Documentary Archives | African Music Forum

Benin: Star Feminine Band

A group from Benin, originally from the surroundings of Natitingou and only made up of young girls aged between 8 and 15 years old who play and interpret their own repertoire. Their songs are mainly about the condition of African women, including forced marriage, excision, their dream of independence and their desire to become professional musicians.
Bandcamp

Uganda: Topowa – Never Give Up!

The inspirational journey of 12 young musicians from some of the toughest slums in Uganda, to some of the biggest music stages in the world. It’s a story of resilience and hope, carried along by a joyous, foot-stomping celebration of music and life. At the heart of this film: the power of music to change lives and a charity called Brass for Africa.

The documentary won “Best Music Documentary” at the Raindance Film Festival 2020, the UK’s largest independent film festival.

Elder’s Corner is a musical journey through pivotal moments in the colorful history of Nigeria as told through the lives and careers of the nations foremost music legends. It is a story about the eroding effects of colonialism, bitter ethnic clashes, politics, oil, power, money and their combined effects on a nation that recently celebrated its 50th year of self rule.

I’ve been following the Elder’s Corner project by Siji Awoyinka since 2012 and it will finally be streaming as part of DOC NYC, this November (American audience only).

Chief Ebenezer Obey! Victor Uwaifo! Victor Olaiya! The Lijadu Sisters? Fatai Rolling Dollar! They’re just a few of the artists on the cast list.