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  • Two decades before it became known as “Afrobeats”, women have been there, contributing to contemporary Nigerian music, its artistry and culture. 

    Here are some interesting things you didn’t know about the most instrumental women to the development of Afrobeats as we know it today.

    Weird MC

    When Weird MC arrived on the scene, she came rocking a shaved head and oversized street urban wear. Her 1996 debut song, Allen Avenue, was released with a video, making her the first Nigerian artist to do so. She won the first-ever AMEN award for Best Hip-Hop Album (Simply Weird) in 1997 and was the first Afrobeats artist to make an animated music video (Ijoya, 2005). This woman is the coolest since cucumber.

    City 105.1 FM

    Sasha P

    Sasha P is another Afrobeats woman who has accomplished many “firsts”. She was the first Nigerian woman to perform at the World Music Awards in 2008 and was awarded Best Female Artist at the Women in Entertainment Awards in the U.K. the next year. In 2010, Sasha P won the MTV Africa Music Award for Best Female Artist. We’re grateful she spent the money for her SAT forms on a studio session. Sacrifice like that is why she’s still recognised as the First Lady of Nigerian Hip-Hop.

    TooXclusive

    Efya

    The Ashanti singer might’ve gone viral after her Don’t Judge Me cover in 2013, but before that, there was her Irene & Jane era which came from her first music deal in 2011. Ghanaian artists who’ve won Best Female Vocal Performance at the Ghana Music Awards four times back-to-back can be counted on one palm. Efya has been there, done that.

    Daily Post Nigeria

    Waje

    Did you know the female vocals on P-Square’s Do Me and Banky W’s Thief My Kele are Waje’s? Apart from being one of the strongest R&B vocalists in Nigeria, she runs a film and TV production company, Hermanes Media — producers of She Is (2019) — with fellow singer, Omawumi. Women making money together >>>>>

    GistReel

    Goldie Harvey

    Goldie was cool. So cool, only Lady Gaga could touch her when it came to style. The late singer lived her name, with golden hair and all-gold-everything accessories. 

    Plus, it wasn’t popular when she came on the scene in 2009 with Yorùbá-infused pop music. Her unique style laid the template for the women after her.

    Gistmania

    Tiwa Savage

    Way before Kele Kele Love, Tiwa Savage had a degree from Berklee College of Music, backed up famous OG singers like Whitney Houston, Mary J. Blige and George Michael, and wrote for Babyface, Fantasia, and Monica. In 2018, Tiwa Savage became the first woman to win Best African Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards. And don’t forget Tiwa Savage is the woman who performed at the coronation of King Charles III in May 2023. Her CV >>>>>

    The Guardian Nigeria

    Simi

    She started off as a gospel singer. If you were there when Ara Ile (produced by Samklef) dropped, you know what I’m talking about. Her Restless EP was her final crossover to Afrobeats music in 20xx. Today, her catalogue is stacked with seven solid music projects. Simi is also a sound engineer with crisp music mastering and mixing skills. She engineered AG Baby’s first album, Gold.

    iamsimi.com

    Tems

    As a budding recording artist, having money issues isn’t unfamiliar. Tems began producing her own songs when she couldn’t drop a bag for production, and her vision didn’t align with most producers. For the Broken Ears is proof of her production skills. She handled 90% of it. Tems is also the first woman to win Best International Act at the BET Awards (2022) and the Nigerian with the most entries on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. She’s HER, and she knows it. Can we really blame her for taking all the space and attention when she pulls up at functions?

    WWD

    Ayra Starr

    Before Don Jazzy came across her music in 2020, Ayra Starr was a model signed to Quove Model Management. You should see her killing her role as video vixen in Eri Ife’s Dear Future Wife music video. Ayra’s story is proof that people don’t just appear on top, they’ve been grinding on the low.

    ayrastarr.com

    These women aren’t just Afrobeat musicians; their uniqueness and self-application have contributed immensely to the movement.

    To learn more cool things about what more Afrobeats women are up to, this Spotify website got you.

  • Africa is known to have a ton of interesting and famous dishes. These dishes will definitely leave you wanting more. If you are looking to try out something new, we made a list of African foods you should try for a unforgettable experience.

    Take a look.

    1. Chicken Piri Piri – Mozambique

    african foods you should try

    Piri-piri chicken is a spicy dish with roots in both Africa and Portugal. The dish was created in Angola and Mozambique when Portuguese settlers arrived with chile peppers (known as piri-piri) in Swahili.

    2. Jollof Rice – Nigeria

    african foods you should try

    The famous and world renowned dish. It has been imitated by some but nothing beats this dish of smoky and spicy goodness with a side of chicken and a salad. And if you must try Jollof from any country, please make sure it is Nigerian Jollof.

    3. Banku – Ghana

    african foods you should try

    Banku is a Ghanaian dish which is cooked by a proportionate mixture of fermented corn and cassava dough. It is usually eaten alongside fish and a sauce. People who have tried it have testimonies.

    4. Alloco – Ivory Coast

    african foods you should try

    Alloco is an Ivorian snack made from fried plantain. It is often served with chili pepper and onions. You might say its just the basic fried plantain… Don’t say this around alloco voltrons.

    5. Dodo – Nigeria.

    If, for whatever reason, you are unable to taste Alloco, please make sure you try out Dodo. It is made by frying ripe plantains in hot oil, and it accompanies a number of rice or beans dishes as a side. It’s a delicacy you don’t want to miss.

    6. Koshari – Egypt

    african foods you should try

    This is an Egyptian dish, that has rice, macaroni and lentils mixed together, topped with a tomato-vinegar sauce, garnished with chickpeas and crispy fried onions most people use wither a sprinkling of garlic juice or hot sauce. Sounds good already right?

    7. Bobotie – South Africa

    african foods you should try

    Bobotie is a dish consisting of spiced minced meat baked with an egg-based topping. It take a special technique to nail the topping and this dish is amazing!

    8. Ugali – Kenya

    african foods you should try

    It is also sometimes called Sima, Sembe or Posho. This is a dish of maize flour (cornmeal), millet flour, or Sorghum flour cooked with water to a porridge- or dough-like consistency. It is usually served with vegetables or gravy.

    9. Namibian Venison

    african foods you should try

    A special cut of the body parts of the deer, marinated and grilled till it is tender. It is usually grilled with vegetables. It is a must try.

    ALSO READ: Dear Foreigners, Here Are 15 Foods To Try When You Visit Nigeria

    10. Biriyanis – Zanzibar

    Legend has it that you do not go to Zanzibar and not try out the Biriyani. It belongs in the category of top-tier African foods you should try. Biriyani is a spiced rice dish that has a very unique taste. It is made with long grain rice and a sauce usually served with any type of protein.

    11. Egusi Soup – Nigeria

    This dish has a lot of variations and is eaten by the three major tribes in Nigeria just with different names. It is a party favourite, made with ground melon seeds and vegetables. It is usually served with some form of “swallow”.

    12. Thieboudienne – Senegal.

    This is a dish prepared with rice, fish, and tomato sauce and cooked in one pot. To make it simpler, think of it as the Senegalese Jollof rice. You’ll be right. The meal itself is considered as the Senegalese national dish.

    13. Efo riro and pounded yam – Nigeria.

    This combination is referred to as a regal one. Pounded yam is regarded as the king of swallows and efo riro, a perfect companion. What makes it even more delicious are the bits of fish, meat, crayfish and all the other garnishings put in by the cook. This meal is a lifetime experience you don’t want to miss.

    14. Doro Wett Stew – Ethiopia

    It’s a spicy paste of various distinct spices. There are variations of this stew; beef, chicken and the like. It goes perfectly well with steamed white rice and is sometimes eaten in a tortilla style wrap called “injera”.

    15. Fufu – Ghana, Nigeria.

    You probably got to hear about fufu when African-Americans decided to try it and record their reactions for social media. But before that happened, Fufu’s status as a staple dish was already solidified. Fufu is part of the topnotch African foods you shoud try. Pair it with any soup of your choosing and that’s the best thing: Fufu will definitely go well with whatever choice you make.

    16. Muamba De Ghalina – Angola

    This special dish is a big deal in Angola. It is made from chicken and a red palm oil sauce called muamba de dendem. It sometimes has peanuts in some of its different variations. It is eaten with “funge” a starchy component.

    17. Achu and Yellow Soup – Cameroon

    Achu is a food that’s eaten in western Cameroon. A staple in the heart of Cameroon, the achu is made from cocoyam and the yellow soup is made with achu soup condiments, palm oil and limestone. It is one meal you should try by all means.

    Are there any other African foods that are your favourite?

    [donation]

  • Even though Nigerians are usually always trolling Ghanaians on social media, deep down we actually love them and their food.

    Here’s a few dee-lee-cious Ghanaian foods that you as a Nigerian is sure to love.

    Waakye And Shito

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bepc8ZvgBzn/
    Waakye (pronounced wa-chayy) is an absolutely delicious Ghanaian dish of rice and beans. When served with the Shito sauce, your Nigerian mind will be blown, and you will shamelessly ask for more.

    Banku And Tilapia

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BlvlKUHHzGe/
    Banku is a lot like fufu, made by fermenting corn flour. It can be eaten with different soups and stews, but when paired with Ghana’s much-loved tilapia fish, shito and vegetables… Now that’s a match made in culinary heaven!

    Fufu And Light Soup

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bi_PwaZhjmr/
    Ghanaian Fufu is commonly made by “pounding” cassava and unripe plantains together. When paired with Light Soup, you just know it’s about to go down! Light Soup is a really tasty tomato based soup that can be made with chicken, goat, or pretty much any other meat.

    Palava Sauce

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BT1eyNaAWk3/
    This picture is enough to convince you to try this. Palava Sauce is a delicacy made with meats, fish, vegetables and crushed bitter lemon seeds. Basically Ghana’s version of the Nigerian egusi and I gotta say… This bangs! Pair it with whatever you want and enjoy your life.

    Abenkwan Palm Nut Soup

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BQ9zjdHDgMd/
    Abenkwan Palm Nut Soup is a rich and totally delicious soup made with fresh palm nuts. If you’ve ever tried Banga soup, well… This is Banga’s twin that went to Ghana and started thriving. Too delicious. Pair it with your favourite swallow and chop like king!

    Kenkey

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BfEWE2kFe8Z
    Kenkey is one staple Ghanaian dish you’ll be unable to get enough of. It’s usually made out of ground maize, wrapped in banana leaves and boiled. Kind of like moi-moi, if you are a moi-moi lover this just might replace moi-moi’s place in your heart.

    In case you needed a little more motivation to try out any of these dishes, just watch this video of Waakye being made. Any Ghanaians on here? Did we leave any one out? Let us know!

  • Since the beginning of time, Nigerian Jollof has been in competition with Ghanaian Jollof.

    The battle has always been fierce. Keenly contested. But Nigerian jollof always comes out victorious.

    Ah mean, of course.

    So it was shocking.

    Ah mean, confusing.

    Even sacrilegious sef.

    When this person went to go and compare Nigerian jollof with Liberian jollof:

    https://twitter.com/ForeverQueena/status/867127491789541377

    Like…

    Ex-cuuuse me????

    And of course, the thing was also confusing many people:

    https://twitter.com/OlaamideA/status/867627604458733568
    https://twitter.com/taddiepayne/status/867800249640898562

    Like, when did Liberian jollof even enter the battle?

    So of course, trust Nigerians not to take this slant sitting down.

    This is SPAR…sorry, this is NIGERIA!

    Naija for the win! What you talking about?

    Nigerian jollof has gone Double Plat’num baby!

    Wee you put some respek on that jollof!

    When will the rest of Africa learn that you just don’t play with Nigerian jollof rice anyhow. It’s not a joking sturvz…Put some respek on that jollof!

    https://zikoko.com/list/21-tweets-that-are-too-real-for-nigerians-who-love-jollof-rice/

  • Just when we thought Nigerian police officers were the only ones that liked to form bad guy…

    And turn up like there’s no tomorrow…

    These Ghanaian officers just shocked us in this video.

    They were giving us serious moves o!

    Ghanaians, when they see the police officers twerking up and down.

    Not every time enforce law, sometimes throw home training away and turn up!

  • The world is slowly coming to accept that women can aspire to be whatever they want to be. In this inspiring story shared by UNICEF, this Ghanaian woman once again shows us there’s nothing wrong in following ones dreams.

    Like most of our parents, Rosemary Amposah’s mother always wanted her to be a nurse, doctor or at least join the police force. She believed people in such occupations were highly respected.

    However, plans changed when she graduated from high school and started working as a sales attendant at a filling station because there were only few jobs around. Unfortunately, her job brought little fulfillment.

    Surprisingly, her father proved to be far from the typical African father when he encouraged her to learn welding and enrolled her in an institution to help with her training even though her mother hated it.

    Joining the school made her the first girl in her class with other 15 boys, and instead of cheering her on, most people only passed negative comments. Especially a man who said her job was going to prevent her from getting married and having children.

    In spite of the long distance (she walks to her school) and all the negativity, Rosemary doesn’t even care about what the haters have to say.

    It’s funny how people never mention how a man’s job will prevent him from having children or getting married.

    Well sha, we’re very inspired by Rosemary’s story and wish her the best!

    Featured image credit: UNICEF
  • Many of us have heard of the several Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) that exist and ways to prevent them.

    Ghanaian condom brand, Fiesta Condoms put out a hilarious but educating animated series about the advantages of using condoms on their Youtube channel.

    It is not a surpsrise that Fiesta Condoms are a trademark of DKT International, the non-profit organization that promotes family planning and HIV prevention through social marketing.

    They kicked things off on their Youtube channel with this funny skit about a couple that would rather pray away STIs and infections rather than use condoms.

    Then, this funny ad tells the story of a hideous STI that terrorizes couples in the land giving them infections. The Superheroes, Fiesta condoms come to the rescue and save the day.

    Check out the full video here.

    You can also watch other ads on their channel, Fiesta Condoms Gh.

  • African women have different traditional hairstyles to celebrate different occasions.

    Sadly, beauty and hairstyles will be the last thing on the minds of anybody fleeing their home countries due to crisis.

    These Nigerian women were photographed in a variety of African hairstyles by award-winning Sicilian photographer, Salvatore Di Gregorio.

    The women who reside in a female only refugee camp at Mirabella Imbaccari with 5000 other women fled their home countries for various reasons and are currently being processed by the Italian government.

    The photoshoot themed “Tales of Beauty” was done with the aim of showcasing the wealth of African culture through beauty and different hairstyles.

    More so, the photographer felt the need to portray the strength and beauty of these women who risked their lives for a chance at happiness and freedom.

    Meet Ghanaian-born Nigerian, Rosewood Addo wearing the Sewakoto hair and makeup from Ghana.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BAKMvZ8mV3e/?taken-by=salvatoredigregori0
    Rosewood is one of the 15 Nigerian refugees that got photographed and  still misses her family.

    They chose their individual hairstyles for different reasons.

    One of them named Sweet Chiogie,  chose the Regina hairstyle simply because she wanted to feel like a queen.

    Benin-born Blessing Decalov called hers “Low cut” because she wore her hair low.

    She shaved her head after arriving in Sicily to mark a new beginning in her life.

    The strength of these women cannot go past without admiration.

    They are only among the few whose stories have been told.

    There are thousands of unaccounted Nigerians living in various countries as refugees.

    Check out more pictures from the Project Mirabella shoot below:

    See more of Salvatore Di Gregorio’s works on his website www.salvatoredigregorio.com

  • Sadly, black teenagers are often only covered in the news when matters of crime and bad behaviour arise.

    So when they rise to the occasion of helping the elderly, they should be commended.

    An elderly British woman, Zenaida Cabrera slipped in ice and lost consciousness right outside a Tesco store, late January 2016.

    Fortunately for her, these four teenagers who happened to be walking to their St. Bonaventure Catholic School, at the time, rushed to her rescue. They took to action, with two of them staying with her till the ambulance arrived, while the others went to report at their school.

    The following week, she paid a visit to the school albeit still healing from the fall.

    As a show of gratitude, she presented a cheque of 50 pounds to Kyron Onireti, Charles Hamadi, Tyrese Attefuah-Appau and Gabrielle Adegoke for coming to her rescue.

    These boys are showing that black teenagers aren’t criminals and are capable of showing kindness to others.

    We are proud of them and wish them well.

    What do you think about their commendable act of kindness?

  • Do you ever feel like there’s no emoji in the app store to really express how you feel while chatting?

    Those times you really want to let out your African-ness but the ones available are too tame for you?

    The Afro Emoji app, launched in January 2016 was created with the aim of placing African culture in the tech world.

    For those that have been looking for a free sticker in pidgin, this is the part where you say YASSSS!!!

    With the fast global rise in mobile technology, the team at Afro Emoji aim to bridge the gap between Africa and the rest of the world.

    Because Africans have a different style of communicating with each other, the Afro Emoji team leader, Ayoola Daramola says the app aims to make online conversations more fun and diverse for Africans.

    Everybody will be alright in the end.

    For when something/someone irritates you….

    And when you disagree with something.

    When you’re trying hard not laugh.

    And when it’s time to turn up!

    For the Ghanaian folks.

    And the best part is that the app comes with 50 free stickers.

    You can download for free on Google Play Store and App store. Unlocking the other 300 stickers costs as low as $1.99.