“Afrobubblegum is freedom. The freedom to create and express ourselves outside the limits and expectations of the world. It’s the audacity to do what we want with our art without waiting for permission. It’s us deciding for ourselves what African art is and revelling in the glory of it all.” Mwende Ngao

The theme for the much anticipated Africa Nouveau Festival was Afrobubblegum. The idea behind this was to celebrate alternative African art – art that wasn’t represented in the mainstream and that was created simply to be enjoyed. With a lot of emphasis on agenda art on the continent, this was a celebration of the frivolous. I got to decide what Afrobubblegum means to me and I also interacted with a lot of amazing people during the 3 day festival that shared with me what it means to them.

What is Afrobubblegum?

 

 

“I feel like it’s just Afrocentric. It’s Africans coming together, having a good time and expressing who they are. That’s what inspired my look – just being African.” Tsholofelo Kodisang

“Afrobubblegum to me is music with an African touch but music for now, because music changes everyday. So like bubblegum, you chew it now and after a few minutes you’re done with it. As it changes, people change with it.” Sikoko (H_art The Band)

“Afrobubblegum to me means bringing people together, especially creative minds, sticking together to do something as great as Africa Nouveau.” Zaira Santos 

“Afrobubblegum is a collection of our culture. Everything in one place.” Festus Maina

“Afrobubblegum is a mixture of cultures and maybe patterns and prints coming together. A metaphor to diversity I would say.” Julie

“Afrobubblegum is the extent to which we as Africans can express ourselves in terms of creativity and art. It means that you don’t have to do one thing or be one thing but that in everything you are you must be as colourful as possible, as flexible as possible and as happy as possible.” Anyiko Owoko

“Bubblegum is something sticky so Afrobubblegum to me is the sound of Africa, something repetitive and powerful enough to stay stuck in your mind.” Kenchez Muya (H_art The Band)

“Afrobubblegum is happiness, feel good vibe and a good time!” Frank

What does Afrobubblegum mean to you?

Photography by Kiarii Kimani

mwendeEventsMusicAfrica Nouveau,African music,Afrobubblegum,agenda art,Anyiko Owoko,Blankets and Wine,H_art The Band,Kenyan music
'Afrobubblegum is freedom. The freedom to create and express ourselves outside the limits and expectations of the world. It's the audacity to do what we want with our art without waiting for permission. It's us deciding for ourselves what African art is and revelling in the glory of it...