October 16, 2024 | 4 PM
Helen C. White 6191
Àjò Mi: Performance and Protest in Contemporary Africa
In my presentation “Àjò Mi,” I pay attention to the visual and performative dimensions of youth and student activism in Nigeria. I pose critical questions about how visual and performance texts enhance our understanding of the historical and discursive construction of activism among Nigerian youth. My research emphasizes the role of artistic expressions—such as dance, music, and social media—in shaping socio-political narratives and fostering cultural resistance. Through my first visit to the Fela Shrine, a significant cultural venue, I highlight the interplay between performance and activism, examining how dance serves as a medium for political expression and collective identity among youth. Ultimately, I hope comprehend the impact and the complexities of urban life in contemporary Nigeria.