Black History Month: Tosinger brings three historic African Queens back to life

Bolaji Alonge, , , , ,
Tosinger as Queen Idia – Photo by Zhenya Townley
Tosinger as Queen Nzinga – Photo by Zhenya Townley
Tosinger as Queen Yaa Asantewaa – Photo by Zhenya Townley

Nigerian afrosoul singer, songwriter and actress, Tosinger announces a unique artistic human art installation project tagged We 3 Queens. Billed to showcase at the Fyre & Wata Center, in Lawrenceville, Atlanta, Georgia on 18, 19 and 20 February.

Commemorating this year’s Black History Month, We 3 Queens – a mime in honor of legendary African Warrior Queens who fought against slavery and colonialism. The three queens presented are; Queen Mother Idia of the Benin Kingdom (Nigeria), Queen Nzinga of Ndongo and Matamba (Angola) and Queen Yaa Asantewaa of the Ashanti Tribe (Ghana).

US based Tosinger, AKA Tosin Taiwo takes on the persona of these Queens where she sits on display in full royal garb for a period of time at various spaces to attract, engage and educate her audience.

The artist opined in a statement to eyesofalagosboy.com, “This project aims to educate, empower and bring about cultural awareness, identity and appreciation through costuming, multimedia and performance art, during Black History Month and beyond. Royal African women in positions of power fought for justice and resisted slavery and colonialization”.

This 16th century ivory portrait of Queen Mother Idia is among The Met’s most celebrated works. It is one of four related ivory pendant masks, that were among the prized regalia of the Oba of Benin, among the prestige items taken by the British during the punitive expedition of 1897. – Courtesy Wikipedia

We 3 Queens performances will consist of a timed scheduled experience supported by a backdrop of audio visual imagery, the audience will watch the “coronation/costuming” of the Queen while music and her history plays in the background. They will observe and appreciate the “finished art” of the Queen. She transforms into character while her audience if so inclined, can sit across from the Queen and engage her non-verbally.

Tosinger’s team on We 3 Queens is made up of Hollywood costume designer, Bisola Salimonu-Saintil, Make-Up Artist, Adebola Oyeku, Mobolaji Otuyelu, the Narrator and Photographer Zhenya Townley. A mini show already took place at the African Textile Museum, Stonecrest Georgia in the first week of February.

About the Three Queens

Queen Idia ruled from (1504 to 1550) – The first Queen Mother (Iyoba) of the Benin Kingdom in Nigeria is a world renowned warrior Queen and mystical medicine woman during the 16th century. She played a significant role in the rise and reign of her son. Idia was a fearless army General who led the armies of Benin on several successful battles. Her image on a commemorative traditional ivory mask became one of the most popular works of art in black history and was used as the brand symbol of FESTAC ‘77 in Nigeria.

Queen Nzinga (1624–1663) – One of the great women rulers of Africa, Queen Anna Nzinga of Angola fought against the slave trade and European influence in the seventeenth century. Known for being an astute diplomat and visionary military leader, she resisted Portuguese invasion and slave raids for 30 years.

Queen Yaa Asantewaa (17 October 1840 – 17 October 1921) – An Ashanti queen, she rose to lead an army against the invading British. She was also the Gatekeeper of the Golden Stool, an emblem of the Ashanti kingdom, cultural system and power. When Sir Frederick Mitchell Hodgson attempted to sit on the sacred stool, Asantewaa led a rebellion and became a symbol of strength and resistance.

The public can RSVP for this free event here