From Prison to Exile: The Life and Legacy of Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o
Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, the towering figure of African literature, left a profound legacy marked by resistance and reinvention. Born James Thiong’o Ngũgĩ, he rejected his colonial name in 1977. Then he chose to write exclusively in Kikuyu instead of English, which he viewed as a colonial tool. Several years later, Thiong’o’s writing began to criticize the […]
Sudan’s Modernist Master: How Abdelmoneim Mustafa Redrew Sudan’s Skyline
Abdelmoneim Mustafa, hailed as the father of Sudanese modernism, masterfully blended modern architectural principles with Sudan’s local traditions and climate in his work. Born in colonial-era Omdurman, he trained in the UK and returned post-independence to shape Sudan’s architectural identity. His signature grid-based, concrete structures incorporated verandahs, shade, and airflow—reinterpreting colonial elements to suit Sudan’s arid climate […]
From Beer Hall to Art Center: Mbare’s Creative Renaissance
Once a colonial-era beer hall designed to control black urban life, an Mbare township hall in Zimbabwe is now home to a vibrant creative rebirth. Artist Moffat Takadiwa has transformed the abandoned site into Mbare Art Space – a bustling hub for visual arts, education, and community engagement. Drawing inspiration from around the world but rooted […]
Stillness and Stone: Exploring South Africa’s Fynbos Residence
Studio JVW’s Fynbos Residence near Pearly Beach is a stunning coastal retreat seamlessly woven into South Africa’s dune and indigenous fynbos landscape. Crafted to mirror the stillness and elemental beauty of its surroundings, the home uses raw stone, textured wood, and muted tones to echo nature’s palette. Its sculptural, low-lying forms capture sweeping ocean views while […]
From Ruins to Reefs: Tunisia’s Top Travel Experiences
Tunisia is fast becoming a dream destination, offering travelers a treasure trove of experiences packed into a compact country. From exploring ancient Roman cities like Dougga and Carthage to birdwatching at the UNESCO-listed Lake Ichkeul, the North African country offers history and nature at every turn. Adventurers can get lost in the vibrant medinas, trek […]
From Nairobi to Roland Garros: Africa’s Tennis Future Starts Here
Angella Okutoyi, Kenya’s tennis trailblazer, is setting her sights on becoming a professional tennis player after a groundbreaking junior career, including a Wimbledon doubles title and historic runs at Roland Garros. Now competing in college tennis at Auburn University, she juggles academic commitments with dreams of going pro, highlighting the systemic challenges African players face from limited […]
Five Pavilions Reimagine Soil as the Future of Architecture
At the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale, five standout national pavilions are redefining soil as more than just earth—it’s a material of the future. Embracing the theme “Intelligens Natural Artificial Collective,” countries like Turkey, Australia, Morocco, Mexico, and the Philippines explore the soil’s potential in sustainable architecture and cultural storytelling. Turkey chose to interpret soil as an […]
Tosin Oshinowo’s Radical Urban Vision Reframes Nigeria’s Markets as Sustainable Ecosystems
At the Venice Biennale, Lagos-based Oshinowo Studio is spotlighting three of Lagos’s informal markets—Ladipo, Computer Village, and Katangua—as ingenious models of circular urbanism. Through immersive films, recycled textile maps, and data visualizations, architect Tosin Oshinowo is reframing these markets not as chaotic or deprived spaces but as sophisticated, self-organizing ecosystems driven by necessity and communal intelligence. […]
Seychelles Uncovered: From Coral Reefs to Creole Feasts
From misty rainforest hikes on Morne Blanc to snorkeling in coral-rich Petite Anse Bay, Seychelles is a vibrant blend of adventure and tranquility. The country has diverse sights. For instance, Victoria’s charm—with its colonial clock tower and colorful markets—offers a quirky contrast to the serene Four Seasons Resort, where coral restoration and marine discovery add a […]
Sustainability Steals the Spotlight at Morocco’s Premier Style Showcase
Sustainability took center stage at the 10th edition of the Morocco Fashion Style & Tex show in Casablanca. With over 400 companies from 16 countries, the exhibition dazzled with everything from elegant eveningwear to cozy knits. Yet, it’s the eco-conscious innovation that truly stole the spotlight. From Turkish firm Fill A More’s 100% recycled yarns to Egypt’s […]
