Becoming Brent: Marking Democratic South Africa @ 30 With Talk, Sound & Vision

This event is a moment to critically reflect and continue the fight for justice, delving into the ongoing struggles for equality, freedom, and dignity in South Africa and beyond.

Through a blend of radical art, stirring literature, and historical reflection, we will confront the complexities and challenges of a post-apartheid society, highlighting the role of Brent in supporting the anti-apartheid struggle.

Speakers include:

Suresh Kamath, an anti-apartheid activist and former executive of the Anti-Apartheid Movement (ACTSA), who will discuss his role in organizing the Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute Concert and the 1990 Freedom Concert. Kwaku, a history researcher and founder of BBM/BMC, will speak about his work promoting British Black music and organizing events with South African music and history themes. Prof. Chris Mullard, a sociologist and anti-racism activist, will share insights on race relations, social entrepreneurship, and his involvement with the Notting Hill Carnival. Eugene Skeef FRSA, a South African-born percussionist and Black Consciousness Movement activist, will reflect on his experiences in exile and his contributions to music education and activism.

Decolonisation is firmly foregrounded across the multiple mediums in which artist Garth Erasmus works. He means with intention to unsettle the hegemonic, exclusionary constructions of African and “coloured” identity in the South African context.

This event offers a taster of a forthcoming exhibiton featuring the politically charged Xnau Drawings by Garth which exposes the painful legacies of apartheid and colonialism.

M.L. Hufkie will present her urgent and unapologetic work, Woman from Mzanzi, (published by Livina Press) shedding light on the continued struggles faced by South African women. Her reading will be accompanied by the improvisation of of Barbie Mukoda on flute.

Unveiling rare items from Brent’s direct involvement in the South African anti-apartheid struggle, reminding us that the fight for justice is an international concern.

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This is more than just a commemoration of the right for all South Africans to vote in 1994 - it's a call to action in the continuous struggle for equity, diversity and inclusivity. It aligns with Brent Council's Corporate Anti-Racism Action Plan

Engage with the ongoing realities of systemic inequality, hear stories of resistance, and draw inspiration to continue pushing for global justice.

"It always seems impossible until it's done." Nelson Mandela

Biographies

Garth Erasmus is a South African artist born in Uitenhage and currently based in Cape Town. Besides his visual work Erasmus is also a sound artist and instrument maker. He is part of various music and sound projects including Khoi Konnexion, As is, and GWAING.

Suresh Kamath is an anti-apartheid activist and formerly part of the executive of the Anti-Apartheid Movement (now known as Action for Southern Africa (ACTSA)). His work included raising awareness about the injustices of apartheid and advocating for democratic reforms. He helped to organise two concerts at Wembley Stadium - The Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute Concert of 1988, which was part of a campaign calling for Mandela's release from Pr*son, The Freedom Concert in April 1990, to mark Mandela's release.

Kwaku is an independent history researcher, historical musicologist, music industry tutor and occasional journalist. He's the founder of BBM/BMC (BritishBlackMusic.com/Black Music Congress) and convener of British Black Music Month, project leader of BTWSC/African History Revisited, and UK convener of International Reggae Day. He has organised numerous community events across London, some with South African music and history themes.

Prof. Chris Mullard is a sociologist known for his contributions to race relations, social entrepreneurship, and community activism. He was appointed CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for his services in these areas. He's a former member of CARD (Campaign Against Racial Discrimination) and chair of Notting Hill Carnival. An anti-racism and anti-apartheid activist, he is an honorary South Africa Consul.

Eugene Skeef FRSA is a South African born percussionist, composer, painter, poet and music educator. He was involved as an activist in the Steve Biko-led Black Consciousness Movement, and was forced to flee into exile in the UK in 1980. A former Director of Oval House Music School, he has worked with various orchestras and is a visiting professor at institutions such as the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and the Royal College of Music.

More biographies to follow.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The Library at Willesden Green, 95 High Road, London, United Kingdom