• Zee Ngema

Stories by Zee Ngema

Asake Lights Up Madison Square Garden
Latest

Asake Lights Up Madison Square Garden

For the New York stop of his Lungu Boy World Tour, the Nigerian star’s high energy was perfectly matched by the night's good vibes.

A photo of Nikiama Kisun Sira Fatimata in her salon braiding a client’s hair, and wearing a black blouse with white Polka Dot sleeves.
USA

What It’s Like To…Run an African Hair Salon in New York City

The major U.S. city is known for attracting a myriad of cultures from across the world, offering aspirational immigrants a chance to serve their communities.

A photo of Citizen Award Recipient Lydia Charles Moyo speaking onstage (with Payzee Mahmod and Danai Gurira standing behind her) during the Global Citizen Prize event at Spring Studios on May 01, 2024 in New York City.
Arts + Culture

Eight Moments Where Africans Took Center Stage at This Year’s Global Citizen NOW

This year’s summit, hosted in New York City, set ambitious goals, and delivered on creating a space for change-making conversations, while illustrating the importance of community and shared responsibility.

A photo of Rwandan President Paul Kagame speaking on screen during Global Citizen NOW 2024 at Spring Studios on May 02, 2024 in New York City.
News Brief

Five Standout Quotes from Rwandan President Paul Kagame’s Session at Global Citizen NOW

Speaking virtually at the annual summit in New York City, the President of Rwanda highlighted the importance of unity and accountability in Africa.

Nigerian photographer Steven Onoja in his debut photobook Sound of Pain.
Photos

Photos: Nigerian Photographer Steven Onoja Captures the 'Sound of Pain'

The New York-based creative takes us through some of the images in his debut photobook Sound of Pain.

Bilan Media’s Deputy Chief Editor Hinda Abdi Mohamoud, reporting a story on the field.
What It's Like To...

What it’s Like To…Be a Journalist in Somalia’s Only All-Women Newsroom

Somalia’s first all-women newsroom, Bilan Media, has edged out a space for itself in the East African nation.

Kenyan director and producer Faith Musembi on her upcoming docu-series Queens by National Geographic, out March 8.
Film + TV

'National Geographic' Has Kenyan Director Faith Musembi Channeling Her Inner 'Queens'

We spoke to Kenyan wildlife director Faith Musembi about daring to let your voice be heard and her work on the Angela Bassett-narrated seven-part series, Queens, premiering March 4th.

​NSangou Njikam in 'Syncing Ink.'
Culture

Playwright NSangou Njikam is Bringing Nigerian Tradition to American Theater

The actor and writer is connecting with his African heritage through hip-hop theater in the production of Syncing Ink, set to hit New York City in May.

Series poster of Disney+ and Kugali Media’s new six-episode limited series “Iwájú” set to hit the streaming platform on February 28, 2024.
Film + TV

Take A Look At the Official Trailer for First Pan-African Disney+ Series, 'Iwájú'

Iwájú, the six-episode animated sci-fi series set in Lagos, Nigeria, will premiere on February 28 on Disney+.

wizkid one love
Music

Listen to Wizkid's Cover of Bob Marley's "One Love"

Wizkid and Bloody Civilian are the only Africans in the soundtrack to the upcoming Bob Marley biopic, they cover two of the Jamaican legend's songs, “One Love” and “Natural Mystic.”

​South African troops, serving as peacekeepers with the African Union Mission in Burundi salute the arrival of Major General Siphiwe Nyanda, chief of the South African National Defence Force, Bujumbura, Burundi, 27th August 2003
Central Africa

South Africa Deploys Troops To Help Restore Peace & Security in DR Congo

The Central African country has been in the grips of violence between its government and rebel military groups for decades, and African nations are now stepping back in.

American Director Antoine Fuqua is set to release a documentary about the late South African President Nelson Mandela – pictured here outside his Soweto home three days after his release.
South Africa

A New Nelson Mandela Documentary is Coming From Director Antoine Fuqua

The forthcoming doc, Troublemaker: The Story Behind the Mandela Tapes, looks to give the world a deeper insight into the man who changed history, through a series of unreleased audio tapes.

black sherif mabel zero
Music

Black Sherif and Mabel Call For “Zero” Drama In New Single

Ghana’s most streamed artist joins forces with the UK pop princess to plead for peace.

​A still image from 'Chidera,' co-directed by Sope Aluko.
Profiles & Interviews

'Black Panther' Actress Sope Aluko Debuts Affirming Short Film About Having Dada Hair

Chidera, the short film by Sope Aluko, shines light on the often hidden Dada children, who are considered sacred in Nigerian culture.

Two South African engineers remain detainees of the Mongomo prison on drug-possession charges one year after their arrest.
Central Africa

Families Renew Call for Release of SA Engineers Imprisoned in Equatorial Guinea for a Year

The families of the two engineers detained on drug possession charges are now pleading with the South African government and United Nations to secure their release amid what they deem a “geopolitical tangle,” involving the son of Equatorial Guinea's president.

South Africa's goalkeeper #1 Ronwen Williams celebrates after winning at the end of the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2024 quarter-final football match between Cape Verde and South Africa at the Stade Charles Konan Banny in Yamoussoukro on February 3, 2024.
Sports

Here’s What Went Down In Week Three of AFCON 2023

Reigning champions Senegal are out as we reach the final four of this year’s Africa Cup of Nations tournament.

Tyla.
Music

Tyla Sizzles In the New Music Video For "Truth or Dare"

The 22-year-old South African artist's latest comes as she heads into an exciting weekend that could see her become a Grammy-award winning performer.

Ayra Starr
Music

Ayra Starr’s New Single Has Her Staying Focused On Her “Commas”

The continuously rising, Grammy-nominated singer releases her first single of 2024 ahead of an exciting weekend that could see her make history.