“Preserving Memory as Future”: An Interview with AIDA Muluneh

by Sionne Neely

MARIE-Ange BORDAS: “I was too young” | photo courtesy of Addis Foto Fest 2012

AIDA MULUNEH is definitely a force to be reckoned with. The photographer and filmmaker heads up ADDIS FOTO FEST – a biannual, international photography festival in Addis Ababa that brings a diverse cadre of African photographers together to showcase their work [the third installation is Dec 2014]. In direct response to how Ethiopia has been popularly imagined by western development + media agencies since the 1980s, Aida is building an appreciation for photography among the Ethiopian public by re-working how photography takes shape in the country. The festival develops the capacity of emerging Ethiopian photographers to tell their own compelling stories.

I caught up with my fellow Howard U Film Dept. comrade on a recent trip to Accra. Here we rap about Addis Foto Fest and how emerging Ethiopian photographers are in a unique position to transform the country’s visual future.

Drive AIDA Drive | photo courtesy of Addis Foto Fest 2012

ACCRA Report: 3 Dope Events This Weekend!

There’s a lot happening in Accra these days. This weekend is no exception. Here are three awe-inspiring events that you should check out:

What: YARI YARI NTOASO: International Black Women Writers Conference

When: Thursday, May 16 – Sunday, May 19

Damage: FREE

In Adabraka: ABROKWAH’s Angel

THE 3RD EYE STAY WOKE

Meet the talented Mr. KWEKU ABROKWAH. We met Abrokwah during the planning of the first CHALE WOTE Street Festival around this time – two years ago – in March 2011. Since then he’s joined the festival both years and has already started prep for a CHALE WOTE 2013 performance in James Town this September.

As the leader of The Flat Land Boys biker crew and Circus Ghana, Abrokwah is always able to give the people what they want – fresh killah moves. Not only is he king of extreme sport stunts but over the last nine years, he’s performed in Germany and throughout Europe as a cultural dancer, B-boy and circus entertainer.

We shot these snaps on the streets of Adabraka, that pearl of old Accra where Ga business elite and middle-class families historically settled. In this setting, Abrokwah’s affable spirit branches out just as wide as his angel wings.  Ever ready for the next challenge, he inspires us to keep our eyes on the prize.

Check out Abrokwah’s journey below – in his own words. MO VIM.

Photos by ACCRA [dot] ALT [double-click to enlarge].

ABROKWAH’S ANGEL IN ADABRAKA

During my childhood, I went to school at Korlegonno. I saw lots of bicycles – people arranging bicycles. Through that I had a feeling – I fell into a bicycle feeling. I started in 1989 after discovering a famous handbook on biking. There was no Internet in Ghana at that time. I taught myself the different tricks – training one one at a time.

ROBOT SKYFALL

CHALE WOTE 2013: Open Call for Visual + Performance Art Proposals

CHALE WOTE Chillin x Tei Huagie’s Mannequin Installation

ACCRA [dot] ALT in association with REDD KAT Pictures, Foundation for Contemporary Art Ghana, Dr. Monk and Attukwei Art Foundation have begun preparation for the third annual Chale Wote Street Art Festival 2013 which will be held on Saturday, September 7 – Sunday, September 8th.

The Chale Wote Street Art Festival is an alternative platform that brings art, music, dance and performance out into the streets in James Town Accra. Its aims are to cultivate a wider audience for the arts, break creative boundaries and use art as a viable form to rejuvenate public spaces.

THE WINNEBA MASQUERADE

The Chale Wote Street Art Festival challenges local and international artists and Accra residents to connect by creating and appreciating art together. The festival includes street and sidewalk painting, graffiti murals, large photography displays, interactive art installations, live street performances, extreme sports, experimental community theater, independent African film screenings, a fashion parade, a music block party, recyclable design workshops and much more.

The Big Fun Party We Had At IND!E FUSE 2012

FOKN Jam by OneFotos

story by Mantse Aryeequaye + Sionne Neely

IND!E FUSE 2012 was the most exciting, lavishly intense live show by any group of artists in Accra.  16 music acts participated – each creating their own version of an Accra indie monstrosity – dropkicking through live bass, synth harmonics and drum rhythms with menacingly cinematic vamps.

Approximately 1600 indie music fans jammed over the two day music event with headliners FOKN BOIS and Tawiah causing an almighty ruckus. In just two years, IND!E FUSE has quickly become the place for exposing music lovers to new and groundbreaking artists from Ghana, Africa and abroad.

SANKWAS BOIS

At the mainstage show, rapper duo and IND!E FUSE MCs, The Sankwas Bois [aka Mutombo da Poet and Simpol Tinz], STILL have people in stitches with their animated antics and raw, hilarious improvisation.

The DUSTLYVE Booth was in full effect for the first hour of the show – with Kobby Graham and DJ Kev spinning dopeness as the audience strolled in.

KOBBY GRAHAM | DJ KEV

DJ KEV SPINS

The F.O.K.N BOIS delivered their zombie apocalypse lyrics with a raw, funked-out fusion sound. As chaotic as their music may seem, in reality the duo are exceptionally tight and well-rehearsed which is crucial for pulling off their ingenuous shtick.

FOKN FLOSS

FOTO REWIND: INDIE FUSE 2012 [Day 2]

Take a peek at these cool visuals from the mainstage IND!E FUSE 2012 show at Alliance Francaise.

*Unmarked photos by Mantse Aryeequaye. All other images were captured by OneFotos.

The Ga Greek God’s Azonto

Mutombo da Poet’s Vibe

M3NSA | Simpol Tinz

Lady Jay’s Ha!

Paapa’s Song

BEHIND THE SCENES: IND!E FUSE 2012 Sound Check

EBEN’S HIP HOP

Peruse through our garden of IND!E FUSE 2012 images. One month later, folks are still chatting up the two-day December concert – including many a request for IND!E FUSE twice a year?!! Wow Fam.

Check out these behind-the-scenes photos of the artists and crew at sound check before the main stage show at Alliance Française that beautiful Saturday night in December.

All Photos Taken by ACCRA [dot] ALT.

SOUND CHECK 1-2, 1-2

DJ KEV | KOBBY GRAHAM | BADBOY STELOO

CRUSH ME FOR DEH FRONT

M3NSA | KOBBY GRAHAM

TAWIAH’S IN THE BLDG

TAWIAH | WANLOV

IND!E FUSE 2012: DAY 1 [PHOTO SELECTA]

HANDS UP.

If you were at IND!E FUSE 2012 this past weekend, then you know we had an INSANELY good time. Wow! Thanks Accra for coming out last Friday + Saturday and showing your support for independent African music.

We got photos from DAY 1 at The Republic Bar + Grill in Osu. We jam-packed the joint out with 500 people and more spilling onto the street. Our mashup boutique featured the Afro-electric sounds of supa dope DJs – Jason Kleatsh, Kweku Ananse, SanSe and DJ Kev with live performances by Rumor, Looney the TKR, Oga Chux, Steloo, Eli and Fatau Keita.

Our MASTA MC – Mawuli Fudoglo – kept everyone in stitches with his silly swag and funky boogie.

FUDOGLO + DJ KEV WARM IT UP

Like any good block party, the drinks keep pouring and bodies go on shaking. The sound system was a beast so folks couldn’t help but shake a leg. Thanks to the massive mojo of our DJs and live artists – the party kept climbing until 4am in the morning – leaving loads of people in sweaty honeysuckle bliss.

What a blast! Take a journey through our photo selecta of IND!E FUSE 2012: Day 1 right here. All photos taken by ACCRA [dot] ALT.

RED LIGHT SPECIAL

HALF OF A YELLOW SUN

IND!E FUSE 2012 Promo x TAWIAH

Peep @TawiahMusic‘s special IND!E FUSE shout out to you right here!

The 2-day live electro music mashup - IND!E FUSE began last night with massive sounds and late-night dancing at The Republic Bar + Grill. Stay tuned to see exclusive photos from the show. Then jam down with us TONIGHT at Alliance Francaise (7:30 -11pm, 10ghc).

18 amazing live music performers over two days…it’s the best bang for your cedi, chale.

IND!E FUSE 2012 Promo x YAA PONO

YAA PONO at IND!E FUSE, Dec. 2011 [photo by Francis Kokoroko]

Point blank, YAA PONO is a freestyle beast. His compelling storytelling, witty timing and delicious cadence makes this MC someone to check out.

He joins IND!E FUSE again after giving last year’s audience a small taste of what he can do. Yaa Pono’s dropping brand new material on the IND!E FUSE mainstage this Saturday, December 15th, 7:30 – 11:00pm, Alliance Francaise. You definitely want to be there for this!

Check out this small preview and see how the Uptown Energy Crew gets down. Tema, How Be?!

See YAA PONO live at IND!E FUSE 2012 | @TheRealYaaPono