of her audience. Even more impressive, after her shows, she takes pride in taking time to interact with the very same people.
To the 23-year-old Greco-Jamaican, South London-born singer/songwriter, the fans come first. Onstage, she gives her all: bristly poofy curls and a Danelectro Silvertone guitar by her side. Her vocals are rich with flavor: pouring a buttery smooth, vibrato-heavy jazz style over raw, syrupy chord deliveries.
Speaking via phone with La Havas who had just performed in Manchester, UK, the multitalented performer, with infectious spirit and a delightful British accent, spoke excitedly about her 18-city U.S. tour. La Havas has her heart set on making new friends, one day meeting President Obama and winning a Grammy Award. “It’s me singing about my life using my voice the best way I know how. I sing with the rhythms. There’s art in me. It’s all a part of being creative,” says La Havas.
La Havas originally played piano as a child but graduated to the guitar at age 18. She originally wanted to be an art teacher: enrolling in Croydon’s Norbury Manor Business & Enterprise College for Girls. Ultimately deciding to pursue music full-time, La Havas sang background for singer/actress Paloma Faith and recorded two EPs, Lost & Foundand Forget, in 2011. Her transition from art teacher to performer is continuing to pay off.
La Havas’ talents landed her an invitation to jam with Prince in Minneapolis at Paisley Park. Stevie Wonder sat in on one of her gigs and expressed his admiration. Another one of La Havas’s idols, Jill Scott, gave the singer praise after hearing her cover of “He Loves Me (Lyzel in ‘E’ Flat).”
Along the way, La Havas has opened for Bon Iver, Robert Plant, Alicia Keys and Erykah Badu. “It’s all about connecting with the people that support the records. I sing the songs to the best of my ability. I make it so that the music and the lyrics are the most important things.” says La Havas.
La Havas would like to eventually produce and develop new artists. Even with unquestionable drive, ambition and enthusiasm, her success all comes as a shock to her. “It’s such an amazing concept that so many people have discovered music in some way and want to come and hear it. I always can’t believe that people all came to the show in the first place. Sometimes when I think I haven’t played that well, I still feel happy. I would like to be making music as long as possible,” says La Havas.
Christopher A. Daniel is a pop cultural critic and music editor for The Burton Wire. He is also a contributing writer for Urban Lux Magazine and Blues & Soul Magazine. Follow Christopher @Journalistorian on Twitter.
U.S. President Barack Obama makes his first visit to Israel. In this photo, he is speaking with Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during Netanyahu’s White House visit. (Google Images)
Matt Spetalnick and Crispian Balmer of Reuters are reporting that U.S. President Barack Obama has arrived in Tel Aviv on Wednesday, pledging unwavering commitment to the security of the Jewish State where concern over a nuclear-armed Iran has clouded bilateral relations. President Obama was greeted by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whom he embraced before greeting other cabinet ministers.
Spetalnick and Balmer write and report:
“He [President Obama] also stressed the need for Middle East peace at the start of a three-day trip aimed at resetting fraught relations with both the Israelis and Palestinians. But U.S. officials have said Obama had come to listen and had no new initiatives to offer…’I see this visit as an opportunity to reaffirm the unbreakable bond between our nations, to restate America’s unwavering commitment to Israel’s security and to speak directly to the people of Israel and to your neighbors,’ Obama said at a red-carpet welcoming ceremony at Tel Aviv airport.”
Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe travels to Vatican City with family to attend Pope Francis I inauguration. (Google Images)
AllAfrica.com is reporting that President Robert Mugabe was in Italy on Tuesday for the inauguration mass for Pope Francis, bypassing a travel ban imposed by the European Union, which does not apply to the Vatican City state.
Mugabe, a devout Catholic, traveled to the holy city with his wife Grace, their children and several government officials, just days after a referendum to vote on a new Constitution for Zimbabwe.
The Zimbabwean leader is accused of human rights abuses by western governments which is the reason for the travel ban. In 2005, Prince Charles drew controversy in Britain when he shook hands with Mugabe at the funeral of Pope John Paul 11. The Prince’s aides claimed the heir to the throne had been caught by surprise when Mugabe offered his hand during the ceremony at the Vatican.
The president also attended the beatification of the Pope in 2011. Does Mugabe’s travel during this important time signal a greater devotion to the church than to his country?
