In a striking controversy, the experimental music band Xiu Xiu has publicly criticized an artist known as African Imperial Wizard for his troubling and misleading persona. The band’s comments unfolded on Instagram following their encounter with the performer backstage at the Hradby Samoty festival in Bratislava, Slovakia, where they were surprised to learn that the artist, hidden behind a patterned Klan hood, is a “middle-aged white man.” This revelation has raised serious concerns about the implications of his act, perceived as a problematic amalgamation of tribal and industrial aesthetics.
Xiu Xiu articulated their discomfort in the Instagram post, asserting that the artist obscures his racial identity while appropriating “pastiche” Black African imagery, which includes the deliberate covering of his hands with gloves. They condemned his fictitious claims of engagement in a pan-African struggle, particularly criticizing his invitation to “African brothers” to collaborate on his recordings created using Ableton software.
Describing the performance as the extreme form of blackface and a troubling instance of cultural appropriation, the band declared, “The art and lives of Black people are being perverted for his own bizarre edification and profit.” Their statements have sparked significant discussions across social media platforms about the ramifications of the artist’s facade and the exploitation of Black cultural symbols for personal gain.
Despite African Imperial Wizard’s decision to privatize his Instagram account, samples of his music remain available on platforms such as Bandcamp and Spotify. His digital presence is marked by artwork that evokes African tribal themes and an intriguing biography that hints at a fantastical lineage and resistance against colonial forces.
Reports suggest that while he claims ties to Angola, many involved in the project are primarily from Europe, with links to Tesco Records, a German label. There are also indications that Andrew Claristidge, a French electronic music producer, plays a significant role in this project.
Angela Seo of Xiu Xiu expressed her hesitation in addressing the issue, revealing concerns about potential backlash and the complexities of existing as a person of color within a predominately white festival atmosphere. She emphasized that her criticism does not align with cancel culture, but rather advocates for learning and growth from these controversies.
The reactions to African Imperial Wizard’s persona reflect ongoing discussions in the music industry, as discrepancies surrounding identity and intent have been noted since the project’s inception in 2019. With Xiu Xiu’s recent assertions gaining attention, critical inquiries into authenticity, cultural representation, and the ethical responsibilities of artists have emerged.
As of now, African Imperial Wizard has not responded to inquiries regarding these serious allegations. The ongoing dialogue is expected to further engage the music community and beyond, shedding light on the intricate dynamics of racial identity and artistic expression.