A Wa Nibi, We Are Here

Queerness is universal – yet some conservatives continue to believe that queerness is »un-African«. This toxic misconception is rooted in white supremacy and colonial rule – and is increasingly being challenged by young queer Africans and their allies who proudly and insistently proclaim: »We were here and we are here – A ti wa nibi, a wa nibi«. A WA NIBI pays tribute to the use of language within the Nigerian queer community. Over the course of three days, Blaise, Nnaobi and Oyegoke present an intense focus of artistic and discursive contributions highlighting queer existence on the continent.

A Wa Nibi presents the exhibition REIMAGINING HISTORY with documentary and experimental photographs by emerging artists such as Yagazie Emezi, Daniel Obasi, Sabelo Mlangeni, Va Bene and Rachel Seidu. The program is expanded through a series of delicate performative works, panel discussions, intimate conversations on queer desire and interactive workshops on strategies for archiving. It will finally culminate in a Saturday night a concert by Temmie Ovwasa, the first openly queer Nigerian musician, followed by the OWANBE-NIGHT, a vibrant party for the local community.

Funded by the TURN2 Fund of the Federal Cultural Foundation. Funded by the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media. Further funded by Obodo.