Mohamed Ben Slama and Sithabile Mlotshwa in residence at D6:EU and Larnaka2030

In January – February 2025, Mohamed Ben Slama, a musician and video-artist from Tunisia, and Sithabile Mlotshwa, a transdisciplinary artist, curator and producer from the Netherlands, were in residence in Cyprus, hosted by D6:EU and Larnaka2030.

Mohamed explored narratives of South-South colonialism and various forms of forced migration. He approached this through the lens of the ‘myth of Boussadia’. The figure of a travelling dancer is associated with Algerian and Tunisian folklore that emerged in response to the conquering Umayyad Caliphate that led to forced displacement and repression of some local traditions associated with sorcery.

Mohamed’s research sought to uncover and highlight the dynamics, impacts and legacies of such colonial-like powers established by one southern nation over another.

He says: ‘My project brings to light the stories of displacement due to conflict, political oppression, economic exploitation, and environmental degradation, all viewed through the historical and contemporary lens of the Global South. This includes migrations resulting from colonial legacies and modern socio-political structures.’

His residency concluded with a performative and collaborative presentation through rhythm, ritual, and powerful visual storytelling at Common Ground Gallery in Larnaca. The public performance was a first iteration of a larger sonic and visual project in collaboration with local artists from diverse backgrounds, for an inclusive exploration of the themes.

Sithabile’s approach to Contested Desires is grounded in a critical perspective: colonialism is not just a historical artefact but a living, evolving system. Through a transdisciplinary approach, she traces and visualises Cyprus’ multi-layered colonial histories, the ongoing contemporary and future manifestations and its connections to global colonial projects.

Her residency marked the starting point of a three-part research-based project, spanning beyond the Contested Desires programme titled, ‘Threads of Displacement – From Cyprus to Global Colonial Legacies’, to explore the colonisation of Cyprus and its connections to European and global colonial histories.