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.

African Buddhist Monk in Uganda

Buddhist temples are found throughout Africa. South Africa has the largest Buddhist population on the African continent.


African Buddhist Monk Venerable Bhante Buddharakkhita was born and raised in Uganda and plants Dharma seeds throughout Africa.

Uganda Buddhist Center was established on April 10, 2005, in Kawempe Uganda. Uganda Buddhist Center states "We consider the Buddha's Teachings to be a form of medicine that can end suffering and transform ordinary human beings into perfectly compassionate and perfectly wise beings." The center was founded by Venerable Bhante Buddharakkhita.

Abbott and founder president Bhante Buddharakkhita was born and raised in Uganda, he first encountered Buddhism in 1990 while in India. In June 2001, he began monastic training and in November 2002, he received higher ordination by his Preceptor the late Venerable U Sayadaw Silananda at Tathagata Meditation Center, California. He continued his meditation practice under the guidance of Bhante Henepola Gunaratana for eight years at the Bhavana Society, West Virginia.

African Buddhist Monk in AfricaAfrican Buddhist Monk in Africa's UgandaBorn in Uganda, Venerable Dhammakami became the first Ugandan Theravada Buddhist nun in November 2008.  After her ordination as a nun, she attended the Fifth World Buddhist Summit in Japan. Venerable Dhammakami is also the mother of Venerable Bhante Buddharakkhita.

The centers yoga teacher Venerable Sangha Rakkhita was born in Rwanda and ordained in Sri Lanka on November 1, 2015. He is a professor of T’ai chi, Chuan style Yang and Ashtanga Yoga.

Bhante Buddharakkhita teaches meditation in Brazil, Europe, Australia, Asia and the United States for more than a decade and he is the spiritual director of Flowering Lotus Meditation Center in Magnolia, Mississippi in the United States.

Bhante Buddharakkhita's book, Planting Dhamma Seeds: The Emergence of Buddhism in Africa tells the story of his religious and spiritual work in Africa. In Buddhism, dharma is the doctrine, the universal truth common to all individuals at all times, proclaimed by the Buddha. Dharma, the Buddha, and the sangha (community of believers) make up the Triratna, “Three Jewels,” to which Buddhists go for refuge.

"Speak well of others, not of their faults."

African Buddhist Monk in Africa's Uganda

Buddhist temples are found throughout Africa in the African countries of Algeria, Botswana, Cameroon, Cote d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Egypt, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Sudan, eSwatini formally Swaziland, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. South Africa has the largest Buddhist population on the African continent.


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

  1. African Country Names Your Saying Wrong
  2. What do Waist Beads Symbolize in Africa?
  3. About African Healers and Witchdoctors
  4. Hurricanes are Angry African Ancestors
  5. Highest Temperature and Lowest Temperature in Africa
  6. About African Night Running


Chic African Culture and The African Gourmet=

Week’s Best African Culture Posts

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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African Spirit Tree Test

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Africa boasts a remarkable array of unique trees, each showcasing distinct qualities that set it apart, much like the diverse personalities of people. The majestic Baobab, with its thick trunk and expansive canopy, symbolizes wisdom and resilience, while the vibrant Protea embodies courage and boldness with its striking flowers. Which tree do you resonate with? Are you as wise as the ancient Baobab or as daring as the brilliant Protea? Discover your true spirit by taking this engaging quiz designed to match you with an African tree that reflects your personality. Each tree symbolizes unique characteristics and qualities, so dive in to explore the connection between your spirit and these magnificent natural wonders. Get ready for a fun journey of self-discovery. Question 1: How Do You Handle Challenges? A.  You stand firm and face them head-on, using your wisdom. B.  You quietly help others and offer comfort. C.  You adapt quickly and find creative solutions. D.  You ...
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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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Keto Moroccan Dinner Cooked Slowly

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Slow Cooked Moroccan Kefta Lamb Meatballs   Keto Tagine Morocco is at the geographic and cultural crossroads between Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.   In Morocco, the term tagine refers to a slow cooked stew as well as the pot the stew is made in. Kefta Tagine Kefta Tagine is a keto-friendly Moroccan lamb meatball food dish fitted for your low-carb lifestyle. The slow cooking of the meatballs allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a fragrant, hearty keto meal. The star of the Kefta Tagine dish is lamb, symbolizing the richness of Moroccan hospitality. Lamb meat has been a staple in North African cuisine for centuries, with lamb being central to celebrations and religious festivals.  Ground lamb meat is spiced and shaped into small balls, known as kefta, a preparation that dates back to ancient Berber traditions.  The kefta are seasoned with cumin, paprika, and coriander, spices that have shaped Morocco’s history in the global trading of spices whi...
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