rob, i hope you dont mind. this does seem to be the place for this. it may need its own space i dont know. may come later. but that may be duplicating processes...which just makes it one more then...
for poetry.
a heads up really on the launch this coming friday 23 april of a new intervention in the poetic landscape known as badilisha! poetry radio. initially to be accessed on
www.badilishapoetry.com but later on more widespread platforms.
The Badilisha! Poetry X-Change is an ongoing project that celebrates the word through the concept of ‘badilisha’, a Kiswahili expression denoting change, exchange and transformation.
For a range of historical, political and economic reasons, most of the important collections and productions of African art today are located or performed outside of Africa. As a result, Africans living on the continent have limited access to their own artistic heritage and the work of contemporary practitioners.
Based in South Africa, the Africa Centre was conceived as both a physical entity and an ongoing philosophical journey that aims to redress these imbalances.
The poetic voices from Africa and its Diaspora are no exception to this reality. New voices in Pan-African poetry as literary and performance mediums have historically gained their global exposure and documentation through foreign publications and academic research. These narrow channels have extremely limited the plethora of African writers, poets, and academics from being read and heard throughout the world.
This lack of publication and recording has meant that most young African poets and writers are exposed to and primarily influenced by the work of literary icons from the Global North through what they have been taught in school, read about, seen and heard. Their knowledge of African authors and poets is limited, preventing the inspiration and influence vital to their growth, development, self-confidence and sense of place.
The issues are not confined however to simply the lack of access and outlets. Equally important are what Pan-African’s have to say.
This online poetry radio station will produce weekly podcasts of poets from Pan-African countries around the world and seeks to encourage and present; the exposure and growth of unheard voices; opportunities for established and aspirant poets to engage with each other and their work for mutual benefit through networking and skills transfer; diverse genres of poetic expression including performance and multi-media; and spaces for discussion and debate, on matters relevant to the experiences and concerns of these writers as a means to explore and mature the poetic form.
It also answers the need for an Africa-centred platform, where these voices and works can be accessed and enjoyed. The contribution poets and writers have made to social change throughout history is immeasurable and this poetic medium provides an extraordinary tool to define, expose and fundamentally shape our perceptions of the worlds we occupy.
Bringing these Pan-African voices together, beyond their localities can make a vital contribution to social change both in Africa and beyond. Regular themed conversations via a blog will facilitate continued discussion and debate amongst poets, poetry lovers and curious site visitors, engaging with the role of poets in the world, within and beyond their activities in the arts arena.
www.badilishapoetry.com