A
bout two months ago, I had a
conversation with an incredibly insightful
young man. It was during a time when
Hugh Masekela was on the island for the
Grand Opening of the African Leadership
University in Mauritius, and we were
to be his audience in just two nights. But this
particular evening, we met casually and started
talking about art and the role it plays in our lives.
And he said, “there is no way to fathom what a
human being can do with art. It is almost like a
piece of God…” The conversation went on and
on for quite some time, and I was in awe of the
depth he had about art.
Truth be told, most people think art is overrated.
They package art into general forms- those that
our five senses can relate. From music that drives
you to movies that thrill you, paintings that move
you or even poems that soothe you. Now, this
sounds like a stereotype, and it is not necessarily
a bad thing. However, like Chimamanda cautions
in her publication, ‘African Authenticity and
the Biafran Experience,’ “the problem with
stereotypes...is that one story can become the
only story.”
For May, we wish to kick off on an artsy note.
Our feature, Pusumane, a poet whose works I
absolutely love opens up her heart on art.
We look at the Chinese history: what a (bad)
poem can teach you about the Chinese language.
And if you're thinking that life is unfair, think
again and read our lifestyle article on how to
follow your passion.
Blast workout is back again to keep our bodies
fresh for May and for the business aficionados;
we feature three small and medium business
owners who share their two cents on the ups and
downs of small businesses
| BANZA
EDITOR’S NOTE
Fast forward to the grand opening night.
The ambiance was perfect. The old ruins of
Balaclava stood as they have for the past Godknows-how-many-years were lit. The crystal
marquee towered over us as we enjoyed the
French cuisine and conversations with people
from all over the globe. Hugh Masekela was on
stage, in his yellow ups and blue downs. He filled
the space and warmed our hearts with his strong
vocals as the trumpet’s horn soothed the soul.
He jammed to the music so seamlessly, and bust
moves that any other 77-year-old would struggle.
I experienced the bewitching magic of his music,
good music.
And I dare you to experience art this month.
Because everyone has a ‘genre’ of art- that moves
them, then art is universal. Because everyone
genuinely enjoys the feels they get when they
experience great art; then art is phenomenal.
Because everyone can cry, laugh their behinds
off, dance their feet, feast their eyes and enthrall
their soul, then art is beyond carnal.
Don’t treat art like a whatever thing, treat it like
it's everything.
In all earnest, I think art is a level of freedom that
we all yearn.
Find freedom.
Happy reading.
Eric Maingi
Editor-in-Chief
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