African Proverbs: Wisdom, Life Lessons and Global Influence

African proverbs are more than sayings. They are philosophy shaped by centuries of experience, offering hope, moral guidance, and resilience. From the marketplaces of West Africa to global classrooms, these timeless words help people face life’s challenges with ancestral wisdom.

The Role of Proverbs in African Society

African proverbs strengthen social and moral arguments in debates, lectures, and writing. They add traditional common sense to complex decisions and help people cope with life and death, joy and sorrow.

Did you know? A proverb is to speech what salt is to food — small but powerful, making ideas memorable and flavorful.

Future, Past and the Human Journey

Wouldn’t it be a relief to know the future? The Kenyan proverb says: “The past years are in moonlight, the years to come are in darkness.” It reminds us that while the past is visible, the future remains mysterious no matter how clever our predictions.

“The past years are in moonlight, the years to come are in darkness.” ~ Kenyan Proverb

Proverbs as Life Lessons

Here are powerful African proverbs to study and reflect on:

• He cuts off the head and pretends to preserve the hair.
• Like the tusk and teeth of an elephant, one set for show and another for use.
• One who has nothing to lose can be reckless to any extent.
• The gossip causes the downfall of a kingdom.
• However strong the grain, it cannot break the cooking pot.
• She asks a dying man to sing.
• The greedy are advised to eat with eyes closed before children.
• A snake is never grateful.
• Born but yesterday and today a giant.
• The goat has paid with its life, yet its meat is not tasty.
• The earless woman wishing for earrings.
• An old parrot never gets tame.
• A dog is brave at his own door.
• Dear at his native place, and cheap at the market.
• He who has suffered can sympathize with those in pain.

Life lessons in African proverbs resonate across generations.

Global Influence and Philosophy

Though many proverb authors never held political office or gave speeches, their character and intellect influence global thought. African proverbs have crossed oceans, guiding writers, philosophers, and everyday people with practical wisdom.

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Figs are one of the world’s oldest trees and were held in such high regard by the Greeks that laws were once created to prevent their export. Fig trees grow from South Africa to Senegal and Egypt, Madagascar and the Union of Comoros. 

Ficus sycomorus or fig tree goes by many names Mukuyu in the Shona language, Vyeboom in Afrikaans, Umkhiwa in Ndebele, شجرة التين in Arabic, and figueria in Portuguese. 

As regards the Fig tree, the popular belief is that it was the tree Judas had hung himself.  The Fig tree never again bore fruit and that the Fig was the identical Fig tree cursed by God; and that all the wild Fig trees sprang from this accursed tree. 

Interestedly, according to a Southern Italy tradition, Judas did not hang himself on a Fig but on a Tamarisk-tree called Vruca or Tamarix Africana. Vruca is now only a shrub, although formerly it was a noble tree; at the time of Judas’ suicide, it was cursed by God, and thereafter became a shrub that is ugly, misshapen, and useless.

Umkhiwa Recipe Salted Figs with Honey

Ingredients

4 large fresh figs

1 tablespoon olive oil

½ cup orange blossom honey

¼ teaspoon salt

Directions

Preheat oven to 325°F. Gently wash and pat dry figs. Toss figs with oil place stem side up in a shallow baking pan.  Roast for 20 minutes. Allow to cool and quarter without cutting completely through the figs.  Meanwhile, add honey to a heatproof cup and microwave for 1 minute. Pour honey evenly over figs, sprinkle with salt and serve warm.

The fig tree is one of the first plants cultivated by humans

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African Proverbs Hub > Suffering in Silence

Suffering in Silence African Proverbs

Wisdom about quiet struggles, pride, and the dangers of silent suffering

The Quiet Struggle

People quietly drown only a few strokes away from help because of pride and fear. Silent people can be dangerous, suffering alone is dangerous, and despair is more destructive than physical illness.

Timeless African Wisdom

African proverbs express the timeless wisdom of African people, teaching us about life's deepest truths through simple yet profound sayings.

African proverbs teach us the smartest people have drowned in calm waters. Drowning in negative thoughts and emotions, the deepest waters have the smoothest surfaces but move very fast and are tumultuous on the underneath.

It is the calm and silent water that drowns a man - African Proverb

More Quotes and Wise Sayings About Pride

Swallow your pride occasionally, it's non-fattening. - Unknown

Pride often prevents us from seeking help when we need it most. These African proverbs remind us that the strongest people are those who know when to ask for assistance.

The silent suffering described in these proverbs speaks to universal human experiences - the tendency to internalize pain rather than reach out, often with devastating consequences.

The Cultural Significance

African proverbs about silent suffering serve as important cultural reminders that:

• External calm often hides internal turmoil
• Pride can be more dangerous than any external threat
• Community support is essential for overcoming challenges
• The most dangerous struggles are often invisible to others

These teachings encourage us to look beneath the surface, both in ourselves and in others, and to recognize when someone might be silently drowning in their struggles.

← Back to African Proverbs Hub Proverbs About Stupid People →

African Proverbs Collection | The African Gourmet

Exploring cultural wisdom and traditional teachings from across Africa

Don't put the key to happiness in someone else's pocket, wisdom with love African proverbs from your ancestors.

African proverbs are popular short sayings created from ancestral insight handed down from generation to generation. Wise sayings in the language of proverbs have been passed down for generations in African culture.

Simple advice for you: don't put the key to happiness in someone else's pocket. 

What does that mean? It means that you should not depend on other people for your happiness. You should not let them control your emotions, your decisions, or your self-worth. You should not give them the power to make you happy or unhappy.

Why? Because people are unpredictable. They can change, they can leave, they can hurt you. And if you rely on them for your happiness, you will be disappointed, betrayed, and miserable. You will be constantly chasing after their approval, their attention, and their love. You will be living for them, not for yourself.

But if you keep the key to happiness in your own pocket, you will be free. You will be able to choose your own path, your own goals, and your own values. You will be able to love yourself, respect yourself, and appreciate yourself. You will be able to enjoy life on your own terms, not on someone else's.

Of course, this doesn't mean that you should isolate yourself from others. It doesn't mean that you should not care about anyone or anything. It doesn't mean that you should not love or be loved. It just means that you should love yourself first. You should be happy with yourself first. You should be the source of your own happiness.

So remember: don't put the key to happiness in someone else's pocket. Keep it in yours. And use it wisely.

African proverbs express the timeless wisdom of African people.

Wisdom with love from your ancestors

Don't put the key to happiness in someone else's pocket.

The frown on the face of the goat will not stop it from being taken to the market.

To wash a donkey's tail is loss of time and soap.

The disobedient fowl obeys in a pot of soup African proverb.

The African proverb means that disobedience will not take you far, it will only teach you a bitter lesson and lead to trouble or a life cut short. Therefore, you must always be humble and respectful of authority. The fowl in the proverb represents a person who is stubborn and rebellious, and who does not listen to advice or warnings. The pot of soup represents the fate that awaits such a person, who will eventually be caught and cooked by those who are stronger or smarter than him. The fowl obeys in the pot of soup because it has no choice but to accept its doom.

The African proverb "The disobedient fowl obeys in a pot of soup" is a powerful and memorable way of teaching us the importance of humility, respect, and wisdom. It reminds us that disobedience can have dire consequences, and that obedience can save us from trouble and harm. It also challenges us to think about the reasons why we obey or disobey, and whether we are doing so out of love or fear.

It is better to obey willingly and voluntarily, out of respect and wisdom, than to obey reluctantly and fearfully, out of punishment and pain. The proverb warns us to avoid being like the disobedient fowl, who only learns his lesson when it is too late.

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Legend of Kaldi — The Goat Who Discovered Coffee

Home › Coffee Hub › Kaldi & the Goat Who Discovered Coffee

According to Ethiopian tradition, the energizing power of coffee was discovered by a goat herder named Kaldi. While tending his flock, Kaldi noticed his goats behaving strangely — dancing, jumping, and full of energy after eating bright red berries from a nearby shrub growing wild in the highlands.

The Curious Goatherder

Curious, Kaldi tried the berries himself and felt the same energetic rush. He gathered the fruit and brought it to a local monastery, hoping the monks could explain the strange effect.

Fire, Fragrance & First Roasts

The monks dismissed the berries as dangerous and tossed them into the fire. As the fruit burned, the seeds inside — the first coffee beans — began to roast, filling the room with a rich and unfamiliar aroma. The monks raked them from the embers, ground them, and mixed them with hot water. This became the first known cup of coffee.

Coffee growing on a highland farm in Ethiopia.

Coffee & Ethiopia Today

Ethiopia has nearly 94 million people, and roughly 15 million — about 16% of the population — rely on coffee for income. Coffee remains the country’s most important cash crop and its largest export.

In 2001, Ethiopia’s Federal Cooperative Commission opened the coffee market to direct farmer exports. This gave cooperative unions more power to negotiate fair-trade agreements, access training, improve quality, and empower women and youth within the industry.

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Liberian Cassava Chip Fries Recipe

Liberia’s name means “Land of the Free” because it was founded by freed slaves from the United States. The food of Liberia reflects this fusion of African, Americo-Liberian, and Congo influences. Bong fries—seasoned cassava fries—are a beloved snack in Liberian bars and restaurants, eaten much like potato chips.

Crispy Liberian cassava chip fries—known locally as bong fries.

Prep time: 30 minutes   |   Cook time: 10 minutes   |   Total time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 fresh cassava roots
• Oil for deep-frying
• Salt to taste

Directions

1. Heat about 2 cups of oil in a large frying pan or deep fryer.
2. Peel the cassava and slice into paper-thin rounds.
3. Wash, dry thoroughly, and fry in hot oil until light brown and crisp.
4. Drain on paper towels, sprinkle lightly with salt, and serve warm.

Did You Know?

Monrovia, Liberia’s capital, was named after U.S. President James Monroe. The Liberian flag’s single white star symbolizes Africa’s first independent republic. Liberia’s coastline—lined with lagoons and mangrove swamps—is now gaining fame for its pristine surfing beaches and cultural tourism.

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Daydreaming helps expand new ideas developing better solutions for Africa.

How does an idea come into being for a better Africa?

Daydreaming produces ideas and ideas come before business innovation. Daydreaming keeps our minds active while helping us manage life and be creative. Africa's community of entrepreneurs is growing and new ideas and innovations are vital.

Daydreaming produces ideas and ideas come before the business innovation. Daydreaming is so routine that we usually think little about it or how it affects us. The types are so varied that there is still no definition of daydreaming that researchers agree upon. However, what is agreed upon is daydreaming is an important, intriguing and necessary part of mental life. 

This liberating idea of encouraging daydreaming is radical. However, creating designs and solutions for collaborating with other thinkers on how to make Africa self-reliant is not radical but essential. The idea for self-reliance comes before action. Those who take action before having an idea are unprepared and thus find themselves lacking.

Our minds constantly flip from one thought to another and one type of daydream to another. New knowledge is being created about food security or environmental management for Africa. 

Daydreaming is the gateway to creativity, problem-solving and boosting productivity. Daydreaming creates new spaces for collaboration and innovation, daydreaming is an essential cognitive tool. 

When you are daydreaming, your mind naturally cycles through different modes of thinking, and different areas of your brain are involved in a completed tango. Our brains are built to daydream. Daydreaming keeps our minds active while helping us manage life and be creative. Ideas shape action, daydreaming is the gateway to creativity, problem-solving and boosting productivity for a better Africa. 

You must be a part of cultivating innovation around the clock. Many innovators jot down ideas that pop up throughout the day. Daydreams are your source for ideas when daydreaming; you can visualize the idea, mimic events, and are free to look from every angle. 

You get ideas from daydreaming, projects start as ideas, ideas and drive turn into action and action creates change for a better Africa. Daydreaming is just the first step on the long path to successful innovation.


  

Africa Is 11.68 Million Square Miles — Why Maps Make It Look Smaller

Africa covers about 11.68 million square miles (30.22 million km²), roughly 20% of Earth’s total land area. Yet on most school maps Africa looks much smaller than North America or Europe. Why?

Countries like Mexico, China, the United States, India, Japan, and most of Europe can all fit inside Africa’s borders. The mismatch comes from how common map projections distort area.

The true size of Africa — far larger than many people realize.

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The Mercator Projection and Its Limits

The Mercator projection, created in 1569 by Flemish cartographer Gerardus Mercator, was designed to help sailors navigate straight lines across oceans. It preserves angles and directions — great for navigation — but not area.

As you move toward the poles, the Mercator projection stretches landmasses. Greenland and Europe look huge, while Africa, closer to the equator, is visually shrunk.

Did you know? Greenland appears nearly the same size as Africa on a Mercator map, yet Africa is actually 14 times larger.

Alternative projections — such as the Peters, Robinson, or Winkel Tripel — try to balance shape and area. The Peters projection, for example, shows countries’ true size relative to each other, helping correct our mental image of global geography.

The “Greenland Problem” and Immappancy

Cartographers call the false impression created by Mercator the Greenland Problem. Many people believe North America or Europe rival Africa in size because of this distortion. In reality, Africa is more than three times larger than the United States.

In 2010, German graphics engineer Kai Krause created a viral map to fight immappancy — the widespread lack of geographic knowledge. He showed how multiple major countries fit easily inside Africa to highlight how map design shapes our worldview.

NASA image showing Earth’s city lights at night.

The lesson: maps are not neutral. Every flat map distorts our round planet. Learning how projections work helps us understand history, development, and global power dynamics more clearly.

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Mt. Cameroon is about 4,095 meters in height last erupting in the year 2000. Mt. Cameroon is the most frequently active volcano in West Africa. Lake Nyos is a dangerous lake in Northwest Cameroon that tragically released a huge cloud of lethal carbon dioxide on August 21, 1986, killing 1,800 sleeping African villagers. Lake Nyos is a lethal carbon dioxide gas rich water-filled crater of a volcano.

Lake Nyos is a naturally gas-rich lake.

Cameroon Lake Nyos is a naturally gas-rich deadly lake. Read about the Cameroon Lake Nyos Carbon Dioxide Tragedy of 1986.

The environmental disaster that occurred at Lake Nyos, Cameroon is one of the most destructive carbon dioxide natural disasters in modern times. This is due to Lake Nyos being a naturally gas-rich lake. Lake Nyos, Cameroon is one of the most destructive carbon dioxide natural disasters in modern times. It has been 28 years since the tragedy at Lake Nyos and the Cameroon Lake is still at dangerous Carbon Dioxide levels.

The Cameroon line is a 994-mile or 1,600 km chain of volcanoes. The oldest rocks have been dated at 70 million years old. Nine volcanoes along the line are active. A fissure eruption occurred at Mt. Cameroon in 1982. Lake Nyos is a water-filled crater of an old volcano, deep and funnel-shaped.

In Cameroon, West Africa on August 21, 1986 Lake Nyos, belched a lethal carbon dioxide gas because a landslide disturbed the lake. At least 1,800 people died and in one village, everyone was killed. Most of the victims died in their sleep of carbon dioxide poisoning. The gas killed all living things within a 15 mile or 25km radius of the lake.

The signs of asphyxiation are similar to strangulation, as like being gassed by a kitchen stove. The tragedy happened at Lake Nyos, about 200 miles or 322 km northwest of the capital, Yaoundé, during the night.

The lake's lower levels became flooded by carbon dioxide gas due to gaseous springs, which bubbled up from the extinct volcano beneath. Carbon dioxide is denser than air, the massive bubble of carbon dioxide gas hugged the ground and flowed down the stream like fog. Sadly, many villagers were in the carbon dioxide fog’s path and were killed.

The auto-siphon project began in 2001 by scientists from the United States, France and Cameroon. Pipes have now been put in place in Lake Nyos to siphon water from the lower layers up to the surface and allow the carbon dioxide at the bottom of the lake to slowly bubble out, avoiding a repeat of the August 21, 1986 Lake Nyos catastrophe. The very long pipes eject 90 percent carbon dioxide and 10 percent water. Lake Nyos is slowly being degassed but it is still dangerous.

It has been 28 years since the tragedy at Lake Nyos and the Cameroon Lake is still at dangerous Carbon Dioxide levels.

Did you know? Lake Nyos is a dangerous lake in Northwest Cameroon which tragically released a huge cloud of lethal carbon dioxide on August 21st, 1986, killing 1,800 sleeping African villagers and 3,500 of their livestock.

The African Gourmet

Grace Emily Akinyi Ogot

Kenya's pioneering author and cultural empowerment advocate who bridged tribal traditions with modern African literature

Hon. Dr. Grace Emily Akinyi Ogot

One of Kenya's first black female pioneers of cultural empowerment, Grace Emily Akinyi Ogot masterfully explores the tensions between tribal customs and modern life in her literary works. Her writing captures the essence of African identity during a transformative period in Kenya's history.

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A Life of Many Careers

Born in Kenya's Central Nyanza district in 1930 to Christian parents, Grace Ogot began her professional journey as a nurse and midwife at Maseno Hospital and Makerere University College. Her diverse career path later included roles as a scriptwriter and broadcaster for the BBC, a community development officer in Kisumu District, and a public relations officer for Air India.

Demonstrating remarkable versatility, Ogot also ventured into entrepreneurship by opening clothing boutiques in Nairobi. Throughout these varied professional experiences, she maintained a consistent dedication to writing, establishing herself as a powerful literary voice.

Literary Pioneer

In 1966, Ogot published The Promised Land, a groundbreaking achievement that positioned her as one of Kenya's first generation of published writers in English and among the first black female Kenyan novelists. This landmark publication coincided with Nigerian author Flora Nwapa's Efuru, making 1966 a pivotal year for African women's literature.

Ogot's commitment to literature extended beyond her own writing. She was a founding member of the Writers' Association of Kenya, serving as its chairman from 1975 to 1980, where she championed the development of Kenyan literature and supported emerging writers.

Political and International Influence

Grace Ogot's influence reached beyond literature into international diplomacy and politics. In 1975, she was named a delegate to the General Assembly of the United Nations, followed by service as a member of the Kenya delegation to UNESCO in 1976.

Her political career culminated in 1984 when she served as a Member of Parliament and the only assistant minister for culture in the cabinet of President Daniel Arap Moi. At the time of this writing, Ogot was 84 years old and had been married for 55 years to Bethwell Allan Ogot, who is also a writer and politician.

Major Literary Works

The Promised Land

1966

Land Without Thunder

Land Without Thunder

1968

The Other Woman

The Other Woman

1976

The Graduate

The Graduate

1980

The Strange Bride

The Strange Bride

1983

Later Years and Legacy

Ogot recently published her autobiography, Days of My Life: An Autobiography, which provides personal accounts of her political challenges, including efforts to access President Daniel Arap Moi to organize fundraising meetings for her constituency.

The autobiography also reveals complexities in her political legacy, showing how Ogot faced criticism for not sufficiently improving the working conditions at the Kenya Cultural Center and Kenya National Theater during her tenure as Assistant Minister for Culture and Social Services.

Despite this criticism, Grace Ogot's literary contributions remain foundational to Kenyan and African literature, establishing important precedents for women writers and creating enduring works that continue to resonate with readers exploring the intersection of tradition and modernity in African societies.

Quick Facts

• Born: 1930, Central Nyanza, Kenya
• Died: 2015 (aged 84)
• Notable Works: The Promised Land (1966)
• Professions: Author, Nurse, Politician, Broadcaster
• Spouse: Bethwell Allan Ogot
• Political Party: KANU

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Couscous is a type of pasta made from semolina flour and water. It has a mild and nutty flavor that combines well with various ingredients and sauces. Couscous comes in different sizes and shapes, from tiny and irregular to large and round. The most common way to cook couscous is to boil it in water or broth, but it can also be toasted or steamed for more flavor and texture. Couscous is a staple food in many North African and Middle Eastern cuisines, and it can be served as a side dish, salad, or main course.

Warm Pineapple Banana Couscous Breakfast Recipe

Couscous is a neutral favored dish that combines just about every ingredient imaginable. No wonder it’s one of North Africa’s staple foods. 

Prep time: 5 min Cook time: 10 Total time: 15 min

A dish so nice they named it twice, Kuskus or Couscous, is actually pasta though it looks like rice. Kuskus is stocked in most grocery stores on the rice and pasta isles. Instant and non-instant varieties are available. 

Ingredients

2 cups dry couscous

2 cups low fat milk

1 teaspoon honey

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 cup finely diced pineapples

1 sliced banana

Directions

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the milk, honey, and cinnamon. As soon as it comes to a boil, stir in the Kuskus. Turn off the heat, cover and let stand for 5 minutes. Stir in pineapples and top with sliced bananas. Serve warm for breakfast. 

Couscous is pasta made from semolina flour. Although couscous was traditionally hand-rolled, in modern times it's made by machines. Try new Couscous recipes to make for breakfast, lunch and dinner, it's time to upgrade your Couscous recipe skills to the next level. 

Kenya Samburu and Maasai tribes had de facto ownership of Eland Downs Ranch by virtue of living on the land for generations. However, Eland Downs Ranch was legally privately owned by former Kenyan president Daniel arap Moi who sold the land for $4 million to conservation charities thus began the forceful evictions of Samburu and Maasai families from their ancestral lands.

Which Is More Important, Kenya's Samburu and Maasai Tribes or the African Land

The conflict over natural resources across Africa is a serious issue. The Samburu of Kisargei in Kenya were on the losing end of the 17,100 acres Laikipia National Park (formally known as Eland Downs Ranch) land ownership dispute with the Nature Conservancy, and the African Wildlife Foundation and the Kenya Wildlife Service.

The Samburu were semi-nomadic pastoralists on the Eland Downs ranch. Cattle, as well as sheep, goats, and camels, are of utmost importance to the Samburu culture and way of life. The Samburu are extremely dependent on their animals for survival.

On November 11, 2011, 1,000 cattle and 2,000 sheep and goats of the Samburu livestock were impounded due to a violent dispute over land ownership with the Nature Conservancy and the African Wildlife Foundation who purchased the land and gave it as a gift to Kenya for a national park, Laikipia National Park. As reported by the Star Kenya on December 1, 2011, Kenya Wildlife Service officers guarding Eland Downs ranch were murdered and in return, an elder identified as Brian Lelekina was shot to death.

The Samburu of Kenya 

The Samburu legal case over the Eland Downs ranch was heard in the town of Nyeri on December 14, 2011, and the court ruled the Kenya Wildlife Service had secured legal registration of the land. The Samburu were forced to vacate the land after generations of living on Eland Downs ranch. The Samburu had no squatters rights ownership of Eland Downs Ranch, the Ranch was upheld legally as owned by former Kenyan president Daniel Arap Moi.

The Samburu of Kisargei were pitted against the conservation charities, the government and the former president, Daniel Arap Moi, who owned the land. The 17,100 acres Laikipia National Park or Eland Downs ranch was purchased from former Kenyan president Daniel Arap Moi by the Nature Conservancy and the African Wildlife Foundation.

Daniel Arap Moi who was in power for 24 years in Kenya from 1978-2002. Eland Downs had previously been part of the nearby 90,000 acres Ol Pejeta Ranch. The Ol Pejeta Conservancy is the Largest Black Rhino Sanctuary in East Africa housing Mount Kenya Wildlife Estate with homes for sale on the eastern corner, camps, and tours. The question remains in this case, which is more important the people or the land.

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What is mutton you might ask? Mutton is a mature sheep; in a sheep's first year of life, it is called a lamb. Yes, mutton and lamb belong to the animal.

 
People in North America prepare far fewer mutton recipes than Africa, Asia or Europe; therefore, the term Mutton may seem a little strange.

Slow Cooker African Mutton Stew Recipe

African recipes by African Gourmet

Learn how to make this simply delicious Slow Cooker African Mutton Stew recipe loaded with vegetables and slow-cooked flavor.

Prep time: 15 min Cook time: 8 hours Total time: 8 hours 15 min

Ingredients

3 pounds lamb or mutton stew meat

2 medium tomatoes, peeled and chopped

1 diced carrot

2 medium diced potatoes

1 cup mushrooms

1 cup onions, chopped

1 garlic clove, crushed

1/2 teaspoon thyme

2 teaspoons sea salt

1 bay leaf

2 cups of water

Directions

Place lamb or mutton and vegetables in a slow cooker. Mix salt, garlic, thyme, and bay leaf into water and pour over lamb and vegetables. Cover and cook on low 8 to 9 hours, until lamb, is tender. Serve with rice.

Why are we here?
Since its founding in 2008, Chic African Culture's goal is to highlight Africa through her African food culture.

The future is only the past again, entered through another gate.

Bokdrol Spoeg, Rules and the Scent of the Dung Spitting South African Sport

Bokdrol Spoeg: The Art of Kudu Dung Spitting in South Africa Updated November 22, 2025 – Still going strong, with fresh twists in 2025 competitions. When someone says they're a, it's easy to picture football pitches, basketball courts, or cricket fields. 

But the world thrives on the unconventional too-sports that defy the ordinary and embrace the absurd. Enter Bokdrol Spoeg , or Kudu Dung Spitting , a beloved Afrikaner tradition from South Africa that's equal parts skill, folklore, and sheer cheek. 

This isn't just a quirky footnote; it's a living piece of cultural heritage, with yearly competitions drawing crowds who cheer for the farthest spit. And yes, in 2025, it's still happening-recent events at game reserves like Shumbalala and Indlovu River Lodge kept the pellets flying, complete with post-spit braais (barbecues) to wash away the... experience.

 

 

The Afrikaner Folktale

The Rules: Simple, Sticky, and Surprisingly Strategic Bokdrol Spoeg dates back to Afrikaner hunting lore-legend has it frustrated hunters, after a kudu slipped away, would grab a dried pellet from the ground and hawk it toward the horizon like a parting curse. 

How to Become a Greater Kudu Dung Spitting Champion

Fast-forward to today: Competitors collect small, hard nuggets of Greater Kudu dung (or sometimes impala or springbok for variety), roll them in their mouth to moisten just enough for grip, then launch them down a measured track. 

- The Goal : Spit the pellet the farthest. World record? 15.56 meters, set by Shaun van Rensburg in 2006-still unchallenged. 

- The Skill : Texture is king. Too dry? It crumbles. Too soft? It sticks. Pros swear by sun-baked pellets from highveld grass, which fly like tiny rugby balls. 

- The Setup : Informal fields or lodge lawns, with judges marking distances in meters. 

Prizes? Bragging rights, a trophy, and maybe a bottle of mampoer (peach brandy) to disinfect the vibes. It's not Olympics-bound (yet), but it fits right alongside global oddities like Germany's Mudflat Olympics or England's Worm Charming Championship (Guinness record: 567 wrigglers lured in 30 minutes). Even ESPN's wild early days-Slo-Pitch Softball and Munster Hurling-would've slotted this in seamlessly. 

The Smell Factor: The Unspoken (and Unavoidable) Spectacle 

The aroma is Bokdrol Spoeg's secret weapon, or its Achilles' heel, depending on your nose. Let's be real: No one enters this game blind to the scent profile. Kudu dung, being herbivore pellets, isn't the pungent nightmare of carnivore waste; it's more like a dry, earthy whisper of the bushveld. 

Think sun-warmed grass clippings mixed with faint hay and a subtle, nutty undertone from the acacia leaves kudu love to munch. But in competition? The air thickens. As 20–30 spitters line up, the collective mouth-rolling phase unleashes a wave of that musty, fermented-grass perfume-reminiscent of a barn after rain, or an overripe compost heap with wildflower notes. 

Spectators upwind get a gentle whiff; downwind folks? It's a full bouquet, amplified by the midday sun baking the pellets pre-spit. One 2025 competitor at Shumbalala Game Reserve quipped to CNN Africa: Smells like defeat if you pick a bad one-sour milk vibes from wet grass dung. 

But victory? Fresh as a veld after fire. Pro tip from the pros: Dip your pellet in a quick swig of water (or mampoer for the brave) to mellow it out. And post-event? That braai smoke clears the palate faster than you can say ekstra afstand! (extra distance). It's not glamorous, but it's authentic-the smell bonds the crowd, turning strangers into story-sharers over boerewors rolls.

 

Did you know? Competitions now include hygiene rounds-pellets sterilized with alcohol dips since 2020. 

Why It Endures: Culture in Every Pellet No matter the skeptics, Bokdrol Spoeg thrives on community-the thrill of the hurl, the laughter in the line, and that unbreakable tie to South Africa's rugged roots. It's a reminder: Sports aren't just about speed or strength; sometimes, they're about savoring the absurd with friends under an acacia sky. Will we see gold-medal glory? My bet's on not soon, but if it happens, South Africa's claiming the podium. Until then, grab a pellet (or just a beer) and raise a glass to the hunters who turned loss into legend. Got a weird sport story from your corner of Africa? Drop it in the comments-let's build the archive together.

The African Gourmet serves up this Smothered Chicken South African style recipe. Smothered Chicken or Inyama Yenkukhu is a classic South African dish.

Simple delicious and made with love this South African dish goes well with South African yellow rice and raisins. Inyama Yenkukhu is a South African dish that is similar to Smothered Chicken and Gravy in the Southern United States.

Smothered Chicken is a southern comfort food dish. This version of Inyama Yenkukhu uses the same ingredients as smothered chicken and is an easy tasty dish where the chicken is first lightly fried and then gravy is created.

African recipes by African Gourmet

Inyama Yenkukhu is a South African dish that is similar to Smothered Chicken and Gravy in the Southern United States.

Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min

Ingredients
3 chicken thighs with skin
3 chicken legs with skin
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 cup all-purpose flour
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions
Heat oil in a large frying pan and season chicken with salt and pepper. Place each piece of chicken in the flour covering completely and fry until the skin is a light golden brown. Add remaining ingredients; simmer for 30 minutes until chicken is tender.

The Igbo, a tribe in southeastern Nigeria, consider the Kola-nut tree to be the first tree on earth; the Kola-nut or Oji and Nzu or chalk has significant meaning to the Igbo. The Igbo consider the Kola-nut to be a representation of friendliness and compassion.

Selling Kola-nut in the market

Kola-nut tree

The Kola-nut is a bitter caffeine-rich chestnut-sized fruit borne seed of a 20 feet high evergreen tree native to tropical Africa. The Kola-nut is a rough, skinned fruit that grows up to 8" long. See how the kola nut fits into African plant symbolism in the Kola Nut Hub.

Inside the pod is the actual kola seed is thin with a white flesh but bright red inside when the seeds are sliced. Kola trees are native to West Africa found from Togo to Angola, Liberia to Côte d'Ivoire, Senegal and Nigeria.

The caffeine-containing seed smells a bit like rose petals. Kola nuts also have a reputation for treating headaches. By chewing the caffeine rich Kola-nut the caffeine is extracted, caffeine is considered as a cure for headaches. The original Coca-Cola beverage was made with an extract of kola nuts and coca leaves.

[Read: Perfect Warrior Igbo Story.]

Igbo tribe

The Igbo, a tribe in southeastern Nigeria, consider the Kola-nut tree to be the first tree on earth. They consider the Kola-nut to be a representation of friendliness and compassion.

Igbo people are one of the largest ethnic groups in Africa and Oji (kola nut) is the first thing served to a visitor in an Igbo home. Kola-nut or Oji is served before an important centerpiece in many ceremonies and festivals. In addition, the breaking of the Kola-nut or Oji in an Igbo wedding is an ancient tradition rich in Igbo cultural customs representing love, harmony, unity, honesty and high esteem.

Nzu, a type of chalk or clay also plays a great role of social importance in Igbo culture. In Igbo society it is presented with a kola-nut or Oji to guests having a religious reflection of traditional Igbo goodwill.

It also is a symbol of happiness conveyed by the host. Kola-nut or Oji and Nzu (chalk) has significant meaning to the Igbo because of the breaking, blessing and sharing of Kola-nut or Oji is a tradition which has been handed down from ancestor to ancestor for hundreds of years. This is why the Igbo consider the Kola-nut tree to be the first tree on earth.

Sambal is a spicy thick relish packed with a hot peppery flavor and seasoned vegetables. Sambal is made from various ingredients and may be fresh or cooked. It is commonly made from vegetables, chili's, and onions. Sambal is used similarly to salsa. Serve with any dish.

Sambal is a spicy thick relish.

Homemade Fiery Carrot Sambal Relish. Sambal is a spicy thick African relish recipe packed with a hot peppery flavor and seasoned vegetables.

Prep time: 45 min Cook time: 3 hours Total time: 3 hours 45 min

Homemade Fiery Carrot Sambal Relish Ingredients and Directions

Ingredients

4 cups finely grated carrots

1 medium finely sliced onion

1/4 cup lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1 teaspoon minced ginger

1 teaspoon brown sugar

3 chopped hot chilies

 

Directions

Toss carrots and onions with lemon juice and 1 teaspoon salt, let sit 1/2 hour, then squeeze with hands and discard any excess liquid. Combine with remaining ingredients and mix well. Allow sitting refrigerated for several hours before serving. Serve with any meat or seafood dish. Sambal is used similarly to salsa.

Teff is the tiny seed of a grass native to Ethiopia and Eritrea known as lovegrass.

Teff is a grass, small-sized fine grain that grows mainly in Ethiopia and Eritrea. 

What is Injera bread? What is Teff Flour?

Injera bread is a flatbread traditionally eaten in the African countries of Ethiopia and Eritrea. Injera bread is thicker than a crepe but thinner than a pancake. In making Injera, teff flour is mixed with water and fermented over several days however, wheat flour or all-purpose flour can be used however, the taste and texture changes.

Eating with Injera bread is stable in some African households in order to eat dishes of vegetables, meats, and stews. Injera bread is used in place of utensils using pieces of Injera to pick up bites of food. Injera bread is eaten daily in all most every Ethiopian and Eritrean household. The Ethiopian dish Spicy Red Lentils goes perfectly with injera.

Teff is a grass, small-sized fine grain that grows mainly in Ethiopia and Eritrea. The grain is tiny and has a very mild, nutty flavor. Due to its very small size, teff cooks quickly and is naturally gluten-free. Ground into flour, teff is used to make the traditional bread, injera. The teff crop’s history traces back thousands of years as a reliable staple crop.

According to the BBC Ethiopia currently has a long-standing ban on exporting the teff grain, either in its raw form or after it has been ground into flour. Instead, entrepreneurial Ethiopian companies can at present only export injera and other cooked teff products, such as cakes and biscuits.

Teff grass in Africa and the United States

Teff is a staple crop in Eritrea and Ethiopia where it is a native annual grass species but is not widely known around the world. The very small seeds are cooked or fermented and have good nutritional content. Teff grass is a warm-season annual grass traditionally used as a grain and forages in Ethiopia it is adapted to the high-altitude tropics growing well at temperatures 50 to 85° but requires an 11 to 13 hours to flower.

Teff grass was introduced to the United States in the late 50s early 60s but still largely remains unknown. In the USA, teff grass is getting a lot of popularity as a late and for some very good reasons. Farmers in Oklahoma, Texas and New England were trying to look for alternative ways to make up for a fodder grazing and hay shortage. Teff grass is a warm-season grass with a very fine stem super high-quality hey type product. Horse people love teff grass because of his extreme palatability.

Because of its fine stem, Teff grass needs to have at least 65 to 70 degrees soil to plant. The seed size is very tiny so you cannot plant very deep or it's not going to grow. It grows extremely well in the heat has exceptional drought tolerance. Teff is a rapid drying grass, unlike sorghum. Teff grass grows so well in optimal conditions, in 23 days the grass can grow 20 inches tall. To see if Teff grass is going to be major forage crop in the USA, well it depends on how the market responds.

Farmers in the United States may be new to planting Teff however in other parts of the world it has been around for thousands of years. Teff is believed to have originated in Ethiopia between 4000 and 1000 BC; the seeds were discovered in a pyramid and 3359 BC. Since then the seeds have been widely cultivated and is used not only in Ethiopia but in neighboring African countries as well.

Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Kenya, and Djibouti use Teff grass to make flour. Teff flour can be used in a number of things such as cereal, bread, cookies, and other snacks. Today the African Gourmet will be teaching you how to make Ethiopian flatbread called injera bread. Injera is made using teff flour, this ancient grain has a lot of fiber and protein and iron in it and it is a great nutritional source. Now making Injera bread is an overnight process and for best results, a three-day process because you want to get a nice sourdough type flavor. You can use water in your recipe but you can use flat beer, specifically dark beer for a nice rich flavor.

Fermented foods prepared from major cereal crops are common in many parts of Africa. Some are used as beverages and breakfasts or snack foods. Injera is thin fermented bread that is usually made from cereal grass named teff. It could also be made from other cereals like barley, sorghum, and corn. The fermentation process is started by using dough saved from the previously fermented dough.

Injera is the most popular baked product in Ethiopia. The fermented bread has a very sour taste and is the undisputed national bread of Ethiopia. The baked product is referred to by different names depending on the locality of production in Ethiopia. It is referred to as bidenain Oromigua, taeta in Giragigua, and solo in Walaytigna.

Injera Sourdough Flatbread Recipe

History of African food is traditional such as homemade injera bread. How to make delicious Ethiopia, Somalia, Djibouti and Eritrea injera bread in African households comes with practice.

Injera Sourdough Flatbread Recipe

Ingredients
2 cups teff flour
2 cups of water or flat beer
¼ teaspoon salt
Vegetable oil for coating the pan

Directions
Mix flour, water, and salt. Put the batter aside overnight or up to three days to ferment. The batter will start to bubble and obtain its well-known tartness. Heat a lightly oiled cast-iron skillet over medium-low heat. In a large mixing bowl add all ingredients and lightly mix well. Heat a lightly oiled cast-iron skillet over medium-low heat. Coat skillet with a thin layer of batter. Cook until holes appear on the surface of the bread flip and repeat cooking on the other side. Cover completed bread with a damp cloth.

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