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.

Chimurenga News Media Struggle for Freedom Who No Know Go Know

Chimurenga’s motto Who No Know Go Know is a song by the legendary Nigerian Fela Kuti. Struggle for Freedom or Chimurenga in Zimbabwe Shona language.

Groundbreaking artist Ntone Edjabe is a talented Cameroonian writer, journalist, DJ and founding editor of the award winning South African based Chimurenga magazine described as better than the New Yorker.

Chimurenga News Media Struggle for Freedom Who No Know Go Know

All About South African Based Chimurenga News Media

South African based Chimurenga news media's motto -Who no know go know- was made famous by Nigerian Afrobeat activist Fela Kuti.

Chimurenga magazine founded by Cameroonian Editor Ntone Edjabe in 2002

Struggle for Freedom or Chimurenga in Zimbabwe Shona language is a Pan-African publication of culture, art and politics based in Cape Town. The magazine was described in 2012 by a British writer as "better than The New Yorker."  Founded by Cameroonian Editor Ntone Edjabe in 2002, it provides an innovative platform for free ideas and political reflection by Africans about Africa.  

The magazine is based in Cape Town, South Africa and in 2011 won the prestigious Prince Claus Award which is given annually to individuals, groups and organizations for their outstanding achievements in the field of culture and development.  

Edjabe says “It's a smart mix of fiction, reporting, essays, manifestos and art, all pegged to a vision of the pan African.” Chimurenga is published sporadically, usually twice a year with 14 African writers visiting 14 African cities to explore the complexities of Africa’s different urban landscapes.

One person’s truth is another person’s lie; Xenophobia is the unreasoned fear felt to be foreign or bizarre. The Chimurenga Chronicle, takes on the form of a newspaper backdated to the week of May 11 – 18, 2008, the period marked by the rash xenophobic violence in South Africa that is occurring to this day April 2015.

Who No Know Go Know- is a song by the legendary Afrobeat artist Fela Kuti

Chimurenga’s motto “Who No Know Go Know” is a song by the legendary Nigerian Fela Kuti. Born Olufela Olusegun Oludotun Ransome-Kuti, he pioneered the groundbreaking form of music known as Afrobeat, a blend of jazz, funk and African rhythm and harmonies, which he used to spread his message of uniting against oppression in Nigeria.  

AfroBeat consciences were Fela Kuti gifts to the world writing lyrics that rebelled against the Nigerian government. Chimurenga founder and Editor Ntone Edjabe is also a DJ currently studying at Khoj International Artists' Association. Ntone Edjabe is a writer, journalist, DJ and founding editor of Chimurenga magazine. 


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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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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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