Stories about Arts & Culture from January, 2023
First victims of anti-LGBTQ+ law in Russia are trans persons and books
Openly trans Tiktokers, a publishing house, movies and TV shows feel the weight of the Russian anti-LGBTQ+ propaganda law.
Professor Gordon Rohlehr, the ‘finest mind regarding calypso,’ dies at age 80 in Trinidad
Rohlehr's dedicated much of his life to to researching and writing about the significance of Caribbean culture — particularly calypso — as well as its literature, oral tradition, and cricket.
Social networks make civil society voices heard in Togo
Internet in Togo enables influencers to make social networks effective promotion platforms. Journalists and civil society activists take advantage of this to make their voices heard.
Trinidad & Tobago's International Soca Monarch competition is cancelled, and Carnival lovers are either shattered or unfazed
Even as organisers cited financial constraints as the reason for the cancellation, the government called it "unconscionable" for a private event to expect the state to underwrite its full cost.
Celebrating the ex-Yugoslav music scene, hall of fame style
Inspired by the Musicians Hall of Fame, American expat Will Richard set up the EX-Yugo Rock Center (EYRC) in Sarajevo, celebrating its legacy and impact during the last decades of the 20th century.
Bollywood’s ‘Faraaz’ raises questions about trauma exploitation in art
The upcoming Bollywood thriller “Faraaz” sparked controversy in Bangladesh and a legal battle in India because of the incorrect portrayal of the key characters and the victims’ right to privacy.
‘Joy and wonder’: Morning affirmations in preparation for Trinidad & Tobago Carnival
Breathing in joy and breathing out restriction, writer and cultural worker Attillah Springer puts people in the right head space for the first Trinidad and Tobago Carnival in two years.
Anthony Joseph is the second Trinidadian in three years to win the T.S. Eliot prize for poetry
The judges of the prestigious prize called Joseph's collection "luminous," adding that it "celebrates humanity in all its contradictions and breathes new life into this enduring form."
2022 was a bittersweet year for European comics
European comics creators and fans experienced some particular wins and losses during 2022. Some of them are presented in this non extensive listicle.
Overcoming existentialist crises with music: Poland's Karolina Cicha
Polish folk artist Karolina Cicha, singer, composer, multi-instrumentalist, and one-woman-orchestra is trying to use the language of music to overcome historical prejudice toward minority groups in Europe.
Cambodia bans music video of police attacking workers in 2014
"It is LICADHO’s belief that the music video is not incitement, and is protected speech under the Cambodian Constitution. We are saddened by this restriction on freedom of expression."
Liked Shakira's new hit? Listen to these other empowering songs from the same DJ
Bizarrap and these artists are helping shape pop culture for a safer and empowering space for all women and LGBTQ+ people.
How the Black Star Line Festival and hip-hop could further accelerate more dynamic Pan-Africanism
The festival was not just paying homage to Garvey by christening itself to his shipping company, it was embodying his teachings and fulfilling his legacy of unifying African people by beckoning U.S. artists to Africa and sowing the seeds of cultural exchange.
BBC Bangla issues its final broadcast after 81 years
BBC Bangla radio was a source of impartial and credible news during crises in Bangladesh over the decades. The closure of its radio broadcasts marks the end of an era.
Will a yurt in Ukraine cause a diplomatic row between Kazakhstan and Russia?
Kazakh yurts offering humanitarian help are popping up in Ukraine. Perceiving this as official support of Kyiv, Moscow is reacting by putting pressure on the Kazakh authorities.
The Tanabra have made a comeback after 100 years. A decline in Sudanese taste in music?
Rural Tanabra music, fostered by the military after the military coup, has returned to Khartoum at a time when Sudanese desire for the revival of culture in their daily lives.
Is Trinidad & Tobago Carnival's ‘Fantastic Friday’ big enough for two major soca events?
Performer Machel Montano has announced the staging of a concert on Carnival Friday 2023, clashing with the International Soca Monarch event traditionally held on the same day. Soca fans weigh in.
The film ‘Burning Days’ is a grim reflection of Turkey's current political situation
Since then the film has collected a number of awards at various film festivals internationally and won stellar reviews but at home, its been subject to criticism.
Indigenous and proud: A Maya-speaker’s reaction to ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’
The values that my family fostered in me encouraged me to “Remember who you are, no matter where you want to go,” and the Indigenous communities now know that we can go a long way.
The first lady of Azerbaijan is a UNESCO goodwill ambassador no more
The decision to resign was in protest to recent "anti-Azerbaijan stance" by France some pundits say.
Artists reimagine Jamaica’s Nanny of the Maroons as much more than a warrior queen
Jamaica's only woman National Hero, “Grandie Nanny,” as she is called, is commonly portrayed as a fierce warrior, but a new art exhibition tries to paint a more comprehensive picture.
