Sweet Breeze: The Epic Nigerian Band

You have heard about classic bands like the Beetles, Eagles among others. But do you know this epic Nigerian band from the 1970s and 1980s that recorded the best songs of the era?

During the civil war, music was solace to the soul and the aftermath of the civil war saw the rise of one of Nigerians best ever epic band known as Sweet Breeze. 

Sweet Breeze in 1977 was a band comprised of King Dallas Anyanwu (a native of Amaraku, Mbano), Goodluck Maurice Anyaora, nicknamed Jackie Moore (a native of Umunkwo, Mbano), Vincent Chukwunyelu Ikeotuonye also known as Vin Iyk (a native of Ozubulu, Anambra state), Basil Chukwujike Akalonu, nicknamed Bazzy Cole (a native of Owere Nchise) and Nestor Philip.

Bands like Dee Mites and Life Everlasting folded in the 1970s. It was around the early 1970s that King Dallas Anyanwu invited some of his friends from these two previous bands that Sweet Breeze was formed.

At first, Sweet Breeze was called Rock Breeze and only had shows in limited hotels around Enugu and were not popular.

Around that time, Samuel Ohanyerewa was forced to leave Sweet Breeze. Apparently, his father had come to Enugu, stormed one of their rehearsals and taken away his son from Sweet Breeze. Majority of people at that time believed musicians were "never do wells" and Samuel's father didn't want his son to end up being wasted.

However, this was a blessing in disguise to Rock Breeze as the slot for a bassist opened in their band. At that time, Bazzy Cole had a fallout with his band Speed Limits and thus joined Rock Breeze.

One day, Rock Breeze were rehearsing at Tourist Hotel, Ziks Avenue, Enugu. It was on this fateful day that they met Pat Akalonu, elder brother to Bazzy Cole who was a famous radio producer.

Pat auditioned the band and instantly fell in love with their style of music. He knew there and then that this band would be an instant success, especially with the new found love of pop music in the world.

Pat advised them to change their name from Rock Breeze to Sweet Breeze and took the band to record their first album; Across the Desert at EMI Studios and the album was released by FF Records, a subsidiary of Melody Records.

The album, Across the Desert became an instant success after its release and Sweet Breeze instantly became one of Nigerians favourite band.

Some of the popular songs by Sweet Breeze includes Palmwine Tapper, Mr and Mrs Fool, She's My Choice, Chasing After Rainbows, Across The Desert, True Love, Wrong The Right, Feelings, among others.

Sweet Breeze enjoyed a stand as one of the best bands in the 70s and 80s up to the mid 90s, and played a crucial role in taking Nigerian music to the world.

Their style of music was soft, unique, and felt like a gentle breeze.

In the 70s and 80s, pop music was popular in Nigeria and one of the top names in that list was Enugu based band known as Sweet Breeze, brought together by the pursuit of academics in Enugu. The pursuit for academics and the passion to make good music.

However, Sweet Breeze band member, King Dallas revealed that they received no royalties from Melody Records even when their first album was an instant success.

Have you heard about Sweet Breeze before? 

You can check them out on YouTube or stream some of their classics.

Source: Mazi Gracious Paul Chidiebube

FACTS ABOUT MANSA MUSA I

Mansa Musa I was a 14th-century ruler of the Mali Empire, renowned for his immense wealth, pilgrimage to Mecca, and cultural patronage.

(1). Richest Person in History:

Mansa Musa I, the 14th-century ruler of the Mali Empire, is often regarded as the wealthiest individual in recorded history, with a fortune estimated to be worth over $400 billion in today's currency.

(2). Pilgrimage to Mecca:

Musa's famous pilgrimage to Mecca in 1324 not only solidified his status as a devout Muslim but also showcased the immense wealth of the Mali Empire to the world.

(3). Generous Gifts:

During his pilgrimage, Musa distributed vast amounts of gold in the cities he passed through, inadvertently causing inflation in Egypt due to the sudden influx of wealth.

(4). Architectural Patronage:

Musa's wealth allowed him to commission numerous mosques and educational centers, including the still-standing Djinguereber Mosque in Timbuktu, which became a center of learning in the region.

(5). Control over Salt and Gold Trade:

The Mali Empire, under Musa's reign, controlled key trade routes for both salt and gold, contributing to the empire's prosperity and his personal wealth.

(6). Expansion of Empire:

Musa's reign saw the expansion of the Mali Empire, which became one of the largest and most powerful in West Africa during his rule.

(7). Cultural Patronage:

Musa was a patron of the arts and encouraged the development of literature, music, and scholarship within his empire.

(8). Educational Reforms

He supported the growth of Islamic education and scholarship, attracting scholars and students from across the Muslim world to Timbuktu and other cities in the Mali Empire.

(9). Legendary Legacy:

Musa's pilgrimage and his legendary wealth have made him a prominent figure in both African and Islamic history, with his legacy continuing to inspire awe and fascination.

(10). Impact on Trade Routes:

Musa's pilgrimage brought attention to West Africa and its riches, leading to increased trade and cultural exchange along trans-Saharan trade routes.

Legendary Warrior Princess Yennenga

Between the 11th and 15th centuries lived the legendary warrior princess Yennenga, although it is accepted that she would perhaps be in the 12th century.

Yennenga is daughter of Naba (King) Nedega and Queen Napoko, rulers of Dagomba Kingdom north of present-day Ghana.

The story tells that Nedega, having no sons initially and being Yennenga his first daughter, decided to educate her in the martial arts of war and hunting.

The figure of Yennenga challenges tradition and stereotypes of the time in some cultures, basically a woman was expected to marry, have children, take care of the home and be subject to male authority.

Yennenga broke this stereotype, rode a horse, activity reserved for men and warriors, handled the sword, spear, bow and various weapons, had become her father's favorite daughter.

At the age of 14, Yennenga was already leading the Dagomba cavalry in battle, against his father's opponents, he ended the criticism of both men and women.

Yennenga came to exude an aura of invisibility in the battle that her father came to consider irreplaceable.

Yennenga whose name means "The slender", was described as a thin and beautiful woman, despite dressing in warrior clothes, masculine, she had no shortage of contenders.

King Nedega rejected everyone who asked for his daughter's hand, even despite already having male sons who could inherit the throne. Queen Napoko is said to be sad that her daughter was not going to get married or basically have the life of a maid, it is said that Yennenga seeing her mother, started thinking about love.

To show his displeasure in front of his father, he planted some seeds of okra in a field, I take care of them until they matured, but I do not collect them, I let them die.

Her father called her to the palace to respond to this negligence, she simply told him that he was letting her wither like that field, angry because Nedega ordered his daughter to be locked up.

It is said that Nedega, escaped at night with the help of one of the guards, mounted on his white stallion, escaping were surprised by malink warriors, rivals of the dagombas, dying in the process Yennenga's friend and she escaping further north.

Finally you will find refuge in the cottage of Riale, young hunter of Bissa origin, finally this one discovers that Yennenga is a woman despite men's clothing, ends up falling in love and they share their stories, Riale is a prince who also had to escape. They both fell in love and bore a son named Ouedraogo "Stallion" in honor of Yennenga's horse who facilitated the match.

Years passed and Yennenga was beginning to miss her home, family and father. Wanting to reconcile with his father, he decides to send his son.

Ouedraogo arrives in Gambaga, capital of Dagomba kingdom, where he is received by Nedega who is already elderly, excited listening to the story of his grandson and Nedega told him that Yennenga could go home with her husband, waiting for her to organize a big party.

It should be added that Ouedraogo returned with his parents, with cattle, gifts and soldiers from his grandfather, to founded a kingdom.

Ouedraogo would be the founder of the first Mossis kingdom in what is Burkina Faso, his mother Yennenga and father Riale, the ancestors of the other Mossis reigning houses.

So for the mossi people, Yennenga is their founding mother.

Texts by Oumar Xavier.

Picture from Yennenga. Art by diddles25.

Fuentes:

Libro Dictionary of African Biography

Tomos 1-6 de Emmanuel Kwaku Akyeampong, Professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr. 

- Book The Epic World by Pamela Lothspeich.

English  text:

Between the 11th and 15th centuries, the legendary warrior princess Yennenga lived, although it is accepted that she was perhaps in the 12th century.

Yennenga is the daughter of Naba (king) Nedega and Queen Napoko, rulers of the Dagomba kingdom north of present-day Ghana.

The story goes that Nedega, initially having no sons and Yennenga being her first daughter, decided to educate her in the martial arts of war and hunting.

The figure of Yennenga challenged the tradition and stereotypes of the time in some cultures, basically a woman was expected to marry, have children, take care of the home and be subject to male authority.

Yennenga broke this stereotype, she rode a horse, an activity reserved for men and warriors, she handled the sword, spear, bow and various weapons, she had become her father's favorite daughter.

At the age of 14, Yennenga was already leading the Dagomba cavalry in battle against her father's adversaries, enduring criticism from both men and women.

Yennenga came to give off an aura of invisibility in battle that her father came to consider her irreplaceable.

Yennenga whose name means "The Slender One", she was described as a woman with a fine and beautiful figure, despite dressing in masculine, warrior clothes, she had no shortage of suitors.

King Nedega rejected everyone who asked for the hand of his daughter, even though he already had male children who could inherit the throne. It is said that Queen Napoko was sad that her daughter was not going to marry or basically have the life of a maiden, it is said that Yennenga, seeing her mother, began to think about love.

To show her discontent to her father, she planted some okra seeds in a field, took care of them until they matured, but did not collect them, she let them die.

Her father called her to the palace to respond to this negligence, she simply told him that he was letting her wither like that field, furious because Nedega ordered her daughter to be locked up.

It is said that Nedega escaped at night with the help of one of the guards, mounted on her white stallion. While escaping, they were surprised by Malinke warriors, rivals of the Dagombas, Yennenga's friend dying in the process and she escaping further north.

Finally you will find refuge in the cabin of Riale, a young hunter of Bissa origin. Finally, he discovers that Yennenga is a woman despite the masculine clothing. He ends up falling in love and they share their stories. Riale is a prince who also had to escape. They both fell in love and fathered a son named Ouedraogo "Stallion" in honor of the Yennenga horse that led to that meeting.

The years passed and Yennenga began to miss her home, family and her father. Wanting to reconcile with her father, she decides to send her son.

Ouedraogo arrives in Gambaga, capital of the Dagomba kingdom, where he is received by Nedega, now an old man, excitedly listens to the story of her grandson and Nedega told him that Yennenga could return home with her husband, he was waiting for her to organize a great party.

It must be added that Ouedraogo returned to his parents, with livestock, gifts and soldiers from his grandfather, so that they could found a kingdom.

Ouedraogo would be the founder of the first Mossi kingdom in what is Burkina Faso, his mother Yennenga and father Riale, the ancestors of the other reigning Mossi houses.

So for the Mossi people, Yennenga is their founding mother.

Text by Oumar Xavier.

Image of Yennenga. Art by diddles25.

Sources:

Dictionary of African Biography Book

Volumes 1-6 by Emmanuel Kwaku Akyeampong, Professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr.

- The Epic World book by Pamela Lothspeich.

Some Facts About the African Continent Today

Africa has 60% arable land, Africa owns 90% of raw material reserve, Africa owns 40% of the global gold reserve, Africa owns 33% of diamond reserve, Africa has 80% of Coltan's global reserve (mineral for telephone and electronics production), mainly in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Africa has 60% of global cobalt reserve (mineral for car battery manufacture), Africa is rich in oil and natural gas, Africa (Namibia) has the world's richest fish coastline, Africa is rich in manganese, iron and wood, Africa is three times the area of China, three times the area of Europe, three times the United States of America, Africa has thirty-half million km2 (30 875 415 km2), Africa has 1,3 billion inhabitants (China has 1,4 billion inhabitants in 9,6 million km2). Which means Africa is SUBPOPULATED.

The arable lands of the Democratic Republic of Congo are capable of feeding all of Africa.

And all of Africa's arable land is a cord to feed the whole world. The Democratic Republic of Congo has important rivers that can illuminate all of Africa. The problem is that the CIA, western companies and several African puppets have destabilized DRC for decades and several African countries so they can have access to their resources.

Africa is a culturally diverse continent in terms of dance, music, architecture, sculpture, etc. Africa accommodates over 30,000 medicinal recipes and herbs that the West modifies in its laboratories.

Africa has a young global population that should reach 2,5 billion by the year 2050.

With all this Africa is known as one of the poorest continent in world because of lack of management, war, imperialism and neocolonialism.

📸 Map of Africa 1840 #africa

The Arab Slave Trade

The Arab slave trade was the practice of slavery in the Arab world, mainly in Western Asia, North Africa, East Africa, and certain parts of Europe (such as Iberia and Sicily) during their period of domination by Arab leaders. The trade was focused on the slave markets of the Middle East, North Africa and the Horn of Africa. People traded were not limited to a certain race, ethnicity, or religion, and included Turks, Iranians, Europeans, and Berbers, especially during the trade’s early days.

During the 8th and 9th centuries of the Fatimid Caliphate, most of the slaves were Europeans (called Saqaliba) captured along European coasts and during wars. However, slaves were drawn from a wide variety of regions and included Mediterranean peoples, Persians, peoples from the Caucasus mountain regions (such as Georgia, Armenia and Circassia) and parts of Central Asia and Scandinavia, English, Dutch and Irish, Berbers from North Africa, and various other peoples of varied origins as well as those of African origins.

Toward the 18th and 19th centuries, the flow of Zanj (Bantu) slaves from East Africa increased with the rise of the Oman sultanate, which was based in Zanzibar. They came into direct trade conflict and competition with Portuguese and other Europeans along the Swahili coast. The North African Barbary states carried on piracy against European shipping and enslaved thousands of European Christians. They earned revenues from the ransoms charged; in many cases in Britain, village churches and communities would raise money for such ransoms. The government did not ransom its citizens.

SCOPE OF THE TRADE:

Historians estimate that between 650 and 1900, 10 to 18 million peoples were enslaved by Arab slave traders and taken from Africa across the Red Sea, Indian Ocean, and Sahara desert.The term Arab when used in historical documents often represented an ethnic term, as many of the “Arab” slave traders, such as Tippu Tip and others, were physical industries for their business. 

#blackhistory #Africa

Ancient African Civilization (Great Zimbabwe)

The Great Zimbabwe has the largest of stone-built ruins. It consists of 12 clusters of buildings, that spread over 3 square miles. Its outer walls were built from 100,000 tons of granite bricks. By 14th century, the city housed over 18,000 people, compared to London at then.

It is One of the most impressive ancient monuments in Africa, an imposing collection of stacked boulders, stone towers and defensive walls assembled from cut granite blocks.

In the 14th century, the city housed over 18,000 people, comparable in size to that of London at then.

The rock citadel has long been the subject of myths and legends—it was once thought to be the residence of the Biblical Queen of Sheba—but historians now know it as the capital city of an indigenous empire that thrived in the region between the 13th and 15th centuries. 

This kingdom ruled over a large chunk of modern day Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. It was particularly rich in cattle and precious metals, and stood astride a trade route that connected the region’s gold fields with ports on the Indian Ocean coast. 

The remains of artifacts such as Chinese pottery, Arabian glass and European textiles indicate that it was once a well-connected mercantile center. The fortress city at the Great Zimbabwe was mysteriously abandoned sometime in the 15th century after the kingdom went into decline, but in its heyday it was home to an estimated 20,000.

#africa

ELIZABETH COCHRAN SEAMAN

In 1887, Elizabeth Cochran Seaman, better known as Nellie Bly, was 23-years-old, and an inspiring journalist. Upon the request of an editor from the New York World newspaper, she was to fake insanity to be admitted into a New York insane asylum, where she could then conduct first-hand research.

After checking into a boarding home for women, Nellie feigned insanity, was arrested, and sent to an asylum that typically housed poor immigrants. She stayed there for ten days until the editors were able to get her a release.

Speaking of her experience, she said, “What, excepting torture, would produce insanity quicker than this treatment?...I would like the expert physicians who are condemning me for my action, which has proven their ability, to take a perfectly sane and healthy woman, shut her up and make her sit from 6 a.m. until 8 p.m. on straight-back benches, do not allow her to talk or move during these hours, give her no reading and let her know nothing of the world or its doings, give her bad food and harsh treatment, and see how long it will take to make her insane. Two months would make her a mental and physical wreck.”

She published Ten Days in a Mad-House, which would help drive more funding and change in NYC insane asylums. About a year later, based on the book Around the World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne, Nellie became famous for attempting to travel the world in less than eighty days. She completed the journey in seventy-two days.

BATTLE OF ADWA: FIRST ITALO-ETHIOPIAN WAR

Emperor Menelik II and Empress Tatyu Betul led the Ethiopian army to a decisive victory against the Italian army during the battle of Adwa. Ethiopia is the only African country that was never colonized during Europe’s invasion of the African continent. The Battle of Adwa was the climactic battle of the First Italo-Ethiopian War. The Ethiopian forces defeated the Italian invading force on Sunday 1 March 1896, near the town of Adwa. 

“The Ethiopians went to war with dangerous animals and insects such as bees, wasps, lions, and elephants trained to attack the soldiers of the enemy camp, which enabled them to win all the wars of colonization against them and to be the only country in Africa to have never been colonized.”

Ethiopians commanded an army of Lions, Cheetahs, bees, and elephants which directly led to their victory against Italians. The Ethiopians surrounded the Italians for two weeks and, upon Empress Tayitu's advice, cut off the fort's water supply. At the battle of Adwa, Ethiopian warriors proficient in sword warfare known as Shotel decimated the invading Italian soldiers in hand-to-hand combat, resulting in a resounding African victory.

The Italian commander agreed to surrender if they would be allowed to leave with their firearms. Menelik agreed that they could leave the garrison unharmed. In an embarrassing turn of events the Italians were forced to relinquish their arms to the Ethiopian army, were subdued and escorted to their ships were they were allowed to return home in defeat.

By the end of the 19th century, European powers had carved up almost all of Africa after the Berlin Conference; only Ethiopia and Liberia still maintained their independence. Adwa became a pre-eminent symbol of pan-Africanism and secured Ethiopian sovereignty until the Second Italo-Ethiopian War forty years later.

#Africa

THOMAS FULLER (THE CALCULATOR)

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December 29, 1790 marks the death of the famous mathematician Thomas Fuller, known as the "Mental Calculator".

Died on December 29, 1790, the late Thomas Fuller was an African slave known for his skills in mathematics. He was captured in Africa by white slaves and shipped to the USA in 1724 when he was only 14.

He was so good at math, he could do unimaginable calculations. One day when they asked him how many seconds there were in a year and a half, he answered in approximately two minutes, 47304000. Pro-abolitionists and white philanthropists used his talent as proof that Black slaves were equal to Whites in intelligence.

Thomas Fuller, was a very great Mathematician, but unfortunately forgotten about history.

Source: The Teacher

THE NEGRO/SLAVE BIBLE

The Negro Bible (also known as the Slave Bible) was published by a collective group of missionaries called The Incorporated Society for the Conversion and Religious Instruction and Education of the Negro Slaves in the British West India Islands; Beilby Porteus (Bishop of London) was the president of this society.

Slave Bible was initially produced in England in the early 19th century (1807) for use in the British West Indies, but later adopted by colonies in North America, Africa and Australia.

It had all "references to freedom and escape from slavery" excised, while passages encouraging obedience and submission were emphasized. These references emphasizing loyalty and submission to the slave master were instructions handed down by Porteus, who stated: "prepare a short form of public prayer, together with select portions of scripture particularly those which relate of the slave duties toward the master.”

British missionaries used it in the education and conversion of the enslaved population.

The editors included only 10 percent of the Old Testament and half of the New Testament. For example, among the excluded passages are Galatians 3:28 which states: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus". Exodus 21:16 and Deuteronome 23:16-17 were also removed.

The publishers of the slave bible thought these sections, such as the Exodus, the Book of Psalms, and the Book of Revelation, "could instill in slaves a dangerous hope for freedom and dreams of equality." Passages like Ephesians 6:5, "Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ," were retained.

COUNTRIES IN AFRICA

Africa is the second largest continent in the world. In terms of land mass, it measures 11,677,239 square miles (30,244,049 square km) and covers 20.4% of the Earth's landmass. In terms of population, the African continent is still the second most populated continent with 1.033 billion people living on it.

Africa as a whole has up to 3000 ethnic groups and even greater numerical estimates for the tribes.

There are 54 countries in the African Continent:

(1). Algeria 🇩🇿 

(2). Angola 🇦🇴 

(3). Benin 🇧🇯 

(4). Botswana 🇧🇼 

(5). Burkina Faso 🇧🇫 

(6). Burundi 🇧🇮 

(7). Cameroon 🇨🇲 

(8). Cape Verde 🇨🇻 

(9). Central African Republic 🇨🇫 

(10). Chad 🇹🇩 

(11). Comoros 🇰🇲 

(12). Congo

(13). Democratic Republic of the Congo 🇨🇩 

(14). Côte d’Ivoire 🇨🇮 

(15). Djibouti 🇩🇯 

(16). Egypt 🇪🇬 

(17). Equatorial Guinea 🇬🇶 

(18). Eritrea 🇪🇷 

(19). Ethiopia 🇪🇹 

(20). Gabon 🇬🇦 

(21). The Gambia 🇬🇲 

(22). Ghana 🇬🇭 

(23). Guinea 🇬🇳 

(24). Guinea-Bissau 🇬🇼 

(25). Kenya 🇰🇪 

(26). Lesotho 🇱🇸 

(27). Liberia 🇱🇷 

(28). Libya 🇱🇾 

(29). Madagascar 🇲🇬 

(30). Malawi 🇲🇼 

(31). Mali 🇲🇱 

(32). Mauritania 🇲🇷 

(33). Mauritius 🇲🇺 

(34). Morocco 🇲🇦 

(35). Mozambique 🇲🇿 

(36). Namibia 🇳🇦 

(37). Niger 🇳🇪 

(38). Nigeria 🇳🇬 

(39). Rwanda 🇷🇼 

(40). Sao Tome and Principe 🇸🇹 

(41). Senegal 🇸🇳 

(42). Seychelles 🇸🇨 

(43). Sierra Leone 🇸🇱 

(44). Somalia 🇸🇴 

(45). South Africa 🇿🇦 

(46). Sudan 🇸🇩 

(47). South Sudan 🇸🇸

(48). Swaziland 🇸🇿 

(49). Tanzania 🇹🇿 

(50). Togo 🇹🇬 

(51). Tunisia 🇹🇳 

(52). Uganda 🇺🇬 

(53). Zambia 🇿🇲 

(54). Zimbabwe 🇿🇼

It is worthy of note that Spain has 3 territories in Africa - Ceuta, Melilla and the Canary Islands.

France has 2 territories in Africa - the Islands

of Mayotte and Reunion.

Portugal has 1 territory in Africa - the Madeira

Islands.

The United Kingdom has 1 territory - the Atlantic Islands of Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan de Cunha.

As mentioned earlier, Africa is the second largest continent in the world as well as the second most populous.

#africa #african

THE KILWA STATE

Swahili Coast that stretched from Southern Somalia to Kenya, Tanzania (Zanzibar Pemba), Mozambique to Comoros.

The 9th Century Swahili city state of Kilwa Kisiwani, present day Tanzania.

By the 13th Century, Kilwa had become the most powerful city on the East African Coast, challenging the Sultanate of Mogadishu in Somalia, and exercising political and trading domination as far as Malindi in Kenya, in the north and the modern Beira in Mozambique in south. 

Its prosperity was based on control of Indian Ocean trade with Arabia, India and China, particularly between the 13th and 16th centuries, when gold and ivory from the hinterland was traded for silver, carnelians, perfumes, Persian faience and Chinese porcelain.

Kilwa Kisiwani also minted its own currency in the 11th to 14th centuries.

The outside world came to know Kilwa through lbn Batuta a Moroccan who had visited Kilwa in 1331, and described the city as "one of the finest and most beautifully built towns." The 9th Century Swahili city state of Kilwa Kisiwani, present day Tanzania.

By the 13th Century, Kilwa had become the most powerful city on the East African Coast, challenging the Sultanate of Mogadishu in Somalia, and exercising political and trading domination as far as Malindi in Kenya, in the north and the modern Beira in Mozambique in south. 

Its prosperity was based on control of Indian Ocean trade with Arabia, India and China, particularly between the 13th and 16th centuries, when gold and ivory from the hinterland was traded for silver, carnelians, perfumes, Persian faience and Chinese porcelain.

Kilwa Kisiwani also minted its own currency in the 11th to 14th centuries.

The outside world came to know Kilwa through lbn Batuta a Moroccan who had visited Kilwa in 1331, and described the city as "one of the finest and most beautifully built towns."

#african #africa #kilwa

QUEEN MASARICO KNOWN AS MAGBETE QUALI

Masarico, also known as Magbete Quali, was a queen and military leader of the Mane in the middle of the 16th century.

Masarico's home, was the ancient Empire of Mali, she was part of the royal family of the Keita.

In the midst of Mali's decline, Masarico decides to emigrate (other sources say of exile) with members of the Mandinka warrior class further south.

These migrants were designated as Mane or Maneh, they traveled led by Masarico to places such as Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, where she led them into battle as they defeated all opponents, applying the military techniques of Mali.

The Manes were known to fight in squads of goalkeepers, protected by large shields.

The defeated natives would be integrated into the dreaded sumbas, elite warrior troop completely loyal to their leader.

The Mane's would attack the Bullom, Kru, Zape and even the Portuguese.

In 1545 Masarico's son dies fighting against the Bullom, she would die in 1546.

Manes would become the dominant force through her in various parts of Liberia and Sierra Leone.

Image of Masarico from African Heritage City.

Texts by Oumar Xavier.

Fuentes:

- Book History of the Upper Guinea Coast: 1545–1800 by Walter Rodney.

- Book The History of Sierra Leone: A Concise Introduction to C. Baily Fyle.

- Oumar's personal investigation.

English text.

Masarico or also known as Magbete Quali, was a queen and military leader of the Mane in the 16th century.

Masarico's home was the ancient empire of Mali, she was part of the Keita royal family.

In the midst of Mali's decline, Masarico decides to emigrate (other sources speak of exile) with members of the mandinka warrior class further south.

These migrants were designated as Mane or Maneh, they traveled led by Masarico to places like Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, where she led them in battle as they would defeat all of her adversaries, applying the military techniques of Mali.

The Manes were known to fight in squads of archers, protected by large shields.

The defeated natives would be integrated into the fearsome Sumbas, an elite warrior troop completely loyal to their leader.

The Maneh would attack the Bullom, Kru, Zape and even the portuguese.

In 1545 Masarico's son died fighting against the bulloms, she would die in 1546.

Thanks to it, the Manes would become the dominant force in various parts of Liberia and Sierra Leone.

Image by Masarico from African Heritage City.

Text by Oumar Xavier.

Sources:

- Book History of the Upper Guinea Coast: 1545–1800 by Walter Rodney.

- Book The History of Sierra Leone: A Concise Introduction by C. Baily Fyle.

- Oumar personal research.

THE ZULU KINGDOM

The Zulu Kingdom sometimes referred to as the Zulu Empire or the Kingdom of Zululand, was a monarchy in Southern Africa that extended along the coast of the Indian Ocean from the Tugela River in the south to Pongola River in the North.

The kingdom grew to dominate much of what is today KwaZulu-Natal and Southern Africa. In 1879, the British Empire invaded, beginning the Anglo-Zulu War. After an initial Zulu victory at the Battle of Isandlwana in January, the British Army regrouped and defeated the Zulus in July during the Battle of Ulundi. The area was absorbed into the Colony of Natal and later became part of the Union of South Africa.

Shaka initiated many military, social, cultural and political reforms, forming a well-organized and centralised Zulu state. The most important reforms involved the transformation of the army, through the innovative tactics and weapons, and a showdown with the spiritual leadership.

Another important reform integrated defeated clans into the Zulu, on a basis of full equality, with promotions in the army and civil service becoming a matter of merit rather than due to circumstances of birth. #africa

Ancient Voices, Enduring Histories: Unveiling Africa's Pre-European Contact Historical Records

African history did not begin when Europeans arrived. The evidence from African written sources and other sources provides a rich and extensive record of historical accounts that predate European contact. These sources encompass a wide range of periods, regions, and themes, shedding light on the complexity and diversity of African history.

One significant source of African history is the collection of written sources from ancient Egypt. Egyptian hieroglyphics and inscriptions on monuments and stelae provide valuable insights into the civilization's political, religious, and cultural aspects.

South of Egypt, in Sudan, the Great Triumphal Stela of King Piye recounts the exploits of the Kushite king, demonstrating the existence of powerful additional African kingdoms. The Dream Stela of Kushite King Tanwetamani narrates the restoration of the double kingdom of Kush and Egypt, emphasizing the interconnectedness of African civilizations.

The Nubian kingdoms, such as Kush, Meroe, Makuria, Nobatia and Alodia, left behind a wealth of written sources. Inscriptions, royal letters, land sales documents, and tomb texts provide historical accounts, genealogical information, and insights into religious practices. These sources offer a nuanced understanding of the social and political structures of North Sudanese societies.

Furthermore, accounts by Greek and Roman historians, such as Herodotus, Diodorus Siculus, and Strabo, mentioned the Kingdom of Kush and its rulers, indicating the interactions between African kingdoms and the ancient Mediterranean world. These accounts demonstrate that Africa had a long-established presence in the historical narratives of the ancient world.

Africans played a significant role in the birth of the United Israelite states, the division of Israel and later the city-state of Judah. Egypt, mentioned over 700 times in the Bible, had interactions with Israel, Babylon, Assyria, and Persia. African regions and individuals are mentioned over 1,417 times, with Africans like Hagar, Joseph's Egyptian wife, and Moses' Cushite wife playing important roles. Africans were present during the Israelites' stay in Egypt, and African descendants settled in Canaan. African influence continued in the Old and New Testaments, with Africans contributing to the early church and the spread of Christianity, even reaching England through Hadrian the African. The African church also played a vital role in preserving and transmitting the teachings of early Christian fathers.

Coptic manuscripts, written during the medieval period, offer valuable historical accounts of early Christian communities in Egypt. They provide information about the lives of saints, the development of the Coptic Church, and interactions with African society. The Acts of the Martyrs and The Life of Saint Anthony are examples of Coptic manuscripts that contribute to our understanding of religious and social history in ancient Egypt.

The African Church Fathers (Tertullian, Minucius Felix, Cyprian, Lactantius, Optatus of Milevi, Augustine) belonged to the rather short-lived African Church of the first five centuries of Christianity. It was a soil mostly plowed by sufferings from persecutions and fertilized by heresies and threatening schisms.

The early African church had a significant impact on the preservation and transmission of the teachings of the early Christian fathers. They engaged in copying and transcribing manuscripts, translating texts into different languages, and utilizing durable materials like parchment. The African church established monastic libraries and schools, where scholars could study and learn. Bishops played a crucial role in overseeing the proper copying and translation of texts, while disciples passed down teachings through oral tradition. The African church actively participated in councils, produced apologists and commentaries, and involved women in copying and translating texts. Martyrs, letters, confessions, creeds, liturgy, hymns, icons, and the use of libraries and scriptoriums were all part of the African church's efforts to preserve and transmit the teachings of the early Christian fathers, ensuring their dissemination throughout the Christian world.

In East Africa, Aksum (encompassing Yemen, Eritrea and Tigray, Ethiopia), the kingdom of Zagwe, the Solomonic dynasty of Abyssinia, the Kingdom of Warsangali (1218-1886AD), and the kingdom of Mogadishu also left records about their societies.

Arabic chronicles from the medieval period also provide significant insights into African history. Works such as "Tarikh al-Sudan" and "Tarikh al-Maghrib" offer accounts of various African empires, including the Ghana Empire, the Songhai Empire, and the Mali Empire. Various states also kept their written and oral records such as Ghana, Mali, Songhai, and Kano. These chronicles illuminate the political, social, and economic aspects of African civilizations.

European travelers' accounts from explorers and adventurers who journeyed through Africa provide additional perspectives on African history. Figures like David Livingstone, Mary Kingsley, and Mungo Park documented their observations of indigenous cultures, geography, and the impacts of the transatlantic slave trade. These accounts offer valuable firsthand insights into African societies before European colonization.

In conclusion, African history predates European arrival, and a wide array of written sources and accounts from diverse periods and regions provide evidence of this rich history. From ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics to Kushite writings, Aksumite records, Arabic chronicles, Coptic manuscripts, West African records, Swahili manuscripts, and later European travelers' accounts, these sources collectively demonstrate the depth and complexity of African civilizations, dispelling any notion that African history began only with European contact.

Some societies developed writing late, but this happened on all continents. It wasn’t a unique occurrence in Africa.

The Yoruba People

The Yorùbá people are a Niger-Congo ethnic group of southwestern and north-central Nigeria, as well as southern and central Benin. Together, these regions are known as Yorubaland. The Yoruba constitute about 44 million people in total. Majority of this population is from Nigeria, where the Yorùbá make up 21% of the country’s population, according to the CIA World Factbook, making them one of the largest ethnic groups in Africa. Most Yoruba people speak the Yoruba language, which is tonal, and is the Niger-Congo language with the largest number of native speakers.

The Yorùbá share borders with the very closely related Itsekiri to the south-east in the North West Niger delta, Bariba to the northwest in Benin, the Nupe to the north and the Ebira to the northeast in central Nigeria. To the east are the Edo, Ẹsan and the Afemai groups in mid-western Nigeria. Adjacent to the Ebira and Edo groups are the related Igala people found in the northeast, on the left bank of the Niger River. To the southwest are the Gbe speaking Mahi, Egun, Fon and Ewewho border Yoruba communities in Benin and Togo. To the southeast are Itsekiri who live in the north-west end of the Niger delta. They are ancestrally related to the Yoruba but chose to maintain a distinct cultural identity. Significant Yoruba populations in other West African countries can be found in Ghana, Ivory Coast, Liberia and Sierra Leone.

The Yoruba diaspora consists of two main groupings; one of them includes relatively recent migrants, the majority of which moved to the United Kingdom and the United States after major economic and political changes in the 1960s to 1980s. The other dates to the Atlantic slave trade and has communities in Cuba, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Saint Lucia, Jamaica, Brazil, Grenada, and Trinidad and Tobago, and other countries.

NOTHING IN LIFE IS FREE, NOT EVEN IN FREETOWN

THERE ARE two kinds of Africans in Sierra Leone and Liberia. The first had been on the Mendel, Bambara, kru etc lands and had never moved. The second were returnees from the trans-atlantic slave trade when slavery was abolished, who were dropped on Freetown, Joseph Cinque was one of them. For example Helene Johnson is among decendants of returnees while George Weah is of the long inhabitants of the land. Among the returnees were the 'mulatos' who were product of Caucasians raping female slaves who were confronted with the words 'nothing is free in Freetown' when they arrived.

Comparing this situation with something similar during Trans-Saharan slave trade; there are two kinds of fulanis among the bororo herdsmen, fula etc. The original Fulani is fula from Guinea who spread out into west Africa. There is another group of Fulanis who were the product of Arabs raping African female slaves they captured during slave quest in East African and jihads in West Africa. These ones grew to become stateless with no identity and just got mixed up with the fula through Islamic scholars of the region. They were dropped in on them and they learnt the fula cultures and language.

The male slaves of the Arabs were castrated, that's why there is no black neighborhoods in Arabian cities, because they didn't procreate. The Arabs female slaves of African decent had children from being sex slaves to their captors. These ones' decendants were dropped in on the fula people. Others ended up with the Bedouins.

They were rich when they arrived northern Nigeria, Burkina Faso and Niger etc, no historian knew how. Their secretive way of life made it difficult till date. The indigenous population taxed them heavily until they turned the tables around and made the indigenous people like hausas and wadaoobe etc, their slaves. Today they had gotten mixed up with these group in languages and Islamic cultures, so much so that it's hard to differentiate them from the indigenous people. The only thing that stand them out is that they are always the elite of all the places they dominate through Islam. Even those among beggars end up as leaders of the beggars.

These ones had a different Agenda on West Africa... and it had never been of good cheers as long as history can provide. The other group of the fula people had no understanding of what the agenda is... They only see it as Islamic expansionism.

Source :the origin of Fulanis of West Africa. #africa

Hausa Cultural Festivals; A Nexus To Symbol of Unity And Social Awareness

Hausa Nigeria, Hausa people represent a huge ethnic African group (over 54 million people) located in the Northern part of Nigeria and some other countries nearby. Like many other local tribes, these people also like to celebrate holidays and organize Hausa festivals. This is an interesting society with its unique traditions, beliefs and cultural symbols. Advertisements by Festivals in Hausaland about Hausa festivals in Nigeria are often exclusive to locals only and amazing to observe by foreign visitors and tourists. We would like to mention the names of Hausa festivals, describe their types and most interesting features that make this group stand out in Nigeria and Western Africa. Hausa Cultural Festivals Hausa-speakers from Kebbi state participate in the cultural festival called Argungu Fishing Festival. It is a tradition since 1934.  At first, this festival wasn’t celebrated regularly. It used to be irregular gatherings of fishermen. However, today it is a big event, and it truly attracts tourists and Nigerians from different corners of the country and world. Another interesting cultural festival celebrated in Hausaland is called Kallon Kuwa Festival. It is an annual event for many local villages and towns. People enjoy this cultural holiday because it symbolizes the ending of the cropping season and gives them hope that ‘Kaka’ will arrive (this is a symbol of wealth for different spheres of life, from social to economical). Farmers love Kallon Kuwa festival because it means the time has come to rest and enjoy music and various entertaining activities. People enjoy some traditional sports such as dumb (this is how boxing is called in Hausa land) and koko (the local name for wrestling). They also sing and dance everywhere across their territories. Hausa Music Festival Music is a big part of Hausa people’s life. Little Hausa kids start to learn dancing and playing musical instruments when they are young. The main topics of Hausa songs are praise of local historical people, historical events and prominent figures in Hausaland. Hausa group plays folk music on a Goge or Goje (one-string fiddle), algaita (huge flute) and kakaki (trumpet). These musical instruments are used in the music festival of dances that include drummers, dancers and performers who do magic tricks in public. Drummers use special instruments. Dancers also wear leather and accessories. Such groups go from town to town to make the friendship between Hausa people stronger. READ ALSO: Hausa culture and traditions in Nigeria: top facts to know Islam: Names of Hausa Festivals Most members of Hausa group are Muslims. They celebrate two major religious festivals called Eid Al Kabir and Eid Al Fitri as well as Durbar festival that is the culmination of the main two Muslim celebrations. Both festivals are also Nigerian public holiday dates, so the whole country (citizens who adhere to Islam) follows similar traditions for festival celebrations.) Eid Al Fitri symbolizes the ending of Ramadan. It lasts for 3 days, from morning to night. Hausa people like many other Muslim Nigerians help poor people through charity events and have family reunion celebrations. Durbar festivals are celebrated in Hausaland (Kano, Zaria, Katsina etc.) at Ramadan’s end. This event is a popular attraction for citizens and foreigners who visit Nigeria. The festival starts with prayers. Then you can enjoy the parade of the Emir. This is incredible celebration with horsemen, music, traditional clothes and amazing mood. These are the main and most interesting Hausa festivals in Nigeria. You can become a part of celebration and observe the group’s traditions when you visit the Northern part of Nigeria.

FIDEL CASTRO: MAN OF THE MASSES IN AFRICA

In the 1970s and 80s, Fidel Castro sent 350,000 Cuban soldiers, civilians and doctors to support the African liberation struggle, especially in Angola 🇦🇴 , Namibia, Mozambique 🇲🇿 , Guinea Bissau , Cape Verde 🇨🇻 , and Sao Tome and Principal 🇸🇹 . The Cuban effort eventually hastened the demise of apartheid in South Africa.  More than 3,000  Cubans died fighting for Africa.

After the Cuban and their Angolan, Namibian and ANC allies decisively defeated the then feared South African defence forces in Angola, it brought independence not only to Angola and Namibia, but also accelerated the death of apartheid itself in South Africa. 

About 600 Cuban soldiers, including 70 doctors, went to Guinea Bissau to help the African guerrillas for 10 years before “independence” from the Portuguese came in 1974. Cuba fought in Ethiopia on the side of Colonel Mengistu Haile Miriam’s troops in the Ogaden campaign in 1978 against an invasion by Somalia. In 1965, Cuba sent the legendary Che Guevara and fighters to Kibamba, near Fizi, in DRCongo’s province of South Kivu, to help the supporters of Patrice Lumumba.

Then came Mozambique and Angola where the biggest Cuban action in Africa was staged against apartheid South African troops backed by America and its Western allies. Castro takes up the story in his memoirs:  “ While Cuba was in Angola, and Angola was being invaded by South Africa, the USA made arrangements to transfer to South Africa–racist, fascist South Africa–several atomic bombs, similar to those it exploded in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.”

#africa

Ibn Battuta, The Great Explorer

Ibn Battuta (1304 – 1369), was a Maghrebi traveller, explorer and scholar. Over a period of thirty years from 1325 to 1354, he visited most of North Africa, the Middle East, East Africa, Central Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, China, the Iberian Peninsula, and West Africa.

Ibn Battuta was born in Morocco  and set out on his travels at the age of 21 from his home town on a hajj, or pilgrimage, to Mecca. He was eager to learn more about far-away lands and craved adventure. No one knew he would not return to Morocco again for almost three decades.

However, unlike many pilgrims , Ibn Battuta's thirst for adventure and knowledge led him to continue traveling far beyond the holy city for nearly three decades.

During his explorations, Ibn Battuta took on various roles and responsibilities, such as a judge (qadi), diplomat, and advisor, which allowed him to gain insights into the societies and cultures he encountered.

His adventurous spirit and curiosity for exploring new lands and cultures earned him the title of one of the greatest travelers of all time.

His account in the book  "Rihla" which means "The Journey" is the only source for Ibn Battuta's adventures.

He travelled more than any other explorer in pre-modern history, totalling around 73,000 mi, surpassing Zheng He with about  31,000 mi and Marco Polo with 15,000 mi. Ibn Battuta's travels covered a far wider geographical area than those of Marco Polo and Christopher Columbus. Unlike Marco Polo, who mainly focused on trade and commerce, and Christopher Columbus, who had a more colonial agenda, Ibn Battuta's travels were driven by a genuine curiosity and interest in exploring new lands and cultures.

Ibn Battuta's accounts of his travels have been highly influential in shaping our understanding of the medieval world and continue to be studied by historians and scholars today.

Source: -The Travels of Ibn Battuta, AD 1325–1354,H.A.R. GIBB AnD C.F. BECkInGHAm.

-Wikipedia