Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 1982 (Creation)
Level of description
Subseries
Extent and medium
5 pages
Context area
Name of creator
Administrative history
The Medu Art Ensemble was formed by South Africa exiles in Gaborone, Botswana, in 1978. The organisation produced a wealth of creative work across all major art-forms; the roup further played a key role in shaping aesthetic and cultural theory and praxis within Africanist and liberation struggles. On June 14 1985, the South African Defence Force attacked the homes of Medu members and other activists in Gaborone, killing 12 people; Medu as an organisation ceased to exist.
Name of creator
Biographical history
Repository
Archival history
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Content and structure area
Scope and content
Is the concept of "black poetry" valid? James Matthews argues that black poetry has become a powerful force in South Africa. He suggests that poetry by and about the black majority is locally grounded and people no longer look toward America for such inspiration. Matthews draws links between black poetry, black consciousness and black power.
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
Accruals
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use area
Conditions governing access
Conditions governing reproduction
Permission to publish must be obtained from the Medu Art Ensemble Project.