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.

Let it go African Proverbs

What have you gained from holding on to things that want to be let go? Here are 14 African proverbs to help let it go, there is power in letting it go and opening up to new possibilities. 

Let it go African Proverbs

Many of us hold onto things long after we should have let go. We have to let go of the things that weigh us down and make peace within. Inner peace starts with looking from the inside.

What have you gained from holding on to things that want to be let go? Five African proverbs to help let it go, there is power in letting it go and opening up to new possibilities.

Let it go African Proverbs True Facts in Swahili and English Languages

Swahili - Je, si kumwaga chozi kwa nini siyo ya wewe.

English - Do not shed a tear for what does not belong to you.

Swahili - iliyovunjika udongo sufuria au sahani haina kuwa mzima tena.

English - A broken clay pot or plate does not become whole again.

Swahili - Wale wanaoficha maumivu litajulikana wakati akilia.

English - Those who hide pain will be made known when weeping.

Those who hide pain will be made known when weeping - African Proverb
Let it go

Swahili - Je, si kuvunja sufuria yako ya kupikia kwa kupita mgeni.

English - Do not break your cooking pot for the passing guest.

Swahili - Kama una mawazo mabaya kuhusu maisha yako basi itakuwa. itatokea

English - If you have bad thoughts about your life then it will come to pass.

Swahili - Ulimi huvunja mifupa ingawa hauna.

English - The tongue breaks bones though it has none.

Those who hide pain will be made known when weeping - African Proverb
Let it go

Swahili - Nyasi huishi kwa muda mfupi tu, lakini inafanya uharibifu mkubwa.

English - The Locust lives only a little while, but it does great damage.

Swahili - Huwezi kuacha upepo, maji, au lugha za watu.

English - You cannot stop the wind, the water, or people's tongues.

Swahili - Chini ya kinga nzuri, mkono mbaya sana umefichwa.

English - Under the pretty glove, the ugliest hand is hidden.

Angry%2Bwords%2Bare%2Blike%2Ba%2Bfist%2Bbut%2Bthe%2Btongue%2Bof%2Bthe%2Bwise%2Bbrings%2Bhealing


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

  1. Historical African Country Name
  2. Top 20 Largest Countries in Africa
  3. How many countries does Africa have?
  4. Roots of Africanized Christianity Spiritual Songs
  5. Chocolate Processing Facts History and Recipes
  6. Awesome Kenyan Woman
  7. Land is Not For Women in Sierra Leone
  8. African Kente Cloth Facts
  9. Accra the Ghanaian Capital Ultimate Mall Experience


Chic African Culture and The African Gourmet=

Week’s Best African Culture Posts

Kru Tribe Fine Boy Tradition

Image
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...
Read the full post here

What is the difference between ugali and fufu

Image
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 ...
Read the full post here

Berbere Spice Popcorn Topping Recipe

Image
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 ...
Read the full post here

Keto Moroccan Dinner Cooked Slowly

Image
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...
Read the full post here