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STRANIERIINITALIA.IT| Algeria hosts African Comic artists |
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It can be said that Africa gave the world, art, part of which has now evolved into comic art
 3rd September 2009: In the 1990s, Algeria was wrecked by low-level civil war between the secular state and Islamic extremists, but under President Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s rule, thousands of the armed fundamentalists took advantage of an amnesty offer.At the request of the African Union, Algeria hosted the Second Pan-African Cultural Festival (PANAF), 40 years after the North African country hosted a similar event for the first time. At that time, several nations were still struggling for independence. The African Comic Strip was given a pride of place among the PANAF activities held in Algiers, the nation’s capital, under tight security. The International Festival of the Comics held in Algeria was like none before it in Africa. When the Algerian Ministry of Culture decided to support this Comic Festival known in French as FIBDA, it brought together a total of over 20 cartoonists from French speaking and English speaking African nations. More than 60 cartoonists from all around Africa had their works beautifully displayed at the Festival‘s spacious hall. Various styles and techniques were used for the comics and cartoon strips on display including the use of computer soft wares to enhance images.  Cartoonists in attendance came from Senegal, Nigeria, Algeria, Madagascar, Central African Republic, Ghana, Cote Divoire, Egypt, Togo, Republic of Benin, Equatorial Guinea, Chad, Mali, Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Congo, Gabon, Tanzania, Burkina Faso, and Cameroon. Many African Comic Strips and pages were on display at SAFEX, Algeria’s Trade Fair for exhibitions.Representing the Algerian Government, Culture Minister, Madame Khalida Toumi, who also headed the Committee for the Comics Festival was at hand to launch the official catalogue of African Artists produced by Algeria’s Ministry of Culture. Each African artist’s work and biography is featured in the book with a perfect binding. As part of the exhibition Congolese singer Barly Baruti who also is a very good illustrator sang with his group throughout the Festival. His impromptu singing at any time to visitors to the exhibition, to the Minister of Culture, at the hotel, at dinner and during Press conferences left everyone asking for more of his music. Barly also staged a concert for the cartoonists with guests and dignitaries in attendance and the Algerian public as well. They all enjoyed every moment of his performance after which all cartoonists were called on to the stage with applause from the audience to thank all for coming to this special concert.  During the concert in which Comic artist T.T. Fons was the MC, giant screens on both sides of the stage had comic artists sketching their funny thoughts during the performance which were projected on to the screens with everyone laughing to the quick and witty sketches. A highlight of the festival was going to watch Malian superstar, Salif Keita perform at the Martyrs monument in Algiers. President in charge of the Comics Festival, Madame Dalila Nadjem, had her team namely Nazim Mekbel, Zak Hadji, Adnan Chouli and others at hand to take care of the invited artists and make their stay memorable. The festival also invited young aspiring Algerian cartoonists who mingled with the invited Comic artists to showcase their talents and seek advice from the experienced artists. We try to find humour in our daily existence and at times try to tell stories, especially when we are going through rough patches in our lives. Politics and social ills seem so much less serious in the newspaper comic strip, and many find comfort in this funny form of art. Some find heroes between the pages of a comic book, others learn valuable life lessons; but no matter what you take away from comics, these delightful sketches have become a part of our lives, and sometimes, our escape.  This was a delight for many at the festival as there was not a dull moment but of artists singing, dancing, making funny cartoon voices and telling their stories through their pencils and pens. The earliest form of cave art was from the old Kingdom of ancient Egypt. It can be said that Africa gave the world, art, part of which has now evolved into comic art. To celebrate the artists who have put smiles on our faces and to encourage young artists, Algeria will be hosting the second Festival International de la Bande Dessinee d’Alger, or International Festival of the Comic in October 2009.
By TAYO Fatunla
 
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