The folks behind New York-based SUNO were inspired by East African textiles and a desire to promote the richness of Kenya, in the context of the country's negative press surrounding 2007's post-election violence. SUNO employs local Kenyan artisans contributing to positive social and economic change.
lulu kitololo
Lemlem
Djibouti Independence Day
Madagascar Independence Day
It's the golden anniversary of Madagascar's independence from France however, given the ongoing political crisis, celebrations may be bittersweet. Nevertheless, in the Afri-love spirit of reflection and optimism, we're celebrating with a taste of things Malagasy.
Of the Same Earth
Artist Kehinde Wiley talks about his collaboration with Puma in celebration of African footballers. Thanks to Afripop! for the heads up!
Self-perception first
The Afri-love hypothesis puts the self very much at the centre of any possible progress. A friend was recently talking to me about how she wanted to spend her days helping and empowering women but realised that, in order to do that effectively, she would first have to help and empower herself. My first thought was that’s a very brave thing to voice and then, I asked myself, why shouldn’t it be the norm? That level of self-reflection and self-awareness is what this Afri-love idea is all about.
Mozambique Independence Day
35 years ago today, the Republic of Mozambique became independent from Portugal and we're celebrating on Afri-love with a special post…
Summer reads
On the Afri-love facebook page, a discussion got going about favourite books by African authors. Recommendations so far include:
Tayeb Salih’s Season of Migration to the North, Alan Paton’s Cry, the Beloved Country, Yvonne Vera’s Butterfly Burning and Ama Ata Aidoo’s Our Sister Killjoy.
What are your favourites and why?
Nairobi, observed by Richard Etienne
Drawings of Majengo (top) and Kibera by journalist and author (and my former classmate!) Richard Etienne.
Si vous lisez français, check out Richard’s book on Kenyan runners, Le Pays de Coureurs.
SOAS reunion in Kenya, 26 June
This Saturday there will be a School of Oriental and African Studies alumni reunion in Ngong, courtesy of Devon Knudsen (generous host and alumni contact for Kenya). All alumni in the local area are invited to attend this rooftop barbecue reunion. He’d be delighted to see you there, please bring your friends and families along.
The venue is a nice retreat right outside of Nairobi on the edge of the Rift Valley. There will be a bar, barbeque, games for kids and a recognition of notable local SOAS alumni.
Date: 26 June
Time: 14:00-18:00
Venue: Ngong, Nairobi
Please RSVP by 24 June, to [email protected]
For further information please contact Devon Knudsen [email protected]