It was the 1800s, a time when the world was steeped in classical music and fine art and culture. In a bustling European city, whispers of an extraordinary event spread like wildfire. Die Swart Mozart, the brilliant composer and violinist, was set to perform. This wasn’t just any performance; it was an event that drew the elite, the fashionable, and the daring. And in the midst of this grand occasion, Ek, a Black woman designer, was determined to leave a mark. After all it was Brother performing and we had to come out right to represent.
My friends and I had spent weeks preparing for this night. We were more than just attendees; we were visionaries, bringing the elegance and richness of Afro fashion to the heart of Europe. Our gowns were crafted from the finest silks and adorned with intricate patterns inspired by our African heritage. Each stitch was a tribute to our culture, a celebration of our identity.
As we arrived at the grand concert hall, heads turned and whispers filled the air. Our entrance was nothing short of spectacular. I wore a flowing gown of ivory that shimmered under the candlelight. My friends were equally stunning, dressed in bold colors and fabrics that spoke of royalty and grace. My unique Africa-shaped leather bag was of course the talk of the night with many compliments. Ooo ja! It indeed add the perfect finishing touches to our ensembles. Inside, the atmosphere was electric. The concert hall was adorned with opulent chandeliers, and the audience buzzed with anticipation. We found our seats, and as the lights dimmed, Le Mozart Noir took the stage. His presence was commanding, his talent undeniable. The music he played was a fusion of classical elegance and African rhythm, a testament to his unique genius.
During the intermission, we mingled with the elite, our Afro fashion drawing admiration and curiosity. One by one, they approached us, eager to learn about our designs and the inspirations behind them. “Pride for my rich heritage and culture” I had replied so much it begun to sound like an anthem. It was a moment of cultural exchange, a blending of worlds that seemed worlds apart yet were connected through the universal language of art and fashion.
The night took an unexpected turn when a distinguished gentleman approached me. He introduced himself as a renowned art patron and expressed his admiration for my fashion. “Your designs are extraordinary,” he said. “They bring a breath of fresh air and the untold story of my African origin and Culture. My Mother is Senegalese” I smiled, humbled by his words. “I never knew and Thank you for the compliment. My fashion is and will always have a reflection of our heritage, our pride, and our journey.” He nodded thoughtfully. “I would love to showcase your work at an upcoming exhibition. Your designs deserve to be seen by the world.”
My heart soared. This was the opportunity of a lifetime, a chance to shine Afro fashion to the forefront of the European fashion scene. We exchanged contact information(Don’t forget this is all in my imagination, so it’s okay for me to picture unzipping my Africa Bag and pulling out my phone, lol). After exchanging numbers, I knew that this was just the beginning of something monumental.
As the concert came to a close, the audience erupted in applause. Le Mozart Noir had once again proven his brilliance, and we had made our mark. Our fashion had not only stolen the scene but also bridged a cultural gap, showcasing the beauty and elegance of African design. In that magical night, amidst the music and the glamour, we had rewritten the narrative. We were not just spectators; we were creators, influencers, and pioneers. And as we left the concert hall, our Africa-shaped leather bags swaying with each step, we knew that our journey had only just begun for the future.
Mozart Noir, the 1st Afro-French to... | Read MoreLess
Die kuns was nog altyd 'n belangrike rol gespeel in die geskiedenis en kultuur van Afrika-afstammelinge. Hoewel baie mense vandag dikwels die beperking van die omvang van die Art binne die Afrikaanse diaspora hip hop, rap, R & B, kontemporêre dans en al die ander ontluikende kontemporêre musikale kunsvorme, Afrika-nasate het bygedra tot n belangrike rol gespeel het in alle vorme van kuns en belangrike en betekenisvolle indrukke op hulle gemaak het.
Joseph Bo(jou)Logne, Chevalier de Saint-George (Desember 25, 1745 - Junie 10, 1799) also known as “Le Mozart Noir” or “the black Mozart” was the first black man to lead France’s most important orchestras. 'N Komponis, dirigent en viool-virtuose, Chevalier de Saint-George was born to an enslaved Senegalese Mother and a French colonialist in the French-Caribbean island of Guadeloupe and moved to France at the age of 8. Ook bekend vir sy atletiek-talente as 'n swemmer en swaardvegter, Hy was ook een van die vroegste Franse komponiste van strykkwartette, Sinfonia Concertante, en kwartette concertantes.
Chevalier de Saint-George se geskenk as 'n violis is dikwels met lof. In Arion CD 55445 (1999) violis Joel Marie Fauquet verklaar dat 'sy fluweelagtige talent op die viool soms het hom voorkeur bo die slimste kunstenaars van sy dag'. Sy superieure talente as dirigent van Le Concert was verteenwoordig deur die feit dat hy verklaar is as mense wat “die beste orkes in Parys vir simfonieë en miskien in Europa” by The Musical Almanac in 1775.
Ten spyte van sy kennis geneem van talente en sukses, Chevalier de Saint-George was nie immuun is teen die rassisme. Toe hy voorgestel as 'n musiek-direkteur van die Opera in 1776, waaroor baie mense geprotesteer en het 'n petisie aan die koningin verklaar dat Ten spyte van hierdie kennis geneem beswaar "hulle eer en hul delikate gewete kon nog nooit toelaat dat hulle voor te lê aan die bevele van' n mulat.", he persevered on and became one of the biggest stars in 18th century France.
Bob Marley advised “Don’t gain the world and lose your soul, wysheid is beter as goud of silwer…". Slegs deur die verkryging van kennis van ons ryk kultuur en geskiedenis sal ons in staat wees om die wysheid Bob Marley het gepraat van katern. Die verhaal van Chevalier de Saint-George bied nie net as 'n belangrike deel van die Suid-Afrikaanse geskiedenis van die wêreld, maar dit dien ook as 'n inspirasie vir die aspirant-kunstenaars.
It's beyond Fashion for us, It's weaving our own stories with pride and preserving our heritage in style. Enjoy your shopping Below.
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