Discover the latest stories and insights from african history across Africa
Beyond the Benue Valley: The Timeless Mystique and Pride of the Idoma In the lush heart of central Nigeria lives a community whose identity is worn like a badge of honour, woven in fiery red, grounded in deep black, and guarded by an unspoken reverence for their ancestors in Africa.
Cultural beliefs often survive through simple, everyday conversations. A child hears a warning from an older relative, remembers it and may eventually repeat it to someone else. Over time, the words become familiar, even when their original meaning is no longer clear. People may continue such practices because they believe in them, respect their elders or simply feel comfortable following familiar household traditions.
Thirty-nine years ago today, on 15 October 1987, Burkina Faso’s young president, Thomas Sankara, was shot dead during a coup in Ouagadougou. He was 37, and twelve of his comrades died with him. Today the country is led by another young army captain who often invokes his name: Ibrahim Traoré. The question many Africans now ask is whether Traoré is carrying Sankara’s torch or borrowing his image.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.