NoViolet Bulawayo’s “Hitting Budapest” Wins Best of Caine Award
Zimbabwean author NoViolet Bulawayo has added another prestigious honor to her collection, winning the Best of Caine award. This special prize celebrates the most outstanding story from the Caine Prize for African Writing’s 25-year history. Bulawayo earned the accolade for her 2011-winning short story, “Hitting Budapest.” The story, originally published in the Boston Review, follows six […]
From Lagos to the World: New Podcast Explores Fela Kuti’s Life and Legacy
A major new podcast, “Fela Kuti: Fear No Man,” produced by Radiolab’s Jad Abumrad and presented by Audible and Barack Obama’s Higher Ground, is set to dive deep into the complex legacy of the legendary Nigerian musician and Afrobeat pioneer. Through over 200 interviews with family, musicians, and notable figures such as Barack Obama and Ayo Edebiri, […]
The Bubu: Africa’s Flowing Silhouette Takes Global Fashion by Storm
Move over, kaftans—the Bubu is poised to become fashion’s next major global silhouette. Rooted in centuries of West African tradition, the Bubu has long symbolized grace, social standing, and versatility, and is equally at home in intimate settings or grand ceremonies. The garment, known for its wide sleeves and fluid, graceful shape, is now being brilliantly […]
Sunken Port Discovery Reignites the Search for Cleopatra’s Lost Tomb
Archaeologists have uncovered a sunken ancient Egyptian port that could offer new insights into Cleopatra’s life as well as maritime activity in the region. The underwater site, located off the Mediterranean coast near Taposiris Magna, features towering columns, polished stone floors, amphorae, ship anchors, and cemented blocks—all dating back to Cleopatra’s era. National Geographic explorers Kathleen Martínez […]
From Couscous to Karantita: Algeria’s Must-Try Culinary Delights
Algeria’s cuisine is a delightful blend of Berber, Arab, Ottoman, French, and Mediterranean influences. While UNESCO-recognized couscous is the famous flagship dish, the North African country boasts a wealth of culinary treasures. Traditional dishes like reshta, chakhchoukha, taguella, and zviti showcase regional flavors, ranging from savory stews to spicy flatbreads, while street foods like m’hadjeb, karantita, […]
Idris Elba Champions AI as a Force for Creativity and Progress
Actor and philanthropist Idris Elba says he is optimistic about the role of artificial intelligence in both entertainment and global development. Speaking at Semafor’s Next 3 Billion summit, Elba argued that AI could help underdeveloped communities “catch up with the rest of the world,” while also serving as a tool to enhance human creativity. Drawing parallels to […]
China Builds Soft Power in Africa Through Language and Culture
China’s growing influence in Africa is extending beyond trade and infrastructure into language and culture, largely through its Confucius Institutes. Since 2004, Beijing has established institutes in 49 African countries, promoting Mandarin and cultural exchange while offering scholarships that attract thousands of students. For many, like Benin’s Miradie Tchekpo, learning Chinese opens doors to jobs and cross-border […]
Black Women Who Defied Apartheid’s Borders to Fight for Freedom
During the oppressive era of apartheid in South Africa, the simple act of travel became a radical form of activism for Black women. The white-minority government aggressively enforced pass laws designed to control their movement and keep them “in their place.” In a powerful act of defiance, a courageous group of women refused to stay put. […]
Seychelles, Mauritius Lead Africa’s Quality of Life Rankings for 2025
A new United Nations report spotlights a remarkable surge in the quality of life across several African nations. The 2025 Human Development Index reveals that countries like Seychelles and Mauritius are leading the charge, having invested strategically in key areas that directly impact their citizens’ well-being. Their success stems from a powerful combination of enhanced education systems, […]
Africa Shines in UNESCO’s New Biosphere Reserve Designations
UNESCO has added 26 new biosphere reserves worldwide, including a landmark designation in Angola that strengthens Africa’s role in global conservation. The Quiçama Biosphere Reserve, spanning 206 kilometers of Atlantic coastline, protects elephants, manatees, sea turtles, and more than 200 bird species while supporting local communities through farming, fishing, and honey production. São Tomé and Príncipe also […]
