Zimbabwe is making gestures to loosen the government chokehold on airwaves inherited from Rhodesia and maintained in the 42 years of independence. But broadcasting licenses have been selectively awarded to Zanu PF politicians, oligarchs, state enterprises and the army. New television stations are merely the latest horsemen of Zimbabwe’s airpocalypse.
Arts, Culture and Sport The divine message of ‘Good News From Africa’
Abdullah Ibrahim and Johnny Dyani’s 1973 album was the realisation of a journey in music and spirituality, combining Islamic and Xhosa influences to create something unique.
Arts, Culture and Sport The legacy of Nigerian music star Orlando Julius must not be overlooked
The man who taught Fela Kuti a thing or two has been all but erased from formal music history. He deserves much better treatment in death.
Politics and Society The other side of Mwai Kibaki
Kenya’s third President Mwai Kibaki was buried in Othaya, Nyeri County, his ancestral home, on April 30, 2022, after being eulogised as a generous and kind-hearted old grand man. However, deep insights and anecdotes from Kibaki’s erstwhile comrades show a darker side to “the gentleman of Kenyan politics”.
Politics and Society Kibaki’s capitalist outlook on education in Kenya brought mixed results
Kibaki gave Kenya’s higher education sector a free market capitalistic orientation, endearing him to the World Bank and the IMF.
Politics and Society Harvard University pledges $100 million to address its legacy of slavery
After a committee of distinguished faculty drawn from across Harvard University released a report on the institution’s legacy of slavery, Harvard President Larry Bacow announced a $100 million commitment to remedy the ‘persistent educational and social harms that human bondage caused.’ Here we outline the revelations and recommendations that led to this unprecedented decision.
Politics and Society Drivers of electoral violence in Kenya: red flags to watch out for
To predict – and prevent – election-related violence, it’s important to first understand the key drivers of conflict.
Politics and Society Libya is a ‘market of human beings’
Many African migrants and refugees see crossing the Mediterranean Sea as the only chance for a better life. Sally Hayden tells their harrowing stories in My Fourth Time, We Drowned.
Politics and Society Guilty verdict in Sankara trial shows power of activists to fight impunity in Burkina Faso
The guilty verdict on Blaise Compaoré should be celebrated as a landmark victory for democracy and peoples’ movements in Africa.