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(HERALD) Makeba’s legacy celebrated at festival

Makeba’s legacy celebrated at festival
From Jonathan Mbiriyamveka in ALGIERS, Algeria

The story of Africa was retold here from a Pan African perspective in a breathtaking production that featured a cast of more than 200 performers from several African countries.

The production which kicked off the three-week long Pan African Festival of Algiers portrayed the journey travelled by Africans from the peaceful days before slavery and colonialism and then back to the renaissance showing Africa had indeed, come of age.

The cast put up a spectacular show highlighting the ills of slavery as men and women were forced to work in the plantations before colonialism.

The extent of the damage could be seen as some Africans were seen working in cahoots with the colonisers while others perhaps suffering from colonial hangover dumped their roots for that of the colonisers.

Then came the liberation movements that freed the masses. It was at this stage that Africans were reminded of the great heroes among them Nelson Mandela, Samora Machel and Kwame Nkrumah.

But in all this, Africa pulled through and at the end of the production the models dressed in African hôte courté symbolised the beauty of everything that Africa stands for, the people, culture and diversity.

The show also paid tribute to the legendary songstress Miriam Makeba.

And for the late Makeba the special tribute was meant to celebrate her legacy.

Makeba who was called Mama Africa by her fans died last year after she suffered a stroke while on stage in France.

A rendition of her song Pata Pata was perhaps the climax of the impressive show that told the story of Africa from a Pan African perspective.

Makeba was one of the top artistes who performed at the first ever Pan African Festival of Algiers that was held in 1969 among other great artists like the likes of Salif Keita.

It was clear from the onset that organisers had everything right and the whole show gave a sense of pride to all Africans present.

The Le Coupule auditorium reverberated to African music and dance as several groups took to the stage to showcase their diverse cultures. Algeria’s own iconic star Wanda El Djogainia rocked the crowds with a stunning performance accompanied by several dancers from the continent.

It was such a beauty to see people overcome the various barriers including language through music and dance.

All the 53 African countries including Zimbabwe are represented and each of the countries is expected to showcase their culture in various art disciplines like dance, music, poetry, theatre, film, literature as well as visuals.

Zimbabwean artistes

include Douglas Vambe popularly known for the Jerusarema drumbeat and ZTV news bulletin signature tune, theatre director Patience Tawengwa, novelist and

filmmaker Tsitsi Dangarembga, dub pôet Albert Nyathi and jazz diva Rute Mbangwa.

The festival which is being held under the theme: ‘African Culture Renaissance’, seeks to bring into focus arts and culture towards the reinforcement of the spirit of friendship and unity among the African people as endorsed by the African Union.

Labels: HISTORY, PANAFRICANISM

posted by MrK @ 7:25 PM