Africa's Untold Stories

The final of the three mighty medieval West African empires – Songhai ! In today’s episode we discuss largely its origins, how it morphed from a simple city state to the largest West African empire and how at the helm of all this was one of Africa’s greatest conquerors – Sonni Ali Ber. We discuss his influence on the region and why he was a divisive figure, even today. Follow us: Twitter: @Africas...

Ready for a story by the fireside? This episodes serves just that - Anansesɛm! Follow stories about the trickster god of the Akan people of Ghana and Ivory Coast, a mischievous character so influential, he traveled across the Atlantic with enslaved Akans. We discuss his origin, stories and relevance even in today's Ghana and beyond. Follow us: Twitter: @AfricasUntold_S Instagram: @africasuntoldsto...

Our second North African episode! We talk about Ibn Battuta, the most travelled man before the invention of the steam engine, and highlight a few significant trips on his journey as well as his reactions. Follow us: Twitter: @AfricasUntold_S Instagram: @africasuntoldstories Outro music provided by DCQ BEATZ: https://player.beatstars.com/?storeId=97074&trackId=2559403

In this episode we have talk about the concept of death in some indigenous African cultures and its influence on the beliefs and lifestyle of Africans. We look at the ancient Egyptians, Dogon and some others to get a perspective on how our view of death influenced our culture. Follow us: Twitter: @AfricasUntold_S Instagram: @africasuntoldstories Outro music provided by DCQ BEATZ: https://player.be...

In the second episode of the new season, we talk about Kanem! And Borno! And Kanem-Borno because they are the same thing...or are they? Join us to learn about one of the longest lasting empires in the world (about 1000 years) with one of the greatest comeback stories. Follow us: Twitter: @AfricasUntold_S Instagram: @africasuntoldstories Outro music provided by DCQ BEATZ: https://player.beatstars.c...

We're back for a new season! We start off with one of the most interesting belief systems in the world, that of the Dogon people of Mali. Join us to learn about their creation story, why the star Sirius is relevant to them and why...Aliens! Follow us: Twitter: @AfricasUntold_S Instagram: @africasuntoldstories Outro music provided by DCQ BEATZ: https://player.beatstars.com/?storeId=97074&trackI...

In the final episode of season 1, we discuss the San (and to some extent the Khoi) of southern Africa, the first settlers of the area. We talk about their emergence, long history and the consequences of their interactions with the Khoi, Bantu speakers and later white settlers. Follow us: Twitter: @AfricasUntold_S Instagram: @africasuntoldstories Outro music provided by DCQ BEATZ: https://player.be...

In this episode we discuss the ancient Kushite kingdom centered in Meroe and its dynasty of female rulers known as the Kandakes. We talk about their power, accomplishments and the long tradition of women playing important roles in that part of the world. Follow us: Twitter: @AfricasUntold_S Instagram: @africasuntoldstories Outro music provided by DCQ BEATZ: https://player.beatstars.com/?storeId=97...

Join us to discuss the medieval kingdom of Kongo of central-west Africa. We highlight its formation, key practices, early adoption of Christianity, its tense relations with the Portuguese, and how Kongo serves a blueprint for what many African states went through upon contact with European powers. Follow us: Twitter: @AfricasUntold_S Instagram: @africasuntoldstories Outro music provided by DCQ BEA...

We're back! This week's episode is a discussion on probably Africa's second most well-known pantheon - the Orshias, traditional deities of the Yoruba people of West Africa. We talk about their origin, their influence today and expand a little on the stories of a few like Shango and Oya. Follow us: Twitter: @AfricasUntold_S Instagram: @africasuntoldstories Outro music provided by DCQ BEATZ: https:/...

Join us to discuss the Imagizghen, the native ethnic group of most of North Africa and parts of the Sahara. Throughout the episode, we highlight aspects of their history, culture, identity and relationships with other people like the Arabs and French. Follow us: Twitter: @AfricasUntold_S Instagram: @africasuntoldstories Outro music provided by DCQ BEATZ: https://player.beatstars.com/?storeId=97074...

In this episode, we talk about Menelik II, a pioneer of modern day Ethiopia and a huge reason the country was never colonized by Europe. We discuss his origin, rise to power and how he ensured Ethiopia's independence at a time when Africa was being carved up by European powers. Follow us: Twitter: @AfricasUntold_S Instagram:@africasuntoldstories Outro music provided by DCQ BEATZ: https://player.be...

In this episode, we tell the story of Ditaolane, a legendary figure in Lesotho folklore. We follow it up with a discussion on some characteristics of African folklore and how they represent the real world. Follow us: Twitter: @Africas_UntoldS Instagram: @africasuntoldstories Outro music provided by DCQ BEATZ: https://player.beatstars.com/?storeId=97074&trackId=2559403

Journey with us to 19th century Uganda, in the small kingdom of Bunyoro, where a a British medical missionary recorded one of the earliest known C-section operations, complete with indigenous solutions for anesthesia and antiseptics at a time when most of the world had little or no regard for either! We also highlights a few more medical achievements from the continent worth mentioning. Follow us:...

For this episode, we talk about the empire of Wagadou, more commonly known as Ghana, the first of the great medieval West African empires. We discuss its clouded origins, its wealth, its decline, how its location made it powerful, and why it is so important to the history of the whole of West Africa. Follow us: Twitter: @Africas_UntoldS Instagram: @africasuntoldstories Outro music provided by DCQ...

In the 6th episode, we dive into the story of the Dahomey Amazons, a fierce all-female fighting unit in the army of the pre-colonial state of Dahomey, located in the modern day country of Benin. We discuss their formation, why they were feared and their role in Dahomey punching well above its weight to become one of the most powerful states in West Africa. Follow us: Twitter: @Africas_UntoldS Inst...

Join us as we discuss one of the most influential Africans of the past millennia: the founder of the Zulu Empire - Shaka. In this episode, we discuss his origin, his rise to power, his large impact on the southern tip of the African continent (both good and bad) and how he uplifted the Zulus from a small people to a powerful force. Follow us: Twitter: @Africas_UntoldS Instagram: @africasuntoldstor...

In this episode, we retell the Epic of Mwindo, a story about a mythical figure of the Nyanga people of Congo DR.  It's a bit different from our normal episodes as it is an entirely fictional story. However, it still comes with its own lessons. Follow us: Twitter: @Africas_UntoldS Instagram: @africasuntoldstories Outro music provided by DCQ BEATZ: https://player.beatstars.com/?storeId=97074&trackId...

In this episode, we discuss Axum (Aksum), a culture and later kingdom and later empire, which flourished between the 1st and 8th centuries AD. We talk about many things including its origin, its prowess and how it played a major role in the growth of the two largest religions in the world. Later, we examine how decisions taken by its ancient rulers affected the African continent over a thousand ye...

In our second episode, we discuss the most famous West African ruler, Mansa Musa I of Mali. We talk about who he was, what made him great, and how he caught the world's attention with his pilgrimage to Mecca. Link to hierarchy of Mali Empire: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mansa_Musa#/media/File:Genealogy_kings_Mali_Empire.svg Follow us: Twitter: @Africas_UntoldS Instagram: @africasuntoldstories Ou...

In our first episode, we discuss the ancient city of Great Zimbabwe (found in the modern day country of the same name); its origin, what made it great, what we know about its inhabitants, how it declined, and how the colonial power (Britain) tried to bury this aspect of Zimbabwean history. Follow us: Twitter: @Africas_UntoldS Instagram: @africasuntoldstories Music provided by DCQ BEATZ: https://pl...

This is an overview of the purpose of the podcast