The celebrity citizenship strategy reshaping Africa’s global image
African countries are increasingly welcoming Black American celebrities as citizens, blending cultural reconnection with strategic economic ambition. From Ghana and Benin to Gabon and Guinea, stars like Ciara, Samuel L. Jackson, and Stevie Wonder have received passports in ceremonies celebrating shared ancestry, often traced through DNA testing. Governments see the trend as a powerful tourism […]
Five African escapes for true adventurers
Africa’s most memorable adventures are increasingly unfolding far from crowded safari parks and polished resorts, in places where effort and curiosity shape the journey. From South Africa’s rugged Attakwaskloof Pass and rewilded Babanango Reserve to Chad’s quietly thriving Zakouma National Park, travelers are embracing experiences built on teamwork and immersion. Deep in Gabon’s rainforests, Ivindo’s […]
The African stars set to shine in 2026
Navigating Africa’s explosive music scene just got easier, thanks to Audiomack’s highly anticipated Artists to Watch list for 2026. The list highlights rising talents across regions and genres, from South Africa’s emotionally rich Afropop voices Mawelele and Naledi Aphiwe to Nigeria’s street-pop sensation Shoday. Francophone Africa shines through innovators like Côte d’Ivoire’s Ameka Zrai and […]
Netherlands returns ancient sculpture to Egypt
In a significant act of cultural restoration, the Netherlands has officially returned a priceless, 3,500-year-old sculpture to Egypt. The stone head, believed to come from Luxor, depicts a high-ranking official from the era of Pharaoh Thutmose III and resurfaced at a Dutch art fair in Maastricht in 2022. It was looted during the 2011 Arab […]
The cultural evolution of horror in Nigerian cinema
Nollywood horror is a unique and chilling genre, drawing its power not from abstract monsters but from deep cultural beliefs. Its terrifying villains—blood-sucking witches, vengeful spirits, and demonic forces—are rooted in traditional folklore and spiritual practices familiar to many Nigerians. This makes the fear feel immediate and personal, as these stories often mirror real societal […]
A local’s guide to modern Marrakech
Touria El Glaoui, founder of the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair, sees Marrakech as a city beautifully suspended between memory and movement. Born into a storied Moroccan family, she channels this dual perspective into a guide for visiting Marrakech, revealing a dynamic city that honors tradition while embracing modern creativity. She recommends legendary hotels like […]
Spotify brings audiobooks to South Africa
Spotify is broadening its reach in South Africa with the launch of audiobooks, giving users a new way to enjoy stories alongside music and podcasts. The platform now offers a wide range of titles, from local favorites like Lauren Beukes’ Shining Girls to global bestsellers across romance, fantasy, and contemporary fiction. Designed for busy lifestyles, […]
New documentary celebrates the legacy of Amadou and Mariam
The documentary Amadou and Mariam: Sounds of Mali celebrates the extraordinary life and legacy of one of Africa’s most beloved musical duos: Amadou Bagayoko and Mariam Doumbia. For nearly five decades, the blind couple from Mali captivated the world with their unique fusion of traditional Malian sounds, rock, and blues. Their journey from meeting at […]
How to experience the pulse of Lagos
Lagos bursts with energy, creativity, and culture, making it a dream destination for travelers who love vibrant cities with personality. From the buzzing Afrobeats-fueled nightlife of Victoria Island to the artistic treasures of Nike Art Gallery and the Lekki Arts and Crafts Market, the city blends tradition with modern flair at every turn. Between rooftop […]
Olympic boxer Imane Khelif speaks out
Algerian Olympic boxing champion Imane Khelif finds herself in an unexpected fight—not in the ring, but against a global political campaign targeting her identity. Since her Paris 2024 gold medal win, figures like US President Donald Trump have labeled her transgender to justify restrictive sports policies. Khelif firmly states she is a woman and urges […]