Journalist at RFI (ex-DW, BBC...), writer, (first book on Bristol's music/art; e-book on African art), I also work on films, as a journalism lecturer, and a contributor to the New Arab, Art UK, etc.
Born in Paris, I was based in Prague, Miami, London, Nairobi (covering East Africa), Bangui, and Bristol, UK. I also travelled to Italy, Haiti, Tunisia, Liberia, Senegal, India, Mexico, Iraq... My passions: Africa, music, arts...
This blog is to share my work and cultural discoveries.
We were not allowed to take photos but Tricky came to his hometown, Bristol, today for a book signing:
After the signing, we had an hour for a proper chat. I was great to meet with him for another interview! Especially here in Bristol, after two others in Paris.
Article(s)/Interview(s) to come soon... The book is great, and comes out on 31 October 2019. What would you ask him if you interviewed Tricky?
The opposition has hardly tried to respond to this crisis. According to me, the UK should have a unity/transition government until it solves this utterly tragic attempt at self-destruction. Exit or not...
The referendum was illegally won. The result is not legitimate. It’s not possible to hold free & fair election. Opposition totally failed to hold PM & his advisor to account. Right-wing press has buried it. And kindest thing to say about BBC is it cocked up. This is not democracy
If we had a functioning opposition, it would demand:
1) urgent overhaul of electoral law as top priority
2) demand govt insist Zuck comes to UK to give evidence
3) ban microtargeted political ads until FB can demonstrate safe
4) demand answers from Johnson re Vote Leave fraud
5) demand Johnson send Cummings to DCMS
6) demand proof from govt that its deliberate conspiracy to illegally overspend in last days had no impact on result
7) if evidence not forthcoming demand govt acknowledge it has no mandate for Brexit & must go to the people again
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And a few words from an exceptional elected US representing:
Here’s what we know:
- Zuckerberg ”doesn’t know” when he/FB discovered the Cambridge Analytica scandal. That is hard to believe.
- After Zuck privately met w/ Trump & far-right, he’s now allowing paid disinformation ads.
- He didn’t tell the whole truth abt his “fact checkers”
I'm very very proud to have been chosen as the new writer-in-residence in the Arnolfini Gallery, Bristol, this means a lot as a writer and is the perfect outcome for a special and intense journey in the UK...
We don't know how this journey is going to end, but this will definitely involve some more write.
Very excited to announce our Writer in Residence for Still I Rise is Freelance journalist/reporter, radio producer and writer, Melissa Chemam. Her first published book, 'Massive Attack – Out of the Comfort Zone', on Bristol's music, art and politics, was released in the UK in March 2019 and is available to buy from @ArnolfiniBookshop.
Here's a few words from Melissa:
I couldn’t be more thrilled to join the Arnolfini as their writer-in-residence, especially at this time for such a unique exhibition. The gallery is one of the first places I visited when I first came to Bristol almost 5 years ago, and I spent a lot of time here, being interested in your Graffiti Art display in July 2015 and deeply inspired by the art work of John Akomfrah. The themes of rebellion, resistance and feminism have been with me since my youth, as a protester myself since my teenage years, as the daughter/grand-daughter of Algerian freedom fighters and as a journalist. Travelling on four continents, I’ve also collected the thoughts of so many women whose lives are in themselves a form of resistance… These souvenirs already resonate with my first visit into the art rooms of ‘Still I Rise’ and I look forward to spending more time in this incredible environment.
Melissa writes for many publications such as The Public Art Review, Transfuge Magazine, Le Figaro, Le Monde, Skin Deep, The Bristol Cable, Bristol 24/7, CIRCA Art Magazine, The Times Literary Supplement and Public Pressure. Here's her review of Still I Rise in Public Pressure.
Keep an eye on our page for more of Melissa's work during her residency.
Saturday 14 September 2019 to Sunday 15 December 2019, 11:00 to 18:00 Open Tuesday - Sunday, closed on Mondays.
Free
A large-scale exhibition of international artists, highlighting the experiences of women and celebrating their triumphs – and showing how the struggle for liberation is ongoing and hard-won.
"This is our song
For those who feel they have no voice
For those who have been ignored and stonewalled
This is not a cry of desperation, but a cry of determination
We have a voice and will be heard
Together we can and WILL hold our leaders accountable
This is our song
So you think you can speak for me
And you say you see everything clearly
But your facts don't quite add up
And your plans are frankly eerie
Your head's in the sand
Fingers are in your ears
You don't speak for us
No no no no
There's a boy you'll never know
An aching mother is praying and crying for her child
So many things you just don't get
Your little head, just don't fret
Your head's in the sand
Fingers are in your ears
Lying through your teeth
You bring misery for years
You don't speak for us
No no no no
Every child deserves a decent education
Every person has a right to dignity and liberation
Our planet is ill and so is our society
Stop Listen
If not for headlines sipping tea
These troubled streets you would never see
But they have a voice and will be heard
We have a voice and will be heard
Credits:
Lyrics, Melody & Performance: Mrs F
Production: Mario Babojelic
Additional Production, Mix & Mastering: George Shilling https://www.georgeshilling.com/
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ABOUT MRS F
Originally from South Africa, Mrs F lived in England, but relocated after Brexit.
User Researcher by day, singer by night. Self-serving leaders, “You Don’t Speak For Us”! Protest Single coming soon
Mrs F has been told she sounds like a cross between London Grammar and Lorde. Her music leans towards cinematic dream pop.
Mrs F has recently started releasing her own compositions and will be sharing her new music and videos along with her journey here. Having spent years as the lead vocalist for jazz bands, you can also expect a unique take on some of her jazz standards too.
