African gifts that celebrate culture and craft
The 2025 holiday season is here, and the perfect gift for a loved one during this season blends cultural significance with modern style. One such gift is Abir Ibrahim’s “Love Letters to Sudan,” a visually appealing photo book that spotlights the beauty of the country, despite the ongoing civil war. You can also gift cultural milestones such […]
Julie Mehretu’s quest to amplify African film
International artist Julie Mehretu is expanding her focus beyond world-class galleries to the open road, launching a pan-African initiative to empower the next generation of creatives. Collaborating with BMW, the Ethiopian-born artist is hosting media and film workshops across five major cities, from Lagos to Cape Town. This ambitious project, fueled by the African Film and Media […]
Ancient Egyptian pleasure boat discovered
Archaeologists have uncovered a rare ancient Egyptian pleasure boat off the coast of Alexandria, dated to the early first century AD. Measuring an impressive 115 feet, this “floating palace” matches the vivid descriptions of Greek historian Strabo, who famously wrote of revelers dancing “without restraint” on these opulent vessels. Found near the submerged island of Antirhodos in […]
How Falz carries Fela’s protest torch
In the vibrant world of Afrobeats, few artists balance chart-topping hits with biting social commentary like Falz. A lawyer-turned-revolutionary rapper, Folarin Falana has emerged as the definitive voice of a new generation, drawing frequent comparisons to the legendary Fela Kuti. By blending razor-sharp satire with catchy digital trends like #WehDoneSir, Falz tackles heavy themes of political corruption […]
African football icons who never won AFCON
Football glory is often measured by silverware, but for some of the game’s most iconic legends, the Africa Cup of Nations remained an elusive dream. While stars like Mohamed Salah have conquered Europe, the “Egyptian King” still hunts for that crowning continental achievement. The current edition in Morocco will likely be his last chance to banish […]
Inside Kéré’s first South American project
Architect Francis Kéré has unveiled his first South American project: Biblioteca dos Saberes, or “The House of Wisdom,” a 40,000-square-meter public library set in Rio de Janeiro’s Cidade Nova district. Commissioned by City Hall and revealed on Brazil’s Black Consciousness Day, the design blends social purpose with local context, drawing inspiration from Brazil’s native trees and […]
A writer’s quest for Yoruba fluency
In this personal essay, the author of “My Sister, the Serial Killer” explores the vulnerable journey of reclaiming her heritage. Learning Yoruba alongside her 18-month-old daughter becomes both an intimate family ritual and a reckoning with cultural loss for a writer who understands the language but cannot speak it fluently. Raised between Britain and Nigeria, the author […]
Your cultural cheat sheet to Morocco
Morocco rewards curious travelers with a rich blend of history, music, cinema, and everyday rituals, and a little preparation goes a long way. Begin by exploring the nation’s soul through acclaimed literature, from Laila Lalami’s reflections on identity to Leila Slimani’s historical sagas. Next, dive into cinematic stories that capture Morocco’s diverse landscapes and social tapestry, like […]
Egypt’s Colossi of Memnon rise again
After decades of painstaking work, Egypt has unveiled the newly restored Colossi of Memnon at the entrance to Pharaoh Amenhotep III’s vast Luxor burial complex. These twin quartzite statues, damaged by ancient earthquakes, floods, and centuries of neglect, have been carefully reconstructed through a long-running international collaboration involving experts from Egypt, Germany, Japan, and the United States. […]
How live shows power Nigeria’s music boom
Nigerian artists earned an estimated $395 million from touring and live performances in 2024/2025, underscoring concerts and festivals as the industry’s main revenue engine. According to Basslines to Billions: Nigeria’s Music Market Intelligence Report, live events accounted for roughly 66% of total artist income, driven by rising demand and the expanding global touring reach of Nigerian […]
