I read, listened, and watched a bit of things this year. I narrowed down my list of favorites to five books, five movies, and five albums. It was tough cutting the list down to only three sets of five, but doing this allowed me to see what really stuck out in 2024. In no particular order here they are:
Books
The Stone Virgins – Yvonne Vera: My thoughts about this fantastic book have already been covered in my review of the book (you can access the review on the site). Nonetheless, this was an outstanding read for the year. Vera is able to achieve a certain feeling and experience by her tight use of prose. The Stone Virgins is an important book, given that it speaks so timely to the current climate of gender-based violence.
The Incal – Jodorowsky and Mœbius: The Incal is a graphic novel written by Alejandro Jodorowsky, the Chilean filmmaker and illustrated by the world-renowned cartoonist Jean Giraud, aka Mœbius. I read this when the year began. I’d describe The Incal as strange and brilliant. It is incredibly drawn by Mœbius, and Jodorowsky’s story is captivating and inspiring. There were several panels in the book that left me shocked and amazed. This is a must read for comic book lovers and readers of good media in general.
Cry, The Beloved Country – Alan Paton: I had Alan Paton’s Cry, The Beloved Country on my to be read list for quite some time. I learnt it back in high school but nearly forgot everything about it. I watched the adaptation starred by the late James Earl Jones. This stirred me enough to deem it an important read. Diving into South Africa’s past through one of its important observers was eye opening and quite poignant at times. Paton treats the story of reverend Khumalo’s search for his son in the city of Johannesburg with such grace and care. I was also reminded whilst reading that much of the social ills present in the book still remain in this beautiful and beloved country.
As I Lay Dying – William Faulkner: I read Faulkner’s book without having much expectations going into it. It took some time getting into the perspectives of each of the characters. But there was one chapter in particular that opened up the story for me. Once I read this chapter the book transformed into something special. Faulkner’s approach and how he crafted the story is nothing short of artistic brilliance. I haven’t seen many authors treat the theme of death, family, and duty in such a way. The book rewards multiple reads for sure.
African Psycho – Alain Mabanckou: Irreverent, silly at times, and wholly incredible in its approach and style. Mabanckou’s novella had me laughing, shocked, amused, and just simply amazed. African Psycho is about a man who is obsessed with a famous serial killer of the town. His obsession leads him into all sorts of troubles. As ridiculous as the story might appear, Mabanckou manages to say something about being human through his protagonist, including the contemporary culture of valorizing men who commit such heinous crimes. Expect a full review of this in the coming year!
Movies
Portrait of a Lady on Fire – Celine Sciamma: I saw some one talk about this movie and its visuals. As soon as I got a chance I gave it a try, and it sure did not disappoint. The cinematography was out of this world (the film was shot by Claire Mathon, who was the cinematographer behind Mati Diop’s Atlantics, another film that’s a must see). But the film is not all visuals and no substance, the film actually has a lot to say about the artist and their work. This was quite a refreshing take on the concept of the muse. Brilliantly acted, beautifully shot, and well directed – what more could you want from a movie.
Black Girl – Sembene: You can’t go wrong with the father of African cinema. Black Girl is Sembene’s most popular film, and there is a reason why. Sembene takes a simple concept, one that many of us are familiar with - of the maiden or helper. He uses the reality of a black woman working for a white couple as an offshoot to dramatize themes of class and racism, the pursuit of false utopias in Europe, and the solitude of being cut away from your home and people. A small film that packs a punch and gets to the point. A must watch for African cinephiles.
The Wagoner (Borom Sarret) – Sembene: Sembene once again. This time it is his first film, Borom Sarret, or the Wagoner. The film is only twenty minutes long, but its impact is one that will last long after. Already you can notice the makings of a brilliant film maker by this outstanding debut film. Sembene brings to the fore the harsh realities of modern Senegal through the life of a man who drives his wagon about the streets like a taxi. We not only see the unfair conditions the man finds himself in, but we also see that his misfortunes are shared by the community as a whole.
Black Narcissus – Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger: This was one of those movies I went into cold. I had no clue what the plot was about. All I knew was that it was held highly by critics. It probably ended up being for the best because not seeing some of the plot twists coming turned out to be quite an enjoyable experience. The film was shot in technicolor (just like the Wizard of OZ, by Victor Fleming) at a time when black and white films were at their most popular and dominant. So the film is ground breaking when it comes to these feats of color grading and lighting.
Andrie Rublev – Andrie Tarkovsky: There were three Tarkovsky films I watched this year, somehow Andrie Rublev stood out from among the rest. The Sacrifice and Ivan’s Childhood were incredible, and must be seen, but this one held a special place in my heart. A painter commissioned to paint a church is given the opportunity every artist longs for in their life, but things don’t turn out as planned when the forces of human history clashes with the daily lives of these men. Like all Tarkovsky’s films, this one is a true masterpiece.
Music
Curtis Mayfield: I listened to several albums by the great maestro of soul and funk, Mr. Curtis Mayfield. His 1974 album, Sweet Exorcist, was such a highlight for the year for me. I had many songs on repeat. Mayfield was a man in his own league. Musically he was a once in a generation kind of artist. And there was a level of depth and political consciousness that unapologetically marked his music unlike his Motown counterparts. His compositions were soulful and spoke of the black American experience with such dignity and orchestral elegance.
Musow Danse – Les Amazones d’Afrique: A good friend of mine invited me to a concert. He never spoke much about the acts but he said they were an African band led by west African women lead singers – I never asked any questions, and just said Yes! And what a performance it was. Les Amazones d’Afrique not only impressed the crowd, they almost tore the roof open with the exhilarating performance they gave. I was most impressed by their sound – it was eclectic, driven by an abrasive synthesized keyboard and lively drums that almost resembled the sounds of Hip Hop. But what brought together this strange avantgarde soundscape is the high-pitched vocals of these leading women. Powerful is an understatement.
Descendants of Cain – Ka: Descendants of Cain is an album by the late American rapper Kaseem Ryan, popularly known as Ka. Unfortunately I was one of those late comers when it came to the music of Ka. His death in October this year somewhat sparked a flame that became bright enough for the word to reach out. I finally came around to listen to him. I began with the Thief Next to Jesus, and what can I say … there is a before and after once you’ve listened to Ka, and after that you are never the same. Many of his listeners will praise Ka for his sharp and heavily layered lyricism (he is indeed one of the best to do it). But what made me take a step back and really appreciate his style of music was that it went further than modern rap would ever attempt to go. There’s not much I can say in this brief space, but Ka is probably the most important lyric-poet/rapper to have come out of the black American experience.
Sibeba – Hijas Del Sol: Hijas is a duo comprised of aunt and niece, Piruchi Apo Botupá and Paloma Loribo Apo. Hailing from the Spanish speaking African nation of Equatorial Guinea, the duo infuse strong vocal performances backed by salient, unintrusive melodies and sounds that carry a rich African spirit and tradition. Sibeba is an outstanding album, akin to the likes of Salif Keita’s Moffou (1992) or Amadou and Mariam’s Sou Ni Tile (1998). Songs like Kòkòriòkò, or Rëa (Luna), and A Bola Bè Itohì are just a few that will transport you to another plain of sonic elation.
Zimology – Zim Ngqawana: There are many who think of jazz as just musical instruments banded together to make up something esoteric or even worse incomprehensible. As a listener of jazz I must admit that there is some truth to this. But it takes a special talent to transform these typical sounds of the horn, the trumpet, the drums and keyboard into something that invites meditation and deep reflection. Zim Ngqawana is that person. His sound is so warm and calming. There is a deep gospel undertone that undergirds everything, almost recreating what it feels like to be in a black church on Sunday morning. There is a voice in jazz like no other, and that voice belongs to Zim Ngqawana.
These were the musicians, film directors, and authors that accompanied me throughout the year. I hope 2024 was kind to you.
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