A video of a fluent Xhosa-speaking teenager Chad “Xolani” Baling, 18, who recently successfully participated in a sacred initiation rite of passage ceremony in South Africa has set tongues wagging on social media. Baling lives with a Xhosa family in East London, and he went through the traditional Xhosa ulwaluko initiation rite to manhood. Some social media users have been applauding Chad for embracing a critical part of Xhosa culture, while others users having been critical of the custom calling it “outdated”.
Arts and Culture
Arts and Culture Wizkid and Ladysmith Black Mambazo nominated for Grammy Award
Talented Nigerian musician, Wizkid is in contention for a Grammy award for his role in U.S. rapper Drake’s 2016 album, Views, nominated for Best Album. Wizkid is the only Nigerian in contention for an award at the 59th Grammy’s. Ladysmith Black Mambazo, a celebrated South African band received a nomination (Best World Music Album) for their album Walking In The Footsteps Of Our Fathers, and South African born fortepianist Kristian Bezuidenhout is also up for an award. A hearty congratulations.
Arts and Culture Translation and African languages are important, but we need to move beyond activism
Following the Pan-African writers’ collective Jalada Africa’s translation of “The Upright Revolution: Or Why Humans Walk Upright” by Ngugu wa Thiong’o, described as ‘the single most translated short story in the history of African writing’, they hosted an event with the author in Nairobi, focusing on literature in African languages, among other things. Oduor Jagero was there and examines what it means to write in African languages today.
Arts and Culture South Africa’s oldest township: A photo essay
Just a stone throw away from the cosmopolitan suburb of Sandton City in Johannesburg, the township of Alexandra is still home to some of the poorest families. Despite this, Alex, as it is more commonly known, has a rich history that dates back more than 100 years.
Arts and Culture Magal in Touba: Senegal’s Mouride pilgrimage
Have you heard about Senegal’s Mouride brotherhood, which practices a branch of Sufi Islam. Over the weekend, followers of the Mouride faith participated in the annual Magal pilgrimage, hosted in Senegal’s holy city of Touba. Have a quick look at some of the pictures of the pilgrimage/ religious festival.
Arts and Culture Oukaimeden: Africa’s highest ski resort
Have you ever thought of visiting a ski resort within the African continent, well there is one that you should definitely explore, Oukaimeden, in Morocco and it’s really a breath-taking place. Oukaimeden, is the highest ski resort in Africa, nestled in Morocco’s snow-capped Atlas Mountains.
Arts and Culture First ever Windhoek Fashion Week: Runway highlights
The first ever Windhoek Fashion Week was held in Namibia’s bustling capital last week. Here are some highlights from the runway.
Arts and Culture Weekend Playlist: Exceptional female musicians
This week, we watched Americans elect an alleged sexual assaulter in place of a qualified woman. While the world mourned, Hillary Clinton in her concession speech gracefully encouraged young girls everywhere to follow their goals. ‘’To all the girls who are watching this, never doubt that you are valuable and powerful and deserving of every chance and opportunity in the world to pursue and achieve your dreams.’’ Hillary said in her concession speech.
Arts and Culture Remembering Mama Africa Miriam Makeba
Africa’s lost a musical genius, the legendary singer Miriam Makeba (Mama Africa) who passed away on this day in 2008. We remember this legend through her music, which undoubtedly left an indelible mark.