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Showing posts with the label African diaspora

NoViolet Bulawayo's novel: We Need New Names

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This was my review on Goodreads: This novel's storyline follows a young girl, then teen, then woman from post-independence Zimbabwe to the United States.The tone may seem flippant. But the underlying pain is real: whether back in the home country, or in the diaspora.  In Zimbabwe, it is sad to find the descendants of people who fought the Rhodesians, who had their own style of Apartheid, suffering at the hands of those who won back the country. Life is often untenable but people are helpless. In the United States, an exilee tries to fit in without losing their identity, but it's not easy. The heartbreak of leaving your home remains no matter what. And your children will have another take on life than you do. <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/17624883-diane-chehab">View all my reviews</a> Below we can read that the author is writing a memoir; I can't wait to find out about her own life! From Goodreads: About the author NoViolet Bulawayo 12 ...

The Kraal on Instagram: an expression of African cultural pride

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Masks, Initiés du Bassin du Congo, at the former Musée Dapper* A few years ago, I found out that the hype about Instagram was justified. I found it to be a great platform to post photos, and it's useful for those aiming to sell a product, as I have already purchased items from several vendors seen on Instagram! And not to forget the beautiful and inspirational photos and posts from all over the world. It is also a platform for cultural exchange. As a person with more than a little interest in Africa, I soon started following  @the.kraal . The stated mission:  " Exploring the magic of Africa and the diaspora through history, culture, traditions, spirituality, and more." The feed covers many regions of Africa, especially Sub-Saharan. It features traditions, art, religious practices, but also known and lesser-known heroes of Africa.  So little is known about Africa's history. Not only that there were kingdoms and erudition in pre-colonial times, but post-co...

Atelier Lilikpó: Sika Viagbo, Parisian mosaic decor

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Two tables, one design, by Lilikpó The Viaduc des Arts in the twelfth arrondissement in Paris now houses cafés and chic shops, including the Lilikpó workshop managed by Sika Viagbo. Walking by, the first thing you notice is the originality and the beauty of the creations through the store window. It's a workshop visible from the street: the designer, Sika Viagbo, works on her creations in front of passersby eyes. Before starting her own company, she worked with Pierre Mesguich (Paris), an internationally known mosaic designer, who has worked all over the world. Sika also interned separately in Tokyo and in China. The company's name means "cloud" in Ewé, one of the languages spoken in Togo, where her parents immigrated from. Her own design influences are multicultural, inspired by her travels and experience. How did Sika get started in this profession? She grew up in Vitry sur Seine, a Paris suburb. As a music major at the University of St. Denis P...