Long Story Short

Of the 54 countries in Africa, 44 have experienced military coups. Although there have been unsuccessful coups, they have been largely successful. But just when the continent thought it had seen the last of coups at the turn of the 21st century, it seems Africa is going by to its post-independence days. But what have coups really solved?

There's a common saying among Africans, "Africa is a country". While this is factually wrong, a look at the flags of some African countries could make one believe that Africa is a country. This is the story of how many countries ended up with similar flags.

In this episode of "Long Story Short," the host, Liwa, takes us on a captivating journey through the life and legacy of the iconic South African singer and activist, Miriam Makeba, known as Mama Africa. Makeba's music not only captivated audiences worldwide but was also a powerful tool for activism and protest against apartheid in South Africa.Miriam Makeba was born in 1932 in Johannesburg, South Africa, and grew up in the vibrant township of Sophiatown, a hub of culture and resistance against apartheid. Her talent was discovered by record producer Spokes Mashiyane, and she began her professional career with the Cuban Brothers, an all-male harmony group.Her career took off when she toured the United States with Harry Belafonte in the late 1950s, who mentored her as a protege. Makeba's music blended traditional African rhythms with jazz, pop, and soul influences, and she sang in multiple languages, including Xhosa, Zulu, Swahili, English, and French.One of her most famous songs, "Pata Pata," released in 1967, became an international hit and showcased her unique sound and style.Makeba's activism was an integral part of her music. She used her platform to advocate for social justice and raise awareness about the oppression faced by black South Africans under apartheid. Her outspokenness led to the South African government banning her music and revoking her passport in 1960, but she persisted in her fight against apartheid.Makeba testified at the United Nations twice, the second time in support of Nelson Mandela and other political prisoners held in South Africa. She also performed at several anti-apartheid concerts, including the historic 1988 Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute concert at Wembley Stadium in London.Many of Makeba's songs addressed the struggles and injustices faced by black South Africans, such as "Soweto Blues," a response to the 1976 Soweto Uprising.Her activism and powerful voice earned her international recognition, including the prestigious Grammy Award for her album "An Evening with Belafonte/Makeba" and the Dag Hammarskjold Peace Prize.Makeba's legacy as a pioneering African musician and activist continues to inspire generations. The United Nations declared her birthday, March 4, as "Miriam Makeba Day" in honor of her contributions to music and human rights.Join Liwa as she takes you through the extraordinary life of Miriam Makeba, a true musical legend and a fearless advocate for justice and equality in South Africa. So, grab your coffee and best earphones because it's storytime with Mama Africa.

In this episode of Long Story Short, host Liwa delves into the atrocities committed in the Congo Free State during the reign of King Leopold II of Belgium. The episode begins with a reflection on the saying "If you throw a stone in a river, you don't know where the ripples would reach or end," emphasizing the far-reaching consequences of actions.Liwa takes us back to the Berlin Conference of 1884-85, where European powers divided Africa for their own interests. The Congo Free State was established during this conference and granted to King Leopold II as his personal possession. The vast territory, exceeding 2.6 million square kilometers, became a source of exploitation, particularly for rubber.However, the labor policies implemented to extract rubber were brutal, involving forced labor and violent coercion by the state's military force, the Force Publique. Workers who refused to collect rubber were killed, and entire villages were destroyed. The soldiers accounted for each bullet fired by severing the hands of workers. These policies had a devastating impact on the Congolese population, leading to a decline estimated between 1.5 million to 13 million due to disease, famine, violence, and social disruption.Christian missionaries working in the region exposed the atrocities to the international community, causing outrage. The campaign against the Congo Free State gained momentum under the leadership of British activist E. D. Morel. Eventually, in 1908, under international pressure, the Belgian government annexed the Congo Free State and put an end to many of the abusive systems.The episode highlights the ongoing effects of Belgian colonization in the Congo. Decades of dictatorship, civil war, and economic decline have left the region struggling with extreme poverty, political instability, and conflict. Liwa mentions that while King Philippe of Belgium expressed regret for the "acts of violence and cruelty" during the Congo Free State's rule in 2020, some activists argue that a full and proper apology has not been made to the Congolese people.In conclusion, the atrocities committed in the Congo Free State under King Leopold II's reign were a dark chapter in Congolese history, with long-lasting effects. The legacy of Belgian colonization continues to impact the country today, and it is crucial to acknowledge and address the ongoing issues faced by the Congolese people.

Boxing is a really tough sport. There's no way you're in the ring and decide to just be; it's either you punch your way out or your opponent knocks your light out. You just have to fight. And in the history of boxing, there have been lots of fascinating bouts that have defined the sport, but not many have come close to this one that was fought in Africa—The Rumble in The Jungle.

This episode of Long story Short delves into the aftermath of colonization in Africa and how it has shaped the present state of many Francophone African countries. The episode explores the relationship between France and its African colonies before, during, and after World War II.France, facing economic and political problems after the war, saw its African colonies as a potential solution. However, the relationship between France and its colonies was one of exploitation and oppression.African soldiers who fought for France during the war were promised wages and compensation, but many were never paid. The Senegalese Tirailleurs, a group of African soldiers, staged a protest in 1944 demanding their wages, which resulted in a massacre. France treated its colonies as sources of resources and labor rather than equal partners.The decolonization process in the 1950s was not smooth, with France initially reluctant to grant independence. France sought to maintain its influence and control over its former colonies, often supporting military coups and dictators sympathetic to French interests. In recent years, France has acknowledged its colonial legacy and called for a new partnership based on equality and mutual respect.

When wars are fought, the different battles that are won or lost determine the victor. In pre-modern Africa, many battles were fought, and some of the most notable ones are those that involved invaders—European invaders. One such is the Battle of Dogali

Introducing Long Story Short Season 3 join Noah as he embarks on stories from African history.Join Noah Liwa on Jamit.app

We give an insight into the victory of the Chipolopolo football team.The Zambian football team is known to have a history of "close to winning" football games on several occasions. Luckily, in 2012 they finally bagged their Africa Cup of Nations title. How did this happen? Find out in the episode.

As people, we sometimes love to be introduced by our achievements. But imagine of all your achievements, the one you're celebrated for is changing a light bulb! While Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti might have not changed a light bulb, some of her most notable feats have been minimised. Listen to Long Story Short on Jamit.App

In the making of a modern Egypt, Gamal Abdel-Nasser made many notable contributions. But with service comes sacrifice. Caught in between The Muslim Brotherhood and nationalism, there were many attempts on his life. However, one stands out among all. That's what we explore in today's episode.

The Walls of Benin are a series of earthworks made up of banks and ditches, called Iya in the Edo language, in the area around present-day Benin City Listen to more amazing episodes on Jamit.app

Dahomey was a pretty small kingdom that had enemies from all sides. It thrived in slave trade and small wars that saw the kingdom progress in some way. However, due to its involvement in slavery and many wars, the male population dwindled and the need for a standing army that could carry out the kingdom's campaigns grew.

This week, we focus on women who held nothing back and gave all for king and country. In what might seem improbable, movie characters have been created based on their valour, books have been written about them, and modern women take inspiration from them. Grab a coffee...

In this episode, we take a dive into Idi Amin's story. He was known all around the world and nothing could stop him from doing whatever he wanted. However, an opportunity came for him to take a stand before the world and show who he really was.

In this episode, Liwa talks about the black Samari Yasuke

In this episode, Liwa talks about the black Samari Yasuke

On this week's episode, we tell the story of sacrifice, devotion, and nationalism through the life of a character in Ghana's fight for freedom and justice. This is the Story of Yaa Asantewaa and The Golden Stool.Listen and Subscribe on the Jamit.fm

On this week's episode, we tell the story of sacrifice, devotion, and nationalism through the life of a character in Ghana's fight for freedom and justice. This is the Story of Yaa Asantewaa and The Golden Stool.Listen and Subscribe on the Jamit.fm

In Africa today, it is commonplace to have a side hustle. A side hustle is a job or business a person does part-time which is different from their full-time job in order to earn extra income And in the history of side hustles, many have failed to balance both jobs while some have become so successful that they quit their full-time jobs in order to focus on their side hustle which has become the main hustle.Keep calm, you're not on the wrong show. But let me tell you a story about a side hustle.On this episode of this fresh season of Long Story Short, Liwa examine the life of one of South Africa's most notorious armed robbers, or police officer? Well, let's find out in the story of André Charles Stander.Listen to Long Story Short on jamit.fm

In Africa today, it is commonplace to have a side hustle. A side hustle is a job or business a person does part-time which is different from their full-time job in order to earn extra income And in the history of side hustles, many have failed to balance both jobs while some have become so successful that they quit their full-time jobs in order to focus on their side hustle which has become the main hustle.Keep calm, you're not on the wrong show. But let me tell you a story about a side hustle.On this episode of this fresh season of Long Story Short, Liwa examine the life of one of South Africa's most notorious armed robbers, or police officer? Well, let's find out in the story of André Charles Stander.Listen to Long Story Short on jamit.fm

Long Story Short is back to telling the true African stories for modern times

Long Story Short is back to telling the true African stories for modern times

If you read stories about Africa, the continent is portrayed as a place that had no history, no culture, and no civilisation until the era of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade. Many things are wrong with this assumption and unfortunately, that is what many believe.When the British started their conquest of claiming land belonging to African natives while also forcing them to work without pay and subjecting them to free labour, they claimed to have abolished slavery. Thankfully, Africans never back down.On the first season finale of Long Story Short, Liwa tells the story of a liberator who stood against the British invaders that tried to erode their cultures and traditions. You can listen to this episode of Long Story Short on Jamit.fm You can also follow us at;http://twitter.com/jamitfmhttp://instagram.com/jamitfmhttp://facebook.com/jamitfmhttp://linkedin.com/jamitfm

Africa has many heroes, both past and present. Many of those heroes have gone through a lot to be regarded as such. However, when someone tells their story it is usually not from the right perspective, or it lacks objectivity. Many of Africa's heroes have been called tagged as tyrannical, bloodthirsty, as well as being given names of what might seem as western equivalents to suit a narrative.In southern Africa, a brave nation has held their ground despite the many challenges they have had to overcome all through the legacy of a hero who sought to unite people of common heritage and ancestry.On this episode of Long Story Short, Liwa tells the story of the birth of the Zulu Nation through the efforts of an unforgettable face, Shaka Zulu.You can listen to this episode of Long Story Short on Jamit.fm You can also follow us at;http://twitter.com/jamitfmhttp://instagram.com/jamitfmhttp://facebook.com/jamitfmhttp://linkedin.com/jamitfmAnd follow Liwa at;Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/noahliwaTwitter: https://twitter.com/4EyedLiwa_?s=09Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/B-welfdgC2F/?igshid=6tmropdau2w5LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noah-banjo-98889076https://jamit.fm/shows/

If you search around the world today, you'd find that knowledge is everywhere. There are new things to discover every day. It all just seems like the knowledge we have about things around us is too much. But how much is too much. Among those leading the quest for knowledge are top universities all over the world. But a university system didn't just spring up from the ground.The journey for higher knowledge started from the dark continent. But not in the way you would imagine and also from an almost unlikely source if you consider today's society.On this episode of Long Story Short, Liwa tells the real origins of what we now know as a University. It's the birthplace in Africa and the legacy it has exported to other parts of the world, just by the selfless act of one person.You can listen to this episode of Long Story Short on Jamit.fm You can also follow us at;http://twitter.com/jamitfmhttp://instagram.com/jamitfmhttp://facebook.com/jamitfmhttp://linkedin.com/jamitfmAnd follow Liwa at;Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/noahliwaTwitter: https://twitter.com/4EyedLiwa_?s=09Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/B-welfdgC2F/?igshid=6tmropdau2w5LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noah-banjo-98889076https://jamit.fm/shows/

In modern African society, women are seen as lesser individuals who have little or nothing to contribute to the development of the community and society at large. They are often relegated to taking care of the home while some face injustices from their partners.In times past, this was not the case. Women had a voice and were relied on when matters concerning the development of their communities came into question. They became queens and ruled over subjects who worshipped and respected them.On this episode of Long Story Short, Liwa tells the story of one of such queens who ruled with an iron fist while ensuring prosperity, development, and security for her people.You can listen to this episode of Long Story Short on Jamit.fm You can also follow us at;http://twitter.com/jamitfmhttp://instagram.com/jamitfmhttp://facebook.com/jamitfmhttp://linkedin.com/jamitfmAnd follow Liwa at;Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/noahliwaTwitter: https://twitter.com/4EyedLiwa_?s=09Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/B-welfdgC2F/?igshid=6tmropdau2w5LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noah-banjo-98889076https://jamit.fm/shows/

Africa's First Climate Change Activist

Leading a group of people for a cause is one thing, getting them to lay their life for that cause is another. In all the wars that have been fought in human history, many have attributed their victories or defeats to either a person, a group of people, or even divine means.In military history, however, an African General is said to be the greatest of all military commanders the world has ever known. Was it his wit? Did he have spies who helped him? or was he simply fortunate?On this episode of Long Story Short, Liwa tells the story of how a nine-year-old boy decided to take up arms against a world power without considering the consequences and the legacy he set for Africans.

Humans have faced different types of wars in the past 6,000 years. These wars have either changed how people lived or wiped out entire populations. Diseases have been part of that war, and despite the many advancements in science and technology new ones spring up from time to time.During the height of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, a disease that had travelled all over the world and was causing havoc, killing millions of people. This disease found it's way to a slave hub in North America and continued on its killing spree.On this episode, Liwa examines what led to solving one of the world's biggest pandemics which involves the legacy of an African slave.

In ancient Africa, women have played important roles in the shaping on our dear continent. You can name Cleopatra, Queen Amina, and Queen Makeda of Ethiopia. However, in modern Africa it is a struggle for women to break the barrier to earn opportunities of leadership.Fortunately, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf defied all odds and turned them in her favour and for the development of her people by becoming the first female elected Head of State in Africa. What challenges did Ellen face? How did it affect her? And what legacies did she lay for those who want to follow her footsteps? This episode examines all these and more..

Almost everyone agrees that music is a universal language because it is said to speak to the soul of listeners. Therefore, we can say musicians speak a universal language by making music. But what happens when a musician goes beyond the call of duty to use music as much more than entertainment.Many who grew up between the 80s through the late 90s remember the impact Brenda Fassie's music had on their social life, political activism, and even education. But Brenda had some dark secrets many didn't know until her death.In this episode, Liwa takes a look at the life of one of Africa's controversial and legendary music icon through the eyes of a child who lost a friend.

Biafra, The Forgotten Republic. Welcome to another episode of Long Story Short, today we tell the story of Biafra; what led to its formation, the Nigerian Civil War, and its repercussion. Grab your coffee and take a sit.

From the French Revolution to the American Revolution, the Russian Revolution to the Chinese Revolution, and even the Revolutions in South America, people have always felt the need to fight for what they feel is right for the benefit of their fellow humans.However, when it comes to Africa, revolutions here have not always favoured all parties. It is either the revolution is unsuccessful and hijacked by more dangerous individuals, or the military simply takes political powers into their hands using force.This episode of Long Story Short tells of a semi-successful revolution carried out by one who some have termed the best President Africa has ever had, a President who put the needs of his people ahead of his and how he was rewarded

It has been said that "absolute power corrupts absolutely", and this statement is not strange to Nigerians who have lived through different authoritarian regimes at the helm of affairs. However, between 1993 and 1998 one particular regime stood out.He was known for every vice, human rights violation, corruption, different "appetites", and one that Nigeria still benefits from, money laundering.On the pilot episode of Long Story Short, we review one of Nigeria's infamous dictators, the story of General Sanni Abacha. A controversial figure in Nigeria's political history, Liwa changes the lens on how Abacha should be seen by Nigerians.

Telling the true African stories for modern times