NYAC S1 Episode 12: African Artists, Western Collaborators, and Lemonade

Not Your African Cliché

Although late to the to the #Lemonade dissection game, the Ladies of NYAC discuss a less explored running theme in Beyonce’s last two albums – her collaborations with brilliant African writers; Chimamanda Adichie on self-titled Beyonce and Warsan Shire on Lemonade. Joined by book blogger extraordinaire and longtime listener/supporter Darkowaa (@AwoDeee), we talk about our favorite tracks off the Lemonade album, the pros and cons of being featured in such high profile work, the limited visibility and reach African works of art have in Africa, and what it takes for African artistry to gain a wide following. Resources: Articles about Warsan Shire • http://www.newyorker.com/culture/cultural-comment/the-writing-life-of-a-young-prolific-poet-warsan-shire • http://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/28/arts/music/warsan-shire-who-gave-poetry-to-beyonces-lemonade.html?_r=1 African books for Western eyes • http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/30/opinion/sunday/african-books-for-western-eyes.html?_r=0 Chimamanda’s Sister • http://www.vanityfair.com/culture/2016/04/chimamanda-ngozi-adichie-sisterhood How not to talk about African Fiction • http://www.theguardian.com/books/2016/apr/06/how-not-to-talk-about-african-fiction Mentioned: Eat Drink Lagos Brunch Club • http://eatdrinklagos.com/the-lunch-club/ Brittle Paper – Resource for finding Literature by African writers • http://brittlepaper.com/ What we are reading/listening to/watching: Drake’s Views Edwidge Danticat’s Breath, Eyes, Memory Kanye West’s The Life of Pablo Diana Gabaldon’s Lord John and the Private Matter Starz’ Outlander Netflix’s Grace and Frankie Angela Flournoy’s The Turner House Show was mixed by Ifeoluwa Olokode, and theme music is "Ayo" by the über talented Femi Leye.