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.

Old and New African Country Names

African country names in history and current

Africa is the oldest inhabited continent and the most colonized land, people and culture. Africa encountered colonization, occupation, and aggression from Britian, Germany, the Romans, Arabs, Danish, Berbers, Turkish Ottoman Empire, the French, Portuguese, Italians, Dutch and countless internal battles.

Why do the names of African countries constantly change? The names of African countries constantly change due to wealthy non-African nations and complicit African leaders roughly divide Africa by resources. The colonization of Africa imposed boundaries without regard to culture or heritage of native Africans. The land of Africa was divided according to natural resouces such as gold, ivory, diamonds, slaves, spices, and currently minerials hence the historical and current changing of the names of African countries.

Solely according to the business and trade economies, roughly Africa was divided into four coasts; Pepper Coast, Ivory Coast, Gold Coast, and the Slave Coast. Nearly 40% of Togo, Benin, Nigeria, Cameroon, and Gabon were imprisoned Africans were enslaved on bights and were sold to the present day US State of Virginia. Many of these captives were Igbo, a people living in the area north what is now Nigeria.

Since the early 1800's Cammeroon has been known as the Slave Coast, German Colony Kamerun, French Cameroon and British Cameroon. The Central African Republic has been known as French Protectorate, Portuguese Protectorate, Central African Empire and Ubangi-Shari and Slave Coast.



Three Mundri South Sudan African Women in Traditional Ankara or Kitenge fashion
Three Mundri South Sudan African Women in Traditional Ankara or Kitenge fashion

List of old African country names and current country names of all African countries.


With a mix of Arabic, Danish, German, Indian, African, French, Italian, Chinese and European influences Africa is truly a melting pot of language, culture and ideas and has undergone numerous changes in names throughout her history.


With a mix of Arabic, Danish, German, Indian, African, French, Italian, Chinese and European influences Africa is truly a melting pot of language, culture and idea’s

Old and New Names of African Countries.


Old Name New Name
Ancient Numidia, Ottoman Corsairs, Barbary Coast and French Protectorate Algeria
Kingdom of Kongo and Portuguese Protectorate Angola
Republic of Dahomey and French Dahomey Benin
Bechuanaland, British Protectorate of Bechuanaland, and Slave Coast Botswana
Mossi kingdom, French Protectorate and Upper Volta Burkina Faso
German Protectorate, Belgium Protectorate and Urundi Burundi
Portuguese Protectorate and Slave Coast Cabo Verde
French Protectorate, Portuguese Protectorate, Central African Empire and Ubangi-Shari and Slave Coast Central African Republic
Kanem-Bornu Empire, Bagirmi Kingdom, Ouaddai Kingdom, Portuguese Protectorate, Slave Coast and French Equatorial Africa Chad
Kingdom of Kongo, Kingdom of Luba, Kingdom of Lunda, Belgium Protectorate, Congo Free State, Belgian Congo, Katanga and Zaire Democratic Republic of the Congo
Ifat and Adal Sultanates, Afars and Issas Territory, and French Somaliland Djibouti
There were more than 30 dynasties in Egyptian history, Kemet, Nubia, Upper Egypt and Lower Egypt, and Old, Middle and New Kingdoms Egypt
Naqis, Baqlin, Bazin, Jarin and Qata independent nations, Italian Protectorate and French Protectorate Eritrea
Portuguese Protectorate, Spanish Protectorate and Spanish Guinea Equatorial Guinea
Italian East Africa Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia
Abyssinia Ethiopia
Dagomba, Gold Coast, Togoland, British Togoland Ghana
Portuguese Protectorate and French Guinea Guinea
Kenya Colony and East Africa Protectorate Kenya
British East Africa or East Africa Protectorate Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and parts of Somalia
Basutoland Kingdom of Lesotho
Grain Coast Liberia
Pirate Island, Merina Kingdom, French Protectorate and Malagasy Republic Madagascar
Kingdom of Maravi, British African Protectorate and Nyasaland Malawi
Songhay, French Sudan and Sudanese Republic Mali
French West Africa Mauritania, The Gambia, Senegal, Niger, Mali, Guinea, Côte d'Ivoire, Burkina Faso and Benin.
Spanish West Africa Morocco, Western Sahara
Portuguese East Africa Província Ultramarina de Moçambique Mozambique
Portuguese Protectorate and German Southwest Africa Deutsch-Südwestafrika Namibia
Hausaland Niger, Nigeria
Republic of Biafra, Slave Coast Nigeria
Buganda Kingdom, Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom and British Protectorate Uganda
Bourbon Island and French African Protectorate Reunion Island (French territory since 1946)
German Protectorate, Belgian Protectorate and Ruanda Rwanda
Ajuran Empire, Macrobia Kingdom, British German Protectorate,, Itialian Protectorate, and Benadir Somalia
Union of South Africa, Bophuthatswana, Cape Colony, Republic of Ciskei, Kaffraria Transkei South Africa
Nubia Sudan, Egypt
Slave Coast, French Protectorate Gabon
Ancient Numidia, Ottoman Corsairs, Barbary Coast and French Protectorate Tunisia
Tanganyika Territory and Zanzibar semi-autonomous Tanzania
Senegambia The Gambia, Senegal
Spanish Sahara Western Sahara
Slave Coast, German Colony Kamerun, French Cameroon and British Cameroon Cameroon
Northern Rhodesia Zambia
Southern Rhodesia Zimbabwe
British Protectorate and Swaziland Kingdom of Eswatini
Abron Kingdom, Gyaaman Empire, Kong Empire, Baoulé Empire, Ndenye and Sanwi Kingdoms, Asante Kingdoms, French Protectorate, Ivory Coast, Costa do Marfim Côte d'Ivoire
Slave Coast and British Togoland Togo

Africa

Chic African Culture and The African Gourmet=
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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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