The Creative Artist, State and Society in Africa

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This article is a general survey of the complex relations between the creative artist, the state (or political/economic rulers) and the masses of society in Africa. Beginning with a historical account and analysis of the essentially conservative nature and function of traditional pre-colonial African art (i.e., the oral traditions) vis-a-vis the established power structure and society, in general, the paper goes on to discuss the ways in which contemporary writers and filmmakers define themselves and their art in relation to this indigenous artistic heritage, the present-day state structures and apparatuses and society. Where the traditional oral artist functions more as an advocate and promoter of the status quo, the contemporary writer and the filmmaker are seen to be vocal articulate critics and challengers of the established order, the self-appointed trumpets of the dispossessed masses. Oral artists, writers and filmmakers coexist today in Africa, and although each may relate in his/her own idiosyncratic way to the dynamics of contemporary sociopolitical life, they all share the common conception of art as an integral and crucial part of society, important primarily for the special way in which it throws light on the complex of relations and forces that define and shape society over time.