In the summer of 2021, the mood was gloomy. Everyone felt stuck and lonely. So the group of artists comprising Eupa got together to think about what we would do to connect. The project culminated with a drum circle around a bonfire, which we would stream online for anyone to join, and immortalized in video and photos.
Live stream event and a virtual portal with access to the time capsule and archives, incorporating collaborative works with different artists and people from Uganda, Germany, and all over the world that are open to the introspective change of our society and culture.
An aesthetic that has stood the test of time as a cultural pillar and voice for any community since the first discovery of fire, (Aprei akim)`okwota omuliro, sitting by the fire. Fireplaces have always been known to be a portal of cultural heritage, education, ways of life, storytelling, music, traditions that have been forgotten, laughter, and life.
Ejuku
What is your favourite word?
Multiple submissions from all over the world—all deeply-felt messages of love, friendship, joy and connection.
So many heartfelt words from all over the world. We got all kinds of words: Luganda, Kikuyu, Lusoga, Kinyarwanda, Swahili, German, French and many others.
Revisiting some old practices and using them to mirror our society through the use of art might bring a bit of solace and a reminder that our lives are not as shitty as they might seem to be, there’s always a light after the tunnel- Recentering African thought processes and inheritance of knowledge to reaffirm ancient wisdom and oral history. Decolonizing education, art, and human connection.
Ejuku
What is something you would like to pass on to the next generation?
Love is the only thing that matters! Love everyone regardless of their race
Phillip Ateesa ,Uganda
Music heals, “We sing what can’t be spoken” Anytime i may feel stressed out, having faded mold, feeling of disappointments and Failure i usually isolates myself to quiet and less distracted place with my guitar and sing my heart out and heart heals. The skills of Music and art, playing music instrument and hopes is what i want to situate and deposit in to the next young generation that is experiencing lot of depression.
Isabirye Mitch Uganda
Society has changed perception of how we treat our languages and most parents make it a point to teach their kids English as early as possible denying them the chance to learn their mother tongues. Therefore I would like the future generation to drop the notion of Kids that speak native languages aren’t cool and thus me as a writer am supposed to do my part and spread the word. “
James Gichuru AKA “Churu” Kenya
In community with others, you make better and more beautiful progress. Be careful with your messsages. Lets open our mind to the unknown. We need to un-learn and re-name. Not only speak to the converted. To go on, I want a vital and creative disagreement.
KARØ GOLDT Germany
i woul like to pass on the great ideas i have to the next generation and also let them know that everything in possible come what may.
Lwanyaga Phaixoual
“Something I would like to pass on to the next generation is to work hard and avoid laziness.”
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Eric Kwizera, Rwanda
learn how to appreciate the ordinary things they have /get in life, for they are a stepping stone in life.
Twesigye Angellinah, Uganda
To the next generation, I would like to pass on a sense of confidence not only in pursuit of what you want but also in facing who you are. Through my work as an author, I would like to awaken the power within for every reader, the confidence to chase those dreams that seem too big and the courage to live a life of open expression. Kendi Karimi, Kenya
A fireplace is a community symbol that signifies togetherness, strength, and oneness. As such, with similar values, EUPA shines its flames on-line to create a community that is inclusive of everyone, flames don't discriminate.