Electricity problems have led to water shortages and those with money are digging their own boreholes.
from BBC News - Africa https://ift.tt/59Dcydt
via Gabe's Musing's
Intro Video
Sunday, June 18, 2023
Uganda school attack: 'Gospel songs interrupted by screaming'
Saturday, June 17, 2023
Ukraine war must end South African President Ramaphosa tells Putin
Sudan crisis: Five children among 17 killed in air strikes
Friday, June 16, 2023
Cameroon's Ngonnso: 'My fight to bring our sacred stolen statue home
Cyril Ramaphosa: 'The road to peace is not an easy one'
South Africa's stranded presidential security team: Poland denies racism
The Legacy of African Civilizations: Unraveling the Rich History of Great African Empires
When we think of historic civilizations, our minds often travel to Greece, Rome, or Egypt. Yet, there's an untold story that extends far beyond the Nile and the Mediterranean. We're about to embark on a journey into the heart of Africa, to unearth the rich legacy of its great empires and civilizations.
Africa, a continent brimming with diversity and history, is home to some of the world's earliest and most influential civilizations. These ancient societies were built on foundations of innovation, culture, and sheer human resilience, leaving a lasting impact that still resonates today.
Let's start with the Kushite Empire, a powerful kingdom that emerged in Nubia, now present-day Sudan, around 2500 BCE. The Kushites were renowned for their skill in metallurgy, crafting intricate gold jewelry and finely wrought iron weapons. They even rivaled the Egyptians, ruling as Pharaohs during Egypt's 25th Dynasty.
Moving west, we find the Mali Empire, a beacon of learning and trade during the Middle Ages. Its capital, Timbuktu, was a global center for Islamic scholarship, attracting scholars, poets, and philosophers from across the Islamic world. The famed Mansa Musa, believed to be the wealthiest man in history, ruled this empire, leaving a legacy of architectural marvels, most notably the Great Mosque of Djenné.
Journey south, and you'll discover the Kingdom of Zimbabwe, famed for its grand stone structures, especially the Great Zimbabwe, an architectural marvel whose construction techniques were centuries ahead of its time.
It's crucial to remember that these civilizations were not isolated. They connected, traded, and interacted with the rest of the world, spreading their influence across continents. Their contributions to arts, science, governance, and culture are imprinted in our collective human legacy.
Understanding the legacy of African civilizations grants us a broader perspective of human history. It encourages us to challenge the narratives we've been told and explore the stories that have been left out. As we unravel the history of these great African empires, we find a tapestry of human achievement that is as diverse as it is inspiring.
By recognizing the breadth and depth of Africa's historical contributions, we can foster a deeper appreciation of the continent's role in shaping our world. The echoes of these ancient civilizations continue to resonate, reminding us that Africa's history is a vital part of our shared global heritage.
Thursday, June 15, 2023
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Spotlight on African Filmmakers: From Nollywood to Hollywood
Whether it's the vibrant streets of Lagos or the dazzling lights of Hollywood, African filmmakers are making their mark and reshaping narratives one frame at a time. This isn't a story about the big production houses or the well-known faces we've come to associate with the silver screen. This is about the unheralded geniuses, the masters of storytelling, and the creative minds who are shaping the future of filmmaking from Africa to the rest of the world.
The world of cinema isn't new to Africa; it has always been a colorful tapestry of stories waiting to be told. From the early days of Nollywood, Nigeria's blossoming film industry, the stage was set for an African film renaissance. Today, Nollywood stands as the second largest film industry globally, just behind India's Bollywood and ahead of Hollywood.
But it's not just about quantity. African filmmakers are pushing the boundaries of quality, creativity, and innovation. They are telling authentic African stories, exploring themes that resonate deeply within the African diaspora, and even challenging stereotypes about Africa itself.
Take Genevieve Nnaji, for instance. Her directorial debut, "Lionheart," was the first Netflix original film from Nigeria, an authentic story told in the Igbo language about a woman navigating a male-dominated business world. Or consider Wanuri Kahiu, the Kenyan director whose film "Rafiki" boldly explores a lesbian relationship in a society that shuns such narratives.
Beyond Nollywood, African filmmakers are steadily gaining traction in Hollywood. From Steve McQueen, the British director of Grenadian and Trinidadian descent who won the Academy Award for Best Picture for "12 Years a Slave," to Chinonye Chukwu, who made history as the first black woman to win the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance Film Festival for her film "Clemency."
African filmmakers are not only reshaping the landscape of global cinema but are also playing a pivotal role in fostering a deeper understanding of African cultures, experiences, and perspectives. By telling our own stories, we are breaking barriers, bridging gaps, and fostering a sense of unity and shared identity among the African diaspora.
In the end, it's clear that the future of filmmaking has a distinct African imprint. As audiences, we can look forward to a future where our screens are filled with a rich diversity of stories, perspectives, and voices that reflect the world in all its complexity and beauty. From Nollywood to Hollywood, the spotlight is now shining brightly on African filmmakers, and it's a sight to behold.
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Wednesday, June 14, 2023
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Senegal protests: The neighbourhood has lost a good man
African Contributions to Modern Science: Unrecognized Achievements and Innovations
Africa, the cradle of humanity. A rich tapestry of culture, history, and innovation that has shaped the world as we know it. Yet, the continent’s contributions to modern science are often overlooked, hidden beneath a veil of misconception and stereotype. But today, we draw back that veil to shed light on the unrecognized achievements and innovations birthed from this vibrant continent.
Firstly, consider mathematics, the universal language. Long before Pythagoras had his theorem, Ancient Egyptians were already well-versed in sophisticated mathematical concepts. The Rhind Mathematical Papyrus, dating back to 1650 BC, is a testament to this, featuring problems on fractions, algebra, geometry, and even trigonometry. By observing the stellar alignment, these remarkable individuals developed a calendar year of 365 days, paving the way for our modern timekeeping.
In the realm of medicine, Africans have a long-standing tradition of innovation. The world's oldest known surgical document, the Edwin Smith Papyrus, originates from Ancient Egypt around 1600 BC. It details surgical treatments for various injuries, demonstrating a surprisingly advanced understanding of the human anatomy. Fast forward to the 21st century, where South African surgeon Dr. Christiaan Barnard performed the first successful human-to-human heart transplant, a medical feat that revolutionized cardiology.
The field of astronomy, too, is graced by Africa’s scientific prowess. African Dogon tribes in Mali had knowledge of Sirius B, a white dwarf star invisible to the naked eye, long before its discovery by Western astronomers. Meanwhile, in the highlands of Ethiopia, the Entoto Observatory and Research Center is breaking new ground in space research, studying phenomena from black holes to climate change.
In the sphere of technology, Africa's innovation is palpable. From the M-Pesa mobile payment system transforming financial inclusion in Kenya, to the pioneering work of African women in STEM, pushing boundaries and challenging norms. The continent is a hotbed of tech startups, harnessing the power of technology to solve local problems and redefine the African narrative.
It’s time we recognized these achievements and many others. Africa's contributions to modern science are profound and far-reaching. They underscore the importance of diversity in science, reminding us that innovation knows no boundaries – geographical, cultural, or otherwise.
Africa, the cradle of humanity, is also a cradle of scientific innovation. Let's celebrate it, let's learn from it, and let's support it. Because when we uplift diverse voices in science, we propel humanity forward.
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