Chuma: Mbetocracy
"Mbetocracy", a coinage of ‘Mbe’ (Tortoise) and ‘Cracy’ (From democracy & autocracy) features two feuding tortoises in an arena with a multicoloured floor. They can be said to be fighting, or perhaps even, dancing. They are jostling for a prize - a crown. The crown and coloured floor are symbolic of Africa's resources and unsung glory. The animals themselves are adorned with one political party's cap and the others colours. On the bottom half of the composition are Africans - some looking on helplessly, some cheering and justifying the fiasco, in-wait for their turn to get in the ring of greed. Each coloured patch of earth is representative of a natural resource found in the land. Behind each tortoise are elephant tusks representing Africa's nature, its glory and the never ending exploitation by the world. The background is a rich tapestry of spirited lines, motifs, icons and patterns all rendered in the Uli symbolic line art style.
By centering the artwork on the Tortoise, Chuma Anagbado highlights the similarities between our leaders and the cunning, slow and deceitful nature associated with tortoises from Igbo folktales. These qualities are akin to the characteristics displayed by African politicians. Mbe + Autocracy defines how we have been governed. It forces a conversation on why a continent, so rich in minerals, people, land, nature and so on has the poorest people on earth. It questions how the people cheer on maladministration, corruption and outright thievery by the political elite.
Like Fela Anilkulapo Kuti said, ‘Na the democracy make us crazy’!
