Afefe Iku Osunlade Vows not to Return to Racist South Africa
To walk with respect as a black man, I was looked upon as in a “how dare you” from the blacks themselves.,”
Afefe Iku Osunlade played at Spring Fiesta this past weekend and it was his first visit back to our country for 10 years.
While the Yoruba Recs head honcho, and may I add awesome producer, DJ and musician seems to have thoroughly enjoyed his set and the event itself, he is less than impressed with the state of things in South Africa saying it is the most white privileged placed he has ever been to.
We interviewed Afefe Iku Osunlade before the event and he was genuinely excited about returning and of course there was no suggestion he expected anything other than a satisfying visit on his return for the event.
Sadly his experience in South Africa has left a rather distasteful impression on him. Not only does Afefe Iku Osunlade accuse the country of being by far the most racist he has experienced – even worse than America – he also points out the racial stereotyping that makes blacks also treat fellow blacks with less dignity than whites which he says is due to their conditioning.
He also urges international artists to boycott playing in South Africa suggesting they consider the bigger picture rather than their wallet and music.
Here is the full transcript from Afefe Iku Osunlade straight off his Facebook page… we’ve also embedded the original post…
Disclaimer
I neither agree nor disagree with the statements made by Afefe Iku Osunlade herein and reserve our right as a publication to formulate and harness our own personal and private opinion on the matter. This information is brought to you with the sole intention of offering an opinion from a DJ, music producer and human being that I have always held in the highest regard. – Dave Mac [IDM MAG Editor-In-Chief]
Official statement from Osunlade: Please read carefully
“Now im certain I’ll get lots of shit for this post however it must be said. It’s been about ten
years since my last visit to South Africa and I must say this trip has more than opened my
eyes that apartheid is alive and kickin! It’s absolutely the most white privileged place I’ve
ever experienced in my life and from this date I vow never to revisit it as long as it’s in its
current state! With all the love we artists receive from our brothers and sisters there, it’s not
enough for me to justify the treatment and moreso the conditioning that has become the
norm for those black Africans. I suppose I, like most was caught up in the smoke and mirrors
of the scene and how our music in general is received there, yet never had I realized the sad state of things. I experienced racism far beyond that of America which I thought was
impossible. Not only have blacks been trained to walk with their tails between their legs like
well trained monkeys but white supremacy is almost a given and not much a taken privilege.
To walk with respect as a black man, I waslooked upon as in a “how dare you” from the
blacks themselves., even to the point of being served after any white person by black
attendant in say business class on flights to simply feeling like it’s not my place or right to
be in such a position. I am a man like anyone else and I live my life in a treat me as U wish to
be treated, but I couldn’t help but feel outraged at how sad things are in this country. Of ourse
there like anything are the exceptions, I’ve met some amazing people of both sides of the coin
but again, performing for so many beautiful black people, sharing moments and music and
feeling the love of home, knowing these people probably gave their last to experience hearing
me and my peers only to return to some township lesser state of living and treatment
didn’t sit well with me. Again I know many will have their opinions about what I’m saying but I could give two fucks., it must be said! I admit like slavery in the states, which is alive as well today., things takes time to heal and move forward but fuck me, this is a new day where
people are celebrated for coming out gay or even changing sex to being applauded for
doing what should be common human courtesy toward one another. I wont sit nor accept the
state of this nonsense. Black peoples of South Africa you are not slaves or servants to the
whites in YOUR country, I know not what is needed to make change internally but I urge
you to wake up and act! Again I know nothing of your personal struggles but from the outside looking in there is more acceptance than any kind of respect or fight for what’s rightfully yours! Having Nelson Mandela’s name on things or singing songs is not enough. WAKE THE FUCK UP AND ACT LIKE TOU HAVE SOME DIGNITY!!
We come from kings and were never meant to only share our culture, land, bodies and spirits
as anything less. Light and Power To Us All! I say us as I am you and I hurt experiencing this
painful journey.
Osunlade
ps: I urge and call anyone brave enough to refrain from performing in this country., think
about your spirit and not your pocket., I know for most this territory is a big part of your
career and a huge cash cow however, know u condone and contribute to something far larger
than your wallet and music.”
years since my last visit to South Africa and I must say this trip has more than opened my
eyes that apartheid is alive and kickin! It’s absolutely the most white privileged place I’ve
ever experienced in my life and from this date I vow never to revisit it as long as it’s in its
current state! With all the love we artists receive from our brothers and sisters there, it’s not
enough for me to justify the treatment and moreso the conditioning that has become the
norm for those black Africans. I suppose I, like most was caught up in the smoke and mirrors
of the scene and how our music in general is received there, yet never had I realized the sad state of things. I experienced racism far beyond that of America which I thought was
impossible. Not only have blacks been trained to walk with their tails between their legs like
well trained monkeys but white supremacy is almost a given and not much a taken privilege.
To walk with respect as a black man, I waslooked upon as in a “how dare you” from the
blacks themselves., even to the point of being served after any white person by black
attendant in say business class on flights to simply feeling like it’s not my place or right to
be in such a position. I am a man like anyone else and I live my life in a treat me as U wish to
be treated, but I couldn’t help but feel outraged at how sad things are in this country. Of ourse
there like anything are the exceptions, I’ve met some amazing people of both sides of the coin
but again, performing for so many beautiful black people, sharing moments and music and
feeling the love of home, knowing these people probably gave their last to experience hearing
me and my peers only to return to some township lesser state of living and treatment
didn’t sit well with me. Again I know many will have their opinions about what I’m saying but I could give two fucks., it must be said! I admit like slavery in the states, which is alive as well today., things takes time to heal and move forward but fuck me, this is a new day where
people are celebrated for coming out gay or even changing sex to being applauded for
doing what should be common human courtesy toward one another. I wont sit nor accept the
state of this nonsense. Black peoples of South Africa you are not slaves or servants to the
whites in YOUR country, I know not what is needed to make change internally but I urge
you to wake up and act! Again I know nothing of your personal struggles but from the outside looking in there is more acceptance than any kind of respect or fight for what’s rightfully yours! Having Nelson Mandela’s name on things or singing songs is not enough. WAKE THE FUCK UP AND ACT LIKE TOU HAVE SOME DIGNITY!!
We come from kings and were never meant to only share our culture, land, bodies and spirits
as anything less. Light and Power To Us All! I say us as I am you and I hurt experiencing this
painful journey.
Osunlade
ps: I urge and call anyone brave enough to refrain from performing in this country., think
about your spirit and not your pocket., I know for most this territory is a big part of your
career and a huge cash cow however, know u condone and contribute to something far larger
than your wallet and music.”
Now im certain I’ll get lots of shit for this post however it must be said. It’s been about ten years since my last…Posted by Afefe Iku on Wednesday, October 7, 2015
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