Explainers, analyses, and essays on government policies, and political trends and movements around the continent
On the 13th of November, Twitter user Maki (@makispoke) posted a series of statements that quickly became the centre of online discussion. She began with a vague but pointed observation about wealthy “progressives” who mistreat domestic staff. Soon after, she narrowed her focus to a particular individual; someone she described as misogynistic, someone whose public […]
19 hours ago
When Asake glided onto the Brooklyn stage for his career-defining Red Bull Symphonic performance — bald, suited, flanked by a 33-piece orchestra — it landed like a declaration of a new self. An artist known for his riotous energy, sleek street style and technicolor dreadlocks bouncing to Sungba, had arrived in a different form: composed, […]
3 days ago
On November 9th, what was supposed to be a quiet, dignified gathering of global stakeholders in art and culture at the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) in Benin City became a moment of national embarrassment. A small preview event meant to showcase the progress of the museum’s work — attended by diplomats, art curators, […]
6 days ago
Afolabi Olalekan’s Freedom Way written and produced by Blessing Uzzi, takes a lengthy and laborious 90 minutes to drive home a single point: our lives, as humans and Nigerians, especially, are connected. Uzzi’s script assembles a varied cast to make this point: the co-founders of Easy Go Ride, Themba (Jesse Suntele), Tayo (Ogaranya), and Edi […]
4 months ago
Everyone has a podcast—or is about to launch one. From living rooms to YouTube studios, microphones are plugged in, ring lights are on, and conversations are being recorded at a dizzying pace. Podcasts flit from hot topic to hot topic, with a steady stream of camera ready guests lending instantly viral ‘insight’ to the increasingly […]
4 months ago
The Nigerian military government, led by General Yakubu Gown, in 1970 launched a formal post-civil-war reconciliation policy under the “no victor, no vanquished” slogan. That slogan was formally coordinated in the comprehensive “3Rs” program: Reconciliation, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction. This post-war policy was an attempt to set the tone for national cohesion, retribution and a sense […]
7 days ago
“What does the title Symbol of Hope mean to you personally?” Lase, Zlatan’s 5-year-old son asks him. They’re seated on a long brown bench in a tastefully decorated white room furnished with indoor plants and elegant wooden furniture. “When I was growing up, I used to have people I looked up to,” Zlatan replies, “I […]
1 week ago
For one weekend, the world of Irish whiskey came alive in Lagos as Jameson Distillery on Tour (JDOT) invited guests to step inside the soul of the Jameson brand, through a multi-sensory journey that blended heritage, craftsmanship, and community in unmistakable Jameson fashion. From the check-in booth, where attendees were greeted with warm smiles and […]
2 weeks ago
The action drama genre is already etched in the memory of Nollywood. From the 90s, with films like Rattlesnake, through the early 2000s with State of Emergency and Issakaba to the new cinema productions like Gangs of Lagos, Brotherhood, Merry Men, The Black Book, and Suky, the genre has steadily evolved in Nigeria, adopting new […]
2 weeks ago
Asake’s discography is marvelous for a variety of reasons. However, its kaleidoscopic and textured exploration of the full range of human emotions is notable. Want to simmer in a solemn atmosphere? Listen to Nzaza or Lonely at the Top. Feeling blue? Try Badman Gangster. Dealing with a flailing lover? Remember should prove an effective emotional […]
2 weeks ago
The Dog opens with distressing footage of the bloodied male protagonist screaming in torture. The moment is brief and jarring. The film then drifts back three weeks, revealing a saner version of the man, MZ, as he drives slowly in his car. This character is portrayed by Swedish actor of Ugandan descent, Alexander Karim, brother […]
2 weeks ago
On October 31st, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Nigeria was being placed on the “Countries of Particular Concern” list maintained by the U.S. State Department. The list, which identifies nations deemed to be engaging in violations of religious freedom, includes China, Myanmar, North Korea, Russia, and Pakistan. On the same day, via a post […]
2 weeks ago
In a country where an estimated 1.25 million unsafe abortions occur annually, Nigeria’s Senate is considering legislation that would make a dire situation catastrophic. The Criminal Code Amendment Bill 2025, which recently came before the Senate for concurrence, proposes a ten-year jail term for anyone supplying drugs or instruments to procure abortions. This represents more […]
2 weeks ago
