Spectra Speaks
On February 16th, 2012, Africa Women’s Development Fund out-doored NNEKA (one of my favorite Nigerian artists) as their first Ambassador of the Arts. NNEKA was born in Warri, Oil City in the Delta region of Nigeria at the height of its new found wealth in the mid 70s. Her lyrics reflect much of her history and life in Nigeria as well as her time spent in Western Europe. Her songs stress the issues of capitalism, poverty and war and are often loaded with moral and biblical messages and references, with some music commentators comparing her to Erykah Badu, Neneh Cherrynd Floetry. Women’s Rights and African Music = Magic.
Homosexuality may be outlawed in Kenya but there is a long tradition among some communities of women marrying each other. In recent news stories, twelve Kenyans girls are suspended for “lesbianism” while older women are allowed to marry, and even inherit property from their deceased spouses. This presents quite a dichotomy, and though I’m over the mixed messages, I know why they’re there.
Warning: This is a rant. AKA I’m pissed, and don’t feel the need to explain myself further than this: I’m Nigerian. I’m African. I’m Black. They don’t compete, they complement, which is why when I’m asked to silence one for the sake of the other, I don’t. Deal with it. Dedicated to the person who diagnosed me with internalized racism for claiming my Nigerian identity. And no, not “with love.”
Africa has had much of its history depicted through mainly male characters; the on-going plight of women and children during times of war has often been reduced to b-roll (i.e. supplemental or alternate footage intercut with the main shot) and action scenes portraying sexual violence for shock value. Hence, the film adaptation of Half of a Yellow Sun, an intricate and emotionally honest story told through the lives of two very different Nigerian sisters, could mean a huge leap for the preservation of Nigerian women’s history, as well as the portrayal of African women in film.
But now, the draconian bill which began the chain reaction that led to David Kato’s death is back. A copy of Uganda’s Parliament Order Paper, dated February 7, 2012, has been making its way around the internet. The return of the “Kill the Gays” bill is a major concern for Ugandan LGBT activists, but many have vowed to continue their struggle. As the ongoing battle for LGBT tolerance in Uganda continues, activists abroad are also lending their support by leveraging media to spark critical conversations about LGBT rights in Uganda.
About Me
Meet Spectra: Nigerian Writer & Media Activist, Queer Afrofeminist Social Commentator, Human Rights Advocate, Social Entrepreneur, Africa's Cheetah Generation, Idealist Warrior Woman.
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