A Black British Girl's Perspective of a Global Village
Earlier this month I paid a visit to the Museu Afro Brasil / AfroBrazil museum in São Paulo, a space which highlights the African perspective in the formation of heritage, identity and Brazilian culture. A space which celebrates an often untold memory and history of Brazilian and Afro-Brazilian Art. About the Afro Brasil Museum, São Paulo Situated... Continue Reading →
When I met Dionisis Kostakis on my second day in Rio de Janeiro in December last year, there was little about him, if nothing at all, that indicated his unusual hobby. With beach blond hair and subtly tanned olive skin, I took him to be yet another European who had ditched the struggling economy of... Continue Reading →
This month of August, I would like to pay homage to my Tabom (Afro-Brazilian returnees to Ghana) ancestors by remembering their legacy. It occurred to me that there are a string of significant events and coincidences that took place during the month of august that are somehow in twined with Tabom history, and as a descendant; this... Continue Reading →
http://youtu.be/_MOuXDQyGT0 "Afi o Afi!"- Happy New Year! Today in my family home in Osu, Accra, they are celebrating the start of a New Year after a successful harvest... The Homowo festival! As my father is from Osu, traditionally I celebrate Homowo in this part of Accra. However this is a celebration of gratitude and sharing... Continue Reading →
Salvador da Bahia! Historically known as the "City of the Holy Saviour of the Bay of all Saints". Brazil's vibrant Afro-Brazilian capital, renowned for its positive energy (which by the way is contagious) and happy people, has had an immense impact on me since my arrival earlier this year. So to say goodbye not just to the city... Continue Reading →
You may be familiar with the Brazilian jewellers H.Stern which has stores located internationally, including world-famous Harrods in Knightsbridge London. If you're a lover of all things beautiful, don't be surprised to find yourself in drawn towards the H.Stern store located in the heart of Salvador's historical district, Pelourinho. Bahia's influence has proudly found its way... Continue Reading →
I was honoured to meet Spike Lee while he's in Bahia during the carnival. Spike Lee is no stranger to Brazil nor the people to him, as in 1996 Mr Lee directed Michael Jackson's "They Don't Care About Us" music video featuring Salvador Afro-Brazilian Samba band; Olodum. When I met the acclaimed African-American director in... Continue Reading →
If you choose to be in Salvador da Bahia for the 'The biggest street party in the world' as opposed to Rio's world-famous Sambadrome, or any other carnival in Brazil for that matter, there is most probably a reason behind this decision.
By word of mouth the saying goes; African slaves weren't allowed in the churches during the time of slavery and they were made to wash the steps of the churches. Today Lavagem Itapua is a festival paying homage to Afro-Brazilian tradition. The traditional 'Laundering Itapuã' is amongst the most famous and oldest religious festivals that... Continue Reading →
To get a better understanding of who the Tabom returnees were, I'm looking into the social context of society in Bahia at the time, and what would become perhaps the most significant slave rebellion in Brazil; The Malê Revolt. And perhaps it is destiny, rather than a coincidence, that I, a descendant of an Afro-Brazilian,... Continue Reading →
