MY GERMANY EXPERiENCE
BY ONALETHUSO PETRUSS BUYiLE NTEMA
#BLAKKMAMBO
26.11.2015
BA Sociology (UB). Cell 1: +267 73896477. Cell 2: +267 72660907.
mambo.bw@gmail.com
Creative Writer and Author, Art Collector/Exhibitor – African Arts and Crafts.
Creative Tourism Agent, Cultural Tour leader and Operations Manager –
CHiZO Travel and Tours.
Member, Secretary, Marketing and Public Relations Manager - Chobe Alliance for Arts Organization.
Member – World Youth Alliance, YALI Network, Craft Council of Botswana, CAAO.
Vocalist, Storyteller, Folk Poet, Founder – Mambo & the Nature Voices.
DiSCLAiMER:
COPYRiGHT
AND CONFiDENTiAL iNFORMATiON. NO PART OR ANY OF THiS iNFORMATiON MAY BE USED FOR WHATSOEVER PURPOSES WiTHOUT LEGAL AND OR PRiOR CONSENT FROM THE AUTHOR OR HiS ASSOCiATES. COPYRiGHT AND iNTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAWS OF BOTSWANA AND ELSEWHERE APPLY HEREWiTH.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Thanks to my mother Ndaruka Ntema
and my daughter Deczybelle for
strengthening me, and Clario Tours & Travel (Boitumelo Wapitso, Kasane),
Etsuko Nagayama (Japan), CHiZO Travel & Tours, Chobe Alliance for Arts
Organization (CAAO, Kasane), POETAVANGO
Spoken word Poetry collective (Maun), Christophe
Durand Woba Kélé (Reunion Island), Staff at Ministry of Youth Sport
& Culture and Botswana Tourism Organization (Kasane and Gaborone), Ilanga
Tours, David Tregilgies (Maun), Kaone Autlwetse (Maun), Nobert
Mathumo (Gaborone), Martina and Anna-Maria Postelt with Mr. Hannes
and Benno (Germany), Mrs. Tuekarn Monteiro (Germany), Ishyn Gates Media (Botswana)
and Phil Aaron (Kasane) for the support and heed. A lot still needs done. Le ka moso! But I am delighted that I
have managed to convince myself that it’s possible.
Aliou Badji and the djembe
drummers from Senegal at the official opening ceremony of the Market of Nations
event, November 9, 2015, Hamburg, Germany.
PART 1: RESOURCE MOBILIZATION, ACHIEVEMENTS AND CHALLENGES
1. HISTORICALS
It had been a hectic six month for the Request(s) of Funding (RFF) and
fundraising initiatives since receiving the letter of invitation from the Museum
für Völkerkunde (Museum
of Ethnology) to attend the Markt der Völker (Market of Peoples) event
slated for November 11-15, 2015 in Hamburg, Germany.
1.1.1
REQUESTS
FOR FUNDING (RFF)
The RFF letters sent to different
funding sources including government institutions and safari companies since
June 12th, 2015 were based on Quotations for travel, visa fees, welfare,
and accommodation and related logistics amounting to an estimated BW P84, 286.72 to heed as
invited.
A Fundraising Team was assembled,
and a resource mobilization model for the trip was devised and it was not an
easy one because art is loosely regarded yet appreciated in our country. The
fundraisers had to approach government institutions and organizations relevant
and conversant with Art, Culture and Tourism but the bureaucracy took long for
the responses and had to work a mile further. It was a journey, and still is. The
business community was also approached in Kasane, Maun and around Botswana in
request for funding but it rendered such efforts futile until I had to utilize
the business networks I have to source a portion of the requisite funding as
justification for visa application and related procedures thereon.
After 6 months of tireless funds
mobilization strategies, I finally received a quarter of the budget from
Ministry of Youth Sport and Culture on the 6th October, 2015.
Botswana Tourism Organization pledged to pay for courier fees for the books and
artworks from Kasane to Hamburg through DHL Express on the 19th October
2015. And some contributions in-kind from Maun and Kasane
resident-businesses; Mr. Keabetswe Arabang, Mr. Phil Aaron and Mr. Kaone
Autlwetse pledged and contributed. Also my former Headmaster Mr. David
Tregilgies handed his support, and the Kasane community contributed through Mr.
Moemedi Eric Mazebedi.
The Total monies and in-kind pledges collected amounted to P40,541.20, which is 48% of the
budgeted (estimated) P84,286.72,
hence P43,746.52 budgetary
need and constraint
The funds were limited but able to prioritize and honoured the
invitation. However, the Market of Nations event represented Africa’s Cultural
Diversity with more than 87 exhibitors from across the globe, and over 2000
visitors daily, for the duration of the festival. And African Arts and Crafts
(cc. Onalethuso Ntema) represented Botswana and Southern Africa.
4. LIMITATIONS AND
CHALLENGES
Art is relatively considered a recreational service locally, and of
course a lot of efforts by government and the general arts industry have made
art to become a household tag through initiatives such as competitive art
platforms that ultimately rewards the artist short term. However, little is
done to empower the arts tourism due to lack of strategic legislative means and
approaches despite Botswana’s cultural richness and artistic diversity. Art is
a social business that combines talent and platform to generate the desired
outputs to the beneficiary, directly (creative cultural tourism businesses) and
indirectly (government revenue). The reality is to create a pathway for
alternative tourism through social business models that are economically viable
and empowering to communities adjacent to conservation areas and natural
resources for self-sustenance and local economic stimulation.
4.1 LIMITED FUNDING
OPPORTUNITIES for independent and Self-Published
writers, arts groups and cultural societies. Lack of alternative funding
sources and government bureaucracies in heeding to requests or proposals delays
the planning and implementation processes in line with requisites such as Visa
application and approval, bookings for flights (travel) and accommodation,
preparation and packaging of information and marketing materials etc.;
4.1.1
The core funding process proved futile
until between October 6th23rd, 2015. Due to time constraint, there
was no day left to mobilize more financial resources and had to settle for what
was in the basket, which the bulk of the funding sourced had already been spent
on communication, transportation and other logistical needs, since June 12th,
2015, to heed as invited. The bureaucratic processes during requests for
funding technically impacted on the intentions and objectives of travelling to
Hamburg;
4.1.2
The applicant followed-up in almost
every if not all stages of requests for funding from the private sector,
community based entities and government Ministries relevant to the arts,
culture and tourism industries. For almost four months, from date of receipt of
the letter of invitation, the resources mobilization strategies implored
included initial contacts and emails sent to the tourism networks in Chobe,
Ngamiland and Gaborone. A tedious and straining process for the artist who is
heading towards sustainable livelihood and local economic development through
creative cultural tourism to brand and promote Botswana’s cultural diversity as
an alternative or non-consumptive tourism package.
4.2 LOSS OF POTENTIAL
BUSINESS due to failure to receive luggage
(artworks) in Germany, couriered through DHL Express by Botswana Tourism
Organization (Kasane). BTO had pledged to cover courier fees for artworks. Apparently,
the items were delayed for clearance at Frankfurt Customs office from November
7, 2015 because there was no accompanying documentation (Invoice/Cover note)
detailing the contents and value of the artworks, not even the Airway Bill/
Shipment receipt until I inquired through Botswana Tourism Organization
(Kasane) because there were a series of communication in writing detailing the
items, whilst in Hamburg, Germany. Through costly telecommunication and email,
it became fruitless to get the items until the event ended on November 15,
2015. Language barrier compromised communication with the DHL Frankfurt office
and had to engage an Interpreter for ease of communication but to no avail. The
event organizers at the Museum of Ethnology also tried their best efforts to
justify the quest to clear the items but still could not. It was a complex
scenario but ultimately the items reached Hamburg on November 23, 2015 almost a
week after the event had ended and I had already arrived back in Botswana. The
artworks were then returned back to the sender and I collected them from BTO
Kasane on December 2, 2015. Stock value was at P6,000.00+. Loss of business
estimated at P100,000.00 or more, taking into account of the magnitude of the
event and the calibre of customers frequenting the creative space.
4.3 The exhibitors, many of whom have become
regulars at the annual event, have established contacts for their artworks
because the event attracts art enthusiasts from all over Europe and Asia to
appreciate and buy the antiques and
curios. Therefore, the funds were utilized to meet the demand of an event of
the highest magnitude. But not enough to establish networks that could
stimulate effective business relations between European market and the Botswana
(or Chobe in this case) art and cultural products and services.
4.4 COLLECTIVES THAN
INDIVIDUAL concept that donors, corporate entities
and government initiatives are geared towards deters the individual dedicated
creative minds that have and continue to inject and invest a lot of time,
energy and their limited resources to drive the artistic wagon. However, even
the collectives concept, much as it is highly preferred by donors and
autonomous artists and entities needs to be methodologically conducive for
creativity as a socio-economic commodity other than short term projects that
have intangible impacts on beneficiaries. Creative industries continue to be at
the extreme, especially in Chobe district where motivation and acknowledgement
of arts and culture need encouraged to involve collectivists, whilst
appreciating the reality on the ground. Until recently, there had been no
artistic alliance for collective bargaining and advocacy, except uncoordinated
social and cultural groups. Hence the establishment and registration of Chobe
Alliance for Arts Organization in October 2015.
4.5 PARALLEL STRUCTURES that have the capacity to strengthen and support arts, culture and tourism
projects have parallel systems that demand a lot of energy and time for
creative industries and artists to make follow ups between. The extent to which
Botswana is moving towards art, intangible cultural heritage and cultural
revival should be necessitated by providing explicit means to enable such a
vision through inter-ministerial collaborations on such matters inferred to in
the contents of this report.
5. RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 There is need to improve on client/customer feedback on Requests for
funding submitted to especially MYSC and BTO, to inform the applicant in order
to consider other funding options on time, for proper planning and budget
prioritization.
5.2 Creative
artists need to network further in order to search for alternative funding
opportunities to profile their craft. Moreover, social businesses ought to work
as collectives for self-employment, self-sustenance and team building. This
would reduce the burden on government reliance. It broadens the funding base.
5.3 Art indeed needs a Trust fund, or a(n) National Arts Council;
5.3.1
In consultation with its
stakeholders, including arts organizations, the Ministry of Youth Sport and
Culture should develop (or if it has already) and avail a comprehensive Arts
and Culture grant for international events to assist and support cultural
exchanges, experience sharing, marketing and networking between locals and the
international community for a global social unit. Creative industries have been
side lined to curtain raise for community events and alienated to the extremes
of their remoteness and lack of professionalism in the arts sector. Culture is
dynamic and diverse, a tool for social justice and social cohesion, to connect
societies.
5.4 If established, the National Arts Council shall serve as the collective
voice for arts entities in Botswana. It should, in principle, strengthen arts
alliances such as Chobe Alliance for Arts Organization (CAAO) in cognizance
with Botswana Society for the Arts, Craft Council of Botswana with National
Union for Botswana Artists to collectively lobby and or initiate artistic
platforms for arts excellence beyond just the Botswana borders, to fly away far
into distant worlds afar, to gather and share the creative seeds for a better
world, in partnership with government and corporate entities.
5.5 Art for Social Change it is. Art for Conservation a principle. African Art
is an (socio) economic and cultural asset appreciated by the European market
since it is relative to the African context and interpretation. There is need
to support efforts geared towards establishing and maintaining such networks
and access to platforms to showcase and stimulate trade relations between
continents.
_________________________________________________________________________________
PART 2: MY GERMANY EXPERIENCE: ONCE UPON A TIME IN HAMBURG - THE PARABLES
“Creative Tourism is travel directed
toward an engaged and authentic experience, with participative learning in the
arts, heritage or special character of a place, and it provides a connection
with those who reside in this place and create this living culture” - Discussion report of the Planning Meeting for the 2008
International Conference on Creative Tourism.
1. MESSAGE FROM MARTINA
POSTELT, HAMBURG, GERMANY:
I was very happy -after 6 months of hard work on
both sides- to welcome Mambo Ntema, Botswana in Hamburg, Germany. It was only
for one week, but a week full of joy, good encounters, networking, interesting
sometimes philosophic discussions, music and art. We ate at Volksküche in Hafenstraße, where refugees from all over
Africa organise every Monday an African evening with nice food and a film about
Mama Africa, Miriam Makeba. We visited KEBAP, an urban permaculture
community, which wants to produce decentral and sustainably heat for over 3000
households and support a cultural centre with the surplus. We went to Schule Rellinger Straße where
Mambo attended to schooldays in different courses; English/ Creative writing,
African life and art, and theatre. We wandered at the big lake Alster in the middle of Hamburg. And all
over Mambo walked with good mood or rode on his super machine (bicycle) through
the dark, raw, but nevertheless lively streets of Hamburg. I appreciated the
various good talks with Mambo about culture and ethic, about sustainable life,
social tourism, and village development and especially his presentation and
interactive lecture at Museum für
Völkerkunde. Everybody is greeting you, and is hoping to see you
again, Mambo Ntema!
Ms. Martina Postelt, an active Permaculture advocate and Philanthropist. She is a force behind Mambo's breakthrough in Hamburg - Germany.
Mambo Ntema and Käthe, a teacher working at Schule
Rellinger Straße posing for a photo outside the Museum on a brighter
cold day in Hamburg, Germany.
Mambo Ntema cycling along the Bernstorffstraße,
intermingling with the urban centres of Hamburg, DE.
Artefacts from Burkina Faso from the time 1954 to 1956 in the exhibition. Photo by Martina Postelt.
- MARKETS IN THE MUSEUM
FÜR VÖLKERKUNDE
The museum’s markets are an ethnological view on
material culture, always lively and with up-to-date references to the present
time. Traditional arts and crafts from the most diverse cultures and regions of
the world are represented there.
The keywords are “lively museum”: It is all about
experiencing a museum with all five senses – sight, sound, smell, taste and
touch. There are market stands, music, dance, artists, culinary delicacies, a
small exhibition and a colourful programme. There are dazzling colours,
clanging sounds, and wafting smells.
The Museum
für Völkerkunde organizes three markets annually. There is the Easter
Market, the Cloister Market and the Market of the Peoples. These three events
create a lively commotion in the museum during Easter time, in late autumn and
in the festive Advent season. At the Easter and Cloister markets, there are many
traditional Christian customs and objects, with a focus on local customs, old
traditions and manual skills. The main emphasis is on European culture.
In contrast, the Market of the Peoples is a
showcase for artists and craftspeople from all over the world, with stands by
aid organisations and Fair Trade activists. New art from Asia, North America,
South America, Africa and Asia is on display along with stands containing
culinary specialities brought by traders from all over the globe. The Market of
the Peoples is the largest and most colourful of the three annual markets in
the museum.
Since 2003, all three markets have had topical
themes relating to current exhibitions of the museum. The different themes help
determine the criteria for exhibitors and the arrangement of the programme.
2. MARKET OF THE
PEOPLE
Dialog between cultures is the
main focus of the Market of the Peoples. About 70 craftspeople, traders and
specialty-dealers acquaint visitors with craft products from all over the
world. On one hand, the market is
a platform for many different traditional crafts threatened or disappearing as
a result of modernisation. The market is also a forum for new trends in the
field of these crafts. Some examples include the creation of recycled products
using tin cans or telephone wire. Countries from which exhibitors have come in
the past include Portugal, Russia, Latvia, Lithuania, Indonesia, China, Japan,
Ghana, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Madagascar, South Africa, Canada, Argentina and
Guatemala.
The world of handmade crafts is
changing constantly. The Museum für
Völkerkunde follows this process and provides the opportunity for visitors
to experience these exciting changes directly. In the Market of the Peoples,
manufacturing techniques are put on display in live performances, through film
and other media. We value fair trade highly; we find it important that local
economies, small family businesses and other projects are purposefully
supported. Through this market, the museum also aims to directly support
different craftspeople.
The exhibitors are selected
according to the quality of their goods and especially by their interest in the
dialog with the museum’s visitors. The exhibitors are almost always experts of
their cultural regions and the representatives of aid organisations are always
interested in explaining the work of their groups.
The Market of the Peoples is also
known for its diverse cultural programme. Musicians, singers and folklore
groups give performances; for children there is make-up, crafts, painting and a
story-telling workshop. The
Market is a festival for the whole family.
Since 2008, each Market of the Peoples has had its own focus. This focus
determines the selection of exhibitors and the organisation of the cultural
programme. In 2008, the topic was
India; in 2009, it was the Indians of North America; in 2010 the topic was
Latin America. And 2011 the topic was the Orient. In 2015, it was “Africa’s
Cultural Diversity”.
Important Information: Application process
Are you an exhibitor and are interested
in selling your products at the Market of the Peoples? Please include the
following information: Your name and some background information, what you will
sell, and where your products come from. Please also enclose photographs or
demonstration material and send your application to:
Museum für Völkerkunde – Markt der Völker
Public
Foundation
Rothenbaumchaussee
64, 20148 Hamburg
Tel. 040. 42 88 79 – 0. E-Mail: info@mvhamburg.de
3.
ONCE UPON A TIME IN HAMBURG, GERMANY
The narrative below flashbacks on the tales of travelling to
Europe and back to Africa. It is a journey between the lenses and senses. It
was a robust one. An adventurous one.
4.1
November 8, 2015
Travelled from
Gaborone to Johannesburg via SA Express, and Johannesburg to Frankfurt via SA
Express. Reached Frankfurt on the 9th and the flight to Hamburg was cancelled
due to strike by Lufthansa employees. Had to take a 5 hour train and reached
Hamburg at 13h00. I was totally drained.
4.2
November 9, 2015
It is a creative
experience and cultural diversity that reign my littlest imagination but
reality tells me that the world is just too close to its human kind, but far
from its real. But anyhow you look at it, the question still demands a silent
thought.
It may just be that
humans have long angered their senses before the sun could rise to shine but I
believe creativity and cultural exchange take us further than being human. And
so Art without Borders creates such. In fact we are born to pursue, not (to be)
pursued.
I have to remind my
brained child in me that life is a colorful color of rainbow shadows. It
chooses its own kind naturally and I have submitted my vulnerable self to life,
because I was born a human, not a color, but prone to be truant when nature
calls me. And of course it would render me a senseless being if I enslave my
mind to my little self. I have denied not being an island but a community of
ideas and people.
Germany is cold but I
was delighted for an historic cultural experience and Markt für Völker event. I am happy for the art I have so far
seen, observed, expressed and shared with the people in Hamburg. The vegan
restaurants are 100%, the faces of Africa's children in masses here is a
journey of life and its rainbow shadows. Very inspiration-ally real, the
journey.
But the power of
spoken word shared is very powerful, creative and more ideas are exchanged in
experiences of the next person from the next person to the other. Quite an
experience! Graffitti is art. Cycling is pure here, a tradition in Hamburg.
A creative walk and
cycling, and had an interactive dinner at the Kitchen and met incredibly
mattered souls of nature's and the refugees from Africa. Today, I visited Schule
Rellinger Straße, an experimentally creative school and was very much
practical Math, Creative writing and Poetry as a communication tool.
Official opening ceremony (performed by Aliou
Badji and Djembe drummers)
Cycling back, I lost
way, the Afrika in me decided real, for 3 good hours. Thanks to Martina; a
Permaculturalist and friend in Hamburg. And tomorrow continues the artistic
journey to Völkerkunde Museum.
4.1
November 10, 2015
My business, African
Arts & Crafts was represented well despite failure to get through
my luggage which was stuck at Frankfurt (customs) for the entire week. I was
with a wholehearted woman that reminded me of my great grandmother Mbora. Her name is Mrs. Postelt
(Martina´s mother) and I could not believe that at more than 80 years, she
still have that energy that defeats my youthful kind. For the whole day, she
had our stall on point at the Museum. She still looks strong and walks straight
without a walking stick as it would be in the remotest of our own back in
Africa. I was inspired. And the Event Organizer(s) is a force to reckon, more
often than not.
Some of the artworks (recycled wire) at the
African Arts & Crafts stall. This piece of art was made by Taurai (Zimbabwe) and Mambo
Ntema.
 |
| Benno (r), his girlfriend Mr. Hannes volunteered their time to assist
with sales and customer interaction at the African Arts & Crafts stall. |
I believe that age
catches up when you surround your mind and energy with the unusual. This world
does not know its people I tell you. And I thank the Creator for such free
spirited people in this ideological battle between individualists and
collectivists. And of course I have been ignoring to speak out about the
other side of my journey because I chose to remain a positive mind. I still
remain. Let nature do her own. But there is a lesson. And we learn from such
lessons. Art is extremely ignored when it matters. And as artists (in
Botswana), we need to stand our feet, otherwise our energies will just be a
nightmare. Besides, I am proud of being a Creative artist, nothing can take
that away from me, you can hurt or bend me but cannot break or destroy the
artist in me.
Mr. Hannes volunteered his time to assist with sales and customer
interaction at the African Arts & Crafts stall whilst I went for
sightseeing in Hamburg, DE.
Some of the postcards, Tin and Wire art displayed at the African Arts
& Crafts stall. Themed ‘Art for Conservation’. The tin art was inspired by Zimbabwe and
Mozambique artistic exchanges to promote natural and wildlife resources
conservation and utilization through art for sustainable livelihood.
Organizations such as Poetavango Spoken Word Poetry and Chobe Alliance for Arts Organization are close to my
heart. They strive for artistic excellence and pride at community level.
We need to encourage that more often. And the TEAM effort matters most.
I had just attended the Maun International Arts Festival 2015 from October 25-01 November, 2015 where I performed at the Open Mic Poetry Slam, Poetry Night and the Writers' workshop. The interactive week long creative event ushered in writers and performers from Nigeria/Canada, Uganda, Zimbabwe, USA, South Africa, Namibia, Reunion Island and Botswana to celebrate the artistic excellence, cultural exchange and experience sharing. MIAF is a brand that stands taller in Northern Botswana and is at the country's tourism capital; a gateway to the Okavango Delta and Chobe nature and abundant wilderness reserves. The artists visited Botswana Family Welfare Association (BOFWA), camped together and event went for a Cultural excursion at Sexaxa village (a WaYeyi Cultural village) and a boat cruise in the Thamalakane river as part of the Itinerary.
 |
| Mambo Ntema's SOUL SEEDS Poetry Book reading. After which he proved his creative diversity with Ancestral/ Folk Poetry metaphorical punchlines backed by Chris Woba Kele Durand from Reunion Island and Teacobouy (Botswana) at MIAF Poetry Night, Maun Lodge, Botswana on 30 October 2015. Photo credit: Khutsie Kasale - Tribe53.com. This was a build up to Market of Nations event in Hamburg, Germany. |
 |
| Barbara Anderson (Breezy) from Zimbabwe reciting her poetic prowess and metaphorical punchlines at MIAF Poetry Night, Maun Lodge, Botswana on 30 October 2015. Photo credit: Douglas Seremane - US Embassy Gaborone |
 |
| Nigerian born Canadian Poet, Mentor and Writer Juliet Kego Ume-Onyindo reading some heartfelt pieces from her journal, at MIAF Poetry Night, Maun Lodge, Botswana on 30 October 2015. Photo credit: Douglas Seremane - US Embassy Gaborone |
 |
| Dasha Kelly from USA reciting her poetic prowess and metaphorical punchlines at MIAF Poetry Night, Maun Lodge, Botswana on 30 October 2015. Photo credit: Douglas Seremane - US Embassy Gaborone. |
 |
| Botswana's multi-talented Mmakgosi (ft. Teacobouy) reciting her poetic prowess and metaphorical punchlines at MIAF Poetry Night, Maun Lodge, Botswana on 30 October 2015. Photo credit: Douglas Seremane - US Embassy Gaborone |
 |
| US Ambassador to Botswana, Mr Earl Miller giving a Word of Encouragement at MIAF Poetry Night, Maun Lodge, Botswana on 30 October 2015. Photo credit: Douglas Seremane - US Embassy Gaborone. |
 |
| The duo, Laakai (South Africa) and Mo - Ndi Aphrykah (Botswana) performing a piece at MIAF Poetry Night, Maun Lodge, Botswana on 30 October 2015. Photo credit: Douglas Seremane - US Embassy Gaborone |
 |
| Botswana's Academic and Conscious minded Poetess Phopho ignited the audience with her multi-lingual metaphorical punchlines at MIAF Poetry Night, Maun Lodge, Botswana on 30 October 2015. Photo credit: Douglas Seremane - US Embassy Gaborone |
 |
| Botswana's Poet-Comedian ?oem the Ansa serenaded his audience with comedy inspired Poetry imagery and wordplay at MIAF Poetry Night, Maun Lodge, Botswana on 30 October 2015. Photo credit: Douglas Seremane - US Embassy Gaborone |
 |
| From Uganda, Poet and Facilitator Rashida Namulondo kept the audience captivated by her diverse Poetry showcase at MIAF Poetry Night, Maun Lodge, Botswana on 30 October 2015. Photo credit: Douglas Seremane - US Embassy Gaborone |
 |
| Sereetsi & the Natives mesmerised the audience with Folk music showcase at MIAF Poetry Night, Maun Lodge, Botswana on 30 October 2015. Photo credit: Douglas Seremane - US Embassy Gaborone |
4.1
November 11, 2015
I roar in echo as the
cold in my toes snails between my teeth. It rains in misty kind and I am told I
am a lucky man; it usually is colder than what I felt.
I had to visit
the Schule Rellinger Straße for the second time in two
frequent days, an experimentally creative school and was very much practical
Math, Creative writing and Poetry as a communication tool. I have young friends
there, apparently, and perhaps it works when I am too old to walk a mile, that
I´d have had an impact on these innocent pupils´ lives as they journey on their
careers and life. They are very inspirational, and was too emotional when I
looked back in Africa, where my only child still runs through the hot days of
Mother nature to a systemic education that would probably make the worst out of
her than creative. But of course, probably and actually the reason why I hardly
put my head to rest. It’s hard, but I keep on. I wish she´d be proud of me one
day, but until then, I have to chameleon with the normative, so long as nature
takes its cause upon us. Quite a story to write on.
The indigenous knowledge systems and cultural heritage
are the best tools for empowering a young mind. The shared norms and values in
Africa have an impact on the socialization and learning processes of the child.
Therefore, culture is a dynamic tool for social cohesion and art is a language
to interact nations world over...
Presentation slide on Creative Cultural Tourism packages
And I had to heed to the pure Objective of the Parables of my Germany
Experience. The official Opening of the Markt für Völker at the Museum für
Völkerkunde, Hamburg. I was moved, really, by the turn-up. I haven´t seen such a crowd in my life, just for the
Art and Culture? No. Not as deep as I can recall. May be. But No. It was as
though a mere dream of nothingness, I had to be reminded that I am not there
nor here, but at an event that celebrates ´Africa and its Cultural
Diversity´. And the 5 men Djembe drumming band from Mali ancestrally
took me back to N'xepe and Wexhiri. O what a powerful hand of the drummer.
I did not get lost
like yesterday, this time I had to keep an eye closer to my motherly friend,
and tomorrow I have to use the map to get through the busy streets. O poor
African, open your eyes! Anyway, that's another story, of course rendering an
extensive deliberation on the subject matter, to infer best the ideal to the
real.
Art is ALIVE. And we
ought to keep on. And from now until Sunday, it’s a 10 to 10 work rate. And I am a rural kind
that dwells in the modern world, but unfortunately I do not have any picture to
share with, but the words. I think it makes more sense. I will share when done!
At least a few, to give a clue. Themed Vielfalt
Afrika; the Market of Nations event turns 29 years in full force. And
tomorrow, 12.11.2015, I Buyile Petrus Onalethuso Ntema will present on Botswana Cultural Diversity through Creative
Tourism at 19h00 at the Großer
Hörsaal. I am ready for the mass audience! And the AFRICAN ARTS &
CRAFTS stall meanders through. My friends, I am humbled. It’s more than meets
the eye.
4.1
November 12, 2015, 19h00:
Presentation on ‘Botswana cultural
diversity through Creative Tourism: A social business model – the case of Chobe
district'. Vortrag mit Gespräch
von Onalethuso Ntema, Dichter und
Autor (in englischer Sprache), Großer
Hörsaal, Museum für Völkerkunde, Hamburg DE. I must say it was really great to lecture here. And Creative Cultural
Tourism occupies the vastness of my passion in the social enterprise models at
its remotest sense. The villager in me told me to dwell on the subject and
creatively manoeuvring between the slides. The audience was very
attentive and I did not really matter about the numbers, I mattered about the
quality and value-added during the discussion process. And yes, it’s a journey;
it has started to start now until then. Communities need this model, and I have
sacrificed myself to burden the rural boy in me with this passion. I feel
committed to the art.
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| For Bookings/Inquiries: mambo.bw@gmail.com #CreativeCulturalTourism Activities. |
The lecture was
interactive and some members of the audience showed interest on Creative
Cultural tourism packages and inquiries began, for possible travel to Kasane in
2016.
In the evening at
around 23h30, we went to a Jam session in downtown Hamburg at Reeperbahn at the Indra Musik Club to feel the vibe and
the night atmosphere. I voiced alongside a Live band until 02h00. I jammed some
Folk Reggae kind, infused with EuroJazz and the artist in me did not want to
catch nature´s sleep.
4.1
November 13, 2015, 08h00-23h00
I woke up in a world
of forwardness in me; I took the super machine (bicycle) and headed towards the
Museum. I networked and exchanged. It matters most. Perhaps life would seem
unnecessarily unnecessary. It was a long Friday, full of strength and the
multi-nations voices as the day went on. Martina is a net-worker of collective
energy and makes way for a creative mind, and so are the people around her.
Books? Yes, I read books. And Ethnography tallies with the strength of a rebel
kind, the kind that does not deter their mind from its pieces, if the reader
decides not, the thinker pursues. And so is Anthropology.
CAAO Objectives were echoed in the halls of the Museum as Ntema
continued to network and market the multi-sectoral arts and cultural entity; a
creative tourism social business that incorporates the community participation
and involvement in Art for Conservation through income generating initiatives
and creative packages to the potentially abundant cultural and arts travellers
in Germany, willing to visit CAAO in Chobe district. And Creative tourism is a
concept for urban-rural livelihood improvement and community autonomy
(self-reliant communities).
4.1
November 14, 2015, 09h00-23h00:
I woke up a little
late and took the super machine (bicycle) and headed towards the Museum. I
networked and exchanged. But poetic justice snakes through my blood. Not
really? May be the person in me can tell us more, later, probably dead. Anyway,
I have to summarily put the thought into the concept of Economic Sociology,
study of the relationship between society and the market. The field
incorporates insights from economics, behavioral psychology, economic
anthropology, and cultural anthropology. Structural and cultural approaches
largely characterize the studies conducted in the field, with the former
associated with networks, institutions, and social organization; the latter,
rituals, symbols, cognitive frameworks, and narratives. Economic
sociologists study how social networks and relationships affect economic
actions, such as the provision of loans, the acquisition of a job, and the
successful construction of deals. Empirical studies examine how prices are set,
why some pricing schemes that do not seem rational are instead understandable
and predictable, and how markets are incorporated into social life, and vice
versa.
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| Postcard at the Africa Arts and Crafts stall at the Museum of Ethnology's Market of Nations event, Hamburg, Germany |
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| Ancient picture of Hamburg, Germany. |
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| Art products made from recycled comic books at the Museum of Ethnology's Market of Nations event, Hamburg, Germany. Photo: Martina |
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| Joe, a Ghanaian at his stall at the Museum of Ethnology's Market of Nations event, Hamburg, Germany. Photo: Martina |
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| Customer interaction at the Museum of Ethnology's Market of Nations event, Hamburg, Germany |
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| Mambo Ntema wearing a handmade shirt from Mexico. The art is made by rural women in remote Mexican territories and costs €45 each at the Museum. The exhibitor's friendliness and business articulation led me to buy this as a present for my suki Etsuko Nagayama. |
4.2
November 15, 2015, 16h00:
SOUL SEEDS Poetry
Reading session. Lesung von Onalethuso Ntema, Dichter und Autor
(in englischer Sprache), Großer
Hörsaal, Museum für Völkerkunde, Hamburg DE. I interacted on
Soul Seeds and the circle of ideas and poetic interpretation was
fulfilling.
 |
| Mambo Ntema reading some poems from his self-published poetry anthology SOUL SEEDS: Reality and Mental Inspiration poetry at the Großer Hörsaal, Museum für Völkerkunde, Hamburg, Germany. 15 November, 2015. |
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| Mambo Ntema giving a teaser of his poetic and folk prowess at the Maun International Arts Festival 2014, Open Mic Poetry Slam session, Maun. Photo: Poetavango |
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| Art builds a family, for words are without borders. Chris Woba Kele (left) from Reunion Island interacting with Botswana creatives Thato Molosi, Chief Kunta and Mambo Ntema during MIAF 2015. Photo: Eric 'Mochana' Motswasele. |
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| Mambo Ntema #BlakkMambo during a Book Reading photo shoot session at Kasane Hot Springs along the Chobe-Zambezi river. 20 October 2015. Photo: Masule Kachana - DeBoo Photography |
The last few days were
very hectic and interesting, and I´d cycle in the rain as dozens more did. And
a ´Go well Mambo´ with the family of ideas and practice. I feel warmed by the
exchange. Very inspiring. Hopefully tomorrow I will set foot on an iron bird
heading back to Africa.
I am proud of everyone I met and exchanged with, the need for communities to
engage and work as a team to do things collectively. Be it anything.
Permaculture, Art and Cultural tourism etc. oneBlood. What a journey.
4.1
November 16, 2015: 18h00-1920, departed Munich at
20h30:
I left Hamburg at
1800hr on Monday to Munich. But the flight between Munich and Johannesburg was
an overnight kind, and I had a strangest encounter with an unknown but racist
human kind whom, instead of sitting next to me decided to ask for a
different seat. I took it as being insecure and fearful of the melanin skin and
just rubbished him off to die his lonely self. And yes, it is real, humans
still have a long journey to be tolerant of one another.
A long one actually,
from ancient times until today and perhaps for ages more. It is a greatest wall
between humans and being human; an artificial boundary, a selfish one, an
irrelevant kind. O what a foolish one!
4.2
November
17, 2015: 08h30-14h45
I set foot in
Johannesburg on Tuesday around 0830hr and had to mingle around the streets of
Johannesburg to have a feel of Africa's magic city. I met one frank old man
that shared with me a bottle of water and told me that he was once in exile in
Botswana, a long time ago and he urged me to continue 'walk the journey' to
emancipate the African child from modern slavery and racial torture. He was an
inspiration.
I have friends in
Johannesburg and we exchanged on some few poetic metaphors to inspire the
creative minds further. I felt as though clouds had fallen over my shoulders, I
felt the raindrops of yesterday's storm.
I manoeuvred, whilst
waiting for a flight from Jo’burg to Gaborone which took off at 1200hr. On
arrival in GBE at 1445hrs, I called on to tell my daughter that I am still
alive, she was worriedly happy, I promised her that I will be in Maun early
December, she seemed ok with it. I was not convinced though, still not, but
headed to Mmopane to check on Madala Woba Kélé and
spent a night there, sharing my Europe experience with, and plans for the
artistic kind.
4.3
November
18, 2015
And the next
morning, headed North but Central. And of course I received more than 100 calls
from all corners of this beloved land Botswana. Thank you for being there when
nobody did. Few people understand the artistic journey, but we need everyone on
board. Despite challenges encountered, I am a strong man. It’s part of
life.
1.
CONCLUSION
Art
is an economics of the abstract language, the multi-interpretative yet complex
but simple, the epitome of the ideal but real. But often lost in shaded
textures of human interactions as gestures collide in the physical when
emotions reveal the animal in human. I do not seek the tension. But words as
they collide creatively, to feed us more with dozens of imaginative yet
realistic dimensions of existence (and death in gothic artworks). My mind is
super truant but I try hide my innocence as dark as a dark cloud beneath
thunderstorms. And I can confess that at most, what I write is purely
imaginative but real, because I am an active social being; a social actor. I am
not as normative but nomadic in trying to feed my thirsty dynamics of the world
view around that surrounds me. I am as curious as a new born. I wish I could
just write or sketch when it does detain me to, but I am a captive of a human.
Always captured in a series of words connecting to the other like voices in
echoes. I rendered to be vulnerable; perhaps I'd find a soulmate within me. Art
is. And the bonding blends with time, as time tells its own. Yet to find the
Silent Seeker; the Orator of words on a canvas, the painter, the sculptor, the
singer, the speaker of words spoken, the farmer's seed soils, the lonesome, the
fearless, the cruel, the jewel, the mermaid, the ape. But apes have their own
human kind. And I am their human kind. For I am. Just for them. And us all,
like monkeys and all things on the planet. We are objects and atoms of our
time. Yet the future knows none of us, unless the art is revealed in our golden
stories. And shared amongst us, because we are human; artistic human of the
kind to create from thought to speech or textured. Beneath silent rivers,
mountain cages, sacred jungles, broken traces, fallen faces and so on. Art is a
history. A mystic. A victim of our thinking and wishes...” - Abstract
notes from Art is... poem. Langá maye!
Ntema, OPB (#BlakkMAMBO)
#CreativeCulturalTourism
Invited by:
Mrs. Tuerkan Monteiro - Board Secretary - Museum of Ethnology, Hamburg, Germany
Sponsored by:
CHIZO TRAVEL & TOURS, Ministry of Youth Sport and Culture, Botswana Tourism Organization, ILANGA Tours, Mr. David Tregilgies, Mr. Kaone Autlwetse, Mr. Phil Aaron, Eric Mazebedi (representing the Fundraising team).
Travel Agent: CLARIO Travel & Tours, Kasane
Supported by:
Chobe Alliance for Arts Organization (CAAO).
Graphics by:
BlakkMambo Media, DeBoo Photography, ISHYN GATES Media
cc. Juby Peacock, Chris Woba Kele
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