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Afrofuturism The Evolution (20th - 21st Century)

The concept of Afrofuturism was first brought to life by cultural critic Mark Dery in an essay called Black to the Future.

MY TOUCHCAST PROJECT: http://touchcast.com/veronicac/afrofuturism-0182

Afrofuturism draws together elements of astral jazz, African-American sci-fi and psychedelic hip-hop into an all-encompassing philosophy, imagining alternative visions of tomorrow.

Afrofuturistic Science Fiction Novels

A quick introduction to the concept of Afrofuturism

Now let us dive into the evolution of this extraordinary movement

AFROFUTURISM IN THE 20TH CENTURY

When talking about Afrofuturism we can certainly find its elements in the music of artists that use this movement to express their views, feelings and desires.

SUN RA

An American jazz composer, bandleader, piano and synthesizer player, poet and philosopher.

He was known for his "cosmic" philosophy, experimental music and theatrical performances

HE WAS ESSENTIALLY A PIONEER FOR AFROFUTURISM

He would reflect his linkage of ancient African culture, specifically Egypt, and the cutting edge of the Space Age through using Afrocentric and space-themed titles within his works.

In his movie Space is the Place, Sun Ra shows elements of pure Afrofuturism

GEORGE CLINTON and parliament funkadelic

Probably one of the most noticeable afrofuturistic albums from George Clinton was Mothership Connection

In an interview he was describing this album and George Clinton said "We had put black people in situations nobody ever thought they would be in, like the White House. I figured another place you wouldn't think black people would be was in outer space. I was a big fan of Star Trek, so we did a thing with a pimp sitting in a spaceship shaped like a Cadillac, and we did all these James Brown-type grooves, but with street talk and ghetto slang."

afrofuturism in THE 21ST CENTURY

ERYKAH BADU

She is an American record producer, singer-songwriter, disc jockey, activist, and actress.

Badu was recognizable for her eccentric style during the beginning of her career, which often included wearing very large and colorful headwraps.

The majority of her music is influenced by her beliefs of the Nation of Gods and Earths and her exploration of her African heritage.

JANELLE MONÁE

She is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and model

She has similarities to Sun Ra and George Clinton.

Monáe has stated that she has an alter-ego named Cindi Mayweather who according to Monáe is from the year 2719, this places her in the afrofuturism movement.

OTHER 21ST CENTURY ARTISTS WHO HAVE BEEN AT SOME POINT CHARACTERIZED AS AFROFUTURISTS

FKA TWIGS

IBEYI

RAS G

AFROFUTURISM TODAY THROUGH LITERATURE, MUSIC, MOVIES ,TV SHOWS ETC.

Afrofuturism is more than a simple concept or a simple genre or even a simple movement, it is a much more complex outlet and vessel for the voice of those who have been marginalized and oppressed. It is the voice of the African American community, it is the creative outlet of these individuals from African American decent who have seen their culture being looked down upon by society. They want to express their feelings towards this oppression and Afrofuturism is the most incredibly futuristic way of letting your voice be heard.

Credits:

Created with images by pedrosimoes7 - "África Imens. (1980) - Bertina Lopes (1924 - 2012)" • cdrummbks - "dhalgren" • cdrummbks - "wild seed"

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