Artists pay tribute to Amiri Baraka
The Department of Arts and Culture (DAC) in association with the wRite Associates pays tribute in memory of the legendary poet, playwright, novelist, essayist and activist, Amiri Baraka, who passed away recently.
The guest speaker will be Prof Keorapetse Kgositsile, advisor to Minister Paul Mashatile. The event will take place on Wednesday, 22 January 2014 at Museum Africa in Newtown, Johannesburg.
Born Leroy (which he later changed to LeRoi) Jones in 1934, Amiri Baraka was one of the leading African American activists who took a deliberate stance to reclaim their African heritage and pledge solidarity with the continent in the early sixties. It was against this backdrop that with the onset of the democratic order in South Africa, Baraka was one of the very first artists that were invited to our shores in 1995.
A legend in his lifetime, Baraka was an exceptionally gifted artist who straddled different arts genres. His body of work influenced generations of thinkers in different parts of the world.
Minister of Arts and Culture, Mr Paul Mashatile paid tribute to this legend last week. In statement, the Minister said, "We find solace in the realisation that great minds will never be forgotten. His piercing voice will continue to resound and serve as a constant reminder of our collective obligation to make the world a better place.”
Artists who will be paying tribute to Baraka include Sibongile Khumalo, Sello Maake ka Ncube, Natalia Molebatsi, Kabomo, Jonas Gwangwa, Gloria Bosman, Antonio David Lyons, Myesha Jenkins, Bongani Madondo, Mara Louw and many others.
Members of the media and the arts community are invited.
The details of the event are as follows:
Venue: Museum Africa, Newtown, Johannesburg
Date: Wednesday, 22 January 2014
Time: 18h00
RSVP:
Madimetja
E-mail: Madimetjam@dac.gov.za
Cell: 072 842 6594
Tel: 012 441 3737
Enquiries:
Mogomotsi Mogodiri
Cell: 083 696 5771 / 071 687 4984
Raks Seakhoa
Cell: 078 611 4654
