John Akomfrah’s new multimedia installation remembers the millions of Africans who fought as soldiers or served as porters during the First World War.
Combining mixed archival sources with newly filmed material, artistic reflections and tableaux reconstructions, this groundbreaking work by one of the UK’s most celebrated filmmakers reveals how the conflict shaped the recent history of Africa and the lives of its inhabitants.
In 1914, both Britain and Germany controlled vast territories in Africa. Native men were enlisted to fight alongside Europeans on both sides, supported by an army of porters responsible for transporting food and equipment. Of the 100,000 deaths among British forces during the East Africa campaign, 90 per cent were porters and 45,000 came from Kenya alone.
Projected onto three screens, African Soldiertells a story of vast scope and enormous courage. In doing so it commemorates and celebrates the African men and women whose suffering has been neglected for too long.
Co-commissioned by 14-18 NOW, New Art Exchange, Nottingham and Smoking Dogs Films. With additional support from Sharjah Art Foundation.
More Lambeth Listings MORE
Jesús Aguaje Ramos & His B.V. Orchestra
Jesús ‘Aguaje’ Ramos (born 1951) is a Cuban trombonist, composer, arranger and musical director best known for performing…
Randall Goosby & Zhu Wang: Bologne & Schubert
The internationally acclaimed young violin and piano duo offer a feast of seductively gorgeous music, bringing to life…
Mix & Move: Hip-Hop Grooves
Showcasing dance styles and dancers from across the globe, Mix & Move is our monthly programme of accessible dance workshops…
Norman Jay’s Good Times Band
MondayThe legendary DJ and co-founder of the Good Times Sound System spreads good vibes with his funk, disco…
Black Culture Market – Summer – Windrush Market
Please join us for an inspiring showcase of carefully selected black businesses in May/June 2025. This is an…
Special Edition: Words on Wax
Come along to listen to a selection of curated poetry and music on records, and to hear from…
Chineke! Orchestra: Marsalis’ Fiddler’s Tale
Jazz icon Wynton Marsalis’ update of Stravinsky’s uncanny tale, L’Histoire du soldat (The Soldier’s Tale), is a modern parable of…
The Robert Cray Band
Take the rare opportunity to see the legendary guitarist and singer-songwriter as he shares some of the most…