BlackFor30

Send a text The episode critiques colonialism’s lasting impact through the lens of the "comprador effect," a Marxist theory highlighting how intermediary classes in post-colonial societies align with foreign interests, reinforcing economic dependency and inequality. We explore how these systems persist under a façade of morality. Our conversation also delves into cultural identity and co...

Send a text What if understanding your cultural and historical roots could be the key to overcoming systemic oppression? Join us as we explore this powerful notion with Ish Khepri, a Pan-African activist, who returns to shed light on the profound philosophy of the Five Percent Nation and its founder, Clarence 13X. We journey through the origins of this movement, examining its emphasis on self-know...

Send a text Continuing from the previous episode, we discuss the persistent economic struggles of African nations and discover how the legacies of colonialism continue to shape modern economic policies. We kick off with a candid discussion on the pivotal roles the World Bank and IMF have played since the era of decolonisation, often viewed as lifesavers yet entangled in controversies of enforcing...

Send a text Unpacking Colonial Legacies: Trade, and Africa's Quest for Economic Independence Together with development economist Abel Gaya, we confront the enduring impact of colonial legacies on post-colonial Africa. We discuss the arbitrary borders drawn during the Berlin Conference and how they continue to fuel political instability and conflict by disregarding ethnic and cultural boundari...

Send a text Explore the rise and tragic fall of Patrice Lumumba, a beacon of the black movement and a nationalist leader whose dreams of an independent Congo were thwarted by internal strife, Belgian interference, and Cold War geopolitics. Join us as we unravel the profound implications of Belgian colonisation on Congo and how artificially imposed borders still affect the fabric of Congo and moder...

Send a text What if the ancient rhythms of West Africa could heal both body and soul? In this episode, we sit down with cultural educator and artist Lamine Sonko to unravel the rich tapestry of West African heritage. Rooted in the guewel culture keepers and the royal warrior lineage of the Korings, Lamine's family history offers a profound perspective on the role of Guewels as guardians of sa...

Send a text What if your native language was sidelined in favour of a foreign one in your own homeland? In a discussion with Salikoko Mufwene, a distinguished linguist from the Democratic Republic of Congo, we navigate the intricate web of language, culture, and colonisation in Africa. Our conversation embarks from the rich and diverse pre-colonial African civilisations, highlighting the seismic s...

Send a text Ever wondered how the term "Black Power" came to define a generation? In this episode, we talk about the life of Kwame Ture, better known as Stokely Carmichael. From his foundational work with the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) to his radical shift towards Black Power, we examine how Ture’s activism and his influence from figures like Amílcar Cabral shaped t...

Send a text Join us for an eye-opening discussion with Ezenwa Olumba , a PhD candidate at Royal Holloway University of London, as we unravel the geopolitical intricacies of post-coup Niger and the broader Sahel region. We start by dissecting the involvement of global powers like France and the United States, probing their vested interests in resource control, counterterrorism efforts, and military...

Send a text What if your heritage could be woven into the fabric of modern fashion? We uncover the inspiring journey of Prosper, a self-taught filmmaker committed to capturing the essence of cultural identity through the lens of his camera. From his early days as a passionate artist to his evolution into a master video editor, discover the hurdles and triumphs that shape his unique storytelling ap...

Send a text How does a pervasive atmosphere of racism grind down the essence of human dignity? Join us as we explore this question with the esteemed academic and associate professor Kathomi Gatwiri, who shares her illuminating research on blackness and Africanness in the Australian context. Her work aims to build a comprehensive theory of racial dignity rooted in the lived experiences of black Aus...

Send a text As we wrap up this season of BlackFor30, we engage in a conversation about the dynamics of leadership, the subtleties of societal structures, and systemic issues that often determine how a movement is perceived. We dissect the role of individuals and our collective responsibility towards our continent. We also challenge our own expectations of leaders and discuss the fallacies hidden i...

Send a text We dissect the ideology and political ambitions of Aimé Césaire and scrutinise his  revolutionary approach, how his ambitions were shaped by the class system of his time, and his controversial decision to departmentalise. Was this decision driven by a need for societal acceptance?  We also unpack the evolution of the African diaspora as it navigates the preservation of its cultural her...

Send a text In this podcast episode, we delve into the life and influence of Aimé Césaire, a pioneering intellectual from Martinique who played a pivotal role in the Negritude movement. This movement aimed to reclaim the cultural identity and values of Africans. We explore Césaire's political journey, which led to Martinique's decolonisation through departmentalisation, his critique of F...

Send a text Ever grappled with the mispronunciation of your name or struggled to connect with your heritage? Join me as I host Mawunyo Gbogbo, a pop culture journalist at ABC and author of Hip-Hop & Hymns, who shares her inspiring journey of finding her identity as a black woman. Mawunyo opens up about the unique blend of resilience and pride she has cultivated while navigating challenges, inc...

Send a text Ever pondered the richness of African culture and history, and what it has to teach us? Join us for a profound exploration as we unravel the mysteries of African identity and its ancient roots, with none other than Ndemi Waite as our guide. As the headmaster of Atenne Mystery School, Ndemi brings a new perspective and wisdom to the table, shining a light on the often forgotten Egyptian...

Send a text What if we told you that your understanding of relationships and self-discovery could be fundamentally flawed by societal conditioning? This episode promises a thought-provoking and enlightening discussion with our guest, Tracy, as we unpack the complexities of relationships and the personal growth that comes from self-discovery. We challenge societal norms and expectations, and encour...

Send a text What does it mean to be a man in today’s society? How do societal expectations and stereotypes affect our relationships? Tracy and I unpack these challenging questions. We dissect the stereotypes that can shroud our individual identities and discuss how acknowledging our mistakes can lead to stronger relationships. We challenge the notion that a happy relationship is synonymous with an...

Send a text In this episode we're joined by Edwin Muhumuza, Head of Africa at Open Contracting Partnership, as we delve into critical issues related to open contracting, transparency, and development in Africa. He emphasises the importance of open contracting and legislation around state information disclosure to promote best practices, establish independent governing bodies, and regulate bot...

Send a text In this episode, we delve into the rich and often overlooked history of Timbuktu, a once-thriving centre of learning in the Mali Empire. At its peak, the empire spanned modern-day Guinea, Senegal, Ivory Coast, and Ghana, boasting around 400 cities. We explore the influence of Musa, a renowned ruler who incorporated Gao and Timbuktu into the empire in the 14th century. Timbuktu, founded...

Send a text With various platforms making news accessible we have become inundated with information, most of which is deeply distressing. It easily becomes exhausting and convenient to disengage from issues that plague our world. In the end, we don’t know what we don’t know, so how can we care about what we are unaware of? When we choose to pay attention to the issues, our appreciation of the circ...

Send a text African societies generally observe a collectivist culture. We have been raised to understand or believe in the spiritual philosophy that keeps us tethered to our cultural identity through our ancestors. It's at the heart of our way of life – Ubuntu . The concept that we are, because they were . I believe we are manifestations and beneficiaries of the actions and choices of our an...

Send a text Society has developed in a way that has driven a lot of us into an individualistic mindset. One that tends to allow personal interests to take precedence over all else. As an African, I’m familiar with the concept of collectivism which a lot of us have grown up with. A way of life that teaches us that we are descendants of our ancestors, meaning ‘we are, because they were’ – ubuntu.  A...

Send a text Personally, the news of Kirshnik Ball (aka Takeoff) dying from what is said to be an accidental shooting has been distressing. It’s ‘just another black man’ who has become a statistic. It makes this discussion about gun and gang violence ever more pertinent as I’m joined again by Ish and Trey. News and media platforms choose to push the narrative of the black-on-black violence trope, a...

Send a text Personally, the news of Kirshnik Ball (aka Takeoff) dying from what is said to be an accidental shooting has been distressing. It’s ‘just another black man’ who has become a statistic. It makes this discussion about gun and gang violence ever more pertinent as I’m joined again by Ish and Trey. News and media platforms choose to push the narrative of the black-on-black violence trope, a...