“This is really special for me, because this is the first time I’ve ever been to Africa, and my father is from here!” Estère Dalton tells a jubilant festival audience in Mozambique. Join the Wellington-based beat-maker as she plays her way around South Africa, Swaziland, Mozambique and Durban.
Estère Dalton’s 2012 song ‘Culture Clash’ tackled her feelings about her mixed heritage: “It’s about my parents, and how their cultures are very different. I grew up with my mum, my dad lives in France, but he’s originally from Cameroon, in West Africa.
:New Zealand is liberal, and strong in feminism, whereas Cameroon – it’s a different buzz. It’s exploring why it might be difficult sometimes for me to go to my dad and accept what he has to say.”
Estère’s finally made it over to feel the African soil of her ancestors beneath her feet. Playing festivals in Mozambique, South Africa, and Swaziland during May this year has given her an opportunity to discover more about her roots and her place in the world.
Estère says, “Everywhere you look, billboards, TV, on the street, I see faces that reflect my own. Not feeling like I’m part of a minority is a rare feeling for me. It’s always been something that I’ve felt conscious of. And here – African is the norm.”
It seems an obvious statement, but for Estère, it’s something she’s felt profoundly. “I can’t explain how empowering that is, it gives me a feeling of belonging that I’ve never experienced before.”
Estere in Africa Photo: Dave Durbach
Photography Credits:
Paascalino Schaller
Poster- Sheba Williams
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