Arts

"We hadn't encountered anything like it before; the intensity was unlike any infectious disease we had ever faced," reflected former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf at the recent launch of a compelling new book that chronicles Liberia's struggle against the Ebola virus. Titled Stepping Up to the Plate: Liberia's Untold Ebola Story, this publication emerges from a collaborative effort by the Liberia Institute for Growing Patriotism and the Angie Brooks International Centre for Women's Empowerment. The book aims to shed light…

Nigerian officials have imposed a ban on a provocative song that dares to criticize President Bola Tinubu and his administration's economic strategies. The track in question, "Tell Your Papa," crafted by renowned artist Eedris Abdulkareem, expresses a piercing discontent with the president’s two-year tenure, which has already been marred by significant unrest fueled by escalating inflation and soaring fuel costs. Interestingly, this Afrobeats anthem is directed at none other than Seyi Tinubu, the president's son, who has…

Celebrating Artistry: Saalax Sanaag's Triumph at the Africa Arts Entertainment Awards In a vibrant fusion of culture and celebration, Saalah Abdirisaq Mohamed, more popularly hailed as Saalax Sanaag, has ascended the ranks of African music stardom. At the 2025 Africa Arts Entertainment Awards in Nairobi, Kenya, Saalax won double accolades: Best Somali Artist and Most Dedicated Performer in East Africa. Is this recognition just another token, or does it herald a rebirth for Somali music on the international stage?…

The recent unearthing of a Bronze Age settlement, dating back approximately 4,000 years, at Kach Kouch in Morocco has sent ripples through the archaeological community. This discovery prompts a critical re-evaluation of long-held beliefs about the ancient Maghreb region, particularly the notion that it remained largely unpopulated prior to the advent of the Phoenicians around 800 BCE. How often do we allow assumptions to cloud our understanding of history? Excavations at this site have unveiled a tapestry of life that…

For centuries, the story of the West African kingdom of Kaabu has resonated through the rich tapestry of oral traditions. Flourishing from the mid-1500s until the 1800s, this influential kingdom encompassed areas that today correspond to parts of Guinea-Bissau, Senegal, and the Gambia. Yet, how do we capture the essence of a place when words are rooted in the past, whispered from one generation to the next? The answer lies in the griots—those remarkable oral historians who were the storytellers of their time, singing praises…

The world of theater has lost one of its luminaries. Athol Fugard, the internationally celebrated South African playwright, novelist, director, and actor, passed away at the remarkable age of 92, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy that continues to influence and inspire. His work has penetrated hearts and minds across the globe, delving deep into the complex tapestry of human experience and social justice. Fugard’s body of work is nothing short of monumental. His plays, rich with emotion and insight, reflect the…

In a significant move to honor the historical legacy and contributions of marginalized groups, a new inscription in the lxam language has been etched into the façade of Rhodes House at Oxford University. This endeavor acknowledges the tribulations and relentless labor of those whose hardships ultimately contributed to Cecil Rhodes’ immense wealth. The lxam inscription was skillfully crafted by Fergus Wessel, a stone mason hailing from the UK, whose work is steeped in the traditions of the English Arts and Crafts movement.…

The film world has lost a luminary, and tributes are flowing for Souleymane Cissé, one of Africa's most celebrated filmmakers, who passed away at the age of 84. His daughter, Mariam Cissé, shared the heartbreaking news, reflecting on a profound personal loss. "We mourn the passing of a man who not only dedicated his life to film and art but also inspired countless others to pursue their creative passions," she said, her voice a mixture of sorrow and gratitude. The specific cause of his death remains undisclosed, which only…

In an exhilarating turn of events for Egyptology, archaeologists have uncovered the long-lost tomb of King Thutmose II. This marks a momentous occasion—it's the first royal burial site revealed in more than a century, the last significant find being the tomb of Tutankhamun in 1922. How incredible it is to think that after so many years, we’re still unveiling secrets of the past! Nestled to the west of the Valley of the Kings, not far from Luxor, this recently discovered tomb dates back nearly 3,500 years, anchoring us…

The Netherlands has recently made a significant commitment by agreeing to repatriate a collection of culturally important artifacts to Nigeria. In a landmark decision, the Dutch government pledged to return 113 Benin bronzes, emblematic remnants of a rich African heritage, that were taken during colonial times. This momentous agreement emerged through a formal signing between the Dutch Minister for Education, Eppo Bruins, and representatives from Nigeria's National Commission for Museums and Monuments. The artifacts,…