This series delves into the rich and diverse world of African expressive cultures. It explores the deep cultural roots, social significance, and historical evolution of various art forms across the continent. Each volume offers a fascinating look into the creativity, traditions, and innovations that have shaped African visual, performative, and literary landscapes. It is an essential guide for anyone seeking to understand Africa's vibrant artistic legacy.
The author, a professor at UCLA, has co-authored a notable work on Sufi arts in urban Senegal, which received the prestigious Herskovits Prize. This book explores the intersection of spirituality and creativity within the vibrant cultural landscape of Senegal, highlighting the significance of Sufi traditions in shaping artistic expressions in city life.
Offers new interpretations of the cultural and historical roles of photography in Africa
Challenging the identity politics that sets immigrants against the mainstream, this book explores how black expressive culture has reformulated as global culture in the multicultural and multinational spaces of France. It brings forward questions such as: why France is a privileged site of civilization, who is a French, and who is an immigrant.
A penetrating look at musical leisure during a time of social, political, and cultural change in Ghana
Matthias Krings, an expert in anthropology and African popular culture, explores the transnational aspects of the African video film industry in his edited volume, Global Nollywood. Collaborating with Onookome Okome, this work delves into the global impact and cultural significance of Nollywood, examining how it transcends borders and influences both local and international audiences.
When socialism collapsed in Tanzania, the government-controlled music industry gave way to a vibrant independent music scene. Alex Perullo explores the world of the bands, music distributors, managers, and clubs that attest to the lively and creative music industry in Dar es Salaam. Perullo examines the formation of the city's music economy, considering the means of musical production, distribution, protection, broadcasting, and performance. He exposes both legal and illegal strategies for creating business opportunities employed by entrepreneurs who battle government restrictions and give flight to their musical aspirations. This is a singular look at the complex music landscape in one of Africa's most dynamic cities.
Thomas questions the attempt to place strict limits on what it means to be French or European and offers a sense of what must happen to bring about a renewed sense of integration and global Frenchness.
Discusses the literary and artistic effects of globalisation
Presents a close-up on one of Africa's most popular and controversial stars.
Gives sustained attention to Nollywood as a uniquely African cultural production