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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.

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Learn Africa through science, stories, recipes, proverbs, history, and geography — interconnected, just as life is.

Jealous Hair Curlers African Folktale

The Jealous Hair Curlers African Folktale teaches us that working together and being open to change are important for success and growth. 

At first, the hair curlers were jealous and didn't want to learn how to use the new curling iron. But with help from a wise elder, they learned to adapt and use both tools to make women's hair look beautiful. By working together, they were able to do even better work than before.

The story shows us that it's better to work with others towards a common goal, rather than being jealous or resistant to change. When we cooperate and collaborate, we can accomplish more and be happier.

Jealous Hair Curlers African Folktale.

Jealous Hair Curlers African Folktale.

As the elders tell the story, in a small community in Africa, hair curlers were the only tool available for women to curl their hair. They had been around for centuries and were considered an essential item for every woman.

The hair curlers were proud of their role in helping women look beautiful, and they believed that they were irreplaceable. They were so proud of their position that they looked down on other tools and thought that nothing could replace them.

However, one day, a new tool was invented, and it was called the curling iron. The curling iron was much easier to use and produced much better results than the hair curlers.

At first, the hair curlers did not take the curling iron seriously. They believed that it was just a fad and that it would never replace them. However, as time went on, more and more women started to use the curling iron, and the hair curlers started to feel left out and jealous.

The hair curlers were no longer the only option for women to curl their hair, and they started to lose their importance. They became jealous of the curling iron and wished that it had never been invented.

The hair curlers started to spread rumors about the curling iron, saying that it was dangerous and that it could burn women's hair. They tried to convince women to stick to the old-fashioned method of curling their hair with hair curlers.

However, the women did not listen to the hair curlers, and they continued to use the curling iron. The hair curlers became more and more jealous as they watched the popularity of the curling iron grow.

One day, a wise old woman came to the village and saw the hair curlers' jealousy. She spoke to them and said, "My dear hair curlers, jealousy is not a good thing. Instead of being jealous of the curling iron, why not learn from it? Why not work together and find a way to make your method even better?"

The hair curlers thought about what the wise old woman said and realized that she was right. They decided to work together with the curling iron and learn from it.

Together, they discovered new ways to curl hair that combined the best of both methods. They worked together and created a new tool that was even better than the curling iron.

The women of the village were amazed by the new tool and were grateful to the hair curlers for their willingness to learn and change. The hair curlers were no longer jealous but instead felt proud and happy that they had found a way to work together with the curling iron.

From that day forward, the hair curlers and the curling iron worked together, and they helped women look beautiful in a way that neither tool could achieve alone. They learned that by working together, they could accomplish great things and that jealousy only leads to unhappiness.

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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.

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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, 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 blog 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.