Today’s guest is Lexy Mojo, the CEO of Legendary Gold Limited, the leading cultural and creative industry promotion and production company in Africa. With headquarters in Lagos, Nigeria, its operations spread across the world. He and his group are working to promote Africa’s rich cultural heritage worldwide.
During his brief stay with The Ethiopian Herald, Lexy Mojo raised a number of issues related to Pan-Africanism, efforts to return Africa’s stolen heritage, economic and cultural colonization, and more. Enjoy the read.
Could you tell us about the concept of Africa Celebrates?
Africa Celebrates is a pan-African event aimed at promoting pan-Africanism. It celebrates Africans and Africa, both on the continent and around the world. This includes Africans from different regions such as the Caribbean, Latin America, Asia, and North America. The goal is to unite black people globally in celebration of our shared heritage. Despite facing numerous challenges, Africa and Africans have shown strength and resilience, which is why it is important to come together and find reasons to celebrate and be happy.
If other continents had experienced even a fraction of what Africa has endured, they might not have survived. This resilience demonstrates our ability to overcome obstacles and achieve success. Throughout history, we have been divided in various ways, with our culture, language, and resources taken from us. Despite this, we have persisted and continue to thrive.
Africa Celebrates aims to remind us that despite artificial boundaries, we are all one people. Whether in Ethiopia, Zambia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, or Cote d’Ivoire, the unity among black people is evident. It is important to have a common ground that brings us together, and that is the essence of Africa Celebrates.
What inspired you and your group to establish this Africa Celebrates event?
I am a Pan-Africanist and believe in Pan-Africanism. Recently, one of the African ambassadors reached out to me. I believe it was the ambassador of Cote d’Ivoire or possibly Morocco. They referred to me as an ambassador, not just for one country, but for the entire continent of Africa. This resonated with me deeply. I never considered myself in that light, but they made it clear that I am seen as a representative for all of Africa. They expressed a desire to join forces and support my passion for Africa.
My dedication to Africa stems from various aspects of my life, from the clothes I wear to the food I eat, and the words I speak. I see Africa as a united entity, not just a collection of different countries. Despite attempts to divide us through language and cultural influences, I believe in the unity of Africa. Many Africans struggle with their identity, torn between Western influences and their African heritage. This confusion inspired me to reorient Africans and remind them of their true roots.
The deliberate efforts to divide and weaken Africa have been evident throughout history. It is crucial for us to counteract these actions intentionally. We have devoted our lives to this cause, striving to bring Africans together as one cohesive unit. While we may have diverse cultures, there is a common thread that unites us all. Our goal is to reverse the damage done to our identity by promoting unity and celebrating our heritage through soft diplomacy.
Soft diplomacy, as I see it, involves embracing our traditions, music, food, and clothing while also engaging in business and empowerment activities within our community. By showcasing our culture through various mediums, such as film, we can change the narrative surrounding Africa. Films have the power to alter perceptions and highlight the beauty of our continent. Africa Celebrates aims to showcase the diversity and richness of Africa through various art forms and events.
When attending an Africa Celebrates event, individuals have the opportunity to connect with like-minded partners, discover new opportunities, and engage with a supportive community. Africa Celebrates is a platform for celebrating all aspects of African culture and promoting unity and collaboration among its people.
So, through Africa Celebrates, what do you plan to do in the next years?
We started in 2021. Like I said, the idea is to bring Africa together. When we have succeeded in bringing Africa together successfully, then the world will come to us as well. We want to bring the world together to come and enjoy Africa, to see that it is not the perception they have about Africa. They will come and see the way we celebrate ourselves, the way we are happy, the way we enjoy life, not the way they enjoy life. The way we enjoy life is how we want them to be like us.
So, what we want to achieve in the future is to bring all 54 African countries together to celebrate. Then bring Africans from all over the world to join us in the celebration. When they come and join us, they will have opportunities to invest in Africa, to return back home, to their homeland. Being in Europe, being in America, that’s not home. When you are abroad, you will see that people are not united like we are in Africa. We are brothers and sisters here. We want the world to come and see our hospitality in Africa. We want Africans to come back, invest here, and build the different nations in Africa. Those are some of the things we want to achieve.
The first year, we had 18 African countries. The second year, we had 32 countries. Last year, we had 38 countries. This year, we have 38 countries and 11 countries from outside Africa. This year, we are going to have even more. We are growing.
At some point, it will be every country, and eventually, the rest of the world. During that period, everybody will want to come to Addis Ababa, to enjoy for one week, visit the beautiful city, spend money on hotels, food, and empower the local communities here. That is what we are looking forward to.
What is the main reason for holding the event in Ethiopia?
The reason we chose Ethiopia initially was because of the African Union, our partners. Our goal is to unite the entire continent and bring people from around the world together at the African Union headquarters.
Despite not asking for financial support, we are disappointed by the lack of moral support from Ethiopian government officials. For example, we have invited ministers from various countries, but Ethiopian ministers do not see the importance of attending.
This lack of seriousness is disheartening. Our main challenge is the lack of support from the Ethiopian government, despite the benefits the event brings to the country. We have never requested money from any ministries. We have only asked for moral support, which we have not received. Our event benefits Ethiopia, and we hope to see a change in the government’s response.
We have received offers from other African countries to host the event, and we are considering them. The lack of support from Ethiopia is our main challenge, but we remain committed to our vision of a Pan-African event. We are financially capable of hosting the event ourselves, as we have done in the past. This year, we have new partners coming on board to support us. Our goal is to create a successful Pan-African event, and we hope for better responses from the Ethiopian government in the future.
During the time of colonization, Europeans stole a significant amount of African cultural heritage. What is the African perspective on the return of these stolen artifacts?
We are hosting a panel session in collaboration with the Moroccan embassy and the Moroccan ambassador to Ethiopia to address this issue. The goal is to have a conversation involving countries that have taken African artwork and artifacts. This discussion was meant to start last year but was delayed. This year, we hope to begin the conversation and address the negative impact of colonial theft.
Many African countries still have ties to their former colonial rulers, who continue to exploit African resources. We aim to start these conversations during Africa Celebrates this year and work towards finding solutions. It all starts with a conversation and can grow from there.
Do you think Africa is free from economic colonialism, especially?
Of course, we are not free. Why do you think that is so? Just look at what is happening in the DRC, for example. It’s the richest country in the world with abundant resources. However, the West has never given them peace. They are still exploiting the country, causing chaos, and ensuring instability.
In such conditions of instability, they continue to exploit. They could have taken a different approach, partnering with the government and locals to develop infrastructure in various sectors. This would enrich the locals and make the country prosperous. However, countries with funds and technical knowledge to develop these sectors, like in Cote d’Ivoire, would also benefit.
Instead, they bring war, support rebels, and arm groups to fight against each other and the government. This leads to further instability and hinders development, allowing them to exploit resources freely.
Until our leaders unite to say “enough is enough,” this cycle will continue. Africa is the wealthiest continent, but the West has made peace unattainable. The only African countries without resources are the ones without conflict, as there is nothing to fight over.
China, whether you believe it or not, has been a blessing to Africa. They have made Africa competitive and brought much-needed infrastructure. Before China, the West took advantage of Africa without investing in its development.
China’s presence has forced the West to recognize the potential in Africa. They (the Chinese) have built airports, railways, and infrastructure across the continent. The African Union building, a gift from China, is a symbol of their investment in Africa’s future.
In contrast, the West has only brought loans that further impoverish Africa. China’s investments have made Africa the focus of global development. While many may not see the mischief of European and Western countries, it is clear that China’s contributions to Africa deserve recognition and gratitude.
This African Celebrity is a brilliant idea. What challenges did you face in promoting this idea? Are there any questions that African countries are raising?
No, they all accept it. Everybody we have met wants it. Not only Africa, but all over the world, when they see African Celebrities, they want to come and be part of it.
But I think the initial challenge, as expected, was that people saw it as a new project. However, once they understand what it is, everybody wants to be involved. I believe our biggest challenge now is Ethiopia.
We are not receiving the type of support we should from this country. We have had offers to bring it to other countries. We have many offers and are considering them.
I want to thank the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for their moral support. We appreciate it.
Where I come from, even if my country wants something, they question my intentions. Why am I holding this big event in Ethiopia instead of empowering Nigeria? The reason I chose Ethiopia is because of the African Union, who are our partners. My idea is to bring the whole continent together.
We are bringing people from all over the world to join us. It has to be at the African Union. That is what brought us here. Now that we are here, we are not getting the support we need from your government. That is an issue. We are not asking for money.
The event is not about money for us. We are funding it ourselves. However, we are looking for simple moral support. For example, we are bringing ministers of trade and culture from various countries. Last year, we had ministers from three countries. We also had ministers of culture and tourism from six countries, as well as a minister of women’s affairs from two countries. In total, we had over 12 ministers attend.
We even had the former president of Malawi attend last year. We brought many business people from the US and other countries. How can we have ministers from various countries attending, but the ministers of tourism, trade, and women’s affairs from Ethiopia don’t see the importance of attending?
That lack of seriousness is concerning. One minister even asked me why the ministers of culture and tourism from other countries were present, but not the minister of tourism from Ethiopia.
We expected at least one of them to attend. They are the ones who initiated us to bring the event and said their government would sponsor it. Do you understand? Our main reason is the African Union.
We are bringing people here who will benefit Ethiopia economically. We have never asked your ministries for money. We have only requested moral support. We have sent proposals and letters to your ministers, but we don’t even get a response. This is our biggest challenge. The only reason we are still here is because of the African Union.
We have offers from five other African countries, but Ethiopia has been the most challenging. It has not been easy working here. Even though we portray Addis Ababa as the capital of Africa, the city doesn’t seem to care. I don’t understand it. We have never asked anyone for money, so what is the problem?
Our biggest challenge is the lack of response from the government. We are financially strong enough to fund the event ourselves, as we have done for the past three years. This year, we have more partners willing to support us. The response from the government needs to change for the better, as this is the biggest Pan-African event.
Having the African Union, United Nations, and other big partners on board shows the significance of our event. It’s time for the government to recognize that.
Thank you very much.
It is my pleasure.
BY GIRMACHEW GASHAW
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 10 AUGUST 2024
