We Are In The Future / Sapodilla is a dynamic double-bill event celebrating the vibrant realm of Afrofuturism. This cultural and artistic movement explores the intersection of African diasporic cultures with technology, science fiction, and fantasy. With a pop-up exhibition, artist talks, a short film screening program, and a club night, this event showcases artists who are shaping a future that is anti-colonial, imaginative, and deeply rooted in African heritage and futuristic visions.

Moderated by Shaquille Shaniqua Joy, the artist talks will feature Tamara Shogaolu, mo Futures, and jahi quasim reeberg. Acclaimed interdisciplinary artist, director, and creative technologist Tamara Shogaolu will discuss the challenges of envisioning a future beyond colonial frameworks. Visual artist mo futures and visual storyteller and painter jahi quasim reeberg create vulnerable art that transcends individualism and is deeply rooted in Trans and Queer perspectives. Their work represents a new generation of artists thriving in an Afropean context.

Alongside the pop-up exhibition featuring these artists, we will host a short film screening program in De Spiegel. Among the featured works is Terra Mater (2023), directed by Kantamara Gahigiri. This mesmerizing piece of Afrofuturist activist performance art portrays Earth Spirit calling the world to account from atop a massive rubbish heap, highlighting the exploitation of the African continent by the global North.

This project was made possible by a subsidy for one-off art and culture activities from the Amsterdam Zuid district.