With so much media attention on the Oscar Pistorius case, you’d be forgiven for thinking the killing of women by their partners is a rare occurrence in South Africa. It’s not. Are murder victims only newsworthy if they’re white or famous?
Politics and Society Ugandan civil society to challenge anti-gay law
Ugandan rights activists and politicians have filed a legal challenge to overturn the anti-gay law that was recently signed in law by president Museveni.
Lifestyle Welcome to Africa, Yasiin Bey
Mos Def, who is now known as Yaasin Bey, delivered the keynote address at Music Exchange 2014, a music industry conference hosted in Cape Town, his new home.
Arts, Culture and Sport Lupita Nyong’o acceptance speech at Essence Black Women Awards
“I remember a time when I too felt unbeautiful. I put on the TV and only saw pale skin, I got teased and taunted about my night-shaded skin”
Lifestyle Made in Africa: how much do we value this label in fashion?
All that goodness attached to African textiles is valuable, but more for the purpose of international marketing, not for Africans. We do care, but an organic tag doesn’t quite make the sale; we also want fashion, style and quality and we don’t want to wear “charity”.
Arts, Culture and Sport Why elders deserve only earned respect
One of the things our cultures have in common is their reverence for elders. But is merely being around for a long time enough? Shouldn’t respect be earned? Not all elders are wise. Should we also defer to an elder known to be ignorant, misogynistic and cruel?
Politics and Society What if Oscar’s victim had been black?
The world’s media has descended on South Africa for the trial of the country’s former sporting hero Oscar Pistorius. It’s been called “the most eagerly awaited trial in South African legal history”. But what if his victim had been a black man?
African identities The Maasai reclaim their brand
Google “Maasai” and “products”, and you will find Maasai figurines, by a British company called The Emporium Gifts, Masai Land Rover accessories, Maasai Beanies by 10 Deep, Maasai Red lace-up shirts by Ralph Lauren, Masai Barefoot Technology trainers. Why is Maasai wear so fashionable now?
Arts, Culture and Sport Yoruba deities as movie superheroes
“Oya: Rise of the Orisha” is an upcoming feature film that blends the Western superhero genre with Yoruba mythology. The film garnered internet attention following their Indiegogo crowd-funding campaign.