Following the death of legendary singer-songwriter Dorothy Masuka at 83, Stan Mushava reflects on how she was denied a place both in Rhodesia and South Africa. Similar post-colonial experiences of artists, journalists and activists support the argument that ultimately it must be the role of the African Union and sub-regional bodies to protect free expression, because individual states have narrower minds and temporary interests.
Lifestyle
Lifestyle Why ‘money’ gospel followers aren’t simply credulous dupes
Prosperity gospel in South Africa is in the news for all the wrong reasons. But for its followers, it’s not a con, just a different approach to God.
Lifestyle First Muslim drag queen on “RuPaul’s Drag Race” hails from Kenya
The American television series “RuPaul’s Drag Race” has unveiled its Season 11 cast – and it includes the show’s first ever Muslim drag star. “Mercedes Iman Diamond” moved from Kenya to the United States at the age of 11 but the persona was not born for another 10 years.
Lifestyle Dorothy Masuku: Africa has lost a singer, composer and a hero of the struggle
Songstress Dorothy Masuku once told South Africa’s public broadcaster that music was like breathing for her.
Lifestyle Love Is Human: Kenya’s historic #Repeal162 verdict postponed
Kenya’s High Court has postponed the ruling on the historic case (#Repeal162 ruling”, which activists had petitioned for the repealing of section 162 of the penal code. A positive ruling will ensure sexual minorities in Kenya will have the right and freedom to exist, and it will be a huge step towards inclusion.
Lifestyle Charles Mungoshi, through the eyes of his peers
Acclaimed Zimbabwean novelist Charles Mungoshi died on 16 February 2019 after a 10-year fight with a neurological condition. Fellow writers and publishers share their encounters with the African literary giant whose many accomplishments included works of translation, breaking the colonial chokehold on education and co-founding the Zimbabwe International Book Fair.
Lifestyle Ethiopian teenager breaks decades-old indoor 1500m world record
Samuel Tefera from Ethiopia has set the running world alight by breaking the 1 500m indoor world record set by Hicham El Guerrouj 22 years ago.
Lifestyle Curvy or not, all women should be celebrated
Recent comments made by Uganda’s Minister for Tourism, when he described curvy women as potential tourist attractions, have brought the debate around the objectification of women back into the spotlight.
Lifestyle Kenya: The Talking Boxes of Kibera
A community-based organisation has installed Talking Boxes at primary schools in Africa’s largest informal settlement, Kibera, in Kenya, to encourage schoolgirls to speak out about their problems.