This is Africa 2.0 - Spotlight on Political Artists from Africa

“When our leaders have become misleaders and mentors have become tormentors. When freedom of expression becomes the target of oppression, opposition becomes our position.”

Uganda’s “Ghetto President”, singer and politician Bobi Wine, has become the new face of political arts in Africa. These lines from his song “Situka” (“Rise up”) were recently quoted in a BBC News Feature about President Museveni’s possibly most dangerous enemy. Bobi Wine published this song ahead of the 2016 General Elections in Uganda to motivate Ugandans to stand up against corruption and injustice.

In August, Bobi Wine was charged with treason after his supporters threw stones at the convoy of President Museveni. He has accused the security forces of torturing him while he was in custody. Undoubtedly, he is now seen as a symbol for resistance across and beyond Africa.

Art is Power. Not every political artist in Africa becomes a politician like Bobi Wine. Yet, there are truly political artists in Africa. These artists stand for something and give an entire generation hope. They are not afraid to speak up and express themselves and ready to take over responsibility. “This is Africa 2.0” will present some of them and their stories.

“This is Africa 2.0” is all about positive narratives. Young Africans are no longer willing to accept that you barely ever get to see the positive side of their continent, that Africa “needs help” and that its diversity is oversimplified. They believe in change and in the enormous potential of their people. Africans are ready to tell their own stories. Their stories are about and for people who have to cope with the manifold and diverse political and societal challenges in their countries, but are ready and eager to change the situation for the better.

The story behind the story is just as important and can be just as inspiring as the performance itself. At “This is Africa 2.0” we will give the artists a chance to transport their messages through their art. They will all perform live on stage for us. After each performance, they will have a chance to tell us the story behind the story in an interview session with DW News Anchor Edith Kimani from Kenya.

Whether it is through poetry slam, rap or political cartoons, our guests are all making a clear statement about political issues. They openly criticize deficiencies and expose social and societal problems. In repressive political environments, in which the space for a vocal civil society is becoming increasingly curtailed, their art contributes to defending the freedom of expression of the population and gives hope.

What are the main challenges that our artists want to highlight? Which obstacles are African artists and activists facing? Which contribution can art make? Let us find out together and enjoy a night full of great performances and creative political minds.

ARTISTS:
Linda Gabriel (Poetry Slam, ZIM)
Oduor Jagero (Poetry Slam, KEN)
Nash MC (Rap, TZA)
Zingaro (Political Cartoons, GH)

Special Guest: MEGALOH & Ghanaian Stallion (Showcase)

Host: Edith Kimani (DW News Anchor)

Exhibition of Political Cartoons starts at 7pm. First performance at 7.30pm