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The African Gourmet

The African Gourmet: Explore African Culture & Recipes

One bowl of fufu can explain a war. One proverb can outsmart a drought.
Welcome to the real Africa—told through food, memory, and truth.

Christmas & New Year in Africa

Christmas & New Year Across Africa

Holiday traditions, recipes, and celebrations

Christmas across Africa

Merry Christmas in African Languages

Traditions
Krampus dessert

Krampus's Favorite African Dessert

Recipes
New Year fireworks in Africa

How Africa Celebrates New Year

Celebrations
Black eyed pea casserole

New Year's Black Eyed Pea Casserole

Luck & Prosperity

FOOD PROVERBS

African Food Proverbs

Culinary wisdom passed down through generations

African food sayings and proverb

Best Ten African Food Sayings & Proverbs

Culinary Wisdom
Meat stew representing animal wisdom

Honoring Animal: African Wisdom of Thankfulness

Gratitude
Diverse hands placing food on shared table

Bring Something to the Table

Community
Lemon varieties representing spice of life

6 African Proverbs That Will Spice Up Your Cooking

Transformation

Political Afrofuturist Hair Art Designers

Explore More Content

📁 African Art 📁 African facts 📁 African jewelry

Popular in This Category

Who are Laetitia Ky, Photographer Nakeya Brown, Black hair king J.D. 'Okhai Ojeikere African hair art designers?


Hair Art

Who are the Modern Political Afrofuturist Black Hair Art Designers


African hair traditions and rituals are an integral part of African culture. Afrofuturist West African Cote d'Ivoire designer Laetitia Ky uses wires and hairpins to make hair sculpture art on Instagram; Ky photo series shows how she transforms her hair into all kinds of political, funny and odd shapes to showcase her designing mind.



African Hair Art is Life


African Hair Art, Life is too short to have boring hair. Just as the human body is outfitted and decorated to look sexy, professional or devout, the human hair is a reflection of a person’s outward identity.

Hair is looked at as an accompaniment to an outfit; an essential accessory that glams up the whole look. African hair art is also a political statement, big, curly natural hair on full display unnerves the establishment.

Other races have dictated the hairstyles of millions of African women for centuries. Unapologetically wearing natural hair reveals an uncomfortable truth about racist hair history. Natural hair is indeed political.

Braiding hair Hamar Tribe Ethiopia
Braiding hair Hamar Tribe Ethiopia

African Hair identity Why Hair Is Important

Pay attention to your hair because everyone else does. Hair is considered a person’s crowning glory and when a bad hair day happens upon them, some believe they are unattractive and ugly.

 
For centuries, African hair was treated as an artist’s canvas. Unique African hairstyle art is a political, fashion and status statement for women and men. Hair is the thing that makes a person unique.

Each African hairstyle had its own uniqueness
African Braids
Modern and Ancient African Hairstyle Artists

Nakeya B (Nakeya Brown) is an abstract photographer who uses African hair to explore themes of natural beauty. Her work Hair Stories Untold explores her own family’s hair rituals through conceptual portraiture and still life.

Cote d'Ivoire modern hair artist Laetitia Ky uses her hair to create art, piled up high on top of her head. Sometimes it is political, sometimes it’s beautiful and sometimes it’s simply bizarre.

One of the most famous and talented photographers of Nigerian Hairstyles, Johnson Donatus Aihumekeokhai Ojeikere also known as J.D. 'Okhai Ojeikere highlighted modern and traditional African perspectives of the art of hair design.

Each African hairstyle had its own uniqueness giving a glimpse into the talented camera of a legendary Nigerian photographer.


Together we build awareness that boost harmony, education, and success, below are more links to articles you will find thought provoking.

  1. Historical African Country Name
  2. Top 20 Largest Countries in Africa
  3. How many countries does Africa have?
  4. Roots of Africanized Christianity Spiritual Songs
  5. Paying Money To Tour Slums in Africa
  6. Awesome Kenyan Woman
  7. Land is Not For Women in Sierra Leone

  8. African Kente Cloth Facts
  9. Accra the Ghanaian Capital Ultimate Mall Experience


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About the Author

A Legacy Resource, Recognized Worldwide

For 19 years, The African Gourmet has preserved Africa's stories is currently selected for expert consideration by the Library of Congress Web Archives, the world's premier guardian of cultural heritage.

Trusted by: Wikipedia • Emory University African Studies • University of Kansas • University of KwaZulu-Natal • MDPI Scholarly Journals.
Explore our archived collections → DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17329200

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Recipes as Revolution

Recipes as Revolution

When food becomes protest and meals carry political meaning

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African woman farmer

She Feeds Africa

Before sunrise, after sunset, seven days a week — she grows the food that keeps the continent alive.

60–80 % of Africa’s calories come from her hands.
Yet the land, the credit, and the recognition still belong to someone else.

Read her story →

To every mother of millet and miracles —
thank you.

Working Hands of Africa

The labor and love that feeds a continent

Hands holding African fruit

African Culture & Traditions

Harvest & Heritage
Hands preparing fufu

How Fufu Explains Politics

Food & Power
Farming hands in Africa

Slow Food Disappearance

Farming & Tradition
Hands with plantains

The Universal Plantain

Cooking & Community

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African Ancestors and Atlantic Hurricanes: Myth Meets Meteorology

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African ancestors and hurricanes, discover the African legend and Sahara science behind Atlantic storm paths and hurricane season. The same ocean that was a route of unimaginable human suffering and displacement (the path of the ancestors) is also the highway for some of the most powerful natural forces (hurricanes) that impact their descendants in the Americas today. Why Atlantic Hurricanes Begin in Africa and the Legend of Angry Ancestors “The ancestors' storm cleanses the path for the living.” — Inspired by West African Oral Tradition This topic connects deeply with African science and folklore , as well as the forces shaping the continent in our African geography and climate guide. Each year from June to November, the eastern coasts of the Caribbean, United States, and South America face powerful hurricanes born off Africa’s shores. But why? The scientific reason begins with Sahara Desert dust storms and the transition of thunderstorms off the west coast of Af...
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Survival of the Fattest, obese Europeans starving Africa

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The rich need the poor. Survival of the Fattest, obese Europeans starving Africa 📌 Learn about Africa’s powerful civilizations before Europeans . Survival of the Fattest is a sculpture of a small starving African man, carrying Lady Justice, a huge obese European woman who is a symbol of the rich world. Survival of the Fattest Meaning The copper statue Survival of the Fattest by Jens Galschiøt and Lars Calmar was created in 2002. The fat woman is holding a pair of scales as a symbol of justice however; she is closing her eyes so the justice. Galschiot symbolized the woman as being blind, refusing to see the obvious injustice. For the rich people of the world the main issue in life is that of overeating while people in the third world are dying every day from hunger. The misery of imbalanced wealth distribution is creating floods of refugees. However the rich only want to preserve their privileges and take measures so harsh against the poor they betray their morals an...
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Top 20 Largest Countries in Africa by Land Area (2025 Update)

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Top 20 Largest Countries in Africa by Land Area (2025 Update) Top 20 Largest Countries in Africa by Land Area Africa — often called the Cradle of Civilization — is the world’s second-largest continent by land area and population. This 2025 update ranks the Top 20 largest African countries by land size and connects you to deeper stories about how geography shapes culture, biodiversity, politics, and spiritual traditions across the continent. Learn more through these hubs: African Geography Hub African History Hub Animism — Africa’s spiritual worldview French & English in Africa Creole languages on African islands Africa’s landmass spans deserts, rainforests, mountains, and savannas. Africa’s Largest Countries Ranked by Land Area (2025) These nations contain deserts, rainforests, mountains, and fertile river basins. For context on ...
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African Proverbs for Men About the Wrong Woman in Their Life

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Wisdom and warnings against the wrong woman in your life quotes explain to us that sometimes it is hard to know if you are being taken for granted in a marriage and sometimes it is very obvious. For a broader look at masculinity and identity, explore African Men: Identity, History & Culture . African Proverbs for Men About the Wrong Woman in Their Life. Wisdom and warnings against the wrong woman in your life African proverbs and sayings with love from your ancestors. Good palm wine and a pretty wife are two sweet poisons to a man . Even the best of women have still a devil's rib in her. Under a glove, the ugliest hand is hidden. Where there is much learning, there is much fun too . A relative's slap hurts more than a stranger's. Choose a wife to please yourself, not others. Smoke and a scolding woman drive one out of the house . There is some peace from a barking dog, but never from a foolish woman. When you love a woman b...
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Ugali vs Fufu — What’s the Difference Between Africa’s Beloved Staples?

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Ugali vs Fufu — What’s the Difference Between Africa’s Beloved Staples? Part of the African Cuisine Hub — exploring the staple foods that unite African kitchens. Learn more from our African Staples Collection . Ugali vs Fufu — The Difference Between Africa’s Beloved Staples Across Africa, two staple dishes define comfort and culture: Ugali from East and Southern Africa, and Fufu from West and Central Africa. Both are starch-based foods eaten daily, yet their preparation, ingredients, and cultural roots differ beautifully. Quick Difference: Ugali is made by boiling cornmeal into a dough-like texture, while Fufu is boiled and pounded yam, plantain, or cassava. Making Ugali in Kenya Ugali Recipe Prep Time: 5 min | Cook Time: 30 min | Total Time: 30 min Ingredients 4 cups finely ground cornmeal 8 cups water Directions Boil water in a saucepan. Slowly pour in the cornmeal while stirring continuously. Add more corn...
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Charging Cell Phones in Rural Africa

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Charging Cell Phones in Rural Africa Chic African Culture The simple task of charging a cell phone is no simple matter in rural African villages far from an electric grid. With the advent of tiny rooftop solar panels electricity could be accessible to millions. Mobile phone charging business in Uganda Africa African governments are struggling to meet to electric needs of the poorest of the poor living in rural areas. Living off-grid may be a lifestyle choice to some and a fact of everyday living to the poorest of the poor.  However, tiny rooftop solar panels and high-efficiency LED lights across the African continent could provide enough electricity to charge cell phones. Cell phones are vital for people in rural areas with no access to banks in order to send and receive money, access medical care and stay in contact with family and friends.  What does Off-Grid Mean? Off the grid (off-grid) means creating your own...
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Beware of the naked man who offers you clothes African Proverb

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It is easy to talk the talk and give advice African Proverb African Proverb It's easy to talk the talk and give advice on love, careers or even recycling on how things should be done. But, the person giving the advice does not act in a way that agrees with the advice they are giving. The proverb implies that a person should back up their talking with action. It is easy to talk the talk and give advice Explore and Understand Africa Through Her Food and Culture 1-30-2015 Beware of the naked man who offers you clothes is a proverb used to call out hypocrites; people who are single but give advice on how to have a happy marriage, a person who is overweight supplying dieting tips, environmentalists who do not recycle, people on social media who want to show you how to become rich when they are poor, and politicians who send their children to private school while making speeches on the virtues of public school. Hidden Agenda of Gift-Giving Def...
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African Olympic Power: Top 10 Countries with the Most Gold Medals | The African Gourmet

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Perfect South African Apricot Beef Curry Recipe

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Usage of Amen and Ashe or Ase and Meaning

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Week’s Best African Culture Posts

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Imhotep: Folklore, Wisdom & The Egyptian Search for Order

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Ugali vs Fufu — What’s the Difference Between Africa’s Beloved Staples?

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Ugali vs Fufu — What’s the Difference Between Africa’s Beloved Staples? Part of the African Cuisine Hub — exploring the staple foods that unite African kitchens. Learn more from our African Staples Collection . Ugali vs Fufu — The Difference Between Africa’s Beloved Staples Across Africa, two staple dishes define comfort and culture: Ugali from East and Southern Africa, and Fufu from West and Central Africa. Both are starch-based foods eaten daily, yet their preparation, ingredients, and cultural roots differ beautifully. Quick Difference: Ugali is made by boiling cornmeal into a dough-like texture, while Fufu is boiled and pounded yam, plantain, or cassava. Making Ugali in Kenya Ugali Recipe Prep Time: 5 min | Cook Time: 30 min | Total Time: 30 min Ingredients 4 cups finely ground cornmeal 8 cups water Directions Boil water in a saucepan. Slowly pour in the cornmeal while stirring continuously. Add more corn...
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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.