Thankfully, in today’s world of fast-paced information and lightning connectivity, we now have access to places we wouldn’t ordinarily have access to, through channels like Google and YouTube. Contrary however to our feelings of omniscience, there will always be gaps in our knowledge banks that need filling from time to time. Let’s start with places in Africa we never knew still existed. Aksum (Axum) Aksum, one of the earliest African civilisations still surviving today. Located in present-day Eritrea and Ethiopia, she was founded by the Aksumite people and existed from around 100 AD to 940 AD. Aksum was a fully developed state and was once regarded by a Persian prophet (Mani) as one of the four great world powers of the ancient world including Persia, Rome, and China. Aksum continues to survive via relics such as stelae (stone monuments) found in both Eritrea and Ethiopia, as well as historical ruins such as the Dungur Palace and the Tomb of the False Door. University of Timbuktu The world’s first and oldest university, The University of Timbuktu as it was then called was an umbrella term denoting the centres of learning which included the mosques in Sankore, Djinguereber, and Sidi Yahya. Though not the same as modern tertiary institutions, a similarity it shared with them is that a broad range of subjects was taught there. Its manuscripts and texts, which have endured, are currently undergoing preservation and translation. The remains of this ancient structure can be found in the West African nation of Mali. Oldupai Gorge Oldupai Gorge or Olduvai Gorge is known as the “Cradle of Mankind” and for originating from Africa. It is located in present day Tanzania and has spewed many archaeological treasures over the years. Volubilis A little-known city established by old Romanians sits 33km north of Meknes,…
Famous for its amazingly delicious curries and even more impressive seafood, Durban is one of the top holiday destinations that offer enticing cuisine to travellers. With new restaurants, bars, and cafés springing up, Durban is the foodie’s destination for experiencing flavours, both spicy and enticing. Below is a traveller’s guide to wining and dining in Durban. Spiga d’Oro Located in the heart of Berea, Spiga d’Oro serves quality, authentic Italian dishes at reasonable prices—a trademark that makes the restaurant stand out. With a relaxing and a toasty interior, a water fountain, and herb-filled planters mounted on the walls, Spiga d’Oro makes the perfect lunch spot. In addition, there is a diverse selection of cocktails to pair with your meal. Freedom Café The brainchild of award-winning cookbook writer, advertising and design guru Neil Roake, Freedom Café is both trendy and hip. Situated in a highly popular garden of Concierge Boutique Bungalows, the café consists of a red shipping container that boasts of mirrored walls with oldies hairdos that sit atop visitors’ heads in the reflection when seated. Freedom Café’s detailed expressions make it a great place to stop by for a refreshing breakfast, a delightful lunch, or even a cup of coffee. It also offers a selection of fuller mains, organic salads and open sarmies as well as spunky music. Moyo Situated on uShaka Pier, Moyo is an African-themed restaurant that is contemporary and tailored to suit the tastes of its patrons. Moyo is the first restaurant that extends 150 metres into the sea and the only place from where you can view the sunset over the Durban city skyline. Moyo also offers handcrafted African jewelry as souvenirs from your trip to the city. Taco Zulu Taco Zulu is the perfect place to get your taste buds dancing with Mexican-style corn,…
Named after former United States’ president, James Monroe, Monrovia the capital of Liberia, is the second permanent Black American settlement in Africa, after Freetown in Sierra Leone. Liberia’s cultural, political and financial hub, Monrovia boasts of a fair share of places to see including festivals, galleries, and markets. Here is a list of our recommended spots. Hotel Ducor Hotel Ducor was once Liberia’s natural pride, and one of the most prominent luxury hotels in Africa, with 106 rooms in an 8-storey structure. It was built in 1960 on Ducor Hill, at the end of Broad Street across the United Nations Boulevard in Monrovia’s main business street. The hotel’s impressive facilities were frequented by politicians, diplomats and international business people till the first Liberian civil war. As a result of the damage and looting, and then abandoned renovation plans by the fallen Gadaffi government of Libya, today, Hotel Ducor is a ground for squatters though it serves as a place for thrill seeking tourists. Visitors are advised to pack a camera and hiking boots but go with a group as there is safety in numbers. Monrovia Music Fest Featuring food trucks, craft beer gardens, non-profit activity booths, vendors, art and family activities, the Monrovia Music Festival which holds annually is the perfect opportunity to be a part of the Monrovian groove while establishing lifelong connections, as communities are brought together. The Monrovia Music Festival holds in Library Park, Memorial Fountain on 32, South Myrtic Avenue in Old Monrovia. Entry is free and no tickets are required. Oceano Casino If you are the gambling type and a risk taker, then this is the spot for you, with a wide range of games to play including blackjacks, oasis pokers and slot machines. There is also well-stocked bar serving light snacks with complimentary food…
A rare and historically significant composition by Nigerian Modernist, Ben Enwonwu, features as the top lot at Bonhams Africa Now – Modern & Contemporary African Art Sale slated for October 5, 2017. The painting, Nigerian Symphony, 1963-34, 48 x 178cm is estimated at £100,000-150,000 and depicts a busy street scene, swarming with Nigerians cutting across all social strata. Hovering above these men and women sporting......
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Previous episode “Leela, what the hell is going on? And why do you have a gun and who was that person shooting at us?” Leela didn’t answer him as she tried to subdue her tears and calm her nerves. Her heart was thumping wildly in her chest as she repeatedly struggled with the image of Gbemiga’s lifeless body appearing before her eyes. Uzo......
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SMITH is proud to present The Meal is Not the Menu, a solo exhibition of painting, fibre, installation and video works by Zimbabwean artist Grace Cross. The exhibition explores the haunting of history, archaeology and spirituality on contemporary art making. Cross’s unearthed source material—ancient artefacts, ritualistic symbols and antiquated lexicons are reworked, reinterpreted and ultimately reinvented as a contemporary universe of quasi-spiritual totems. She......
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As unique as the people who make and wear them, African fabrics are currently enjoying a massive share of the fashion spotlight all around the world. These unique fabrics are being used diversely as art, for aesthetic purposes and to fulfil the elemental human need for clothing. The history of the African textile industry dates as far back as Africa’s first civilisation─ Egypt─......
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WHATIFTHEWORLD is pleased to present Passage – a new body of work by Mohau Modisakeng, consisting of performance, photography and film. Passage, is a three-channel video projection and photographic series that meditates on slavery’s dismemberment of African identity and its enduring erasure of personal histories. In each of the artwork’s three projections, we are confronted with a character —a woman with a hawk......
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