This is such a great piece. Years ago I got so into Fela's philosophies and ideologies, however I began to see things that seemed to be hidden in actual plain sight! After reading his biographies and looking at the lyrics I realized that he was actually a misogynist and it didn't matter that he was an activist that spoke up about the tribulations of Africa he was still a misogynist! I learnt a lot today. Thank you so much!
Absolutely. It’s always been odd to me that people would want to separate art from its artist as if the context of their life and their thought processes aren’t what brought it into being. At the same time as long as we are critical of the things we are engaging with, there is always something to be learned in art. I think that’s the piece most ppl are missing when they are discussing this topic.
I am, in fact, unable to separate an artist from their art. How am I supposed to believe what you're on about when you are a walking, talking contradiction?
It's why I'll never get the hype about Fela... He was singing all these songs and publicly antagonising oppressive regimes, but really, WHO was he?
This guy, too. I was shocked when I saw his son's post and even more shocked by the reactions when I found out about his death. Death doesn't suddenly make people saints.
Ngũgĩ’s revolutionary path was real. So too, was his harm. I believe we can hold space for both legacy and accountability. This is the kind of complexity intersectionality invites us into - not to excuse, but to expand how we see, remember, and rebuild.
My name is Nyambura, I did not know this. I’m glad I do now.
I can hold enough space for the man to have literary knowledge (not wisdom, because wisdom is knowledge embodied, a feminine principle, and clearly those pearls eluded him), and to acknowledge his enforcement of colonialism, because that is what any form of violence is.
Perhaps that’s why we call him a literary giant not a revolutionary giant, because what revolution did he truly lead?
Perhaps if he had decolonized the heart instead of his mind that would be different. But he didn’t, so I wish his soul peace.
And my darling Nyambura, my namesake, I thank her for her service in this lifetime and may she know love and being held and may she exist in a truly decolonised life in her next lifetime.
The first thing I thought of when he died was his son's very tweet. Everyone was singing his praises...Kenyan women included. Sometimes we are our own worst enemies!. He was a wife beater and his children lived with the trauma. Before his son tweeted, he did an interview where the journalist claimed his children had abandoned him....that's always a sign of children living with trauma. Once they gain autonomy from their abusive parent, they scatter and none of us should judge the children but rather learn so that we don't repeat the same mistakes. Thank you very much for this great read.
This is such a great piece. Years ago I got so into Fela's philosophies and ideologies, however I began to see things that seemed to be hidden in actual plain sight! After reading his biographies and looking at the lyrics I realized that he was actually a misogynist and it didn't matter that he was an activist that spoke up about the tribulations of Africa he was still a misogynist! I learnt a lot today. Thank you so much!
Unfortunately the fight against racism doesn’t always include black women.
Absolutely. It’s always been odd to me that people would want to separate art from its artist as if the context of their life and their thought processes aren’t what brought it into being. At the same time as long as we are critical of the things we are engaging with, there is always something to be learned in art. I think that’s the piece most ppl are missing when they are discussing this topic.
“how revolutionary can a wife beater be?” is such a perfect title, and applies to so many people we are made to look up to
Anytime I hear the word “revolutionary” I just remember half of a yellow sun 🤣. Your work is great and has depth, chef's kiss😘
Thank you 🤎
You're welcome 😊 😊
Wow, I never knew this… this is a must read for everyone!!
What beautifully written and impactful article. Thank you so much.
I am, in fact, unable to separate an artist from their art. How am I supposed to believe what you're on about when you are a walking, talking contradiction?
It's why I'll never get the hype about Fela... He was singing all these songs and publicly antagonising oppressive regimes, but really, WHO was he?
This guy, too. I was shocked when I saw his son's post and even more shocked by the reactions when I found out about his death. Death doesn't suddenly make people saints.
Ngũgĩ’s revolutionary path was real. So too, was his harm. I believe we can hold space for both legacy and accountability. This is the kind of complexity intersectionality invites us into - not to excuse, but to expand how we see, remember, and rebuild.
Well said.
An activist's principles should extend beyond public actions and into their personal life. Walk the talk. Well said!
Thank you!
My name is Nyambura, I did not know this. I’m glad I do now.
I can hold enough space for the man to have literary knowledge (not wisdom, because wisdom is knowledge embodied, a feminine principle, and clearly those pearls eluded him), and to acknowledge his enforcement of colonialism, because that is what any form of violence is.
Perhaps that’s why we call him a literary giant not a revolutionary giant, because what revolution did he truly lead?
Perhaps if he had decolonized the heart instead of his mind that would be different. But he didn’t, so I wish his soul peace.
And my darling Nyambura, my namesake, I thank her for her service in this lifetime and may she know love and being held and may she exist in a truly decolonised life in her next lifetime.
The first thing I thought of when he died was his son's very tweet. Everyone was singing his praises...Kenyan women included. Sometimes we are our own worst enemies!. He was a wife beater and his children lived with the trauma. Before his son tweeted, he did an interview where the journalist claimed his children had abandoned him....that's always a sign of children living with trauma. Once they gain autonomy from their abusive parent, they scatter and none of us should judge the children but rather learn so that we don't repeat the same mistakes. Thank you very much for this great read.
Thank YOU for this comment. And you are welcome ♥️
This needed to be said. Men who beat their wives should be held accountable.
So good and something we must grapple with so many of our “heroes.”
Thank you for this 🙏🏾
❤️
This is amazing and eye opening. Thank you for sharing with us.