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For 19 years, The African Gourmet has preserved Africa's stories through food, history, and folklore. Selected for expert consideration by the Library of Congress Web Archives, the world's premier guardian of cultural heritage, ensuring our digital timeline endures for generations.

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What is coming does not beat a drum

What is coming does not beat a drum

What is coming does not beat a drum


African Proverb

African proverb

What is coming does not beat a drum - Malawi Proverb


What is coming does not beat a drum means danger doesn't announce itself with trumpets. This African Proverb is meant to warn that dangerous situations are not announced publicly in advance. By engaging in selfish behavior such as corruption, politicians are effectively subjecting themselves and their country to an ill-fated future. In Malawi, the country’s economic performance has historically been constrained by policy inconsistency, poor infrastructure, and rampant corruption.

About Malawi the warm heart of Africa


In 1891, present day Malawi was sectioned off and became the British protectorate of Nyasaland.
Malawi


1.         In the year 1480, Bantu tribes unite several smaller political states to form the Maravi Confederacy that at its height includes large parts of present-day Zambia and Mozambique plus the modern state of Malawi.

2.         In 1891, present day Malawi was sectioned off and became the British protectorate of Nyasaland.

3.         Malawi celebrates independence day on July 6, 1964 from the British.

4.         Malawi is named for the East African Maravi kingdom of the 16th century; the word "maravi" means "fire flames".

5.         Christian population of Malawi is around 83%.

6.         Malawi ranks among the world's most densely populated and least developed countries.

7.         Malawi is one of the world's poorest countries with a GDP of around $230.

8.         In 2015, about half of Malawi’s 29 districts were hit by floods, destroying agricultural livelihoods, leaving more than 1,150,000 people affected and 336,000 displaced.

9.         English and Chichewa are both the official languages of Malawi.

10.      The median age of Malawi is 16.5 years old.

Malawi is one of the world's hardest hit by HIV-Aids and home to more than one million children orphaned by the disease.
Malawi

11.      Malawi is one of the world's hardest hit by HIV-Aids and home to more than one million children orphaned by the disease.

12.      Lilongwe is the largest and capital city of Malawi named after the Lilongwe River.

13.      Zomba was the capital of Nyasaland before the establishment of Malawi in 1964.

14.      Malawi is the 38th largest country in Africa.

15.      Malawi is 100th largest country in the world.

16.      Malawi is landlocked and has no coastline.

17.      Malawi is surrounded by Mozambique, Zambia, and Tanzania.

18.      Lake Nyasa, some 580 km long, is the country's most prominent physical feature; it contains more fish species than any other lake on earth.

19.      Lowest point is the junction of the Shire River.

20.      Highest point is Sapitwa (Mount Mlanje) at 3,002 m.

Malawi's economy is predominately agricultural with about 80% of the population living in rural areas.
Malawi

21.      Malawi's flag is three equal horizontal bands of black (top), red, and green with a radiant, rising, red sun centered on the black band; black represents the native peoples, red the bloodshed in their struggle for freedom, and green the color of nature; the rising sun represents the hope of freedom for the continent of Africa

22.      Malawi's economy is predominately agricultural with about 80% of the population living in rural areas.

23.      Population enjoys electricity access, 9%, urban areas 32% and rural areas 4%.

24.      Malawi’s internet users total around 9%.

25.      Currency of Malawi is the kwacha.

26.      Agriculture accounts for about one-third of GDP and 90% of export revenues.

27.      Tobacco accounts for more than half of Malawi’s exports.

28.      The government faces many challenges, including developing a market economy, improving educational facilities, addressing environmental problems, dealing with HIV/AIDS, and satisfying foreign donors on anti-corruption efforts.

29.      Malawi’s national symbol is a lion.

30.      National anthem "Mulungu dalitsa Malawi" (Oh God Bless Our Land of Malawi)

Did you know?
Malawi is known as the warm heart of Africa established in 1891; the British territory of Nyasaland became the independent nation of Malawi in 1964.

Recipes Explain Politics

The Deeper Recipe

  • Ingredients: Colonial trade patterns + Urbanization + Economic inequality
  • Preparation: Political disconnect from daily survival needs
  • Serving: 40+ deaths, regime destabilization, and a warning about ignoring cultural fundamentals

Africa Worldwide: Top Reads

African Gourmet FAQ

Archive Inquiries

Why "The African Gourmet" if you're an archive?

The name reflects our origin in 2006 as a culinary anthropology project. Over 18 years, we've evolved into a comprehensive digital archive preserving Africa's cultural narratives. "Gourmet" now signifies our curated approach to cultural preservation—each entry carefully selected and contextualized.

What distinguishes this archive from other cultural resources?

We maintain 18 years of continuous cultural documentation—a living timeline of African expression. Unlike static repositories, our archive connects historical traditions with contemporary developments, showing cultural evolution in real time.

How is content selected for the archive?

Our curation follows archival principles: significance, context, and enduring value. We preserve both foundational cultural elements and timely analyses, ensuring future generations understand Africa's complex cultural landscape.

What geographic scope does the archive cover?

The archive spans all 54 African nations, with particular attention to preserving underrepresented cultural narratives. Our mission is comprehensive cultural preservation across the entire continent.

Can researchers access the full archive?

Yes. As a digital archive, we're committed to accessibility. Our 18-year collection is fully searchable and organized for both public education and academic research.

How does this archive ensure cultural preservation?

Through consistent documentation since 2006, we've created an irreplaceable cultural record. Each entry is contextualized within broader African cultural frameworks, preserving not just content but meaning.