Kuro Sounds, Ntozake Shange, and More š”
Hello!
Hello Orokoheads,
Itās me again, Black Tangereā¦ the voice behind this newsletter ā and also the monthly Oroko Radio show, LOCAL PASSPORT. As the newsletterās editor here at Oroko Radio, Iāll be bringing you the latest updates, curating conversations, sharing archival ephemera, and keeping you connected with everything happening in our community. Iāll be taking you through whatās new, whatās coming up, and whatās worth a deeper lookāso stay tuned!
Itās the festive season, and while we await the New Year, we canāt help but share the moments leading up to KURO SOUNDS: A Music, Art & Community event on Ghanaās Stunning Coastline š
Co-created by Jam Jar, Vibrate Space, and Oroko Radio, KURO SOUNDS, a groundbreaking fusion of alternative African culture takes root in its debut at Kokrobite Beach on January 11th, 2025. This pioneering celebration, whose name draws from the Akan word for "community," brings together the vibrant energies of Africa's contemporary creative scene and the global diaspora. Headlined by the genre-defying Odunsi, alongside electrifying DJ sets from Kampire, Tash LC, and DJ Travella, the festival transforms Ghana's coastline into a dynamic playground of artistic expression. Beyond the music, attendees will immerse themselves in a cultural tapestry featuring skateboarding demonstrations, surf sessions, DIY art installations, thought-provoking panel discussions, and fashion pop-ups from Ghana's most innovative brands. Experience this transformative gathering where Ghana's thriving underground meets the world - limited tickets are available now at Kurosounds.com.
Ntozake Shange, 1976, "For all my dead and loved ones" at San Francisco State āThe Poetry Center
Step into a defining moment of literary history through Ntozake Shange's moving 1976 performance of "For all my dead and loved ones" at San Francisco State's Poetry Center. Fresh from creating her revolutionary choreopoem "For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow Is Enuf," the avant-garde artist brings her unique voice to this intimate reading. Her innovative approachābreaking conventional rules of capitalization and spelling to make words "dance" on the pageātransforms passive reading into active engagement. This recording captures the raw authenticity and musical quality that shaped her artistic vision: a fusion of personal truth, cultural commentary, and linguistic experimentation that challenged literary boundaries. Drawing from her experiences as a Black woman in America and her deep roots in music and movement, this piece showcases Shange during a pivotal time when she was emerging as one of America's most vital artistic voices.
MARRAKECH: 1-54 Contemporary Africain Art fair
The prestigious 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair returns to Morocco's cultural landscape from January 30 to February 2, 2025, marking its sixth groundbreaking edition on African soil. This influential gathering, which has become a cornerstone of the global contemporary African art dialogue, will unfold across two stunning venues: the luxurious La Mamounia Hotel and the dynamic art space in Marrakech's historic Medina. More than 30 exhibitors from fourteen countries converge for this milestone event, with thirteen galleries representing the African continent's finest artistic voices. Beyond traditional exhibitions, visitors will encounter a rich tapestry of specially curated events, engaging public programs, and exclusive VIP experiences that celebrate the depth and diversity of contemporary African creativity. Experience this transformative four-day celebration of African artistry at two of Marrakech's most iconic venues - tickets range from 100-500 MAD, with special rates for students and seniors.
