Abafa(ba)zi – Those Who Die Knowing is a collaborative exhibition including commissioned works, artistic experiments, and existing works with transdisciplinary women artists and researchers from the African continent connected to womanisms. It is rooted in personal and familial narratives, underscoring the pivotal role of black women as shapers of everyday life and custodians of stories.
The House of African Feminisms (HoAF) is proud to present the regional touring exhibition Abafa(ba)zi – Those Who Die Knowing.
Abafa(ba)zi is a collaborative exhibition including commissioned works, artistic experiments, and existing works with transdisciplinary women artists and researchers from the African continent connected to womanisms. It is rooted in personal and familial narratives, underscoring the pivotal role of black women as shapers of everyday life and custodians of stories.
Abafa(ba)zi combines the Zulu words "abafazi Abafa(ba)zi," which translates to "women who die knowing" in English. The title is inspired by the concept that women who possess knowledge can choose to either share it or keep it to themselves while they are still alive. Abafa(ba)zi combines the prefix ‘ba’ meaning ‘those who are or those who do’ into the word Abafazi (women) from the Zulu language, translating to those who die knowing. This title symbolises the bravery and determination of women who navigate spaces of political and social uncertainty, conscious of the risks involved yet undeterred in their pursuit of justice, freedom, and a meaningful life.
This exhibition highlights the ways in which women have served as conduits of knowledge in ordinary settings and communities; it also positions us (Black women) as preservers of our own narratives. Abafa(ba)zi acknowledges the continuation of authentic black womanhood and feminist pursuits, highlighting our collective responsibility for evaluating and reframing narratives while emphasising self-awareness and the capacity to sculpt personal narratives. By amplifying the voices and experiences of these women, Abafa(ba)zi fosters transgenerational dialogues and empowers younger generations within the African societal fabric.
Ubufazi (womanhood) is an agency practised by African women in various ways that embodies the qualities of femininity, imagination, and innovativeness present in African societies. Despite different terms across cultures, it reflects the essence of womanhood. Here, Ubufazane (womanism) is not a reaction to imperialism, nor is it performative; the exhibition is birthed for black women to exist freely.
Seven visual artists were invited by the curator Thina Miya to respond to the call to participate in Abafa(ba)zi. Alongside them, four musicians were commissioned to compose a song that would complement the essence of the show.
Featured visual artists:
Amanda Mushate- Zimbabwe
Piloya Irene - Uganda
Armel Mbouda - Congo
Wilfried Mbida - Cameroon
Laeila Adjovi - Benin
Lafalaise Dion - Côte d’Ivoire
Margaret Ngigi- Kenya
Choral artists:
Kayise Khumalo - South Africa
Hidaya Mwashe - Tanzania
Mandisa Ngwane - South Africa
Zetina Mosia – Ghana
Curator: Thina Miya
Curatorial Assistant: Puleng Mongale
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