Dynamic Africa

DYNAMIC AFRICANS: Yayra Sumah of ‘Ghana, I Love You’

She runs one of the most up-to-date blogs about Ghana on tumblr that hosts everything from photojournalism essays and news articles, to poetry and music.

In celebration of Ghana’s 56th independence day in March (sorry this post is a little late), I asked Yayra Sumah a few questions about herself, the sentimental weight behind her emotionally titled blog, and about the current state of the West African nation currently heralded as one of Africa’s ‘success stories’, which resulted in a very interesting and eye-opening discussion.  

Tell us a little about yourself:

My name is Yayra Sumah. I was born in Ghana, raised in Austria and am currently a graduate student at Boston University.

What inspired you to start this blog and how long have you been running it?

I started this blog in 2010 because I had looked for blog about Ghana that displayed the multifaceted nature of Ghanaian life and Ghanaian people and found very little. I was also making a conscious decision to counteract the media and literature that portrayed Africa from a colonial lens: negative, patronizing and two-dimensional.

Since starting this blog, what has kept you motivated and/or what new things have you learned along the way?

Running a blog is a lot of hard work - especially when I have to balance it with academic coursework and life. I run this blog because I see there is still so much for me to learn about Ghana, I run this blog because my education has been predominantly about the achievements of the white Western male and I need to depart from it. However, when it gets hard to stay on top of things the ‘queue’ function on tumblr saves my life (ha).

In the past few years, developments in Ghana’s economy and the political stability in the country have led to it being heralded as one of Africa’s ‘success stories’. Do you share in these sentiments?

I do think that Ghana is a success story, but I don’t think we should be getting comfortable just yet. Political stability and economic growth is not guaranteed - particularly when these positive trends are so eerily similar to those of the immediate post-independence years and we face a looming crisis of resource scarcity concerning water, oil and minerals, as well increased militarization and climate change.

One of the things that strike me on my frequent trips to Ghana, is the disconnect between the hype of international media, and people themselves. Ghanaians are not necessarily aware that ‘Ghana is on the rise’ - this is probably due to a general lack of access to international media, information, internet and social media- Ghanaians go about their daily lives and have to deal with the daily frustrations of poor infrastructure government corruption and widespread unemployment.

That being said, the contours of Ghana’s economic change are visible - airplanes are flying overhead bringing oil businessmen into Takoradi, consumer and banking industries are cropping up all over the country, Indians, Roma people, Chinese and other immigrant groups are mingling in Accra. Highways are being built and lavish suburbs are being constructed by the returning diaspora. Government initiatives are partially working. Ghanaian civil society is actively engaging with the government, ‘development’ is hotly discussed on talk shows…. It’s fascinating, so much is changing, but at the same time, so much is still the same. 

What do you enjoy most about blogging on tumblr and what do you want most for people to take away from your blog?

Tumblr is an amazing resource. I greatly appreciate the work of other bloggers who make information available by compiling resources and links for scholarly material, relaying news, opinion blogging and shedding light on the activism of other bloggers around the world - I learn more from tumblr sometimes than I do from the standard academic setting. Ultimately I think what I want is for people to respect Ghana - to expand their horizon beyond the narrative of charity and children. To look to Ghana as a source of upcoming leaders, role models, creators and amazing contributors to the world. I want them to see Ghana and be knowledgeable about it’s complexity, shortcomings and sophistications.

DYNAMIC AFRICANS: The Nigerian Nostalgia Project

Dedicated to finding and cataloging the visual history of the most populous country in Africa, the Nigerian Nostalgia Project (NNP) is a fascinating initiative that pieces together the photographic accounts - both colour and black and white - of Nigeria in days past, from the late 19th century to the 1980s.

Dynamic Africa chatted with the young Nigerian blogger behind the tumblr page of this project about the motivation and inspiration behind NNP.

Before we get into what the NNP is all about, we’d like to get to know who’s behind the blog. Tell us a little about yourself:

My name is Olayemi, 20 years of age, born and raised in Lagos but moved to the States about 6 years ago.

What inspired you to start this blog and how long have you been running it?

My first inspiration came from seeing photos of my parents in their youth and seeing how happy they looked in “old” Nigeria.

Nigeria pre- and post-Independence was a proud nation of diverse people who were recognized throughout Africa and the rest of the world as such. During these times, great hope existed concerning the country’s future development. As such, my inspiration comes from wanting to revisit the details of Nigeria’s fragmented history, so I started this blog (on tumblr) in December 2012.

What is the purpose/objective of this blog? What do you hope readers will get from/after viewing your blog?

For me, the purpose of this blog is simply to learn more about my history. Collectively, there is constant negativity that surrounds Nigeria and Africa as a whole, so the objective of this blog is to show Nigeria’s true beauty and richness in culture both in the past and at this very moment. And who doesn’t like to see old pictures of their beloved country? Haha.

Since starting this blog, what has kept you motivated and/or what new things have you learned along the way?

My motivation comes from the positive feedback I’ve gotten from Nigerians, other Africans and people in general.

Why is the Nigerian Nostalgia Project so important to you and where do you obtain most of your material from?

This project is important to me because it is a basis for my national pride. A lot of Nigeria’s history is not documented, so these pictures are part of the available mediums where one can track the growth of what Nigeria has become today.

I’m only part of the admin on the original Facebook site. I volunteered to take up this tumblr page as a method of reaching an even larger audience. All the pictures come from there and other sites like the Delcampe.net. To visit and subscribe to the page click here.

What do you enjoy most about blogging on tumblr and what do you want most for people to take away from your blog?

I enjoy reading people’s responses to the photos, and I especially enjoy people telling me how their parent’s faces glowed with pride when they were shown this page.

I only want people to take away the fact that Nigeria and Africa as a whole is not inhabited by savages nor are we poverty stricken or disease ridden as the media often portrays us.

Where else can you be found on the internet?

The original medium for The Nigerian Nostalgia Project can be found here.

Recommended tumblr blogs from NNP:

• http://vintageblackbeauty.tumblr.com/
• http://ridiculouslysudanese.tumblr.com/
• http://afroklectic.tumblr.com/
• http://www.37thstateonline.com/
• http://blackfilm.tumblr.com/
• http://iandafrica.tumblr.com/
• http://endilletante.tumblr.com/
• http://antanlontan.tumblr.com/
• http://africaisdonesuffering.tumblr.com/

Many thanks to Olayemi of NNP!

DYNAMIC AFRICANS: Meet the young Moroccan, based in Belgium, whose blog, Kahina, highlights and celebrates the traditions, culture, aesthetics and history of the often marginalized Amazingh of North Africa.

Tell us a little about who is behind this blog:

I’m 15 years old, I study economics and languages. I’m a Moroccan Muslim, originally from the north-east close to the Algerian boarder. My parents emigrated in the seventies to Belgium like many other Moroccans searching for their luck in Europe. And I really love art.

What inspired you to start this blog and how long have you been running it?

At first I just had a blog without any exact purpose, I was mainly interested in other blogs. After a while, I realized there were not many blogs telling the stories the of the indigenous people of North Africa. I learned that many people think that the Amazigh culture is Arabic of Middle Eastern.

I also found that some people still have a false idea of the Amazigh people. They think for example that the Imazighen are a small group off people living in small villages in North Africa when in reality we are a large group of people living internationally.

And last but not least throughout my blog I try to show the richness of the Amazigh culture.

What is the meaning behind the name of your blog?

‘Kahina’ was an Amazigh queen and military leader. She led the Amazigh resistance against the Arabic expansion in Northwest Africa.

My url ‘Tamza-d-Amzew’ means female and male giant. Practically in every Amazigh story or legend there’s this giant scaring the people. They consist of many characteristics and interact with people.

Since starting this blog, what has kept you motivated and/or what new things have you learnt along the way?

Since I have this blog my interests in African culture has only continued to grow.

Your blog is dedicated to the history, culture, traditions and the identity of the Imazighen people - what is/are the most important facets of Imazighen traditions to you?

First of all I adore the old Amazigh stories my mother used to tell me when I was little, no Aladdin or little mermaid when I grew up :-)

The clothing and accessories truly fascinate me, I see this coming back in simple weddings of farmers in Morocco unlike the rich fancy wedding parties in the big cities.

I also feel proud to call myself Tamazight, and to be part of the Imazighen who have fought for their rights and freedom.

What do you enjoy most about blogging on tumblr?

I’m really interested in other bloggers showing their culture through similar mediums, and learning more through these blogs.

What do you want most for people to take away from your blog?

I hope people will look differently at the Imazighen when they’ve visited my blog, and understand the significance and importance of our culture.

Is there anywhere else you can be found on the internet if other want to network with you?

I don’t use other social media, maybe in the future I will!

DYNAMIC AFRICANS: Bradley Ogbonna

My dad, George Ogbonna Sr., died of cancer on December 26, 2011. During the months of February and March, I returned to Nigeria for the first time as an adult to attend his funeral and to spend time in the country.

My first book, titled Jisike, is a window into the complexities and rich culture of historic and modern-day Nigeria, the legacy left behind by my dad, and my interactions as a first-generation Nigerian-American living in the diaspora.

With his book ‘Jisike’, young Nigerian-American photographer Bradley Ogbonna poignantly chronicles a series of multi-layered experiences into an intimately compiled written and visual journey that falls somewhere between an image-centered diary and a vintage photo album.

Through the life of his father, Ogbonna traces a deeply personal side of his family’s history, and simultaneously expresses his opinions and encounters whilst visiting Nigeria for the first time, through the lens of his complexintersecting dual identities.

Describe yourself in five sentences or less:

Chill black guy from the North.

When shooting, what are your weapons of choice and your modus operandi?

When I am out and about I like to carry a point and shoot film camera, because they’re versatile and can yield pretty great results if they’re used right. If i’m shooting a project that calls for a higher level of preciseness I try to get my hands on a medium format camera or will opt to use my digital camera, the Canon 5D Mark II.

I usually shoot film for the majority of my personal work, and will use my digital camera on commissions or if I’m shooting at night.

Give us a brief background/introduction to ‘JISIKE’ and the process of making it - how was it different to any of your previous work?:

My dad, George Ogbonna Sr., died of cancer the day after Christmas in 2011. While I was coming to terms with the unexpected death of my dad and reeling from the streak of depression that comes with an event like that, I was thinking of a way to pay tribute to my dad and a way to create something positive out of the distressing situation.

What followed was a brainstorming phase, a successful Kickstarter account, a 1 1/2 month trip to Nigeria, and many months of locking myself in my home office and trying to put together something that I thought my dad would enjoy.

This project was different than my others, because it was a lot more contrived than all of my other work. Up to that point I hadn’t worked extensively on a project that took up literally all of my time, resources, and energy.

The book is highly personal in nature, poignantly so. Did you ever feel apprehensive about sharing this side of your life with the world?

I did. I felt bad about airing out my negative opinions on any aspect of the trip and Nigeria as a whole, but I got more and more comfortable with being honest as the book progressed. I come from an International Studies background; I actually have a degree in it, so I tried to write with honesty and tact and show photos that embodied my trip.

What were some of the most fulfilling and/or frustrating things you encountered whilst on your photographic journey - both technically and otherwise?

Fulfilling - The different opportunities to meet the unique people that I did, and being able to learn a lot more about Nigeria, myself, and my strengths and weaknesses as a photographer/videographer were among the most fulfilling things about working on the JISIKE project.

Frustrating - There were many situations where I found myself too hesitant to go after a photo that I wanted, because I was not entirely certain of the repercussions and was too concerned with saving face. It still frustrates me today, but since then I have grown a lot more confident in what I am doing and the bigger picture of why I take photos.

Reflecting back on this creative experience, is there anything you would’ve done differently?

Not that I knew better at the time, but I would have not shot with the Yashica T4!!! Nearly 95% of the 200+ photos that I shot with that camera came out blurry and unusable.

Aside from that, I would have been a lot more bold in the many situations where I hesitated and missed out on great shots, because I was scared. I also would have shot a lot more than I did, because I actually ended up coming back to the US with many rolls of film that weren’t used.

What was the most dynamic thing you learnt about yourself, in relation to your dual Nigerian-American identity, whilst compiling this project?

The intricacies and history of my Igbo culture specifically and Nigerian culture as a whole, and the positive things that I have been able to take from both Nigerian and American culture.

Based on what you’ve seen and the stories represented in your documentation, how optimistic are you about the future of Nigeria?

I am optimistic, but have a lot of reservations. From my time in Nigeria to the research I did thereafter, I am aware of a new wave of progressive Nigerians looking to make a change in the country and I feel like it is only a matter of time before they will get a chance to implement that change. The majority of people in Nigeria seem fed up with the government and have the potential to do something about it.

On the other hand, a part of me is skeptical. For positive and progressive change to happen, the current Federal government would have to denounce corruption, relinquish some of its control of the country, and become a lot more transparent. I am worried that those in power and those who currently profit off of the country see nothing wrong with the current state of Nigeria and will do what they deem necessary to obstruct the allocation of Nigeria’s wealth and potential.

Also, the issue of ethnic superiority must die out with the older generations for Nigeria to be able to strive as a unified nation.

Where else can you be found on the internet?

Tumblr : www.justbrad.com

Personal Facebook page: www.facebook.com/justbradley

Jisike “is an Igbo phrase that means ‘use strength’ or ‘try.’”

DYNAMIC AFRICANS #9: Nancy Twum-Baah of CUT FROM A DIFFERENT CLOTH

Over the past few years, there’s been an undeniable rise in the attention given to fashion labels and designers from all over Africa and the diaspora. However, despite this rise, keeping track of all these designers isn’t as easily done as opening your favourite fashion magazine or scrolling through your favourite fashion websites and style blogs. That’s where CUT FROM A DIFFERENT CLOTH fits in.

Whether you live on the continent and want to seek out designers based in your locale, or are based in some other part of the world and want to find out more about the next Africa Fashion Week event in a city near you, CFADC conveniently sews up all the various patches into a perfect quilt of a blog that’s easy to navigate and a seriously appetizing visual fashion feast for the style hungry.

For this feature, we talk to the Ghanaian founder of this one-stop fashion blog about the current state of African fashion and the developments that need to take place to ensure a flourishing future for present and future designers.

Hey Nancy! Tell us a little bit about yourself, the face behind CFADC:

My name is Nancy Twum-Baah, and I am the founder of CUT FROM A DIFFERENT CLOTH.  I am Ghanaian, but was born and raised in New York.  I attended Emory University (Atlanta, GA) for undergraduate school, and now I currently live in California. By day I manage oncology clinical trial studies for a leading biotechnology company, and by night I share with the world the latest in African fashion.

There’s definitely a need for a blog like this but what inspired and/or motivated you to start this tumblr, and how long have you been operating it?

I always had a love for African fashion, and I started my blog as a vehicle to share my passion.  Additionally, I always wondered why talented African designers scarcely receive the recognition they deserve for their innovative work. 

After pondering for a while, I decided to take matters into my own hands by creating a platform to bring African designers to the forefront of the fashion community. Initially, beginning as a private blog, I released CFDC to the public in September 2011.

Where does the inspiration behind the name of your blog come from?

To be ‘CUT FROM A DIFFERENT CLOTH’ means to be unique; you are different or set apart from the norm.  I chose this name because of two reasons.

Firstly, African fashion is unique because it is not confined.  Not only is it representative of the culture instilled in 54 sovereign countries that make up the dynamic continent, but it is also representative of the Diaspora and its progression. 

Each African designer brings a different style to the fashion community that is both vibrant and bold —be it through the infamous prints, cuts, architecture, or fluidity of garments. 

Secondly, I chose the name as a play on the different cloths used in some African clothing that make it so distinct (i.e. – kente, wax prints, ankara, batik cloth, shemma, mud cloth).                                                                                                                             

What is your personal outlook on the fashion and design industry in Africa/the Diaspora?

The fashion and design industry in Africa/the Diaspora is definitely rising! This is a very exciting time, but it is just the beginning. Many improvements must be made before African designers receive the global recognition they deserve.

These improvements include but are not limited to the following: 

• sufficient education and funding for the African artists trying to make it in the industry

• a concrete infrastructure across all African countries so that designers can be reckonable forces in the worldwide fashion arena

• and the formation of a unified voice that globally legitimizes African fashion as not a trend, but a long-lasting lifestyle. 

I feel that this is all obtainable with time. The future of African fashion is bright!

Who are some of your favorite African designers/labels?

I don’t know if I can name a few. I have a genuine appreciation of every designer for different reasons.

However, I love designs by Mimi Plange, Duro Olowu, Christie Brown, Adama Paris, Ozwald Boateng, Jewel by Lisa, Washington Roberts, Eskado Bird, Gavin Rajah, David Tlale, Virgos Lounge, Coccolily, Adrien Sauvage, KLUK CGDT, Heel the World (HTW), Black Coffee, Korto Momolu, Lalesso, Anita Quansah, Odio Mimonet, Sunny Rose, Mustafa Hassanali, Peachy Purr, Modahnik, John Kaveke, Lanre Da Silva-Ajayi, Elie Kuame, Ohema Ohene, Soucha.

Was that a few? I can keep going!

• http://fashizblackdiary.tumblr.com/
• http://marioepanya.tumblr.com/
• http://indegoafrica.tumblr.com/
• http://itsafricaninspired.tumblr.com
• http://kenyanstylista.tumblr.com/
• http://mariankihogo.tumblr.com/

And any tumblr by an African designer - too many to name!

Where else can you be found on the internet:

CUT FROM A DIFFERENT CLOTH (CFDC) now has a website and Facebook page as of September 2012. Additionally, people can find CFDC on Twitter.

Below are the different avenues to connect with CFDC:

Website: www.cutfromadiffcloth.com

Facebook: CUT FROM A DIFFERENT CLOTH || Twitter: CFADCLOTH

DYNAMIC AFRICANS #8: Hanaan of Ridiculously Sudanese

If there’s one blog that gets my sides splitting (even when I barely understand the narrative), it’s undoubtedly ‘Ridiculously Sudanese’. And would you believe the person behind it is only 14?

Sick of all the typical reports about Sudan, the blogger behind the appropriately titled blog takes the traditional and mixes it with the funny to create a unique string of posts that reflect things about Sudanese culture that are uniquely and ridiculously Sudanese.

Who’s behind this ridiculously hilarious blog?

My name is Haneen, and I come from a Sudanese background. I was born in Germany but moved shortly after my birth and was raised in various parts of the United States. I’m 14 years of age and am currently a freshman in high school.

I guess I’d say I’d say I live the average, insignificant life of an American teenager going back and forth to school and trying to squeeze in as much recreational time as possible. Not as exciting as I’d like to be but it’ll do for now!

The title of the blog is incredibly fitting, considering the content. Where does the inspiration for the name of your blog come from?

Despite growing up out of Sudan and simultaneously putting a large amount of effort into maintaining my identity and familiarizing myself my heritage there are certain aspects of Sudanese culture that are inevitably foreign to me. A lot of times when my mother would explain a certain custom or tradition that I felt was rather strange or outlandish I’d always reply “That’s ridiculously Sudanese” in a way that sort of implies “Yo’, you gotta be real Sudanese to do something like that”.

This is a name that I especially wanted those who similarly also grew up outside of the motherland to relate to. Those like me who didn’t have the luxury of gaining the exposure to our culture that living in Sudan offered like our parents, grandparents, and older generations did.

This is where the name “Ridiculously Sudanese” stems from.

What inspired and/or motivated you to start this blog? How long have you been operating it?

I created this blog in Mid-June of 2012, so I have been running Ridiculously Sudanese for exactly 3 months now.

I think many things inspired me to create this blog. One of greatest inspirational factors was all the negativity Sudan receives in Western media, something that most likely applies to a lot of other African bloggers as well. I was growing very tired of only hearing about the corruption and poverty Sudan is constantly being associated with.

I’m tired of only hearing the political side of things. I’m tired of hearing about Omar Al-Bashir and how he has hired the gas prices. I’m tired of people asking me “What do you think of the recent secession of South Sudan?”, and I’m definitely tired of people’s astonished expressions when I tell them we are a developed enough country to have internet and cable. I’m just sick of it.

This genuine distaste and hatred I have developed for these things is what inspired me to create Ridiculously Sudanese. A blog simply revolving around the richness and beauty of our culture. No starving children, no political leaders, and no military tanks. Simply evidence of the richness and beauty that society has failed to portray.

What do you enjoy most about blogging on tumblr?

I think tumblr is one of the most convenient blogging platforms out on the web. The layout itself is very simple and easy to navigate through. I think its simplicity and convenience itself as a whole makes it easier to communicate the wonderful aspects of Sudanese culture that I am currently trying my hardest to achieve.

Unlike other tools, tumblr actually allows me to communicate with others so it ultimately makes my blogging experience more interactive and enjoyable.

What are some of your favourite sources for the posts on your blog?

All time favorite source : Old Sudanese Photos.

DYNAMIC AFRICANS #6: Louis Majanja of ‘The Daily Struggle’

Amateur Kenyan photographer Louis Majanja is the unofficial visual documentarian of daily life in his city, Nairobi, which also happens to be one of the most populated urban areas in East Africa and the capital of Kenya - a country often associated, in the West, with safaris and the Serengeti.

However, despite the existence of Kenya’s great flora and fauna, that is not the everyday reality for some in the country. Through Louis’ lens, we get a peek into the daily grind of life in Nairobi (and other African cities) - from the mundane to the monumental.

Introduce yourself in five sentences or less :

Louis Majanja.

I design and develop software for a living. I’m from Nairobi, and this is where I live.

What inspired and/or motivated you to start this tumblr and how long have you been operating it:

Well, I had this tumblr blog for a while but didn’t use it much. However, I began had been travelling for a while and had amassed a great number of images on my hard drive that I wanted to share, so I setup a tumblr called foreign streets. Then I began to take pictures in Nairobi, so I decided that I might as well create a separate blog for my local photos.

Where does the inspiration for the name of your blog come from:

I was inspired by newspapers that report daily and wanted to take pictures and chronicle daily life in the streets of Nairobi.

Life in Nairobi, as in any other place, is a struggle between many things, whether its the internal personal conflicts, or the outward struggle such as someone having to push a cart on hot day, having to walk to work in the rain, or even sitting in traffic for hours. These are the everyday struggles that give the blog its name.

What do you most enjoy about social media and/or blogging on tumblr:

I like the idea that you can reach out and communicate with diverse people all over the world, i don’t know if there is anything special about tumblr, its just one of many mediums given different circumstance i could have been on flickr, 500px or many other social networks

Concerning the diverse and dynamic aspects of Africa, what are you most passionate about :

Travel, travel in and around Africa, urban africa and its associated sub cultures. I like life.

Are there any similar blogs you’d recommend:

http://africaphotographer.blogspot.com/

Where else can you be found on the internet:

• louismajanja.tumblr.com
• getmziki.com      
  
• vimeo.com/louism

DYNAMIC AFRICANS #5 - AFRICAN ARTISTS: Alex I.

Dynamic Africa turns the spotlight on a young up-and-coming 18-year-old Nigerian artist studying art in London, whose multimedia artwork is as diverse and dynamic as his influences. We chat to him about his relationship with art, where his sense of artistic direction comes from, and what it means to him to be an African artist.

Describe yourself in 5 sentences or less:
I’d say I’m funny, friendly and fun to be around once you get to know me. I love music more than I do a few people, haha. It just transports me to somewhere else. I am eccentric and a lover of life, although I tend to keep to myself some of the time. I like solitude it helps me grow (consciously).

Has art always been a constant in your life? If not, when was your passion and/or talent ignited?

Yes and no. I always liked art but never really had the talent or skill for it when I was younger so for a while growing up I sort of
abandoned it. I returned to art, I’d say, back in secondary school - it was the only lesson I ever enjoyed going to. I surprised myself when I could actually draw and paint, and surprised my brother too who has always been the creative one in the family.

Is there a specific style you follow and what mediums do you usually adopt for your pieces?

In terms of style I think I feel as though I lean more towards the expressionism style. When I paint I tend to want to show emotion, to convey feeling, that’s why the brushmarks are so evident in my work. I haven’t done that many paintings but from my most recent one I think may have had some kind of epiphany; I love to use oil paint more than any other medium, it’s so fluid. Don’t get me started about the smell of white spirit.

Which artists have been the most influential on you and your work? Any African/African-descended artists in particular?

Hmm, I don’t really know to be honest because I look at so many different artists. But I’d say I love paintings of the figure and there are two artists that I think capture the figure very well: Lucian Freud and Francis Bacon.

In terms of African/African-descended artists there is, of course, my idol Jean Michael Basquiat. I also seek inspiration from African artists such as Chris Ofili, Yinka Shonibare, Kehinde Wiley, and of recent Toyin Odutola.

Despite the richness of historical artworks in societies throughout Africa, many young Africans who wish to study or pursue a career in the arts often claim to not fully have the approval or support of their parents  - was this the case with you?
It almost was. Well, from my mum anyways. When I said I wanted to pursue an art degre she wanted me to do something else, something more…academic, like economics or something of that nature. My dad, on the other hand, wasn’t too bothered by the idea and said to me, ‘as along as you love what you’re doing and you do it to your best’.

Tumblr is fast becoming a platform where artists of all mediums are sharing their work with others. Has there been a link between you starting a tumblr blog and your growth as an artist? Have you gained any inspiration/exposure from the site?

Indeed there was, and still is. Starting a tumblr around this time last year I had no idea what I was going to make it about. I knew I wanted it to be about art and creativity because that’s what I’m all about, but from the things I see on my dashboard now to what I reblog from the blogs I follow, it has broadened and changed my outlook on life for the better. So you could say it has helped my growth as an emerging artist.

Simply put tumblr = inspiration. Seriously! It’s like a never-ending stream of inspiration! Most of the images that I use as subjects for my work have come from tumblr and to think I once considered deleting my account - HA! In terms of exposure, that mostly comes through likes and reblogs (which I really appreciate).

What are the greatest challenges, for you, about being an African artist?

Hmm, I don’t know quite yet. For me, as an African living in the UK, I feel as though my culture has an important role in my work, but I’m also being influenced by the culture here which I sometimes feel should also be reflected in my work. There’s a bit of a conflict I feel at times, of one having more influence over the other. But they are vital and allow for me to say something about issues that affect both my experiences as an African (Nigerian) and being black British.

Find him on tumblr: http://uniquecauseihavetobe.tumblr.com/

DYNAMIC AFRICAN FEATURE #4: 37TH STATE

@37thstateHQ is visually one of the most powerful Afro-centered blogs on tumblr. Their daily posts create an aesthetic collage of all things hip, happening and historical in Africa and throughout the diaspora. Run by two Nigerians immersed in the artistic world on various levels, we asked them a few questions about what it is that makes them Dynamic Africans.

Introduce yourself in five sentences or less :

• Nkechi Bakare. Artist & Filmmaker. Lagos, Nigeria. Nigerian
• Bolaji Kekere-Ekun. Writer & Filmmaker. Lagos, Nigeria. Nigerian

What inspired and/or motivated you to start this tumblr and how long have you been operating it:

The idea behind 37thstate is the branding of Africans and African culture. We have a wealth of culture old and new that has for too long been branded negatively as foreign and dark and backward.

The tumblr started initially as a place for the 37thstate production company to post its videos, which represent Africa from the perspective of Africans who see it not as foreign, dark and backward but as home; a place rich in history, culture and promise.

The more we got into it, the more we started to learn about the amazing art/music/photography and people doing brilliant work all across Africa and also in the diaspora.

The blog became a learning experience for us and we’ve decided to share this knowledge with the world as we go along.

Where does the inspiration for the name of your blog come from:

There are 36 States in Nigeria. The 37thstate is a ficticious State that will hopefully someday become reality. It is a state of mind. It is a place where we all put our best foot forward and achieve our greatest potentials. At least that’s the idea.

What do you most enjoy about social media and/or blogging on tumblr:

Nkechi: I enjoy tumblr because it is great way to express and share ideas and inspirations with a vast number of people from various backgrounds. It is also a great way to stay in the flow of current social and cultural trends.

Bolaji: I see tumblr as twitter but for blogs. It allows content curators and creators to share what they think is cool, fresh, important and relevant and that human filter of information is what makes tumblr special.

Concerning the diverse and dynamic aspects of Africa, what are you most passionate about:

Nkechi: As an artist I have a strong passion for African art in all its forms both modern and old. One of the amazing things about Tumblr is that it has exposed me to new African artists and gives me an avenue to share art and artists that I love with others. To me art is how we tell our stories and  express ourselves. Art is life.

Bolaji: I’m passionate about African culture as a whole and its          inevitable rise to prominence as the world becomes smaller and as Africa begins to get a grip on self governance.

Are there any tumblr blogs you’d recommend:

• www.theblackmoth.tumblr.com
• www.Nok-Ind.tumblr.com
• www.Another Africa.com  
• www.Afrodiaspores.tumblr.com
• www.sheilastanbury.tumblr.com
• www.hautefashionafrica.com

Where else can you be found on the internet (i.e. official website, twitter, facebook, pinterest, other blog, etc.):

@37thState on Instagram

@37thStateHQ on Twitter

www.youtube.com/37thstate

www.facebook.com/37thstatenetwork

(see the rest of our featured Dynamic Africans)

DYNAMIC AFRICAN FEATURE #3: AFROKLECTIC

It’s safe to say that the African diaspora has penetrated every inch of the globe, and wherever Africans go, we’re sure to make a mark and have a creative impact on the communities we become a part of.

Almost 8, 000 miles away from her parents’ home country of Ghana, 23-year-old Gillean Opoku has done just that. With the creation of her online creative space, Afroklectic, Opuku has highlighted and given both a voice and a dynamic aesthetic to a much overlooked group outside of Africa - African creatives in Australia. 

Introduce yourself in five sentences or less:

My name is Gillean Opoku and I am 23 years old. I was born and raised in Australia to Ghanaian parents.

I am the founder of Afroklectic.com, an online space which celebrates the emerging creative culture within the African-Australian community and the Diaspora.

By day I work as a designer for a creative agency and by night I am writing, sourcing content and designing for Afroklectic.com and maintaining it’s social platforms (ie. tumblr and facbeook). 

What inspired and/or motivated you to start this tumblr and how long have you been operating it: 

I started the Afroklectic tumblr in Novemeber last year as part of a revamp for Afroklectic.com.

I wanted to create a moodboard for Afroklectic.com, something independent from the website yet related.

Afroklectic.tumblr.com is a reflection of the content, inspiration and core being of Afroklectic.com. 

What do you most enjoy about social media and/or blogging on tumblr: 

I find it hard to process words, I visualize everything. Tumblr allows me communicate visually, and as the saying goes, a picture means 1000 words. 

Concerning the diverse and dynamic aspects of Africa, what are you most passionate about:

I am most passionate about the creative sector, whether it’s fashion, music, art or drama. I love the way our culture affects the creative sector. 

Are there any similar tumblr blogs you’d recommend (5 maximum):

Kilele, 37thState, Dynamicafrica, H1960 Muse, Kate Bomdiggity (It’s good that you wrote a maximum of 5, because this could have been a very long list!)

Where else can you be found on the internet (i.e. official website, twitter, facebook, pinterest, other blog, etc.):

afrokelctic.com

afroklectic.tumblr.com

facebook.com/afroklectic

vimeo.com/afroklectic

Meet our previous Dynamic Africans.

DYNAMIC AFRICAN FEATURE #2: TYPICAL UGANDAN

Solidifying Uganda’s presence on tumblr, as the name suggests, this blog is representative of your ‘everyday’ Ugandan, their unique experiences, and so much more. Typical Ugandan manages to combine dynamic aesthetics and diverse information by bringing together the history of Uganda, its popular culture and everything in-between, all on one diverse and carefully curated platform.

Introduce yourself in five sentences or less (background info i.e. name (or internet pseudonym/blog name), age, profession/occupation, location, country of origin, etc.):

Masembe Pearl, 22 years old, 3rd year medical student. I run TypicalUgandan.tumblr.com.

What inspired and/or motivated you to start this tumblr and how long have you been operating it:

I started the tumblr in June last year, after I got frustrated by all the negativity in the “Uganda” tag at that time. The blog is a work in progress since I’m not based in Uganda right now, hopefully it will improve as I finish up school and as time goes by.

I wanted Ugandans and Uganda to be seen as something other than the African cliché of bad leadership and poverty that it was. Yes, all this exists, but there is another side to Uganda that is being overshadowed by the bad; the dynamic and talented people that as Ugandans, we are proud of, the beauty and perseverance of the many tribes and peoples of Uganda; all of that and so much more.

Where does the inspiration for the name of your blog come from:

Back home, “typical Ugandan” is a term of fondness and sometimes exasperation. it means that whatever has happened or something someone has done can only happen in Uganda or when hilarious people do the most absurd things, we chuckle and think, “only in Uganda can this happen…ahh typical Ugandan” for example, an eviction of a Kenyan neighbour from Big Brother Africa is a reason to kukyakala (party) with the excuse of showing solidarity to a fellow East African or how we make strange people into celebrities; when you hear of such occurrences, you just go, “typical Ugandan”.

What do you most enjoy about social media and/or blogging on tumblr:

The setup of tumblr, makes learning about lots of areas really interesting and fun. In the duration that I’ve been on tumblr, I’ve learnt a lot about how similar the Ugandan culture is to quite a number of other African countries’ cultures.  I’ve also learnt new things about my own country although I’ve lived there all my life! Basically, in a way, tumblr is an educational tool for me.

Concerning the diverse and dynamic aspects of Africa, what are you most passionate about:

I try to be eclectic. I am passionate about anything that can show how marvelous and beautiful Uganda and its people are. The music that showcases the talent brimming in Uganda, the art, fashion, history, daily life, traditions…all of it. What I really try to avoid though is politics, it’s a frustrating topic and it’s already widely covered elsewhere.

Are there any tumblr blogs you’d recommend (5 maximum):

On tumblr I usually check the “Uganda” tag or the Uganda tag on these blogs so I’d recommend;

allnaturalytwashedblipsterbitch, blackacrylic, dynamicafrica, trueafricanoriginal & some others.

Where else can you be found on the internet:

Contact me on typicalugandan.gmail.com