The Sons of Africa Black Prints :
The portraits of Patrice Lumumba, Steve Bantu Biko, and Thomas Sankara mark the beginning of Bâ Simba’s Sons of Africa series. The pieces are performed in Simba’s “Black Prints” style, utilizing specialized white ink on black canvas to tell the history of Africa and the PanAfricanist movement. The three iconic men depicted are symbols of African determination when it comes to holding onto freedom, pride, and authenticity. Lumumba was killed fighting for Congolese freedom; Bantu Biko was killed fighting for African pride - he coined the phrased “Black is Beautiful” which our culture still clings to today; Thomas Sankara met the same fate for advocating for authenticity, convincing African people they should use African-made goods. These Sons of Africa were defenders of African ingenuity and individuality; they remain inspirations for future generations.
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Patrice Émery Lumumba (2 July 1925 – 17 January 1961), born Isaïe Tasumbu Tawosa, was a Congolese politician and independence leader who served as the first prime minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (then known as the Republic of the Congo) from June until September 1960, following the May 1960 election. He was the leader of the Congolese National Movement (MNC) from 1958 until his execution in January 1961. Ideologically an African nationalist and pan-Africanist, he played a significant role in the transformation of the Congo from a colony of Belgium into an independent republic.

Shortly after Congolese independence in June 1960, a mutiny broke out in the army, marking the beginning of the Congo Crisis. Lumumba appealed to the United States and the United Nations for help to suppress the Belgian-supported Katangan secessionists led by Moïse Tshombe. Both refused, as the Belgian government had convinced them that Lumumba was communist, anti-white, and anti-Western. These suspicions deepened when Lumumba turned to the Soviet Union for assistance, which the CIA described as a "classic communist takeover". This led to growing differences with President Joseph Kasa-Vubu and chief-of-staff Joseph-Désiré Mobutu, as well as with the United States and Belgium, who opposed the Soviet Union in the Cold War.

After Mobutu's military coup, Lumumba attempted to escape to Stanleyville to join his supporters who had established a new anti-Mobutu rival state called the Free Republic of the Congo. Lumumba was captured and imprisoned en route by state authorities under Mobutu. He was handed over to Katangan authorities, and executed in the presence of Katangan and Belgian officials and military officers. His body was thrown into a shallow grave, but later dug up and destroyed. Following his execution, he was widely seen as a martyr for the wider pan-African movement. Over the years, inquiries have shed light on the events surrounding Lumumba's death and, in particular, on the roles played by Belgium and the United States. In 2002, Belgium formally apologised for its role in the execution. In 2022, a gold-capped tooth, all that remained of his body, was repatriated to the Democratic Republic of the Congo by Belgium.

Note:
Please be aware that while this artwork is for sale now, it is set to participate in a group exhibition in London in March/April of 2023. Therefore, if you buy it, it will be delivered to you after the exhibition has ended.
Don't hesitate to enquire if you have any questions.

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FR: Les Sons of Africa Black Prints :
Trois portraits de Thomas Sankara, Patrice Lumumba et Steve Bantu Biko, héros de l'indépendance et de l'émancipation africaines. Auteur original de "Black is Beautiful" et authenticité. Héros du panafricanisme ; enfants, pères et grands frères d'Afrique.

Note:
Veuillez noter que bien que cette œuvre soit actuellement en vente, elle participera à une exposition collective à Londres en mars/avril 2023. Par conséquent, si vous l'achetez, elle vous sera livrée après la fin de l'exposition.
N'hésitez pas à vous renseigner si vous avez des questions.