Farewell to a Jazz Giant: Rashid Lombard’s Enduring Cultural Legacy
Rashid Lombard, South Africa’s legendary jazz promoter, photographer, and cultural visionary, has passed away at 74, leaving behind a profound legacy. Lombard was the brains behind the Cape Town International Jazz Festival. But more than that, he was also a fearless photojournalist who documented the brutal truths of apartheid with unflinching compassion. Lombard’s contribution to music […]
Egypt Moves to Calm Fears Over Saint Catherine’s Monastery
Egypt has reassured Greece that the sovereignty and sanctity of Saint Catherine’s Monastery remain intact, following a court ruling that sparked fears among Orthodox leaders. According to the court, the monastery, which has existed for over a millennium, does not own the land it occupies. Nevertheless, the court confirmed the monks’ rights to use the monastery […]
From Visas to Villas: How Nine African Nations Are Powering a Tourism Boom
Africa’s tourism sector is roaring back, led by nine countries embracing bold reforms and strategic investments. From visa-free access and premium tourist visas to modernized airports and expanded hotel offerings, nations like Kenya, Rwanda, and Ethiopia are transforming travel experiences. These reforms enable them to take advantage of a post-pandemic surge, which pushed international arrivals to […]
Madagascar Stole My Heart: Record-Breaking Traveler Picks Favorite Country
Michael Zervos, a Greek-American filmmaker, set a world record by visiting all 196 UN-recognized countries in just 499 days—faster than anyone in history. The adventure, which began as a personal mission to overcome depression, evolved into Project Kosmos, a global quest to gather stories of happiness from everyday people. While he didn’t deeply explore each country […]
From Street to Studio: Nigerian Designer Reinvents the Umbrella Stall
Nigerian designer Paul Yakubu is turning heads with his ingenious “umbrella crate stall,” developed during his Versant Sud residency. Inspired by the dynamic street vendor culture of Lagos, the stall combines traditional aesthetics with smart, modular design. Its circular umbrella top and pivoting crates let traders personalize and expand their setups, while the store remains mobile, […]
