Feature

Explainers, analyses, and essays on government policies, and political trends and movements around the continent

“Starrgirl”: Ayra Starr Trades Becoming for Being

In Starrgirl, Ayra Starr does not ask you to reconsider Ayra Starr. She assumes you already know who she is and expects you to keep up. The title alone sends listeners a message before they press play. Her first two records were titled around age — 19 & Dangerous introduced a fearless, fast-talking teenager; The […]

Anjola Akinmade

•

1 month ago

“Starrgirl”: Ayra Starr Trades Becoming for Being

Hugo Salvaterra’s “My Semba” and the Politics of Art

Hugo Salvaterra’s My Semba premiered at the 2026 edition of the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR). Watching My Semba recalls the divisive conversations held at the recently concluded 76th Berlin International Film Festival about silence and activism in cinema. The festival jury President, Wim Wenders, and others suggested that filmmakers and the festival should “stay […]

Seyi Lasisi

•

7 months ago

Hugo Salvaterra’s “My Semba” and the Politics of Art

“Do Giveaway!”: When Private Wealth Becomes Public Property

A recent clip showed Rahman Jago (Tiamiu Abdulrahman Kayode), a socialite and fashion entrepreneur, being held practically under duress by residents of Agege, his childhood community while he was visiting. What appeared to have been a sentimental visit to the community that raised him turned into a standoff of sorts. Residents and street boys encircled […]

Naomi Ezenwa

•

7 months ago

“Do Giveaway!”: When Private Wealth Becomes Public Property

“Forget the Director, This is Emmy’s Cut!”: Marion Desmaret on Video Jokering and Cinema as a Shared Conversation

In Uganda, Video Jokering (often referred to as VJing) is a unique and culturally significant form of film commentary and translation. A Video Joker (VJ) is a narrator and guide whose content style is to run commentary over a movie, usually a foreign blockbuster, to translate the dialogue into local languages (primarily Luganda) and add comedic or social commentary.

Seyi Lasisi

•

7 months ago

“Forget the Director, This is Emmy’s Cut!”: Marion Desmaret on Video Jokering and Cinema as a Shared Conversation
Prev
Prev
28
29
30
31
32
Next
Next