Discover the latest stories and insights from culture across Africa
In Victoria Island, Lagos, ALÁRA redefines African luxury through a seamless blend of fashion, art, and cuisine. Founded by Reni Folawiyo, the concept store offers an immersive cultural experience, celebrating bold creativity, architectural brilliance, and contemporary African expression on a dynamic global stage today, shaping new narratives of African identity.
Modern African Youth & Style Expression Where Culture Meets Creativity Across Africa today, a new wave of style is emerging; bold, expressive, and deeply rooted in identity. The modern African youth, especially Gen Z, are redefining fashion in ways that beautifully blend tradition with global influence. This generation is not just dressing to impress; they are dressing to express who they are. African Gen Zs are fearless when it comes to style. From oversized shirts and baggy jeans to crop tops and statement accessories, their fashion choices reflect confidence and individuality
highlighting the global recognition of Fela Kuti’s enduring influence, focusing on the prestigious award that celebrates his revolutionary impact on music, culture, and activism. It underscores how his legacy continues to shape conversations around artistic resistance and social justice, affirming his place as a timeless icon whose voice still resonates across generations.
Assin Manso Slave River in Ghana marks a haunting chapter of the transatlantic slave trade. Once a collection point for enslaved Africans, the river bore witness to family separations and unimaginable suffering. Today, it serves as a place of remembrance, reflection, and spiritual connection, preserving the stories of resilience, ancestral prayers, and the enduring spirit of those who endured its waters.
Banku and Tilapia is one of Ghana’s most beloved traditional dishes, especially enjoyed by the Ewe and Fante people. Banku is made by fermenting a mixture of corn and cassava dough, then cooking it into a smooth, stretchy dough-like consistency. It's slightly sour in taste, which pairs perfectly with the spicy pepper sauce. It’s commonly served with grilled tilapia, seasoned and spiced to perfection, giving it a smoky, mouth-watering flavor. The dish is often accompanied by *shito* (a dark, spicy sauce made with peppers, fish, and oil) or fresh chopped pepper, tomato, and onion sauce.
The Brazilian Baracoon in Badagry is one of the most important surviving sites connected to the transatlantic slave trade in Nigeria. This painful history involves Seriki Williams Abass. Before he became powerful, Seriki Williams Abass was once powerless. He was not born rich or influential. His original name was Ifaremilekun Fagbemi, a Yoruba boy born in Joga-Orile, a town in Ilaro, Ogun State, what is now south-western Nigeria. As a youth, he was captured during wars between African communities. At the time, this was common, as stronger groups often sold captives to slave traders in exchange for goods and weapons
The Mambila Hills of Taraba State rise quietly above Nigeria’s lowlands, wrapped in mist and memory. Cool, ancient, and culturally grounded, the plateau blends history, spirituality, and endurance. It is a land shaped by altitude and ancestral wisdom, where traditions remain intact, life moves deliberately, and the earth feels closer to the heavens.
Agbokim Waterfalls, hidden in Cross River’s forests, is where the Kwa River splits into many voices and falls with ancestral force. Older than borders, it served as pause and passage for local communities. Here, water becomes memory—flowing proof that African history lives, breathes, and endures without walls and written silence.
The Arochukwu Long Juju Slave Route is history carved in silence. Through sacred trials at Ibini Ukpabi, lives were condemned and quietly rerouted into bondage. Forest paths, stone steps, and dark tunnels still testify: belief once became law, and law became chains; memory stands, warning generations against power without truth.
The Kingdom of Kongo was one of the most powerful and well-organised states in Central Africa before European colonisation. Founded in the late 1300s, the kingdom grew through farming, regional trade, and a strong political system. Long before Europeans arrived, Kongo already had a capital city, provincial leaders, and laws. The kingdom began around 1390 when Lukeni lua Nimi united several nearby communities. These groups spoke the same language, Kikongo, and shared similar customs. This made it easier to form a single kingdom under one ruler.
African fashion is a dazzling celebration of the continent’s extraordinary diversity, resilience, and creative spirit. With about 54 countries and more than 3,000 ethnic groups, it draws from centuries of tradition while boldly embracing modernity. From the sun-drenched markets of Marrakech to the bustling streets of Lagos, African style tells stories of identity, community, history, and pride through colour, texture, and silhouette. Traditional African attire is deeply symbolic, often reflecting social status, marital availability, spirituality, or regional heritage.
Lagos is set to come alive once again as preparations intensify for the much-anticipated Eyo Festival, one of the state’s most iconic and culturally significant celebrations. The arrival of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Tafawa Balewa Square, where he was received by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has further heightened public interest in the festival, which is being celebrated for the first time since 2017.
Ewa Agoyin is more than a beloved Nigerian street food—it is a cultural experience deeply rooted in the everyday life of the Yoruba people. This humble yet powerful dish brings together soft, slow-cooked beans (*ewa*) and a rich, smoky pepper sauce (*agoyin*) that tells a story of patience, tradition, and mastery of flavor.
Across many parts of Africa especially in West Africa coconut rice holds a special place in the hearts and homes of food lovers. This flavorful dish combines two everyday staples rice and coconut to create a warm, aromatic, and deeply satisfying meal that speaks volumes about Africa’s culinary creativity and tropical richness.
Nigeria is a powerhouse of diversity. Its story is not a singular narrative but a rich fusion of ancient civilizations like the Nok culture and the powerful Benin Kingdom. From the trade routes of the Hausa city-states to the resilience shown during the Atlantic slave trade and the fight for independence, Nigeria’s history is profound. Today, as a thriving democracy, it stands as a testament to resilience, blending deep-rooted traditions with modern progress. Explore the journey of a nation where history breathes in every corner.