Global pop star Rihanna visited Malawi as part of her duties as the ambassador for Global Citizen and Global Partnership for Education (GPE). The pop star whose philanthropic activities started with the establishment of her foundation, Clara Lionel Foundation, spent her time with students and the board of directors of GPE. The foundation says its committed to the fight against injustice, inequality, and poverty, through education.
Arts, Culture and Sport
Arts, Culture and Sport Remembering Nigerian Literary Icon Buchi Emecheta
Florence Onyebuchi “Buchi” Emecheta one of the most popular and celebrated African writers has died at the age of 72 in London. The Nigerian novelist based in Britain since 1960, wrote several plays, autobiographies and children stories. The continent mourns the death of an African icon and tributes continue to pour in.
Arts, Culture and Sport The business of film
Kene Mkparu is the Group MD/CEO of FilmHouse Cinemas and FilmOne Distribution, a film exhibition company based in Nigeria. On the sidelines of the recently concluded African Film Festival that was held in Lagos, Mkparu spoke to Anne Mucheke.
Arts, Culture and Sport Something for everyone in Imbolo Mbue’s Behold the Dreamers
Several readers, reviewers, writers and critics have recently responded to the release of Cameroonian novelist Imbolo Mbue’s debut novel, Behold the Dreamers. Bwesigye Bwa Mwesigire weighs in on the debate.
Arts, Culture and Sport Mental illness in the spotlight at the Abantu Book Festival
“Black people don’t get depressed” is a refrain heard in some white circles. Yet depression and mental illness exist in black communities – something that is hardly acknowledged or addressed. A session at the inaugural Abantu Book Festival made the links between violence, mental illness and creativity. Tiisetso Tselima was there and this is her report.
Arts, Culture and Sport WATCH: Embracing Xhosa culture: White teen undergoes Xhosa initiation rite
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Chad for embracing a critical part of Xhosa culture, while others users having been critical of the custom calling it “outdated”.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, Culture and Sport 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, Culture and Sport 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, Culture and Sport 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.