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.

Bad Sister African Folklore Story

Bad Sister African Folklore Story

Mushonga the Bad Sister is a popular South African Folklore story of brutal jealousy and an obsession that ends in the horrific murders of three innocent brothers.


Mushonga the Bad Sister is a popular South African Folklore story of brutal jealousy and obsession that ends in the horrific murders of three innocent brothers.
Bad Sister

 Bad Sister African Folklore of Poor Jealous Mushonga.

Mushonga was the only daughter of Lightning and Rain . One day, Lightning’s three sons from another marriage came to visit their baby sister for the first time in 15 years. Mushonga did not know her three brothers though the township people said, "Do not you see they are your brothers?" Mushonga was jealous she was no longer her father’s center of attention and decided to kill her three brothers that very night.

The three brothers had, however, a Guinea fowl who watched over them their entire journey to their father’s house. Mushonga begged her boyfriend and his four brothers to help her in her murderous plans and they agreed. However, when the men crept near, in order to kill Mushonga’s brothers, the Guinea fowl made loud screeching noises warning of danger.

The murderous men attempted to sneak up on the three brothers a second time but were once again scared off by the Guinea fowl’s loud noises. They gave up their plans but Mushonga would not since she was determined to be the center of her father’s world.

Mushonga then stole again upon them. The Guinea fowl made a noise, but broke the rope by which it had been fastened, and ran into the desert . She then killed her brothers. When the Guinea fowl came near home it wept aloud, "Mushonga has killed her brothers! Alas! She has killed her brothers!"

Rain heard the Guinea fowl crying , and said to her husband—

"Do not you hear what the bird weeps for?

Lightning turned to his wife with tears in his eyes and said, "Come wife and turn yourself into a mighty thunderstorm, and I will become fire." They transformed themselves and when they came near the house where their sons had been killed, they combined and became a thunderstorm of fire and rain, and destroyed Mushonga boyfriend’s house and all his brothers killing everyone inside.

But because of her murderous jealousy, the worst punishment was saved for Mushonga who was cursed with the spell of living forever and was banished from the village forever tormented to wander the desert alone and loveless.

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

African Spirit Tree Test

Image
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 ...
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