The contribution by artists , ranging from poets and painters to dancers and designers, to their communities are recognised through the Mbokodo Awards, writes Katlego Mkhwanazi.
How does it feel to be called a stone?” asked actress Warona Seane, before presenting the nominees for the Mbokodo Dance award over the weekend.
The audience, along with Seane, laughed at the question. The award winners, on the other hand, were humbled by being recognised and acknowledged as cornerstones in their communities because of the work they have done in the arts.
But the journey is still long for these women who want to disrupt the media market to tell the African narrative that is often overlooked or even misinterpreted.
The department of arts and culture and Carol Bouwer Productions hosted the third annual Mbokodo (stone) awards – South African women in the arts – at the Theatre on the Track in Kyalami. The awards honour women who have strengthened communities and individuals through their art.
Actress Florence Masebe, who received a Mbokodo award in the film category, was recognised for the work she has done in the Oscar-nominated Venda film Elelwani.
“The African narrative is very broad and complex but it has unfortunately been mistold for centuries and it gets lost in the slavery narrative of Africa,” she told the Mail & Guardian. “It doesn’t get its rightful place in the arts.”
For the full report go to Mail & Guardian
Visit the categories site and the winners site and notice the number of Capetonians amongst the winners. Congratulations to all!
