• Shalom Esene

Stories by Shalom Esene

Tyla has made it clear: she represents Amapiano, a genre as distinct and diverse as African music itself.
Music

Tyla Leads the African Wave at Coachella 2025

With Coachella kicking off today, Tyla and fellow African artists Amaarae, Rema, and others transform the desert into a showcase of the continent's musical diversity.

Three men on a bike, one is injured.
Film + TV

Three Powerful Films From South Africa, Kenya, and Sudan Showing at Sundance 2025

'B(l)ind The Sacrifice, How to Build a Library' and 'Khartoum' offer intimate portraits of survival, transformation, and hope, bringing African experiences to a global stage.

​Davido performs at The O2 Arena on January 28, 2024 in London, England.
Latest

Davido and Mary J. Blige Headline New Additions to Afro Nation Portugal 2025 Lineup

The third wave of artist announcements adds to a star-studded lineup that already includes Burna Boy, Tems, Amaarae, Uncle Waffles and more.

Christmas in Lagos brings together a host of fresh faces alongside Nollywood icons Shaffy Bello, Wale Ojo, and RMD.
Film + TV

Here Are the 11 Must-Watch African Christmas Movies This Holiday

From festive romances to family dramas, these must-watch African Christmas films bring diverse cultures, heartfelt moments and holiday cheer to your screen this season.

A Black man in a brown suit sits in a studio chair with four other people and speaks into a microphone while everyone pays attention.
Events

British Nigerian Actor Jimmy Akingbola Says There’s More Work to be Done

The ‘Bel-Air’ and ‘Sorry, I Didn’t Know’ actor featured as part of the Global Impact of Black Culture panel at the Okayplayer House Presented by BET during this year’s Art Basel Miami Beach.

A collection of books by African authors with colorful covers.
Arts + Culture

Review This Year in Books With the Best African Literature of 2024

Brittle Paper has unveiled their yearly celebration of the best African storytelling: 100 books that made an impact across genres and countries.

Fulu Miziki believes in second chances by making harmony from scraps.
Music

Get to Know Congolese Collective Fulu Miziki

Kinshasa-based Fulu Miziki uses recycled trash to make their own, unique musical instruments.

A Black woman holds up a Black doll that resembles her.
News

OkayAfrica’s 2024 Gift Guide

From simple to colorful and unexpected, these gifts are sure to warm the hearts of your loved ones during this holiday season.

Kouoh in a statement expressed her hope to compose an exhibition that will carry meaning for the world we live in and the world we want to make.
Art

Koyo Kouoh Leads a Historic Shift in Art and Curation

Koyo Kouoh, Lesley Lokko, Rujeko Hockleyd and Aindrea Emelife are redefining global art, bringing African women's voices to the forefront.

Travel creator and filmmaker Tayo Aina says to let go of preconceived notions while setting out to explore.
Travel

Nine Things Tayo Aina Says You Should Know About Traveling Across the Continent Right Now

Travel filmmaker Tayo Aina shares his top tips and insights for exploring Africa, from must-visit destinations to breaking free from generic travel experiences.

Celebrated Amapiano DJ, Uncle Waffles, stands behind a disc jockey set up.
Events

Opinion: Uncle Waffles’ Nairobi Event Highlights Broader Issues With African Music Concerts

The chaotic Nairobi concert brings attention to recurring failures in the organization of music events across Africa, raising urgent questions about crowd safety and artist-audience care.

Ngozi Okonjo Iweala smiling.
News

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala Reappointed a Second Term as Director-General of WTO

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala will continue her leadership in global trade negotiations and in amplifying the voices of developing nations.

A model poses for a photo in a floor-length multicolored dress.
Fashion

Nigerian Designers are Putting a Modern Spin on Traditional Fabrics

From Akwete to Aso Oke, these designers are reimagining traditional fabrics with a modern twist, preserving cultural heritage while shaping the future of fashion.

Barbra Banda stands during the Women's Group B match between the United States and Zambia during the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
News

Barbra Banda Named BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year 2024

This award caps off an extraordinary year for the Zambian captain who made history at the 2024 Paris Olympics as the first women's soccer player to score three hat-tricks in the tournament.

A husband and wife relax on a couch in fashionable clothing.
Arts + Culture

From Nigeria With Love: The Innovative Craft Behind Fashion Brand ‘This Is Us’

How a husband-and-wife duo turned a local fabric into a thriving fashion brand rooted in Nigerian heritage.

Chidimma Adetshina poses for a photo in a green embellished dress and a bright smile at The 73rd Miss Universe Competition at Arena Ciudad de Mexico on November 16, 2024 in Mexico City, Mexico.
Fashion

Chidimma Adetshina’s Path to Becoming First Runner-Up at Miss Universe 2024

The Nigerian representative beat several hurdles to the historic achievement for herself and her country.

Miss Zimbabwe Sakhile Dube at the 73rd Miss Universe pageant in Mexico, wearing an elaborate national costume featuring vibrant purple and gold wings, a bird emblem on the chest, and intricate beadwork.
Fashion

Take In the Beauty and Rich Culture of these African Queens' National Costumes at Miss Universe 2024

This year’s 18 African contestants at Miss Universe showcase stunning costumes that celebrate their beauty, heritage, and rich national stories.

Wulf, along with Joseph Mizzi, co-founded 14+ Foundation in 2012 to build schools in rural African communities.
Music

How Nchimunya Wulf Found Healing and Purpose By Building Schools in Zambia

Inspired by a personal loss, the Zambian Danish philanthropist returned to her roots to build something meaningful.