African’s middle-class – along with a huge development industry – is setting the terms of the continent’s “development”, but the central idea seems to be ‘let’s turn Africa into Europe.’ A blistering critique by Caine Prize-awarded author Binyavanga Wainaina.
Politics and Society Why do well-travelled Nigerians defend mediocrity at home?
Why do some of these “exposed” Nigerians rush to rationalize, defend or excuse their country’s mediocrity and ghastly performance? Writer Okey Ndibe talks low expectations for Nigeria and calling out bad leadership
Arts and Culture The quiet explosion of contemporary African art in the global art market
Modern contemporary art from Africa has not gained significant popularity in the West until now. Now there’s a quiet explosion. There’s a growing inclination within Africa amongst the wealthy to collect art made by artists from within their culture, and there’s an increasing realisation in Europe and America that African modern art can offer quality and diversity
Politics and Society Fake slum for wealthy tourists
If you thought the idea of tourists taking a walking (or riding) tour through slums to stare at residents as if they were animals was offensive, think again. The people at Emoya Luxury Hotel & Spa in Bloemfontein, South Africa, have gone one step further.
African identities Love and fear: Tanzania’s albino women
For reasons still unknown to scientists, albinism seems to be most prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa. Tanzania has one of the highest incidents of albinism in the world, roughly 1 in 35000. The country’s albinos live in fear of their lives.
African identities First woman maasai warrior?: the appropriation of African cultures
To the many white people in African countries using us to make a name for themselves while overshadowing the work of those few who genuinely care and have a clue about what they’re doing, please get over yourselves, and find less insulting ways to feel good about yourselves
Politics and Society Race relations in Angola
Education and colonial practices are important factors in considering the way Angolans view each other today
Lifestyle Men do not cry
West African men on being stoic and trying to gauge who they can express themselves to when things get thick
Politics and Society The all but forgotten contribution of African soldiers to the Allied victory in World War II
The important historical omission you need to know