Inside Accra’s indigenous flavor revolution
Accra’s food and drink scene is being reinvented as chefs and mixologists embrace Ghana’s rich pantry of indigenous ingredients, from prɛkɛsɛ and Grains of Selim to dawadawa and wild mints. Moving beyond menus tailored to tourists, a new generation is blending tradition with experimentation, weaving local spices into reimagined and bold Afro-Asian fusion dishes. The […]
How Kenya reimagined the “night runner”
In rural East Africa, the feared phenomenon of “night running” describes individuals who, reportedly possessed, cause nocturnal havoc while naked. This taboo ritual, long stigmatized and linked to witchcraft, has been reinvented in the modern era. A researcher exploring Kenyan media discovered a fascinating shift after the year 2000. Journalist Tony Mochama co-opted the trope […]
Zaha Hadid-designed Ethiopian airport breaks ground
Ethiopia has embarked on the construction of what is poised to become Africa’s largest airport, a bold statement of its aviation ambitions and regional influence. Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, Bishoftu International Airport will eventually handle up to 110 million passengers annually, largely catering to transfer travelers passing through Ethiopian Airlines’ growing global network. The […]
Five must-visit vineyards in South Africa
Franschhoek, founded by French Huguenots in the 17th century, has evolved into one of South Africa’s most picturesque and prestigious wine destinations. Its vineyards not only sustain a multibillion-rand industry concentrated in the Western Cape, but also offer visitors a blend of history, culture, and world-class winemaking. Known for standout varietals such as Merlot, Pinot […]
What travelers should know about Ramadan
Traveling to Muslim-majority countries during Ramadan can be deeply rewarding if visitors understand its spiritual rhythm and cultural nuances. The holy month, which commemorates key moments in early Islamic history, centers on daylight fasting, prayer, and reflection, making daily life slower. While visitors are not expected to fast, public etiquette is key: always avoid eating, […]
How generative AI is remaking music
Generative AI is quietly reshaping how audiences encounter music by African and African-linked artists, blurring the line between human expression and machine production. The viral success of “Papaoutai (Afro Soul Version)”—an AI-generated reworking of Stromae’s deeply personal hit—shows how platforms can amplify emotionally persuasive tracks without clear disclosure. As similar AI recreations proliferate, questions are […]
Inside a photographer’s Cuban slavery heritage
In “Sweet Thing,” a Cuban-born photographer turns a fragmented family history into a haunting visual meditation on slavery, memory, and identity. Sparked by a casual question at a family reunion in Belgium, the artist confronts how the transatlantic slave trade severed names, ties, and stories, making conventional genealogy nearly impossible. Since traditional records are largely […]
Super Eagles win AFCON bronze on penalties
Nigeria secured third place at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after exorcising their penalty demons with a shootout victory over Egypt in Casablanca. The match itself ended goalless, but it was anything but dull, with both sides seeing goals ruled out by VAR and trading late chances. Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali became the hero in […]
Hiking South Africa’s loftiest landscapes
For adventurers wishing to escape the hustle and bustle of Johannesburg, the Drakensberg Mountains offer a hiking experience of epic proportions. This dramatic escarpment, nicknamed the “Barrier of Spears,” features cloud-piercing peaks, ancient rock art, and the breathtaking Amphitheater—a sheer cliff face soaring 4,000 feet. The mountains offer accommodation, including the family-run lodge Cavern Lodge, […]
From Mansa Musa to modern Mali
This month, a free virtual conference invites us to rediscover a foundational chapter of global history. “Following the Gold Road” explores the immense power and sophistication of West Africa’s medieval empires—Ghana, Mali, and Songhai—which shaped the world economy through their control of gold. Across three January sessions, leading scholars explore technology and statecraft, trans-Saharan commerce, […]
