African Starburst: Celebrating 3 decades of ‘astonishing’ history
In 1997, Grassroots Books transformed itself into today’s Book Cafe, which opened Mannenberg in 2001 and established Pamberi Trust in 2002, and then created African Synergy Trust in Johannesburg in 2006.
The multi-event commemoration dubbed “African Starb-urst” recalls the original vision of Grassroots Books, set up by liberation struggle cadres some of whom are brothers Paul and Jeremy Brickhill, Albert Ndin-dah (who passed away in 1992), Reginald Mhlanga and Raphael Khoza (Only Paul Brickhill still remains in the organisation today), towards “freedom of expression within an African-centred vision” in the newly independent Zimbabwe.
The roll-out of a thrilling programme of live events is the culmination of months of planning, fundraising and networking.
The commemoration started last week with the performance by Kenyan singer, Eric Wainana, at Mannenberg back to back with Zimbabwe’s rising star, Alexio Kawara and Shades of Black.
This Friday sees internationally-acclaimed African hip-hop star, Emmanuel Jal, from Sudan performing in an open-air concert at the Book Café car park with some of Zimbabwe’s most exciting young musicians, one of whom is mbira star, Chiwoniso Maraire.
The Financial Gazette will each week bring you highlights of the African Starburst commemorations.