June/July 2023

Theodosia Okoh’s Stolen Symbol The Archival Omission of a Ghanaian Historical Icon

Kikachi MemehJuly 18, 2023

For a long time, not many Ghanaians knew that Theodosia Okoh designed their country’s iconic flag. Like many African countries, the history of Ghana’s independence unfailingly details the contributions of men who are all tagged ‘founding fathers’. Women like Okoh and their contributions, however, are often left out of the archives and consciousness of their country people.

GenderGhanaJune/July 2023

The Artist of Beauty and Mystery Ben Enwonwu’s Indelible Mark on African Art

Chimezie ChikaJuly 17, 2023

Ben Enwonwu’s impact on post-colonial African Art was nothing short of revolutionary. His life and work were a bridge between traditional conceptions of African art, and contemporary interpretations of what it means to be an African artist within a global community.

Best of 2023: EssaysJune/July 2023Nigeria

‘Everyone Can Tell a Story’ Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani’s First Draft

Adaobi Tricia NwaubaniJuly 14, 2023

Nigerian novelist and author of I Do Not Come to You by Chance, Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani, decided to write her first novel before knowing what to write about.

First DraftInterviewsJune/July 2023Nigeria

In Which Nothing Happens Book Review: Sọ̀rọ̀sóke: An #EndSARS Anthology

Ernest ÒgúnyemíJuly 13, 2023

Sọ̀rọ̀sókè: An #EndSARS Anthology, a flawed collection of poetry edited by Jumoke Verissimo and James Yékú, begs the following questions: Are we supposed to stop putting ‘poetry’ anthologies together on the spur of remarkable moments? Are we supposed to give up using anthologies to mark remarkable events and people?

June/July 2023NigeriaReading

Where are the Philosopher Kings? How to Fix Governance and Leadership in Africa

Ndidi AkaharaJuly 12, 2023

Many countries in Africa suffer from the same kinds of issues: from economic degradation to political strife. Citizens who want to champion positive change will have to take civic duty and good leadership seriously.

June/July 2023

Where is the African Solution? Why the African Union Must Intervene in Sudan’s Crisis

Kosi OgbuliJuly 11, 2023

The African Union’s absence in Sudan is not merely a matter of geopolitical interest; it is a crisis with significant human costs and far-reaching implications for the credibility of the union’s regional governance.

June/July 2023Sudan

The True Meaning of ‘Yoruba Ronu’ The Message Behind Hubert Ogunde’s Original Philosophy

Yusuf OmotayoJuly 10, 2023

‘Yoruba Ronu’, the title Hubert Ogunde’s famous 1964 play, has recently become the anchor on which Yoruba politicians have championed calls for fanatic support. The original core message of the phrase, however, is unity rather than ethnic disrespect and Yoruba supremacy.

June/July 2023Nigeria

Who Should Own Lagos? The Battle for Indigeneity and Inclusion in Lagos

Victor Ola-matthewJuly 9, 2023

Despite the long history of Lagos as a commercial centre and cultural melting pot, the city has remained vulnerable to tensions around indigeneity. Yet within the debates around who ‘owns’ Lagos, the city’s indigenous groups like the Ogus and Ekos are often left out.

AfricaJune/July 2023Rwanda

‘It’s Essential That We Tell Our Own Stories’ Kome Otobo’s First Draft

Kome OtoboJuly 7, 2023

Nigerian editor and author of Nigerian Gods, Kome Otobo, wants Nigerians to take pride in their traditional belief systems.

Best of 2023: First DraftFirst DraftInterviewsJune/July 2023Nigeria

The UK’s Botched Deportation Plan to Rwanda The Ruling That Could Change How Refugees Seek Asylum

Kosi OgbuliJuly 6, 2023

Despite the UK Appeal Court ruling stopping the planned deportation of asylum seekers to Rwanda, the future looks uncertain for refugees, especially those of African descent, post-Brexit.

AfricaJune/July 2023Rwanda