By Patrick Ssentongo, KAMPALA-UGANDA Uganda’s creative economy has never lacked talent — only capital. For decades, musicians have generated real economic value through radio plays, digital streams, and performances, yet remained largely invisible to formal finance. Banks view artistes as high-risk borrowers, while most creators continue to operate outside the credit system. IPScore, a …
By Kwame Aidoo Five (5) of Ghana’s creative and cultural champions —Anita Erskine, Rocky Dawuni, Ibrahim Mahama, Wode Maya and Lady Dentaa Amoateng MBE, have received diplomatic passports to aid their work in fostering international cultural solidarity. The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa (MP), announced this on 17th September, at the launch of …
By Kwame Aidoo, Ghana Makola Queens and Mansa Musa and the Trail of Lost Gold: The Prelude; two Ghanaian theatre projects based on historical storytelling, are pushing the envelope by reimagining and telling the stories that we did not know we needed in the now. Inspired by the intricate history of oral traditions and social …
By Tonderai Chiyindiko, South Africa Whether it is the highly publicised case involving global entertainment giant Disney for their uncredited usage of the song Mbube (popularly known as The Lion Sleeps Tonight) originally written and recorded by Solomon Linda in the hit film The Lion King and subsequent spinoffs, to the more recent case involving …
By Nesrine Benyaiche, Algeria Fashion has always been a tool of expression and recognition. Clothes are markers of social class and a reflection of faith, grief, celebration, or revolt. They shape how we see ourselves and how others see us. We often use them to express who we are and to recognize others. Throughout history, …
African Fashion-The Colour of Memory and Resistance by Nesrine Benyaiche Read More »
By Patrick K. Ssentongo — Kampala, Uganda As campaign songs fill the air and posters colour city walls, Uganda is once again in election mode. Amid the rallies and promises, a quieter question lingers: what place does culture hold in the political agenda? For years, Uganda’s creatives have kept the nation’s heartbeat alive, yet culture …
“Culture is not just entertainment; it is the backbone of Africa’s integration.” — Hon. Andrea Guer Ariik Malueth, Deputy Secretary General: Infrastructure, Productive, Social & Political Sectors, East African Community (EAC) As Connect for Culture Africa (CfCA) advocacy efforts continue, August and September 2025 have set the stage for a stronger, more coordinated advocacy movement. …
Culture at the Core: CfCA’s Midpoint Momentum in Regional Advocacy Read More »
By Tonderai Chiyindiko South Africa is one of a few countries on the African continent with functional public and private entities working within the cultural and creative industries (CCI’s) through offering sector support which primarily focuses on funding as well other opportunities. However, much of this funding often does not consider the fluid and ever-evolving …
In this reflective essay, Kwame Aidoo—a Ghanaian writer with a background in international arts journalism (ArtReview, NATAAL, Culture Trip)—turns his attention to two powerful exhibitions that expand how we see African and diasporal art. From The Writing’s on the Wall at SCCA Tamale in northern Ghana to Body Vessel Clay: Black Women, Ceramics & Contemporary …
By Nesrine Benyaiche What happens to the stories we don’t write? Other people write them. This has been the pattern of history: whoever wins the war tells the story. Whoever holds the power holds the pen, the brush, the chisel. Our histories especially in Africa, too often the preferred battlefield have been told through the …
Art as a Tool to Self-Preservation by Nesrine Benyaiche Read More »