Arts

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,…

In an ambitious stride toward bolstering online safety, TikTok has taken significant action by eradicating nearly 11.9 million videos across nine African nations. This impressive effort touches Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa, Algeria, Somalia, Libya, Ethiopia, Sudan, and Morocco, with the goal of upholding integrity, advertising, privacy, and safety standards on its platform. Egypt emerges as the country with the most removals, tallying an astonishing 2.75 million videos. This figure underscores the challenges platforms like…

The Nigerian music landscape has been graced with numerous talents, but few have soared as high as Temilade Openiyi, widely known as Tems. Recently, she claimed the prestigious Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance during the 67th annual ceremony. Her triumph marks a significant milestone, as she outperformed a formidable lineup that included renowned artists such as Burna Boy, Asake, Wizkid, Yemi Alade, and the dynamic collaboration of Chris Brown featuring Davido and Lojay. This accomplishment is a testament not…

The announcement from Nigerian singer 2Baba, whose real name is Innocent Idibia, sent ripples through the emotional landscape of his fanbase. His recent social media post, which revealed his separation from young, famous, and African star Annie Macaulay-Idibia, ignited a flood of mixed reactions. Fans and followers were left stunned, grappling with the dissonance between the couple's previous portrayals of love and the stark reality of this sudden unraveling. How could a story that once captivated so many now take such a…

In an unexpected turn of events, the acclaimed Nigerian artist Tems, recognized globally for her Grammy-winning talents, has opted to cancel her highly anticipated “Born in the Wild” tour performance in Rwanda. This decision, grounded in complex geopolitical realities, spotlights the nuanced interplay between art and international conflict. Tems was set to grace the stage at the BK Arena in Kigali on March 22, 2025, a date that many fans had circled in red ink on their calendars. The excitement surrounding her performance…

In a world increasingly obsessed with instant gratification and flashy blockbusters, it’s refreshing to see a film that digs deeper, shedding light on issues that truly matter. Enter "The Last Ranger," a poignant South African film helmed by the talented Cindy Lee, which has garnered a prestigious nomination for the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film. This powerful 28-minute cinematic gem draws viewers into the heart-wrenching reality of rhino poaching—a topic that resonates painfully with current environmental…

Recently, the Rwandan government made headlines by teaming up with U.S. comedian Steve Harvey's company, BILT LLC, in a pact designed to enhance both tourism and investment in the nation. This exciting agreement was formalized in the capital, Kigali, with Rwanda Development Board (RDB) CEO Francis Gatare signing alongside Steve Harvey himself. The focus of this partnership is far-reaching—it aims to develop skills in critical areas like film, media, and education. Moreover, it seeks to promote health and wellness…