isiXhosa speaking Black Superhero’s! Why YOU should see Black Panther!
As you might already, know I am passionate about East London and everything East London.. and what could be more East London than our isiXhosa speaking people and our proud Xhosa culture.
Now I know I am stretching ‘just a little bit’ when I link Marvels latest blockbuster ‘Black Panther’ to East London… but so what? The characters are after all, speaking isiXhosa – the official language of East London and the Eastern Cape… but also the official language of Wakanda, the movies fictional country in Africa!
Over and above this, the traditional Xhosa dress (amongst other South African and African countries traditional dress) is one of the authentic features that also shows this movie is clever and well researched. So hence… I declare I have found a direct link between East London and the phenomenon that is the Black Panther movie!
One of the best things about this movie is that they have used a great cast, with some of South Africa’s and Africa’s top actors and actresses rather than just using Americans with very bad African accents. Make no mistake… this has gone a long way to making the movie the runaway success it is, not only in Africa, but world-wide. Audiences are dressing up and flocking to the movies, in a style reminiscent of the fever of the ‘Star Wars’and ‘Rocky Horror Picture Show’ movies.
The stunning wardrobe is another of the stand out features in this movie. Drawing inspiration from the beautiful traditional clothing of not only the Xhosa and Zulu cultures, but also of a wide range of african cultures, the outfits are some of the best I have ever seen on any screen ever… and that is saying something.
Not being Xhosa myself, I may not necessarily recognise when the movie hits the nail on the head or misses the mark by a mile when it comes to ‘authentic tradition’, but the movie is spectacular and the language is comfortingly familiar. The pleasure with which this movie has been received by both local and international audiences (especially African audiences) is a sure indicator that while the movie may be American made, this time they have captured the essence of our people in an epic fantasy that we can all aspire and relate to.
We are all proud to be South African, African and in our case ‘Eastern Capies’… and now, we can go to the movies (right here at Hemingways) and see our people, depicted as Superhero’s… speaking our own language. It is powerful… and great for our people to have our beautiful isiXhosa language and cultural dress showcased in a modern and aspirational way. Well done Marvel… this time you got it right!
Article: Sandy Loppnow