The African Gourmet: African Cuisine, Folktales and Cultural Stories

When Lions Lose Their Land — And So Do Africa’s Sons Africa’s lions have vanished from nine out of ten acres they once roamed. But their story isn’t only about wildlife — it reflects the fate of many African men. As land once passed from father to son is fenced, sold, or lost to powerful industries, human pride erodes alongside the lion’s range. This is a story about more than conservation; it is about identity, survival, and the quiet emptying of Africa’s heart. For a broader look at masculinity and identity, explore African Men: Identity, History & Culture . Canned Lion Hunting: From King to Commodity South Africa now holds an estimated 8,000 captive lions — far more than its wild population. Many are bred specifically for canned hunts: lions raised in cages are released into fenced areas where trophy hunters pay up to $50,000 for a guaranteed kill. While marketed as “sustainable,” this practice does not protect truly wild lions, who...

Milton Obote Abolished Uganda’s Kingdoms | The African Gourmet Home › Explore Africa › African History Milton Obote Abolished Uganda’s Kingdoms In 1966, Prime Minister Milton Obote abolished Uganda’s traditional kingdoms — a bold political move that ended centuries of royal rule and centralized authority under his government. The decision reshaped Uganda’s political identity and set off decades of tension between culture and state power. The Prime Minister who abolished Uganda’s traditional kingdoms — Milton Obote, 1966. Key Figures in Uganda’s Political History Milton Obote: First Prime Minister and later President of Uganda (1962–1971, 1980–1985). Edward Mutesa II: The Kabaka of Buganda and first ceremonial President of Uganda (1963–1966). Idi Amin: Military officer who later seized power in 1971 and ruled as a dictator until 1979. Yoweri Museveni: Rebel leader who became President in 1986 and remains in power today. Regional and Ethnic ...

São Tomé and Príncipe Cuisine: 5 Delicious Island Dishes Discover the unique flavors of São Tomé and Príncipe, where African, Portuguese, and tropical island influences create a distinctive culinary tradition. From hearty stews to fresh seafood and sweet treats, explore five essential dishes that define this island nation's cuisine. Calulu: The National Dish Calulu is considered the national dish of São Tomé and Príncipe, a flavorful fish or meat stew that reflects the islands' African and Portuguese heritage. This hearty dish features smoked fish, fresh vegetables, and greens cooked in palm oil with tomatoes, onions, and okra. The stew is slowly simmered to develop deep flavors and typically served with rice or funge (a cassava porridge). What makes calulu special is the use of local ingredients like jindungo (African bird's eye chili) and the traditional smoking methods used for the fish, which give the dish its distinctive smoky aroma. Serving tip: Enjoy calulu...

Lake Victoria's history before 1858 was known as Nnalubaale, Nam Lolwe, and Ukerewe. We will tell this story through indigenous names, Arab maps, and early trader accounts. Before Lake Victoria: Indigenous Names and Early Knowledge (A Chronological History Guide) Long before the 1858 renaming by John Hanning Speke, the vast inland lake at the heart of East Africa carried many names and deep meanings. This guide traces those indigenous names and the earliest external descriptions in chronological order—so readers see how knowledge of the lake evolved. 📌 Learn about Africa’s powerful civilizations before Europeans . 1) Indigenous Naming Traditions (Pre–10th Century to Present) Nnalubaale (Luganda): In Kingdom of Buganda history , the lake was the “Home of the Spirit Lubaale,” a sacred waterscape with lakeside shrines and ritual sites. Map of Lake Victoria showing surrounding kingdoms and regions. Nam Lolwe (Dholuo): For the Luo, who migrated into the region ce...

Egypt in Scripture: Africa’s Role as a Refuge and Lifeline From Abraham to Mary and Joseph, Egypt appears in the Torah, Bible, and Qur’an as a place of survival, wisdom, and protection. When people picture Africa in sacred history, Egypt stands out—not merely as a backdrop, but as an active lifeline. Across the Torah, Bible, and Qur’an, Egypt shelters families, feeds nations, and shapes leaders. Below, four pivotal stories trace how Africa protected life and preserved faith. Abraham and Sarah: Surviving Famine in Africa In Genesis 12:10–20 , Abraham (Ibrahim) and Sarah seek relief in Egypt during a famine. Egypt’s resources keep them alive, establishing a theme that repeats across scripture: Africa as a place of refuge and provision when surrounding lands are in crisis. Joseph/Yusuf: Egypt Feeds the World Sold into slavery, Joseph (Yusuf) rises to manage Egypt’s grain during years of feast and famine ( Genesis 41–47 , Surah Yusuf 12:43–49 ). His...

Military Science Before Writing: West African Strategy Military Science Before Writing: West African Strategic Innovation Long before writing systems codified military strategy and computers simulated battle tactics, West African empires developed sophisticated military sciences through oral traditions, symbolism, and tightly structured command networks. Explore more traditional knowledge in the African Science & Folklore Hub . The Secrecy Principle: Protecting Strategic Advantage West African empires such as Mali, Asante, and Benin recognized secrecy as a military resource. While Egyptian royals lay in monumental pyramids and Swahili elites in coastal stone tombs, West African rulers concealed burial locations to prevent desecration, protect sacred authority, and preserve strategic knowledge within trusted circles. Explore more traditional knowledge in the African Science & Folklore Hub . Tacti...