Photo of Ivy, author of The African Gourmet

About the Author

Ivy is the researcher and writer behind The African Gourmet, blending African food, history, and cultural storytelling. Her work is cited by universities, Wikipedia, major news outlets, and global food writers.

View citations →

Start Your African Journey

From political insights through food to traditional wisdom and modern solutions - explore Africa's depth.

Monday Morning African Proverb Quotes

Some people never look forward to Monday mornings. 

Instead of looking forward to the beginning of a new week with a renewed chance to change the world Monday mornings are dreaded. Unplugging from negative forces and being fully present is important to the honor of ancestors. 

Jumping out of bed and hitting the ground running each Monday morning may never be realistic but should also be the goal. Planning to do at least one happy thing each Monday morning you will look forward to Monday morning and honor the lessons of your ancestors.

African Proverbs your ancestors want you to know on Monday mornings.

African Proverbs your ancestors want you to know on Monday mornings.

Pay attention to the 32 proverbs and quotes from African ancestors on Monday morning.

What the colt learns in youth he continues in old age.


What is learned in the cradle lasts till the grave.


What is enough was never little.


Too late the bird cries out when it is caught.


To wash a donkeys tail is loss of time and soap.


There is no such thing as an insignificant enemy.


The wise chief does not eat from two sides.


The one-eyed are kings in the land of the blind.


The head that touches the ground a birth, will not fail to touch the ground at death.


One cannot see oneself, a stone cannot push itself.


The neck does not recognize that the head is heavy.


The good-looking fruit could be rotten inside.


One should either become a pillar or lean against one.


One hand alone cannot wash the body.


A man with a cough cannot conceal himself.


One half of the world laughs at the other.


On a fool’s beard, the barber learns to shave.


Nothing falls into the mouth of a sleeping lion.


No hyena deserves to be entertained twice.


Men’s ideas helped to locate the snake.


If generously shared, a flea can be bitten twice.


He who smiles too much with you will frown too much with you at your back.


He who rides on the giant’s shoulders sees further than he who carries him.


He does a good day’s work that rids himself of a fool.


Denial cannot hide cigarette smoke.


Ashes are result of fire.


Ashes always fly back in the face of him who throws them.


An honest enemy is better than a best friend who lies.


After mischance everyone is wise.


A good lawyer is a bad neighbor.


A friend's eye is a good mirror.


A friend is known in the time of need.


A fine cage won’t feed the bird.


A climbing plant with tendrils cannot grow on its own without the support of a tree.
African Proverbs your ancestors want you to know on Monday mornings.


Links to African history and facts



Chic African Culture and The African Gourmet=




Recipes Explain Politics

🍚

🍚 When Rice Recipes Become Revolution

What if your grandmother's rice recipe could explain the Liberian Rice Riots of 1979?

"In Liberia, rice isn't just food—it's life, identity, and sovereignty. When the government proposed raising rice prices in 1979, they weren't just adjusting economics; they were threatening every grandmother's ability to feed her family according to traditions passed down for generations. The riot that followed wasn't about politics—it was about the sacred right to cook your family's rice recipe."

🍲 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

This is African Gourmet analysis: understanding how the food in grandmother's pot connects to the protests in the streets. The recipes we inherit carry not just flavor, but the entire history of our political and economic struggles.

Understanding Africa through the stories our food tells • Since 2006

Africa Worldwide: Top Reads

Africa × World: Editor's Picks

Cross-continental food, science, history, and cultural exchanges.

African Gourmet FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Why "The African Gourmet" if you cover more than just food?

Great question! While many associate "gourmet" exclusively with cuisine, its true meaning is "a connoisseur" – someone with refined taste and deep expertise. For over 18 years, I've served as a gourmet of African culture at large, savoring and presenting the continent's rich history, vibrant traditions, timeless wisdom, and contemporary stories with the same discerning palate one would apply to fine food. The name reflects my commitment to curating Africa's cultural wealth with authority and passion.

What makes The African Gourmet different from other culture sites?

With 18 years of consistent publishing, I offer depth and continuity that's rare online. I don't just report on African culture – I contextualize it, connecting traditional wisdom with modern realities, and food with folklore, politics, science, and daily life. It's a holistic view of Africa's past, present, and future, all through the lens of a seasoned cultural storyteller.

How do you choose what to write about?

My content selection is driven by a desire to showcase Africa's incredible diversity and challenge stereotypes. I balance covering foundational cultural elements (like proverbs and recipes) with timely analysis of current events (like the AGOA trade agreement). The goal is always to educate and illuminate the complex, dynamic realities of the African continent.

Do you focus on specific regions of Africa?

My coverage spans the entire continent – from North to South, East to West. While certain stories may focus on specific countries or regions, my mission is to represent the breathtaking diversity of 54 countries and thousands of cultures. I make a conscious effort to include both well-known and underrepresented cultures in my work.

Can I request a topic or contribute to the site?

I welcome thoughtful topic suggestions from engaged readers! While I maintain editorial control to ensure quality and consistency, I'm always interested in hearing what aspects of African culture you're curious about. Feel free to reach out through my contact page with your ideas.

How can I support The African Gourmet's work?

The greatest support is engaged readership – sharing articles you find valuable, participating in discussions, and helping spread cultural understanding. Following the archives and sharing it with others who would appreciate this unique perspective on Africa helps this 18-year labor of love continue to grow and reach new audiences.