ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces some of the key concepts and theoretical debates that have found most helpful and germane to focus on remembering independence. A whole range of media was, and continues to be, inextricably entwined with the work of remembering, and revising memories of, independence. Independence Days, finally, though basically a performative genre, usually make use of an impressive range of media, including speeches, brochures, elaborate iconography and, sometimes, the inauguration of new monuments. In the context of the African Independence Jubilees, there were invariably one or often several temporal exhibitions that offered images of independence and celebrated the achievements of the new nation-state. In the commemoration of independence, aimed at creating shared 'national imaginaries', the establishment of national holidays plays a particularly important role. The chapter concludes by illustrating discussion of the media of remembering with reference to the figure of the hero in tales of independence.
