In a now-deleted public post, South African artist Petite Noir, real name Yannick Ilunga, accused Africa Express of exploiting artists.
Founded by Damon Albarn in 2006, the project brings together Western and African artists for collaborations. The latest showcase took place on 2 February at The Tennis Club JHB in Johannesburg, and it featured Nabihah Iqbal, Ghetts, Nick Zinner, Petite Noir, Sibot, Spoek Mathambo, Infamous Boys, Remi Kabaka, Dominowe, Jakinda and Otim Alpha.
Via his post, Ilunga has shared a contract from Africa Express stating that the artists will receive a £1 payment for their recording, and all permissions will be granted to the project. It reads: “In consideration of the payment of £1 receipt of which is hereby acknowledged you hereby give and grant us all necessary consents with regards to making recordings(s) of your performance (‘the Recordings”) and to filming you making those Recordings together with any interviews you have have given”.
It adds: “You acknowledge that we will own all of the copyrights and other rights in the Recordings, the Footage and any photos we may take of you (the Album), so that we are able to use them throughout the World in all forms, formats, means and media”.
Ilunga has captioned his post, “21st colonization is still alive!”, and expressed his disappointment. He writes, “I am deeply disappointed in this collaboration between Africa Express as its pertains to african artists.”
We’ve reached out to a representative of Africa Express for comment.
(via Brooklyn Vegan)