James Baldwin’s introduction to “Black Fire!: Accounts of the Guerrilla War in Rhodesia” (also titled “We Are Everywhere: Narratives from Rhodesian Guerillas”) by Michael Raeburn² provides an insightful look into the complexities of the Rhodesian situation, focusing on fictional narratives based on true events  & character’s.  One significant event documented in the book is the events on the Altena tobacco farm³ in which the guerrilla forces were given the location of a strategic strike point by a Shona spirit medium, marking a turning point in Zimbabwe’s liberation movement.

Although the book was published in New York, it was during the time Baldwin found solace and inspiration in France that he contributed to Black Fire: accounts of the Guerrilla War in Rhodesia⁴. Whilst in central France, Paris, Baldwin would spend his time at cafes such as Café Le Tournon⁵. During the post-war period, it became a hub for African American expatriates, artists, writers, and intellectuals⁶. Amidst the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the lingering scent of Gauloises and Gitanes tobacco cigarettes, the café’s ambiance and location fostered an environment where creative minds could gather, exchange ideas, and engage in meaningful debates⁷. These interactions often transcended mere conversation, sparking movements and inspiring works that contributed to cultural and societal shifts. This essence is intertwined with Zimbabwe’s largest export of the time, Tobacco⁸⁹, a frequent catalyst for conversation at Café Le Tournon.

“18 Rue de Tournon” opens with top notes of honey, mango, and pineapple, paying homage to the “fruits of the land.” The heart of the scent revolves around tobacco, symbolically connecting to the book, Baldwin, and the liberation movement. Finally, it settles into a base note of musk, subtly hinting at the primal instincts of guerrilla fighters.