Culture and Entertainment

France Returns Djidji Ayokwe Drum to Côte d'Ivoire: A Step Toward Reconciliation In a significant move toward addressing historical injustices, France has officially returned the Djidji Ayokwe "talking drum" to Côte d'Ivoire. This drum, looted during a colonial military campaign in 1916, symbolizes not only the cultural heritage of the Ebrie tribe but also the broader reconciliation process between France and its former colonies. The three-meter-long drum served as a crucial means of communication for the Ebrie people,…

Gabon Suspends Social Media Amid Rising Tensions Gabon’s media regulator has announced a sweeping suspension of all social media platforms, a drastic measure attributed to the escalating conflict and deepening societal divisions within the country. This decision reflects the government's increasing scrutiny of online content, deemed damaging to public order. In a televised statement, the High Authority for Communication highlighted several factors leading to the suspension, citing the pervasive spread of false…

Cambridge University to Return Benin Bronzes to Nigeria In a significant step towards restorative justice, Cambridge University plans to return approximately 100 Benin bronzes to Nigeria, following a formal request from Nigeria's National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) in 2022. This action is part of a growing movement in the UK and Europe aimed at addressing the historical injustices related to colonial artifacts. The Benin bronzes, a collection of intricately designed metal plaques and sculptures, were…

South African singer Tyla has won her second Grammy, taking the Best African Music Performance award for "Push-to-Start," a track from her debut album, the Recording Academy announced Monday. The victory makes Tyla the first artist to win the category twice after her 2024 win for the global hit "Water." The award caps a rapid rise for the Johannesburg-born performer, whose blend of pop, R&B and South African township sounds has found a wide international audience. The Recording Academy recognized "Push-to-Start" amid a…

Fela Kuti: A Posthumous Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award for the Afrobeat Legend Legendary Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti is set to make history as the first African artist to receive a posthumous Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, nearly three decades after his death. The Recording Academy announced that Fela is being honored for his significant contributions to modern Nigerian Afrobeats and for inspiring countless global artists. His radical blend of politics, performance, and pan-African groove continues to…

Major cinema chains in South Africa have pulled a documentary about Melania Trump just before its scheduled release, citing concerns over "the current climate," the exhibitors said Friday. The film, which follows Melania Trump in the weeks leading up to her husband Donald Trump's second inauguration, was withdrawn from listings by multiple theatres only days before it was to premiere, according to distribution notices and exhibitor statements. Organisers did not provide further detail on specific security or diplomatic…

IShowSpeed Gains Ghanaian Passport Amid Tour Celebrating African Culture Darren Jason Watkins Jr., known globally as IShowSpeed, has officially received his Ghanaian passport following a significant visit to the West African nation. This milestone not only marks a personal achievement for the acclaimed content creator but also symbolizes a deeper connection to his roots, as he revealed that his mother is Ghanaian. Ghana served as the penultimate destination on IShowSpeed's extensive African tour, which encompassed 20…

Prominent rights activist Sarah Bireete, detained on December 30 after questioning the accuracy of the voter register ahead of Uganda's January 15 general election, has been granted bail. Bireete, who leads the Centre for Constitutional Governance, faced charges for the alleged unlawful disclosure of voters' information. Magistrate Winnie Nankya Jatiko approved Bireete's release after she met the necessary bail conditions. Her detention sparked widespread condemnation from both local and international human rights…

Khaby Lame Signs Groundbreaking $975 Million Deal in Creator Economy The world's most-followed TikToker, Senegalese-born Khaby Lame, has finalized an impressive all-stock deal valued between $900 million and $975 million. This significant agreement marks one of the largest monetization transactions within the rapidly evolving creator economy. The deal involves the partial sale of Lame's operating company, Step Distinctive Limited, where he held a 49% stake. Under the agreement, the buyer, Rich Sparkle, secures exclusive…

IShowspeed’s African Tour: "Speed Does Africa" Challenges Stereotypes Popular streamer Darren Watkins Jr., known as IShowspeed, is on an exciting African tour titled "Speed Does Africa." The journey has taken him through several countries across the continent, where he has engaged deeply with local cultures, connected with fans, and shared everyday experiences from Africa with his vast global audience. This tour has not only entertained but has also effectively challenged long-standing stereotypes about the continent.…