Beyond electricity: Can Ethiopia’s Renaissance Dam forge a united future?
The recent inauguration of Africa’s largest hydroelectric dam, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, represents the triumphant fulfillment of a national dream decades in the making. While it promises to power homes and boost regional energy exports, the government also hopes this monumental achievement will galvanize a sense of national pride and unity. This goal is critical for […]
Seydou Keïta’s portraits of Mali come alive at the Brooklyn Museum
Step into the vibrant world of mid-century Mali through the lens of master photographer Seydou Keïta. His genius at capturing portraits, now featured in the Brooklyn Museum’s exhibition “Seydou Keïta: A Tactile Lens,” was once so sought-after that people traveled for days to visit his Bamako studio. More than just photographs, these images are a profound […]
Yorùbá twin carvings inspire global dialogue through the Ìbejì Project
Nigerian collector Kayode Adegbola has turned his fascination with Yorùbá ère ìbejì—intricate wooden twin carvings—into the Ìbejì Project, a global effort to revive and celebrate this unique cultural tradition. The Yorùbá, who have one of the world’s highest twin birth rates, view twins as bearers of spiritual blessing. And if one passes away, a figure is lovingly […]
Rahmah Library: Where architecture meets community and literacy
In the heart of Cape Town’s historically significant District Six, the Rahmah Library stands as a vibrant sanctuary for learning and community. This thoughtfully designed space transforms a once-underused corner of Rahmaniyeh Primary School into a hub intended to foster joy, literacy, and a deep sense of belonging for students. Its distinctive yellow roof acts as a […]
Eliud Kipchoge eyes final marathon major to seal his legacy
Marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge, famed for breaking the two-hour marathon barrier and winning two Olympic gold medals, is on a final mission to cement his incredible legacy, and the finish line is in New York City. The athlete, widely regarded as the greatest marathon runner ever, has conquered almost every major marathon, but the New York […]
Dream City biennale transforms Tunis medina into art gallery
The Dream City biennale, now in its tenth edition, has once again transformed the historic medina of Tunis into a living, breathing canvas for contemporary art. For two decades, the festival—organized by L’Art Rue—has turned everyday streets, homes, and courtyards into vibrant performance spaces. This year’s event spotlights women’s voices in art, featuring works like “Laaroussa,” […]
Tyla’s ‘Water’ earns spot on Rolling Stone’s list of 21st-century classics
South African sensation Tyla has added another milestone to her meteoric rise, with her global hit “Water” ranked 135th on Rolling Stone’s list of the “250 Greatest Songs of the 21st Century.” This prestigious honor celebrates the track’s fresh and captivating fusion of breathy vocals with the signature log-drum beats of amapiano, a sound Tyla has championed. […]
David Adjaye’s architectural legacy endures amid allegations
This fall, three magnificent new museums—in Princeton, Benin City, and Harlem—designed by the acclaimed David Adjaye, are set to open their doors. Yet, Adjaye himself is unlikely to be celebrating at the glittering galas. These institutions have been publicly distancing themselves from him since sexual misconduct allegations were leveled against him two years ago. While Adjaye, […]
Melinda French Gates backs initiative to boost women’s health worldwide
A new $70 million global initiative, the Women’s Health Co-Lab, has been launched to tackle growing gaps in women’s health funding amid global aid cuts. Supported by philanthropists including Melinda French Gates, the fund aims to raise an additional $30 million to address maternal health, sexual and reproductive rights, and gender-based violence — sectors severely impacted by […]
Egypt’s Pharaoh Amenhotep III’s tomb reopens after 20-year restoration
Egypt has reopened the tomb of Pharaoh Amenhotep III, one of the largest burial sites in Luxor’s Valley of the Kings, after a meticulous 20-year restoration. The 3,000-year-old tomb—first discovered in 1799—has been revived through an incredibly delicate, Japanese-led conservation project hailed for its world-class precision. The project rescued the tomb from severe deterioration, reversing damage that […]
