In Black Looks a post by Qudus Onikeku:
The period between the two decades before and after Nigeria’s independence is described by Femi Osofisan as the ‘age of innocence’. Nigeria experienced a golden age of extremely creative talents who shook the world; they are so many that I have decided to pick one of them as the focus for this article. One with whom I feel closest too. Wole Soyinka. That lone tree, which might not make a forest in this ‘age of madness’. As a Dancer/Choreographer and one of the most privileged young artists in contemporary Nigeria, with a wide access to the international art market / scene.
Image courtesy of Black Looks
I consider myself one of the very rare remaining Nigerians – not to say Africans – who have access to the prerequisite elements for creating, and who is able to retain the precise mental balance that their creative temperament requires. I am able to get residencies when needed, an access to theatres to conclude technical aspects of creations, and a ready network for touring. However there is a price here as those who are aware of the loss that comes with negotiating one’s space of influence and cultural backdrop before the unforgiving gaze of the ‘other’, will understand that every traveling artist, especially in this contemporary times of flux and mixing, where every notion of ‘roots’ and ‘home’ is perpetually shifting, the need for a locality is much stronger than any time...[continue reading]
