Christopher Nelson Obuh at the Opera Village: An Artistic Reflection on Colonial History and the Future of West Africa

08.01.2025

The Opera Village Africa is not only a place for exchange, education, and culture but also a creative workspace for artists. It provides an inspiring environment where works addressing socially relevant topics are conceived, opening up new perspectives on pressing global issues. As part of our Artist-in-Residence program, several artists are currently working on projects that explore themes such as decolonization, identity, history, and social change.

Since October, artists from different disciplines have been engaging with these topics at Opera Village Africa as part of the residency program. Among them is Nigerian artist Christopher Nelson Obuh, who, through his project “The Renegotiation,” explores a highly topical issue: the historical and political significance of the Franc CFA as a currency in West Africa and the growing movement to free the region from French control.

Obuh’s artistic work sheds light on the lasting impact of France’s colonial policies, whose influence is still evident in West Africa today. His project explores how economic and political structures, established during the Berlin Conference of 1884/85, continue to shape life in the region — and how new political movements challenge these frameworks.

At the core of Obuh’s work is the reimagining of the Franc CFA, a currency still used by many West African nations. The Franc CFA is more than just a means of exchange; it is a symbol of enduring postcolonial dependencies. For decades, France retained control over this currency, supported by institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Through his artistic interventions, Obuh designs provocative new banknotes, replacing historical symbols with fragments of everyday life in West African societies. These transformed notes express calls for economic and cultural decolonization. They become carriers of stories that intertwine past and present, posing crucial questions about how a renegotiation of economic and cultural realities might look in the future. Christopher Nelson Obuh’s project is not only a critique of economic structures but also an invitation to rethink history from new perspectives. During his travels across West Africa, Obuh gathered impressions and symbols that he incorporates into his works. His artistic reflections highlight the region’s cultural diversity while raising questions about its future: How can West Africa achieve economic emancipation? What role does art play in this process? How can new symbols represent hope and change?

At the Opera Village, Obuh has the opportunity to further develop his vision. The residency provides him with space to deepen his thoughts and artistic ideas, while engaging in dialogue with the local community. With “The Renegotiation,” Christopher Nelson Obuh opens not only a new chapter in his artistic practice but also a significant discourse on Africa’s past, present, and future. His project calls for a critical examination of existing structures — and invites everyone to work together towards a more just future. We are thrilled to be part of this important creative process and to accompany Christopher Nelson Obuh on his journey.