Word of the Day: “A man who prides himself on his ancestry is like the potato plant, the best part of which is underground.” – Swaziland Proverb
Today in history, King Sobhuza II is installed as Swaziland’s (Eswatini) Ngwenyama (traditional ruler). He was Ngwenyama (King) of Swaziland for 82 years and 254 days, the longest verifiable reign of any monarch in recorded history.
News highlights from Africa and beyond (December 20, 2023).
Word of the Day: “If you are building a house and a nail breaks, do you stop building, or do you change the nail?” – Rwandan Proverb
Today in history in 2017, Shisa, a popular and highly addictive tobacco pipe is banned in Rwanda, following the World Health Organisation’s finding that smoking a shisa for one hour equals smoking 100 cigarettes.
News highlights from Africa and beyond (December 15, 2023).
Word of the Day: “The one who fetches the water is the one who is likely to break the pot.” – Ugandan Proverb
Today in history in 1961, the Transition magazine in Kampala, Uganda, was first published by Rajat Neogy. Launched with the manifesto to provide ‘an intelligent and creative backdrop to the East African scene,’ the magazine quickly became a cornerstone of African literary and cultural discourse. However, Neogy’s bold criticism in a 1968 article against President Milton Obote’s plans to amend the Ugandan constitution led to his imprisonment. By then a significant pan-African publication, Transition relocated to Ghana in 1971. Despite closing in 1976 due to financial constraints, the magazine was revived in 1991 by American historian Henry Louis Gates Jr., reimagined as an international publication focusing on race and culture, particularly within the African diaspora.
Word of the Day: “A flexible hand cannot easily break.” – Cameroonian Proverb
Today in history, we recognize the notable achievements of Samuel Eto’o Fils, born on March 10, 1981, who not only distinguished himself as a remarkable football player but also as a dedicated football administrator. Eto’o, celebrated for his illustrious playing career, transitioned into a significant leadership role in the world of football administration. On December 11, 2021, he was elected as the president of the Cameroonian Football Federation, underscoring his commitment to the sport and marking a new chapter in his contribution to football in Cameroon and beyond. Source: https://www.africatodayyesterday.org/days/11-dec
News highlights from Africa and beyond (December 11, 2023).
Word of the Day: “Teeth do not experience poverty” – African Proverb
Today in history, in 1911, Khalifa bin Harub started his rule as Sultan of Zanzibar. As longest-serving sultan up to 1960 when he died in the throne, he oversaw decades of improvements in Zanzibar. Source: https://www.africatodayyesterday.org/days/09-dec
News highlights from Africa and beyond (December 9, 2023).
Word of the Day: “The lizard that jumped from the high iroko tree to the ground said he would praise himself if no one else did.” – Nigerian Proverb
Today in history, in 1958, the first All-African People’s Conference started in Accra. The landmark conference held at the dawn of the Independence Era was attended by delegates from 28 African countries representing 200 million people. Source: https://www.africatodayyesterday.org/days/08-dec
News highlights from Africa and beyond (December 8, 2023).
Word of the Day: “A child’s fingers are not scalded by a piece of hot yam which its mother puts into its palm.” – Nigerian Proverb
Today in history, we commemorate the completion of the formidable Kano city wall in West Africa, marking the end of its 40-year construction which began in 1095. Commissioned by King Kijimazuto to repel invaders, this architectural marvel stood 3.5 meters high and 1.4 meters thick, adorned with intricate decorations and featuring regularly spaced gates equipped with guard towers. By 1903, the wall was acclaimed as ‘the most impressive landmark in West Africa’. Despite this recognition, the relentless expansion of Kano’s population over the centuries led to the wall’s gradual degradation, leaving only fragments by the 21st century. Source: https://www.africatodayyesterday.org/days/07-dec
News highlights from Africa and beyond (December 7, 2023).
Word of the Day: “Even the best cooking pot will not produce food.” – African Proverb
Today in history marks a groundbreaking moment in ancient architecture, as future archaeologists date the construction of the first monumental structure built entirely of stone: the six-staged stepped pyramid in Saqqara, Egypt. Under the ingenious guidance of the architect Imhotep, this architectural marvel is being erected to serve as the eternal resting place of the 3rd Dynasty pharaoh, King Djoser. Source: https://www.africatodayyesterday.org/days/04-dec
News highlights from Africa and beyond (December 6, 2023).
Word of the Day: “Do not wait to strike till the iron is hot; but make it hot by striking.” – African Proverb
Today in History, we celebrate the birth of a Kenyan long-distance runner born in Kapsokwony, Kenya. Linet Masa distinguished herself early in her athletic career. At 18, she set a world junior record in the 10,000 meters at the 2008 Summer Olympics, finishing fourth against an adult field. She continued her ascent by winning the world title in the 10,000 meters at the 2009 World Championships in Athletics at age 19. Source: https://www.africatodayyesterday.org/days/04-dec
News headlines from Africa and beyond (December 5, 2023).
In this thought-provoking episode of Afriqai Podcasts, titled “Know Thyself: The Parallel Universe Context,” host @KayJay embarks on yet another fascinating journey exploring the concept of parallel universes. This episode delves into the intriguing idea that figures from different cultural and spiritual backgrounds, such as Jesus Christ in Christianity and Ela in Yoruba tradition, might represent different manifestations of the same archetypal truths in parallel universes.
Word of the Day: “If you close your eyes to facts, you will learn through accidents.” – African Proverb
Today in history, as the annual dangerous illegal sea migration from Africa to Europe draws to an end this year, a boat carrying African migrants to Europe sinks off Mauritania; 58 of 141 people on board die. Source: https://www.africatodayyesterday.org/days/04-dec
News highlights from Africa and beyond (December 4, 2023).
Word of the Day: “The sun does not forget a village just because it’s small.” – African Proverb
Today in History (December 3, 1929), the first edition of Iwe Irohin, the first newspaper in Nigeria and indeed West Africa, was published in 1859. Source: https://www.africatodayyesterday.org/days/03-dec
Word of the Day: “A closed mouth catches no flies.” – African Proverb
Today in History (December 2, 1929), three women are killed by police during the Women’s War involving thousands of women from the Bende District in Nigeria, staging a march to protest corrupt chiefs who are about to approve direct taxation on women. These women, the “Oloko Trio”: Ikonnia, Nwannedia and Nwugo, were admired for their intellect and they also contributed to preventing violence. In encouraging peace, another leader, Madame Nwanyereuwa, led with protest songs, dances and sit-down occupations. Source: https://www.africatodayyesterday.org/days/02-dec
Word of the Day: “A single bracelet does not jingle.” – African Proverb
Today in history, we celebrate the birth of John Dramani Mahama, a significant figure in Ghanaian politics. Born on November 29, 1958, Mahama served as the President of Ghana from 2012 to 2017. He was the first Ghanaian President born after the nation’s independence.
Word of the Day: “Where there is love there is life.” – Maahtma Gangdhi
Today in history, we recall the pirate Blackbeard’s bold seizure of a French ship transporting 455 enslaved Africans. In a brazen act of piracy, he marooned them on a Caribbean island, providing them with three tons of beans for sustenance. Compelling the ship’s crew to remain, Blackbeard commandeered the vessel, claimed it as his flagship, and christened it the Queen Anne’s Revenge.
Word of the Day: “I think, therefore I am.” – René Descartes
Today in history, we reflect on Ghana’s poignant “Year of the Return” in 2019, marking the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the first enslaved West Africans to America in 1619. On this significant date, Ghana embraced the roots of our shared history by granting citizenship to 125 African Americans, symbolizing a powerful homecoming and a bridge of unity across the diaspora. This gesture of solidarity and recognition resonates as a beacon of healing and reconnection with the roots.
Word of the Day: “Fall seven times, stand up eight.” – Japanese Proverb
Today in History in Cairo (1954 November 26) marks the completion of the first skyscraper in North Africa. The building is a fusion of contemporary design and traditional Egyptian elements. It reflects the country’s ambition and its embrace of the future, while honoring its rich cultural heritage.
Central Palace: “What architectural features on the Oba’s palace reflect traditional Yoruba design, and what might they symbolize about the empire’s structure and culture?”
Market Scene: “Can you identify any goods in the market that were central to trade in the Oyo Empire? What are they, and what was their significance?”
Wall of Heroes: “Among the figures shown, can you spot a renowned Oba or a warrior from the Oyo Empire? What did they contribute to the empire’s legacy?”
Natural Landscape: “How does the landscape illustrate the geography of the Oyo Empire’s territory, and what is the importance of the river shown?”
Cultural Symbols: “What cultural symbols can you find, and what aspects of Yoruba beliefs or practices do they represent?”
Interactive Elements: “If you could interact with elements of this image, what stories or music might they reveal about the Oyo Empire?”
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