Show some love for Africa
This journey took us across the Earth’s biggest continent, from the Great Lakes to the Horn. And wherever we went, we saw ingenuity.
Brilliant resistance art created from trash.
Fantastic contemporary music made from the heart of local culture.
And young women who can achieve anything despite having lived through suffering.
But it’s not just in regards to culture. In the last few days, we’ve been incredibly inspired to see that the region’s nations, hardened by the struggle against Ebola, are showing the world an example of preparedness for the pandemic.
Some of the African countries are even limiting travel from Europe: a genius move that’s a couple of hundred years overdue.
So while we’re all restricted from having too much fun to avoid the spread of infection, here’s a fresh idea. Why not have an imaginary voyage across Africa to learn some neat tricks on how to survive in the pandemic from the locals? There are two films and a dope playlist.
Here, arm yourself with a map:
For the playlist, we’ve assembled our second installment in the anthology of fresh Burundian music. Whether you’re looking for afrobeat or trap, we’ve got you covered; just don’t blame us if these tunes get stuck in your head: they’re catchy. And are they perfect for washing your hands to? You bet.
FROM BURUNDI and UNITED STATES:
An Anthology of the Best New Music from Burundi, Part II: Keeping Up With Kirundi
Burundi has it all: afrobeat, gangsta rap, golden-voiced goddesses, bongo flava and boy bands. Come for them, stay for the zip bag suits and Cassava-themed trap anthems
“System K” is an absolute treasure of a film and a rare showcase of DR Congo’s best emerging artists. Come for their devoted practice that repurposes found object into political statements, stay for some awesome ideas on how to style a hazmat suit.
The best art grows out of trash and danger: incendiary documentary profiles the courageous young artists making fierce political statements in the streets of Kinshasa
It’s not exactly set in Africa, but “Easy Lessons” is a film about a very young Somalian woman, who has to figure out life on her own away from her family. Are you away from your family right now? Worrying constantly and fearing that you’ll strand from your roots? The protagonist, Kafia, knows precisely what that’s like.
After her narrow escape from becoming a child bride in Somalia, 17-year-old Kafia is building her life anew in Hungary. But she fears that her emerging European identity is a betrayal of her roots
We hope this helps.
As usual, we at Supamodu strive to make sure that the entertainment we provide makes you think, creates a kinder world, and, yes, helps you survive a plague. No biggie.
After all, is there anything art can’t do?
Is there anything African culture can’t do?
Stay safe, you guys.
Hope you enjoy Supamodu and feel compelled to forward this email to your friends.
Thank you for being with us! 💛
— Katya Kazbek,
editor-in-chief
