During Ghana’s independence in 1957, Kwame Nkrumah, the first President of the newly formed nation-state envisioned an African continent, united in purpose and free from colonial oppression. Liberation came to Africa and Nkrumah's dreams led to the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) and later the African Union (AU), which were all bedevilled by various challenges. In Destinations, Akoi Jackson's complex work, the public was encouraged to ponder on some of these concerns, as they moved slowly through the city, passing remnants and the ruins of the dreams of our parents, with the hope that our futures would not be as bleak as our present.
Navigating the nuances of this complex work in the podcast, Akoi-Jackson reflects on his theory of ‘disturbed methodologies’- in one instance creating a whole new anthem with the public’s assistance, a wry critique of the African Union. This prolific and deeply engaging artist examines ritual, rites of passage and disruption through his method of performance.
