African Food and Art

This blog explores the wisdom of African proverbs, the depth of folklore, the beauty of art, the stories of history, and the flavors of timeless African food recipes.

Africa’s Space Programs and Africa's Journey to Space

Africa’s space programs spark interest in science and math across the African continent, which is critical to the future of Africa.

Africa's journey to space is a part of economic growth since without science and math a nation is not truly industrialized.

Math and science are important for the transformation of Africa.

Dr. Sandile Malinga was born in Soweto South Africa, is currently the South African National Space Agency CEO.
Dr. Sandile Malinga South African National Space Agency CEO 

Kenya launched its first satellite, Uhuru “freedom” from the tourist town of Malindi in 1970. Dr. Paul Baki president of the East African Astronomical Society founded Kenya’s first astronomy program at the University of Nairobi in 2008. 

Kenya is part of an African space science alliance that is currently in the running to build the world’s largest radio telescope.  Square Kilometer Array, SKA, telescope would span eight African countries, collecting observatory data in East Africa from South Africa to Mauritius.

Ethiopia’s Entoto observatory consists of two $3 million dollar telescopes situated on the approximant 10,170 feet or 3,100 meter high Mount Entoto. 

Entoto Observatory is the only modern astronomical observatory not only in the history of Ethiopia but also in the entire region.

Ethiopia’s Entoto observatory
Ethiopia’s Entoto observatory

Ethiopia’s communications director Abinet Ezra, stated “Science is part of any development cycle. Without science and technology, nothing can be achieved. 

Our main priority is to inspire the young generation to be involved in science and technology. 

To build a society with a highly developed scientific culture that enables Ethiopia to reap the benefits accruing from space science and technology.”

Kenya launched its first satellite, Uhuru “freedom” from the tourist town of Malindi in 1970.
Uhuru blue star Kenyan satellite

South Africa, Algeria, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and Ethiopia all have space programs and established initiatives to increase new science, math and technology career fields for Africa. 

South Africa by far has the largest space program; the South African National Space Agency, SANSA was established in 2010. Dr Sandile Malinga was born in Soweto South Africa, is currently SANSA's CEO.  

Professor A. Ogg, at the University of Cape Town, founded the first magnetic observatory in Cape Town in 1841. The goal of launching astronauts into space is a far-reaching goal for Africa’s space programs.  

Down to earth matters of natural resource management, weather forecasting, agriculture and national security issues are being researched using Africa’s current satellite technology. 


Together we build awareness that boost harmony, education, and success, below are more links to articles you will find thought provoking.

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  6. What is back to Africa

Chic African Culture and The African Gourmet=

Week’s Best African Culture Posts

Kru Tribe Fine Boy Tradition

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Dream-nightmare story from the Kru people of Liberia: the newly chosen Fine Boy is temporarily celebrated with fanfare and pleasure. Kru Tribe Fine Boy Tradition Fascinating stories emerged during the Pepper Coast's glory days. Beginning in the 15th century, European traders established outposts along the Liberian coastline, drawn by its wealth of humans, spices, and other commodities.  Centuries later, in the 19th century, the American Colonization Society (ACS) founded settlements in Liberia and began journalling native stories.  Among these tales is a dream-nightmare story from the Kru people of Liberia, a story so intriguing it almost seems too good to be true because, in some ways, it is.   The Kru women periodically held elections to select a young, handsome man as their “Fine Boy.” The announcement of his selection was celebrated with a vibrant procession featuring music, singing, and dancing.  The newly chosen Fine Boy was placed at the front of the para...
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What is the difference between ugali and fufu

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How to make the popular African recipes Ugali and Fufu and what is the difference.  Ugali is a starch dish in Kenya and Tanzania made of fine cornmeal cooked in boiling water into a soft dough. Fufu is a thick, dough-like West African food made by boiling then pounding a starchy vegetable such as yam, plantain, or cassava or a mixture of starchy vegetables. The main difference between fufu and ugali is fufu is boiled first then pounded while ugali is simply boiled. Ugali recipe. Easy Ugali Recipe Prep time 5 minutes Cook time 30 minutes Total time 30 minutes Ingredients 4 cups finely ground cornmeal 8 cups water Directions Heat water to boiling in a saucepan. Slowly pour cornmeal into boiling water stirring continuously. Add more cornmeal if necessary until it is thick as soft bread dough. Serve immediately with vegetables, stew, or any dish you would use a spoon with to soak up the sauce, ugali is purposely bland tasting on its own. What is the difference between ugali ...
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Why Study the Kingdom of Kongo When It Failed

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A Kingdom Torn Apart: The Forces Behind Kongo’s Collapse. Why study and honor defunct ancient African kingdoms? These kingdoms no longer exist, they were failures; hpwever, they were once thriving societies with remarkable achievements. Before the arrival of Portuguese explorers, the Kingdom of Kongo flourished as a prosperous and powerful African state.  It boasted a sophisticated social structure, strong economic systems, and rich spiritual traditions. The King of Kongo was regarded as a sacred intermediary between the gods and his people, embodying the kingdom's deep reverence for spirituality and governance.  This existence, however, became a battleground as the Portuguese wielded their “divide and conquer” strategy with precision, exploiting internal rivalries and introducing advanced weaponry that disrupted the balance of power, deposing the king. Economic pressures intensified as the Portuguese fueled the transatlantic slave trade, transforming allies into rivals and co...
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Berbere Spice Popcorn Topping Recipe

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Berbere Spice North African Popcorn Topping Recipe The best African spice for fresh popped popcorn is Berbere, a flavorful and aromatic bold spice blend from North Africa you buy at the local supermarket or online. Berbere is known for its bold mix of spices, often including chili peppers, garlic, ginger, fenugreek, cardamom, coriander, cinnamon, and cloves.  Berbere brings a balance of heat, sweetness, and earthy depth to any dish including fresh popped popcorn. The spice mix symbolizes community and hospitality, often prepared at home with slight variations to suit family preferences. Its fiery yet balanced flavor profile mirrors the complex and vibrant food of North African culture . In cities across Africa, popcorn is a common street snack and is often sold in cinemas, at markets, and by roadside vendors.  Berbere Spice Popcorn Topping Recipe Ingredients ½ cup poped popcorn kernels  2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 teaspoon Berbere spice blend   1 teaspoon salt ...
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