THE SIRA* PROJECT

The SIRA* Project is one that explores female power in Ogoniland and by extension Nigeria, Africa and the world. Sira is the title or name for the first daughter in the family. In times past, the first daughter or only female child is denied marriage but mandated to procreate offsprings which will belong to her father and bear his name. She is treated like a male and is deferred to as a male child. Zina Saro-Wiwa is herself a Sira, the first daughter born of Ken and Maria Saro-Wiwa. She says: “I created the SIRA* project out of necessity. I am interested in ways in which womanism plays into environmentalism and I am acutely aware of the role of the feminine in terms of our approach to Mother Earth. For me also I have experienced forms of mostly financial but also emotional abuse from male members of the family and for me this is my way to fight back. To explore the history and the current state of feminine power in Ogoniland and by extension Africa and the world.” The first project in the SIRA* series is the creation of the eponymously-titled musical alter ego of Zina.

SIRA* released her first album Songs for the End of the World in October 2024 with an extended vinyl release due in the fall of 2025. Music videos and installations accompany this work.

To listen to the album and watch videos please visit:

https://soundofsira.bandcamp.com/album/songs-for-the-end-of-the-world