Anansi Rebooted is a series of events reflecting on living traditions through film, music, art and performance. It is an invitation to collectively explore the African embodied archive.
#One: Orality
Oral tradition has been here as long as we have. Whether for resistance or persistence, African peoples continue to craft words to cut, create and collaborate. How do they connect us with our pasts? In what ways can they alter our futures?
the call:
Upon Westminster Bridge (1982):
Considered one of the best ‘dub’ poets of his time, Mikey Smith is internationally renown for the socially engaged form and content of his work. Originally made for BBC2’s Arena, 'Upon Westminster Bridge' (Dir. Anthony Wall) profiles Smith’s poetry and politics through performance, exchanges with fellow poet Linton Kwesi Johnson, and conversations with historian and social theorist CLR James. Perhaps in testament to his political engagement and influential lyricism, Mikey Smith was murdered by political opponents shortly after heckling the Jamaican Minister of Culture. He was 28 years old when he died.
the response:Living our own tradition. we invite your responses . To open the way, we have invited Kinshasa-born poet JJ Bola, London’s favourite Bantu chick; poet Belinda Zhawi, ethereal Manhattan-based vocalists OSHUN and London-based lyricists Black/Other to work through their reflections via discussion and performance. Representing Jamaica, we are also excited to announce guest appearances from artist and poet Michael St George and writer Kate Elizabeth Earnest
Entry to the film screening is free.
Tickets for the rest of the program are £8