(A charming portrait of Miriam Makeba by Samuel
Nja Kwa)
Currently current at the Durban Art Gallery is Route du Jazz/Jazz Route – an exhibition
of photographs by Samuel Nja Kwa. The exhibition also acknowledges his book of
the same title which traces the journey of rhythm and tells a musical
history of Africa.
Born in Paris, Samuel Nja Kwa studied and grew up between
Douala (Cameroon), Paris (France) and Montreal (Canada). In 1996, returning
from a travel in Japan he proposes his first exhibition Visions of Japan. At the same time, he launches Le Disque Africain Magazine with friends
and meets many African and Jazz musicians, whom he has photographed and
interviewed. By choosing the portrait, he distinguishes himself with a very
personal style. His meeting with the African American pianist Randy Weston
creates the catch. Samuel becomes more interested in African roots of Jazz and
slavery.
“The road and history of Jazz crosses the one of Slavery
from the continent of Africa,” he explains. “It starts in Africa, developing
different cultural nuances before the European invasion, culminating to its
climatic arrival in the year 1917, a year that has become an anchor in its
history. A product of a creative mixes between Europe and the African
traditional music on American ground, it is a symbolic expression of history.
“How can we evaluate the African musical culture once it
has been deported?” he adds. “A victim of a violent invasion, how can it be
recreated and renewed with the European and the American influences? How has it
given birth to Jazz? Are there still traces of Africa in the Jazz of today? This
exposition humbly tries to answer these questions. To do this, a major place
has been allowed to the individuals and the influential actors of this era,
from the African continent to the Americas, crossing through Europe.”
His work includes
portraits of jazz luminaries such as Miriam Makeba; Herbie Hancock; Manu
Dibango and Pharoah Sanders. The exhibition can be divided into three
categories (ie three exhibition areas): Backstage; Soundcheck and Live.
Some portraits of musicians have been made backstage, before
or after a concert. Or after a long interview, either at the musician’s home or
the hotel or in the street. It is a moment of relaxation. The musician appears
at times without his instrument, an intimate moment.
Before the concert, the musicians adjust the sound of their
instrument. It is also the time when some resolve small details (a change, a
bridge, the order of songs, the correction of partitions, etc.). Sometimes they
play other instruments.
On stage, the musicians take a certain attitude, they have
facial expressions. Samuel aims to capture those moments which illustrate their
personality.
A hundred photos with dimensions will be determined
according to the design. 80% of the photographs are in black and white.
The exhibition is located in DAG’s Gallery 4 and runs until
October 26: The Durban Art Gallery
is situated on the second floor of the Durban City Hall,
entrance in Anton Lembede (formerly Smith) Street opposite the Playhouse. More
information on 031 311 2262/6.
For more information visit www.routedujazzz.com
Posts
