A lot of people have been asking us to write a statement explaining what the purpose of Sanaa Magazine is. I always figured the little statement that for so long has graced our home page was sufficient enough but, I see the populace wants more and I must oblidge.
I have to begin by saying, the continent of Africa, and yes it is a continent not a sovereign political entity, is a vast stretch of immensely beautiful land. It is a place that is filled with enormous wealth, a vibrant variety of cultures, life and yes there exists danger and poverty as well. There’s not a place I’ve been on this planet, that I’ve seen the happiness and brightness of smiles that are shown on continental Africa.
In an ode to the hip hop generation, of which I’m very proud to be a part of, I must mention a lyric by the poet, not rapper, but poet Nasir Oludara Jones. In a rhyme, he borrowed a line from oratory geniuses of long gone days and stated, “People fear what they don’t understand, and hate what they can’t conquer”. In my humble opinion, it is one of the truest statements ever made by mankind. I direct your attention to the part of fearing what is not understood. Many people fear the stigma about Africa simply because they don’t understand or know much about it. Apart from various feed the children commercials, BBC newsfeed of coups d’états, countercoup d’états and very dark skinned people, what more is there to it…right? Wrong. The continent is the sum of many parts and the purpose of this publication is to present those parts to the world.
From its ancient Gold mines in Ghana to its diamond mines in South Africa. From its oil fields in Angola to its wheat fields in Kenya. From it’s mosques in Tunisia, to its cathedrals in Johannesburg. Across oceans to places like Cartagena, Colombia and Bahia, Brazil, we wish to tell the world the stories good and bad, old and new of this great mass of land. More importantly, we wish to let its people know who they truly are, for when a people do not know this, they are “slaves” in mind and body to the will of others.
In doing so, we hope the souls of its sons and daughters past, present and future, Black, Arab, & yes..White, will be satisfied with our undertaking.
-Seun A. Joshua Editors Note >>
