Authenticity and the African story

Abstract

This keynote presentation by Femi Odugbemi, titled ‘Authenticity and the African story’, delves into the intricate relationship between authenticity and the representation of African narratives in the global creative landscape. It explores the tension between maintaining the authenticity of cultural stories while adapting them to reach a global audience. Through compelling examples like the success of films such as Black Panther, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and The Woman King, the presentation examines how narratives rooted in African cultures can achieve widespread popularity even when not created by Indigenous African storytellers. The exploration of this phenomenon leads to an examination of the complex debate surrounding authenticity vs. commercial viability. The article acknowledges the challenges and risks of cultural appropriation, misrepresentation and inequality inherent in the commodification of cultural content. Balancing creative freedom and market demand, the presentation advocates for a collaborative approach, ensuring equitable compensation and involvement of originating cultures in the creative process. The discussion expands to the influence of technology, particularly AI and VR, in preserving, sharing and enhancing African narratives on a global scale. Ultimately, the presentation emphasizes that authentic storytelling involves a nuanced portrayal of human experiences, fostering empathy, understanding and economic opportunities while preserving cultural heritage and promoting a more truthful representation of Africa.