The African Gourmet: African Cuisine, Folktales and Cultural Stories

Connect with your ancestors and build an Earth Oven by digging a hole in the ground, using firewood as fuel, and using it to bake bread. Get those tools ready and get ready to connect with your ancestors because we're about to construct an Earth Oven. Imagine the thrill of digging a hole in the ground, gathering firewood, and using it to bake your very own bread. It's going to be epic. No electricity no modern conveniences and using our own two hands to build an earth oven to feed ourselves old school cooking doesn’t get any better than this. Now, I know it might take a bit more effort and time without electricity, but trust me, the satisfaction of making and enjoying homemade bread is totally worth it. Plus, we'll be connecting with centuries-old cooking methods used around the world.  Constructing an earth oven requires a certain level of skill and knowledge, which was often passed down through generations. By learning and practicing these skills, you can connect with the...

Gele Headwraps: Nigerian Tradition, Diaspora Roots and How to Tie One Gele headwraps are more than fashion. In Nigeria — especially among the Yoruba — they are powerful symbols of status, celebration, and cultural pride. Across the Atlantic, headwraps became a way for people of African descent in the Americas and Caribbean to resist erasure and honor heritage. This guide explains the meaning of gele, its history in the African diaspora, and how to tie one yourself. What Is a Gele? The word gele is pronounced geh-leh (stress on the first syllable). A gele is usually made from stiff, beautifully patterned fabric — often Aso-oke , a handwoven cloth prized for weddings and ceremonies. Gele headwraps are a fashion statement with deep cultural roots. Meaning and Social Signals in Nigeria At weddings, festivals, and religious ceremonies, Nigerian women use gele to express marital status and personal style . In Yoruba culture, married women traditionally we...

The True Story of Yasuke, the African Samurai The First Black Samurai and Retainer in History Hailing from Africa, Yasuke's journey led him to serve as a retainer and samurai under the renowned Japanese daimyo Oda Nobunaga during the late 16th century. Learn more about African explorers who shaped global history . Retainers were expected to be skilled in martial arts, warfare, diplomacy, and other necessary skills to serve their lord effectively. A retainer pledged loyalty in exchange for protection, patronage, and social status. Discover more about samurai traditions and the Bushido code . The name Yasuke is pronounced “yah-soo-kay.” Black Samurai Yasuke, the African Yasuke, the First African Retainer and Samurai Retainers formed the daimyo's personal entourage, helping with governance, warfare, and daily affairs. Their loyalty oath, called Giri , was rewarded with protection, land, and status. ...

The story of Kibo the Old Chimpanzee highlights the valuable lesson that wisdom and knowledge can continue to develop as we age.  Just like the old chimpanzee, Kibo, who demonstrated enhanced problem-solving abilities, decision-making skills, and behavioral flexibility, the story reminds us that life experiences and accumulated knowledge can contribute to continued growth and learning. It emphasizes the importance of valuing and seeking wisdom from older we who have valuable insights to offer. Kibo the Old Chimpanzee Story of Wisdom Growing with Age. Once in a forgotten time in a chimpanzee sanctuary, there lived an old male chimpanzee named Kibo. Kibo had spent most of his life in the sanctuary, rescued from a difficult past. He had seen his share of hardships, but his age had only brought wisdom and a remarkable ability to adapt and learn. As Kibo grew older, his companions noticed a change in his behavior. He became the go-to chimpanzee whenever a complex problem arose. Whe...

Atlas Film Studios in Morocco is a thriving hub for filmmakers, offering stunning landscapes, vast studio spaces and captivating film sets. Ouarzazate is a city located in the southeastern part of Morocco, in the Atlas Mountains. The Atlas Film Studios in Ouarzazate has put this Moroccan city on the global cinematic map. Located in the captivating city of Ouarzazate, Morocco, the Atlas Film Studios hold a fascinating history that has left an indelible mark on both the local community and the global film industry. These studios have earned the reputation of being the Hollywood of Morocco and have become a source of pride for the city. Atlas Film Studios in Morocco The Atlas Film Studios in Ouarzazate, Morocco, are named after the nearby Atlas Mountains. The Atlas Mountains are a prominent mountain range that stretches across Morocco , Algeria, and Tunisia. They are known for their majestic beauty and have been featured in numerous films shot in the region. By naming the studios afte...

Within a village haunted by torrents of rain, Nekra's ability to transform into a vengeful thunderstorm was both a curse and a fascination. Her powers unleashed chaos upon the villagers, who cowered in fear, until one fateful day when Olman, a wanderer with unwavering courage, entered the village. Drawn to Nekra's plight, he sought to understand the source of her powers and guide her toward a path of redemption and renewal.  The Storm Whisperer Folktale Story In a time before written memory, in a village filled with fear, there was a woman named Nekra. Since she was little, she had this amazing ability to turn herself into a powerful thunderstorm that could flood the whole village whenever she got angry. The villagers were scared of her and did everything they could to keep her happy, so she wouldn't unleash her storm and destroy their homes and farms. One day, a traveler named Olman arrived in the village. He had heard stories about the girl who could control thunderstorms...

Martin R. Delany and the Niger Valley Exploring Party: African-American Self-Colonization in 1861 African-American colonization movements sought freedom from slavery, political autonomy, and the chance to build self-governing communities free from racial discrimination. Frequently Asked Questions about African-American Colonization and Martin R. Delany What was the Niger Valley Exploring Party? The Niger Valley Exploring Party was an 1861 expedition led by African-American abolitionist Martin R. Delany . Its goal was to explore West Africa—especially Nigeria—for potential Black self-colonization sites and trade opportunities. The team studied resources, local governance, and geography to plan a homeland free from U.S. slavery and racial discrimination. Why did Martin R. Delany want African-Americans to settle in Africa? Delany believed African-Americans could achieve self-determination , political autonomy, and freedom from racism by establishi...

To ward off curses, witchcraft and evil spirits, the use of protective symbols such as wearing or hanging a talisman called Gurudumu is common practice. In Tanzania, witchcraft superstitions are generational cultural beliefs and traditions. Witchcraft superstitions luke albino witchcraft and curses are powerful beliefs throughout many parts of Tanzania. A talisman called Gurudumu. Albino Curses and Witchcraft in Tanzania. There is a strong belief in the existence of albino witches who are thought to possess magical powers. This belief has unfortunately led to the persecution and violence against albinos, as some people seek their body parts for use in witchcraft rituals. Some traditional beliefs and superstitions associate albinism with supernatural or magical powers. This misconception fuels the demand for albino body parts, as they are believed to possess mystical properties that can bring wealth, success, or protection from harm. In certain communities, there is a belief that using...

Difference between Food Grade Shea Butter and Cosmetic Shea Butter.  Food grade shea butter and topical shea butter are traditional African products that differ in terms of their purity, processing, and the use of preservatives. Food grade shea butter typically does not contain additives or preservatives that are present in cosmetic shea butter.  These can include fragrance additives, colorants, and other cosmetic-specific ingredients that are not necessary or suitable for consumption.  Food grade shea butter is a traditional African product processed and purified to meet specific safety and quality standards for ingestion, resulting in a product that is free from unnecessary cosmetic additives. So grab a jar of food grade shea butter and let your culinary creativity soar in the kitchen.  Comparing differences between Food Grade and Cosmetic Shea Butter. Food grade shea butter and shea butter used on the skin primarily differ in terms of their purity, processing, and...

The idea that Ethiopia has never been conquered by a foreign power is correct however the concept Ethiopia has never been occupied by a foreign power is common misconception, Italy was the only foreign power to occupy Ethiopia. It is true Ethiopia was never colonized by a European power during the Scramble for Africa period in the late 19th and early 20th centuries but before that time period, the foreign power that occupied Ethiopia were Italian colonialists 1936 until 1941. Also, there were many notorious Italian occupied concentration camps in Ethiopia; Gursen, Graziani, Nocra, Mai Terara and Danane.  Haile Selassie lead the Italian resistance from exile. The misconception that Ethiopia was never occupied has much to do with incorrectly interchanging the words occupied and conquered. While the terms occupied and conquered imply foreign control over a territory, the term conquest typically implies a more complete and permanent form of subjugation, while occupation can refer...

Bottle trees are homemade evil spirit containers that capture deep-rooted evil supernatural monsters. Bottles and containers physical properties and symbolic meanings have contributed to the belief that they can confine and trap evil spirits. Discover the captivating world of bottle trees in Africa, where culture, spirituality, and artistic expression intertwine. These unique handmade trees, adorned with colorful glass bottles, hold a special place in many regions of Africa. In this article, we delve into the cultural significance and origins of bottle trees, exploring the link between Africa's rich traditions and the practice of using discarded bottles as evil spirit catchers and recyclable art objects. Bottle Trees in Africa, the Cultural Significance and Origins. Bottle trees have a rich history and are deeply rooted in West and Southern African cultural, spiritual, and religious beliefs. Bottle trees represent a unique connection between humans and the natural and supernatural ...