Political Artists from Africa - Situation for African Women

Linda Gabriel celebrates womanhood in all its challenges. What sounds like a contradiction is actually a reflection of the complexity of the issues that Linda deals with in her poems. She does not hesitate to talk about human abysses in a very direct manner. Her art carries a lot of frustration. HIV, social inequalities, mothers who fight like lions for their children: none of these topics are untouchable for Linda. She is also an activist and dedicated to change, yet - coming from Zimbabwe - sometimes seems to find it hard to believe in change herself.

Nash MC from Tanzania, Zingaro from Ghana, Oduor Jagero from Kenya - and Linda Gabriel. All of these artists performed at "This is Africa 2.0 - Spotlight on Political Artists from Africa" hosted by FES at Theater Aufbau Kreuzberg (TAK) in Berlin on 12th October. After each performance, the respective artists told the audience their story behind the story in an interview with DW News Anchor Edith Kimani. As Special Guests, BSMG from Berlin composed of the African-German rappers Megaloh and Musa and DJ/Producer Ghanaian Stallion performed and spoke up against racism, post-colonial structures and an outdated Africa-image in the German society.

The interviews helped to give the mostly German audience a better understanding of some of the most pressing issues from the perspective of African political artists. From rap to political cartoons, novels and poetry slam - Africa's political artists use various ways to spread their messages about crucial problems on their continent such as the power of multinational corporations in Africa, illicit financial flows, unfair trade agreements, HIV, sexual abuse, corruption, unfree elections, limited freedom of speech and complacent politicial elites. Two things became very clear in the course of the succesful FES event in Berlin-Kreuzberg: There is still a lot to do and there are many political minds in Africa who, as frustrated as some of them may be with the status quo and the outreach of what they do, all together provide a huge potential for change and uprising.

Africa 2.0 already exists. Political elites on both sides of the Mediterranean Sea just need to open their eyes and ears.

You have missed "This is Africa 2.0 - Spotlight on Political Artists from Africa"? We have asked Linda Gabriel, the poetry slammer from Zimbabwe, a few questions to give you some insights on her work and the situation of African women.

1. What is the situation in your home country Zimbabwe?

The country is experiencing hyperinflation and shortages of basic commodities. Many university graduates are unemployed. Women continue to provide for their children despite the harsh conditions in the country.

2. What is the role of Artists in advocating for change?

Artists use their art to speak out against issues their countries are facing, to raise awareness, to educate people and to try to reach a large number of communities.

3. Gender roles and injustices seem to play a crucial role in your work: Why is it important for you to use your art to address these questions?

Being an artist is a gift, it allows me to have a voice and I feel like it is my duty as an artist to use my art to contribute towards creating a better place to live for girls and young women. My art allows me to communicate and connect with various audiences.

4. Many African societies today are very dynamic and rapidly changing - the population is very young. How positive are you in regard to a more gender equal future?

Like many others I support a more gender equal future and I do my part to contribute towards gender equality. I hope that one day we will achieve it. Over the years women have been gaining a lot more opportunities than in the past, they have more opportunities than our mothers had and I hope our daughters will have even more and better opportunities in the future.