Algiers 2nd Panafrican cultural festival officially saw its end Monday evening by a majestic choreographic spectacle under the name of “Mama Africa”, and which was a tribute to the famous South African singer Myriam Makeba. Atlas movie theatre, which hosted this choreographic fresco, have vibrated, for one hour and a half, to the African music and rhythms. Many choreographic shows have been performed, expressing water, life, national and African identity, but especially the history as catalyser of forces and African unity.
It was meant to be energetic and assigned to the solid nations’ edification, not backward looking, but resolutely turned to the reconstruction of the black continent. These themes, which have been illustrated by contemporary dances in a décor marked by stars encircled by graphic forms, witnessing of African ancestral signs. Designed by the choreographer Sofiane Boulegraa and made by the musician Farid Aouamer, the spectacle has seen many Algerian and African artists who have performed contemporary dances and interpreted certain famous titles of the late Makeba.
Many African and Algerian artists have marked the spectacle, amongst whom the Malian cheikh Tidiane Seck and the Cameroonian Blik Bassy who has a golden voice. Meriem Lazali, the former graduate of the first edition of "Alhane Oua Chabab", who has performed a virtual dual with the diva Makba who has interpreted « Africa » and other titles in company of the group of chore singers, such as the famous « Ana Hora » (I am free), and Pata Pata by way of finishing. It was a real homage to the famous singer, the friend of Algeria.
The music at its apogee has included many styles calling for scads of instruments such as the Cora played by Ahmed Fofana, the Balafon, the Ney played by Mazouni, the Gumbry played by Djelloul Merga and the Imzad, the Tamtam etc. the Jazz, one of the African American music, has been underlined to translate the richness of this music, and also the Bleus which was born in the cotton fields in Louisiana and sung by black slaves. Slavery has been highlighted by the projection of chains on the screen.
The introduction to the spectacle was by the projection of many images of Algiers first edition of the Panafrican cultural festival 1969, showing extracts of the popular parade and soirees, then the show indicated its trajectory : “ in 1969, leaders were saying that revolution is a cultural act. En 2009, it is a revolutionary act” ,you can read on the giant screen above your head.
Homage has been especially paid to Lamine Bechichi, Boudjemia Merzak, Bill hamani, Malek Immache. Questions have been posed, especially on the correct date of the pyramids construction, the reality on the Americas discovery. « pyramids date back to 5000 years or 12000 years ? », you can read on screen.
Also, light and music have been the elements of the spectacle’s success, the spectacle that was rich in emotions, has closed the beauty of the second edition of the Panafrican cultural festival, which has allowed Algerians to reconcile with their African identity during 15 days.
Feriel R (Translation)