African History

Discover the latest stories and insights from african history across Africa

60 Articles

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A Leaf That Doesn't Know What Tree It's From
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July 7, 2026 • 84 views

A Leaf That Doesn't Know What Tree It's From

Nigeria is one of the African nations quietly losing its culture, and history is the first casualty. There is a saying that not knowing your history is like a leaf that doesn't know what tree it came from. That leaf can still exist for a while, but it has no idea what fed it, what shaped it, or what it is connected to. That is where a growing number of us find ourselves today. Our history is being erased, not by one single event, but by neglect. The clearest reason is simple: no one is telling it anymore

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Communal Child-Rearing in Traditional African Societies
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July 7, 2026 • 85 views

Communal Child-Rearing in Traditional African Societies

"What happens when children know their passwords better than their neighbors?" This thought-provoking article explores Africa's age-old tradition of communal child-rearing, where entire communities shared the responsibility of raising every child. Drawing from Yoruba, Igbo, and Kikuyu cultures, it examines the beauty, challenges, and enduring wisdom of this system while contrasting it with today's increasingly isolated parenting. This article is a compelling reflection on Ubuntu, belonging, and the future of African values in a rapidly changing world.

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THE BABBAN RIGA
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July 3, 2026 • 2.9K views

THE BABBAN RIGA

The origin of the Babban Riga stretches back centuries, to a time when Hausa city-states such as Kano, Katsina, and Zaria were major centers of learning and commerce. Through trans-Saharan trade routes, Northern Nigeria became connected to North Africa and the wider Islamic world. Thus, with the need for attires that reflected status and moral authority by scholars, rulers, and traders, the Babban Riga was provided as a solution to their problem. This was through the inspiration of Sahelian and Islamic styles.

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Latest African History

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MANSA MUSA: THE RICHEST MAN IN HISTORY.
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MANSA MUSA: THE RICHEST MAN IN HISTORY.

This is the story of Mansa Musa, the king of Mali in the 14th century, is often said to be the richest person ever, with a fortune worth around $400 billion today. He got rich from controlling West Africa's gold and salt trade, making Mali a major economic center back then.

By Bernice Temitayo Read More →
The Door of No Return in West Africa.
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The Door of No Return in West Africa.

The Door of No Return in West Africa is a historic site where millions of enslaved Africans took their last steps before being sent across the Atlantic. Located on Gorée Island and other key ports like Cape Coast Castle, Elmina Castle, Ouidah, and Badagry, these sites tell the story of pain, resistance, and resilience. Today, they are places of remembrance, cultural heritage, and connection for the African diaspora, showing return, healing, and strength.

By Bernice Temitayo Read More →
BRITISH COLONIALISM IN KENYA: THE FIGHT FOR INDEPENDENCE
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BRITISH COLONIALISM IN KENYA: THE FIGHT FOR INDEPENDENCE

Before colonialism, Kenya was home to many tribes with their own ways of life. When Britain took control, they built railways, took the best land, and forced Africans into hard labor, creating deep inequality. Kenyans resisted through protests and the Mau Mau uprising. In 1963, Kenya gained independence, ending British rule, but the effects of colonialism remain. This is the story of Kenya’s history, struggles, and fight for freedom simply explained.

By Bernice Temitayo Read More →
What Really Caused the Nigerian Civil War? Understanding the Biafran Story.
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What Really Caused the Nigerian Civil War? Understanding the Biafran Story.

Learn about the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970), also known as the Biafran War. This story explains the causes, key events, and Biafra’s struggle to survive during the war. It also shows how the war ended and looks at the role of ethnic tension, foreign support, and the impact on civilians during the conflict.

By Bernice Temitayo Read More →
THE TRANS-SAHARAN TRADE NETWORK: EXCHANGE AND TRADE IN AFRICA.
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THE TRANS-SAHARAN TRADE NETWORK: EXCHANGE AND TRADE IN AFRICA.

Learn about the Trans-Saharan Trade Network in Africa and how it shaped Africa over time. Discover how gold, salt, kola nuts, and other goods were traded across the Sahara Desert using camel caravans. See how trade routes connected North and West Africa and helped cities like Timbuktu grow into busy centers of trade, culture, and learning across the region.

By Bernice Temitayo Read More →
Why the Benin Bronzes Matter in African History and Global Museums
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Why the Benin Bronzes Matter in African History and Global Museums

The Benin Bronzes are powerful artworks from the ancient Benin Kingdom in Nigeria, showing a rich culture and skilled craftsmanship that existed long before colonial rule, while also telling the story of the 1897 British invasion, the looting of these treasures, and the ongoing efforts by Nigeria and others to have them returned and preserve the history and identity of the Edo people for future generations.

By Bernice Temitayo Read More →
Queen Amina of Zazzau: The Fearless Warrior Queen of Nigerian History.
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Queen Amina of Zazzau: The Fearless Warrior Queen of Nigerian History.

Queen Amina of Zaria was a powerful warrior queen in Nigerian history. She ruled in the 1500s, expanded her kingdom, and built strong city walls for protection. Her leadership, military strategy, and bravery made her one of Africa’s most famous female warriors. Learn the full story of her life, battles, and lasting legacy.

By Bernice Temitayo Read More →
Lisabi Uprising: The Farmer Who Defeated 6000 Soldiers
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Lisabi Uprising: The Farmer Who Defeated 6000 Soldiers

Lisabi was a brave Egba farmer born around 1700 in Itoku near Abeokuta, Nigeria. He hated how Oyo tax men, the Ajeles, hurt his people from 1770-1780. Lisabi made a fake farm club called Egbe Aaro to train fighters at night. In 1780, they killed 600 Ajeles and beat 6,000 soldiers in forests like Ogbun Melegun. To save everyone, Lisabi gave up his life around 1790 to save his people.

By Bernice Temitayo Read More →
Africa in South Carolina: The Oyotunji African Village.
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Africa in South Carolina: The Oyotunji African Village.

Africa in South Carolina tells the story of the Oyotunji African Village, a Yoruba kingdom in the United States founded by Oba Adefunmi I. It shows African culture, Yoruba language, Orisa traditions, the Oyo Empire, the African diaspora, and the Gullah people, proving that African heritage and identity can live and grow anywhere in the world.

By Bernice Temitayo Read More →
3 Ancient Nigerian Civilisations That Prove Africa Had History Before Colonisation
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3 Ancient Nigerian Civilisations That Prove Africa Had History Before Colonisation

Discover the rich history of Nigeria before colonisation and explore three ancient Nigerian civilisations Nok, Igbo Ukwu, and Yoruba that shaped art, governance, and culture. Learn how Nok terracotta sculptures, Igbo Ukwu bronze artifacts, and Ile-Ife bronze heads reveal advanced craftsmanship, leadership, and creativity in pre-colonial Nigeria. This post celebrates African history and heritage, showing that Nigeria had organized societies, skilled artists, and thriving communities long before European influence.

By Bernice Temitayo Read More →
Nelson Mandela's Story of Sacrifice and Leadership
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• 291 views

Nelson Mandela's Story of Sacrifice and Leadership

Nelson Mandela, born in 1918 in South Africa, fought against apartheid and spent 27 years in prison for standing up for equality. He became the first Black president of South Africa, focusing on uniting a divided nation instead of seeking revenge. Mandela’s life shows what it looks like when one person challenges injustice and leads with fairness, dignity, and courage. Learn about his journey, from a village to global leadership and lasting influence.

By Bernice Temitayo Read More →
HOW THE AGOJIE DEFENDED THE KINGDOM OF DAHOMEY
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• 118 views

HOW THE AGOJIE DEFENDED THE KINGDOM OF DAHOMEY

This is about the Agojie, the all female army of Dahomey, who came together to fight wars because men reduced in number and were insufficient to save Dahomey from the European soldiers. The Agojie fought several wars, won, and protected the king. They also had a rule—an Agojie must not get married. This is a story that shows African women's bravery.

By Bernice Temitayo Read More →

Trending in African History

1

THE BABBAN RIGA

2.9K views • July 3, 2026
2

The Impact of Kobafest in Kogi State: Celebrating Culture,

854 views • February 12, 2026
3

WESTERN NIGERIA TELEVISION (WNTV): The Screen That Awakened Africa.

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4

HOUSE OF DEFIANCE: Mary Slessors Sacred Shelter in Calabar

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5

The Red Beauty of Namibia: The Unique Tradition of the Himba Women

438 views • June 4, 2026