Music
The Lijadu Sisters: Nigeria’s twin voices of 1970s Afro-funk
Twins Taiwo and Kehinde Lijadu recorded sharp, harmony-driven Afro-funk and Afro-rock in 1970s Lagos. Their records, long hard…
Afro Yard
Afro Yard Entertainment is a vibrant and dynamic entertainment company that focuses on sharing captivating stories and promoting exceptional talent across all African countries. Our mission is to celebrate the rich cultural heritage and diversity of Africa through various media platforms, including music, movies, arts, and content creation.
Arts + Culture
The Bamileke elephant mask: beaded power from the Cameroon Grassfields
In the Grassfields of western Cameroon, Bamileke masquerades feature striking beaded cloth masks with long panels and round…
Music
Kassé Mady Diabaté: the griot voice of Mali who sang with Buena Vista veterans
Kassé Mady Diabaté, born into a griot family in Mali in 1949, was one of the great singers…
Music
Alemayehu Eshete: the “Ethiopian Elvis” of Addis Ababa’s golden age
Alemayehu Eshete was one of the stars of Addis Ababa's musical golden age in the 1960s and 1970s.…
Music
Geraldo Pino: the Sierra Leonean soul bandleader who changed West African music
Geraldo Pino and his band the Heartbeats brought James Brown-style soul to Freetown, Accra and Lagos in the…
Music
Orlando Julius: the Nigerian saxophonist who fused highlife with soul
Orlando Julius Ekemode, a saxophonist and bandleader from Ekiti, blended highlife, juju and American soul in the 1960s,…
Music
Sauti za Busara: the Zanzibar festival that fills an old fort with African music every February
Sauti za Busara, meaning "sounds of wisdom" in Swahili, is an annual festival of African music held in…
Arts + Culture
The Benin Bronzes come home: Germany’s 2022 handover and the debate that followed
In December 2022, Germany handed over 20 Benin Bronzes to Nigeria, after agreeing to transfer ownership of more…
Arts + Culture
The Ethiopian coffee ceremony: roasting, incense and three rounds of conversation
In Ethiopia, coffee is not simply a drink but a ritual of hospitality. The coffee ceremony involves roasting…
Arts + Culture
The carved doors of Lamu and Zanzibar: Swahili craftsmanship in wood and brass
The heavy wooden doors of Zanzibar's Stone Town and Kenya's Lamu are famous for their carved frames and…