For inadequate documentation of African photography, the death of legendary Malian photographer Malick Sidibe, raises the challenge of who belongs where among the continent's departed and living professionals of the lens art.
Sidibie b.1935 and died on April 4, 2016 has been regarded in some sections of foreign media, particularly in Europe as 'father of African photography.' The late photographer's work is widely revered as being among the leading art of the lens in Africa.
However, the appropriateness of conferring a 'father of African photography' on Sidibe causes head scratching. And it got louder when France's Culture Minister, Audrey Azoulay re-echoed same after Sidibe's death, saying "He was often called the father of African photography."
The label appears to be gaining wider acceptance by the day, particularly since the death of the photographer over a week ago. How did the author(s) arrive at such an error of 'crowning'? Two issues come into focus in questioning the fatherly cown: there were successful pioneer African photographers ahead of Sidibe's generation. And his work is not the only internationally known among his generation of photographers.
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