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The African Gourmet: Folktales, Cuisine & Cultural History

Explore Africa’s Heritage

Explore tales that carry Africa’s wisdom, courage, and humor. From river spirits to trickster animals, every story holds a lesson.

From hearty stews to fragrant grains, experience traditional African recipes and the history behind every dish.

Ancient African proverbs and modern interpretations — explore the wisdom passed down through generations.

Dive into Africa’s kingdoms, independence stories, and modern milestones that shape the continent today.

Who is the Yoruba Ooni Yoruba Creation of the World

There is scientific understanding of how the world was created and then there is social folklore. West African Yoruba Creation of the World African Folktale explains in the beginning how the land was formed on earth.

Yoruba Creation of the World African Folklore

Tour of Africa Yoruba Creation of the World African Folklore

Yoruba Creation of the World African Folklore

Who is the Yoruba OoniThe Yoruba are one of the three largest ethnic groups of Nigeria, also living in Benin and northern Togo. Yoruba have traditionally been among the most skilled and productive artisans of Africa. The Ooni of Ife is the traditional head and is highly revered amongst the Yoruba.

The Ooni of Ife is the traditional head and is highly revered amongst the Yoruba. 

As descendants of Oduduwa, the first king of Ile-Ife who is believed to have been a demi-God who descended from heaven to create the earth, the Oonis are considered sacred. In the southwestern state of Osun that is considered the ancestral and spiritual home of Nigeria's second-largest ethnic group, the Yoruba. 

The third son in a family of six children, the current king, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi a 42-year-old former businessman was selected from 21 contenders to the throne in 2015. He's a descendant of the 44th Ooni of Ife, Ojaja Orasigba, who reigned from 1878 to 1880. Needless to say, the process of selecting an Ooni is complex.

Links to learn more about Yoruba and Africa

    Legend of Deepest Darkest Africa
    Ile-Ife Ancient Yoruba City Southwestern Nigeria
    Greatest Yorubaland African Sculptor
    African Tribes African Americans Originate From
    Proverbs Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo languages
    Why Some Souls Are White and Others Black

Chic African Culture and The African Gourmet=

How Are You Feeling Today? Find an African Proverb or Story to Match Your Mood

How Are You Feeling Today?

Type or tap a mood. Your storyteller returns a proverb, mini-folktale, recipe, cooking activity, and a cultural note.

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Folklore Meets Science

Folklore Meets Science
African stories that explain the universe

African Gourmet FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The African Gourmet blog about?

The African Gourmet explores African food, history, and culture through recipes, folktales, and proverbs written for curious readers worldwide.

Who writes The African Gourmet?

The blog is written and curated by Ivy, a lifelong historian and storyteller who highlights Africa’s culinary and cultural richness.

How can I find African recipes on this site?

Use the “African Recipes” category or explore posts like African Recipes for regional dishes and ingredients.

Can I share or reprint your articles?

You may share articles with attribution and a link back to The African Gourmet. Reprinting in print or commercial use requires permission.

Where can I learn more about African proverbs and folklore?

Explore our African Proverbs and African Folktales sections for timeless wisdom and stories.

African Gourmet Newsletter

Light African snack spicy popcorn

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African Studies

African Studies
African Culture and traditions