Conservation of natural spaces, extractivism for energy transition, environmental racism... The dominant ecological discourse often conceals capitalist and colonial practices. How can we resist these dynamics of oppression, in particular through art, poetry and music?
Speakers:
Samy Manga:
Samy Manga is a writer, ethno-musician, sculptor and environmental activist from Cameroon. As an eco-poet, he promotes green writing in favour of ecology and biodiversity. He is also the founder of the Écopoètes International association and artistic director of the ArtViv Projet cultural space in Lausanne. His latest publications are Chocolaté (Éditions Écosociété, Montreal, 2023) and Choco Trauma (Éditions La Croisée des Chemins, Casablanca, 2024), two books that explain and denounce ‘the bitter taste of cocoa farming’. He won Fipa's Grand Prix Poésie Africaine d'Expression Française in 2021 and was a finalist in other literary competitions in 2023 (Prix des Cinq Continents de la Francophonie, Prix Kourouma).
Blick Bassy:
Multidisciplinary artist / Scientist
Founder of the labels Othatiq AA and Likoda Prod
Co-president of the joint Franco-Cameroonian multidisciplinary commission on the role and commitment of France in the fight against independence and opposition movements in Cameroon from 1945 to 1971.
The ethereal softness of his voice, instantly recognisable, contrasts with the determination expressed by Blick Bassy to rethink Africa. Brought up in the capital of Cameroon, but also initiated into the rhythms and traditions of the Bassa country, the author and musician is working to bring about a new Africa, free from colonial mimicry, in tune with its deep cultural roots and with the future.

This event takes place on the first Sunday of the month, so it's free and there's no need to register in advance.
Through this series of 'think and act' events, we hope to help you tackle the issues of the climate emergency through the prism of MEG's specific characteristics. By tackling themes such as green colonialism, care, repair, food, clothing and the transmission of knowledge and know-how, we hope to make the impact that our everyday actions can have on the environment more perceptible, and thus question our relationship with it.