The House of African Feminisms (HoAF) is thrilled to announce
Abafa(ba)zi, a transdisciplinary exhibition opening this November in Johannesburg at the
Goethe-Institut. A profound celebration of African feminisms and womanhood,
Abafa(ba)zi offers a visceral exploration into the lives, stories, and resilience of
African women. The exhibition takes its name from the Zulu words “abafazi Abafa(ba)zi,” translating to “women who die knowing”—a powerful expression that signifies the knowledge, agency, and lived experience that Black women carry and pass down through generations.
As part of HoAF’s initiatives to create physical spaces for dialogue and activism,
Abafa(ba)zi is a unique showcase that merges commissioned works, artistic experiments, and previously created pieces by women artists and researchers across the African continent. Under the curatorship of Thina Miya, the exhibition welcomes eight visual artists and four musicians to contribute their voices and perspectives, each responding to the theme in a way that resonates with African traditions of womanism and feminism. By spotlighting the critical role of Black women as both cultural custodians and storytellers,
Abafa(ba)zi honours the nuances of womanhood, embodied in the qualities of resilience,
femininity, and creative expression.
The concept of
Abafa(ba)zi symbolises the courage and tenacity of African women who navigate political and social terrains, fully aware of the stakes yet unwavering in their determination. These women embody “those who die knowing,” a metaphor for lives lived with integrity, awareness, and a deep understanding of their roles as custodians of knowledge and heritage. This exhibition is not only about amplifying the voices of women; it is also a call to recognise and engage with the narratives of Black womanhood as a radical act of self-preservation and
empowerment.
The artworks within
Abafa(ba)zi tap into personal and familial stories, celebrating Black women as architects of their own narratives and as catalysts for transgenerational dialogue. The exhibition serves as a tribute to “ubufazi”—the diverse expressions of womanhood across African societies, a force that defies colonial definitions and exists independently as a free and unencumbered identity. Here, “ubufazane” (womanism) transcends reactionary politics; it is an unapologetic affirmation of Black womanhood for Black women.
Abafa(ba)zi brings together a remarkable selection of visual artists and musicians from across the African continent, each of whom contributes their unique perspective and creativity to the exhibition. Zimbabwean visual artist Amanda Mushate, Ugandan artist Piloya Irene, Congolese creative Armel Mbouda, Cameroonian visionary Wilfried Mbida, Beninese artist Laeila Adjovi, Ivorian artist Lafalaise Dion, Kenyan photographer Margaret Ngigi, and South African artist
Hlengiwe Dube each offer a body of work deeply rooted in personal and cultural identity. These artists collectively explore themes of heritage, memory, and resilience, rendering
Abafa(ba)zi a multi-layered narrative of African womanhood.
In addition to these visual works, four choral artists—Kayise Khumalo (South Africa), Hidaya Mwashe (Tanzania), Mandisa Ngwane (South Africa), and Zetina Mosia (Ghana)—have each composed a piece that echoes the essence of the exhibition. Through their musical interpretations, these artists elevate the visual experience, creating a sensory dialogue between sight and sound that amplifies the voices and histories of African women.
The power of
Abafa(ba)zi lies in its intentionality. Through each artwork and song, audiences will encounter an exhibition where African women are presented not just as subjects of struggle but as dynamic creators and innovators.
Abafa(ba)zi beckons visitors to see Black women as historians, visionaries, and active participants in the stories of their communities.
This exhibition is more than a collection; it’s an immersive experience in the resilience that is foundational to African womanhood. It is an invitation for audiences to connect with African feminisms in a way that is personal, enlightening, and deeply rooted in shared cultural consciousness. With
Abafa(ba)zi, the House of African Feminisms opens a space for celebrating and understanding the rich tapestry of Black womanhood in all its forms—a must-see for anyone interested in African feminisms, art, and the lived experiences that shape our world.
The
Abafa(ba)zi exhibition will be hosted at the Goethe-Institut Johannesburg, opening at 6:00 pm on Thursday, 21 November 2024, and running through to Wednesday, 28 February 2025. The opening will feature DJ sets by Ms Niksta and Nombuso. This dynamic event offers a unique chance to immerse yourself in the artistry, stories, and resilience of African women across generations.
