Audience Criticise Stereotyped Film

Although their intention might be to showcase Africa and its people during the inauguration of Afrimage, a film project spearheaded by the trio of Sorel Kembe-Arthur, David Abia-Okon and Reisinger David; some of the audience criticised one of the films described as formulaic conception. Archie Bonka was there for this report read more

Ghana's Willing Embrace of Democracy

By Bonka Archie

In Praise of Ghana Election

Once again Ghanaians have demonstrated that democracy can be peacefully practiced and entrenched across the African Continent. Long live Ghana, long live Africa read more

Charity March to Africa

By Hakeem Babalola

Helping Africa

Ambulance buses were the hallmark of a Charity March concert recently held at BM Dunapalota in Budapest where four of the eighteen buses were stationed and expected to be driven to five West African countries on 23rd March 2009 in a joint project being undertaking by more than twenty Hungarian businessmen who are currently working and residing in Africa read more

Ghana's Willing Embrace of Democracy

By Bonka Archie
In Praise of Ghana Election

The practice of totalitarianism by different governments in Africa has always portrayed the region and its people as total failure. In spite of abundant human and natural resources that pervade the continent, it seems the region is caused

On December 7, 2008, Ghanaians went to the polls for a change. But contrary to voters’ expectations, the campaigns were so dirty, especially between the two main parties. They resulted to playing tribal cards which has always jeopardized our development. This scenario had initially painted the whole country in colour - of fear.

The elections itself became the focus of the world since we all know that the aftermath of African multi-party elections is always chaos and anarchy. But this time around Ghanaians proved the bookmakers wrong. They have shown that Africa has embraced democracy; and that it’s not just one party system, tribal wars, coup d tats and famine. Ghanaians has shown the world that Africans can be patriotic, responsible, determined and democratic.

This was exhibited on December 7 2008 when Ghanaians voted in a free, fair, and transparent election. The result was too close to call so neither the two main parties were able to acquire the maximum votes needed. The ruling party lost most of its parliamentarian seats to the opposition National Democratic Congress while it led in the presidential seats with 49.7 % which prompted a run off or what I call a penalty shoot out held on December 28 2008.

The National Democratic Congress eventually won 229 out of 230 constituencies in the presidential run off while the seats in the parliament are well divided. In my view, the balance will pave way for good policy implementation and transparency rather than our attitude of rubber stamping that has characterized African governments across the Continent.

Once again Ghanaians have demonstrated that democracy can be peacefully practiced and entrenched across the African Continent. Long live Ghana , long live Africa .

Audience Criticise Stereotyped Film on Africa

A film that meant to enlighten Hungarians about Africa and its people eventually turned the audience off at the inauguration of Afrimage, a film project designed to show both the positive and negative sides of the continent. However, some of the audience accused the organisers of what they termed lack of taste and formulaic conception.

The event which attracted mainly Hungarians was held on 14 January at the African-Hungarian Union Office in Budapest where two different films were shown about Africa and its people.

The first film focuses mainly on the hustling and bustling lives in the capital cities of the two Congo Democratic Republics - Kinshasa and Brazzaville. Artisans, craftsmen, market women, painters, and the Congolese National television staff are seeing being interviewed in the documentary.

The second film concentrates much on pigeonhole that stereotyped Africa and its people as lazy and poor. It shows about fifteen Congolese teenagers, including children living in a pathetic condition that makes slum a luxury. Although the moderator had warned the audience about the nature of the film, many still believed it shouldn't have been shown because of its sensitivity and gory message.

Unable to hold back their disbelieve, three Hungarians who had spent several years in Africa criticised the rationale behind such blatant display of a film lacking originality or individuality.

Questioned about the offending film, the brains behind the project, Sorel Kembe-Arthur and David Abia-Okon whose fathers are from Congo and Nigeria respectively, said that better films will be shown as time goes on, adding that this was just the beginning.

Bálogh Sándor, African Hungarian Union president, who is the sole sponsor of the event, spoke about the difficulties facing most African countries, especially the ongoing war in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo which, according to him, has displaced women and their children.

Reports by Archie Bonka
Written by Hakeem Babalola

The scramble for Africa's fund

By Hakeem Babalola

Comment & Analysis

For example, France Motumbo, a Congolese who is the president of the Foundation for Africa, admitted that Hungarians are behind his foundation although he is the one running it physically. It seems to me that the practice of uplifting Africa out of altruism has led this continent into a philosophical cul-de-sac culminated in new slavery. Otherwise why should we Africans see living in “Western continent” as a do or die affair? Isn’t it a tragedy for Africa if its brightest minds must escape to the “Western continent” before making use of their intellects? read more

Africa Day Marked in Hungary

Africa Day Special

Archie Bonka was at the recent Africa Day in Hungary where he filed this report for those who who could not attend click to read story

Africa Day Marked in Hungary

Archie Bonka Reports

Africa Day

This year's Africa Day was celebrated in Budapest by several civil societies connected with African activities on May 23 in Hungary at the Painters Club.

The occasion was used as a platform to discuss some of the issues affecting immigrants and minorities, especially the best way for their integration.

Participants include Gabriel Deen of Mahatma Ghandi Foundation, Lorince Marcel from the Art Mission Foundation, Zoltán from the Immigration Head Office, a representative from MENEDEK and a refugee from Sudan.

The participants debated on language barrier, lack of jobs, racism, and detaining of refugees in Hungary

Gabriel Deen seemed unhappy that refugees are not being adequately protected. "Refugees should not be sent to prison," he argued, adding that they should be protected because they left their different countries in order to escape from brutality.

A representative from the Immigration Head Office, Zoltán, disagreed saying, since most of those who applied for asylum came into the country illegally, they must face the law for illegal entry should their application be rejected.

Meanwhile, the Sudanese refugee appeared unimpressive during the debate. It was apparent that he was naive about the topic in question. For example, he seemed to lack knowledge about the happenings in Sudan - his country.

Business and Aid also feature during the debate. Many participants believed that before the aid packages could be meaningful, transparency and good governance must first be the priority otherwise most people will have died before the arrival of the aid packages.

Apart from debate, about three hundred school children from various Primary and Secondary schools around the country seized the opportunity to learn about Africa, especially paintings from TINGATINGA art collections in which Dr. Sarungi Emoke of KIKOA Art explained in details with so much enthusiasm.

However, the turnout of Africans were so poor that prompted a Hungarian lady who had spent thirty-six years in Lagos, Nigeria to ask a pertinent question as she registered her disappointment.."Where are the Africans?"

Even without many Africans in attendance, AFRICA-HUNGARY PLATFORM which was housed in a nomadic tent, took the participants to Africa through a big screen showing African films from Cairo to Cape Town.

Both Afro Magic and Chalaban Bands provided entertainment.

SAHARA FOUNDATION, AFRICAN-HUNGARIAN UNION, HELLO AFRICA, AFRIKAERT FOUNDATION and the AFRICA-HUNGARY PLATFORM are some of the organisations that grace the occasion.

A Night Out at an African Party

Archie Bonka recently attended an African party where he marvelled at the way the Masai tribe managed to keep their culture and ways of life in this era of American culture that pervades our world. "I am proud of them," he says. Roll along with Archie in this detail account of the night in question click to read the full story

A Night Out at an African Party

By Archie Bonka

I recently attended an African party held at the GŐDŐR CLUB. The party was organised by the ONE WORLD PROJECT, RADIO TILOS and THE AFRICAN-HUNGARIAN UNION.

Whilst party is part of our social life, I couldn't help wondering why most programmes involving Africans in Hungary have to be all about party.

I mean, why can't we have lectures, symposiums, forums for the enlightenment of youths and so on? This is a serious issue that I think should agitate the minds of our brothers living in Hungary.

Anyway, my first impression as I entered the club was the civil organisations' display of their logo, t-shirts and other souvenirs. Going further, I saw the FAIR TRADE stand where Babylon Shop displayed African handicrafts, clothes and musical instruments.

I quickly noticed that Babylon Shop was the only African stand at the event. Mr. Umar, a Senegalese owner of the Babylon Shop, criticised the organisers for their failure to invite a dance groupe to radiate the occasion with authentic African rhythm.

Meanwhile, I was marvelled at Loraint Attila's beautiful Masai tribal pictures on display which shows the contagious and wreathed smiles on the faces of the indigenous people. They look proud in those marvellous pictures, and I am proud that these people have managed to keep their culture and ways of life in this era of American culture that pervades our world.

It is to their credit that they have kept their culture since time immemorial up to 21st century. In case you don't know, those smiles are a symbol of Hakuna Matata.

I kept doing my things until I met the programme manager, Ms Ujszázi Gyórgyi who offered a cup of well blended coffee which according to her, comes directly from the source. Ujszázi then explained to me the significance of this fair trade.

"Due to the patiality of the World Trade Organisation concerning pricing of commodities from third World producers," she says. "the programme is to bring awareness to the general republic and consumers at large of the negative effects poor pricing have on producers from the so-called their World countires".

She was passionate when she told me that the proceeds from the sale of these commodities which are being sold in many Bio shops in Budapest would be used to upgrade the standard of living associated with these poor producers.

I also met Ms Ágnes Zolyani of TAITA foundation, a non profit organisation supporting 28 orphans whose parents died from AIDS virus in Kenya. In response to my question on where the funds came from, Ms Zolyani confides in me that such "funds usually come from individuals".

However, I was astonished to see different kinds of African musical intruments beautifully displayed at the ETNO AFRO SOUND stand. These are the instruments one can only fream of seeing in Hungary. The most interesting perhaps, is the big calabash full of water with a medium one turn upside down, and whenever you tap on the medium one upside down then you get good sound we usually get from drumming.

At the African-Hungarian Union stand were rare African wooden antiques I believe dated back from 18th century. It comes from shrines or palaces because they are not known to be privately owned. Most of these sculptures are from Benin, Congo, Guinea, Nigeria and so on. A particular one caught my attention: the Oba Ile Ife's head.

Finally, I watched the AFRO MAGIC band with its new Afro beat style with full of noise that can block ones ear drums. The show was not all that bad, but I hope the organisers would invite more Africans next time.

Does African Man Love Himself?

Hakeem Babalola

Other men have been using their low but beguiling voices into making the African man abandon his self. After the partition, his religion, language, lifestyle, and even ways of thinking were taken from him. When other men told him that his religion was evil, he echoed evil and abandoned it.
click and read more...

Does African Man Love Himself?

By Hakeem Babalola

Being in a deep study of the African man would expose him. It seems he hates himself. No, he does not hate himself but he does not want to be himself. He likes to copy other types of men. He has completely forgotten that the only way for him to command respect is to be himself; to find a course of plan suitable for him and his environment.

When a man voluntarily throws away his culture, language, religion, and ways of thinking, he is actually burying himself in a fad that will likely hound him to his grave. When a man surreptitiously believes the aggressive propaganda of other men that labels him a third class fellow, then he is implicitly placing his children’s children in a sky-high tomb.

One of the worst thing that could happen to a man is to watch other men rape his daughter or mother or wife or sister. When that happens and such a man laughs it off, then he has only cowardly postponed the date of his death. And then he dies every day afterwards. When he is on his knees begging those who have stolen his properties and raped his mother, he is invariably saying I am unworthy and I am at your mercy.

The African man likes building castle in the air. He derives pleasure in building a house without foundation. He enjoys being treated with excessive indulgence, making him believe the world has been invented for his entertainment. He naively believes others while he passionately mistrusts himself. He is ever ready to follow other men’s perspective of life at the expense of his own.

Other men have been using their low but beguiling voices into making the African man abandon his self. After the partition, his religion, language, lifestyle, and even ways of thinking were taken from him. When other men told him that his religion was evil, he echoed evil and abandoned it. They accused him of being too masculine and he accepted femininity. He has blasphemed his own religion and now the gods are angry with him.

Where and who should he run to? He is confused. And he does not know himself anymore. He could neither go forward nor backward. He is stagnant. So he is ready to accept anything including femininity as defined by other men. See what they have turned the African man to. They have inspired and helped him split on himself. Hum, their enslavement has always been a solace to him like a prayer.

Is the African man cheating himself? Because he often collaborates with his deceiver to steal from himself. He goes all about using Africa’s name in vain. Sometimes he hides under cultural promotion and, or helping African poor children whereas he’s only satisfying his inordinate ambition and that of his deceiver. And he does this with impunity and deadly ignorance. When will he come to his senses? When will he know that every step he takes in this direction annihilates his type; even himself?

Most of the time, the African man thinks he is very smart and thus helps other men to mock his roots. He shows them the smooth and blistering pace to go about it. He provides them with the necessary logistics in order to increase the suffering of Africa. The African man is ready to sell his brother and sister for mere porridge. And then he complains of not making any progress!

When African man shuns the curable leaf in his garden and pays a fortune for other men’s leaf, he is willingly saying his own medicine or herb is quite inferior. When he siphons his people’s money to other land, he is telling the whole world that he is a perfect idiot. When he traffics his own people to other land for money, he is saying that he is as useless as those he traffics. But he is too greedy and violently involved to understand.

What should he do? Let him sit himself down. He needs to meditate. He needs to look in retrospect and highlights where things have gone wrong. He must go back to his own gods and repent. He must resist the temptation of serving other gods. The African man must start afresh. Let him teach his offspring the culture, language, religion and social life of his ancestors.

For African man to live in this new world order, he must believe in himself. He must design a way of life suitable for his type. For instance, if democrazy is being practiced in other land, he may want to find the system that best describe him and his environment. Even if other men are going forward, he may want to go backward. The point is not to be like them since he can never. This is the only way other men would respect him. Let him endeavour to think independently.

It is also important for him to know that he would remain the scorn of other men if he continues to borrow money or asks for favour of any kind. Let the African man go back to his roots. Let him read his history. Let him discover Kwame Nkrumah. Let him listen to Bob Marley and Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. Let him want to be.

African man needs penitential through arduous journey to holy places to seek forgiveness for his sins, and he should not do it by proxy. Let him go on a journey barefoot. He is to pray, fast, and to give alms to the needy. Most especially he must remain chaste during this peregrination. This isn’t a punishment in a way since confession plays a more important part in people’s spiritual lives, as they turn inward to assess the state of their souls.

It can also serve as a luminous experience, which takes him to the margin of a new reality. When he comes back he shall be on a higher level. As he goes along, he must take pen and paper. He must write in capital letters, and swear before gods:

HENCEFORTH, I SHALL STOP DECEIVING MESELF. FROM NOW ON I SHALL STOP COPYING OTHER MEN. NOW I KNOW ONLY MESELF CAN BUILD AFRICA. NO OTHER MAN WILL BUILD IT FOR ME. TIME TO BE. TO BEEEEEEEEE.

Author’s note: The african man in this article is a parody of African leaders with the exception of Nelson Mandela, Julius Nyerere and a few others. Come to think of it, why should Africans need visa to go to other African countries?

Copyright 2007 - mysmallvoice@yahoo.com

Intellectual Bankruptcy of the African Elite

By Dr. Chika Onyeani

"The African scholar is intellectually dishonest. It is quite amazing that even in the field of history, our African elite has failed us in not producing well-researched publications on the history of the African continent. African scholars are the same the world over. You cannot point to any research they have come up with which has elicited comment which could be regarded as controversial. No African scholar in America is called upon as an expert on matters affecting Africa. All this is due to the shallowness of our "education," a non-commitment to the study of knowledge for the benefits of the people." click and read more

Chika Onyeani is the author of the No.1 bestselling book, "Capitalist Nigger: The Road to Success - A Spider Web Doctrine," as well as Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of the award-winning African Sun Times. Onyeani is a Fellow of the New York Times Institute for Journalists. His blockbuster novel, "The Broederbond Conspiracy," has been published to great acclaim and now on all stores where books are sold.