Learn Kiswahili by meeting native Swahili speakers and starting a conversation.

Swahili is a community of people and Kiswahili is the language spoken. Standard Swahili is based on the kiUnguja dialect.

There are many dialects of Kiswahili as well as several patois versions. The three most common Kiswahili dialects are kiUnguja spoken on Zanzibar and in the mainland areas of Tanzania, kiMvita spoke in Mombasa and other areas of Kenya and Kiamu spoke on the island of Lamu and adjoining parts of the coast.

The earliest known composition is written in Kiswahili, a poem entitled Kumsifu Yanga Ode to the Arab woman dates back to the 16th century 2 and is linguistically related to the northern dialect of Kiswahili such as kiamu. Kiamu is also the main Swahili dialect used by the poet Mwengo to compose the Muslim epic Utendi wa Tambuka, which he completed in 1728 on behalf of the king of Pate Island.

Kiswahili is one of the top ten languages spoken in Africa. Swahili is spoken in the African countries of Burundi, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania (Zanzibar), and Uganda with many speakers as either a first or second language.

Kiswahili is a lingua franca of Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Mozambique, and The Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Easily Learn Kiswahili Alphabet Pronunciations

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Kiswahili Letter	Sounds Like
A	Ah
B	Ba
CH	Cha
D	Da
E	Eh
F	Fa
G	Gah
H	Ha
I	E
J	Ja
K	Ka
L	La
M	Ma
N	Nah
O	O
P	Pa
R	Ra
S	Sa
T	Ta
U	OO
W	Wah
Y	Yah
Z	Zah

Swahili is the culture of many groups uniquely blended together. Swahili was given its name by the Arabs in the 16th century meaning people of the coast in Arabic. The word for the Swahili language is Kiswahili. The name comes from the plural sawahili of the Arabic word sahil, which means boundaries or coast. With ki- at the beginning of the word, Kiswahili means coastal language. Many Kiswahili Swahili words derive from the Arabic language.

Swahili - Nyani humcheka makalio ya nyani mwenzake

English - A baboon laughs at the buttocks of another baboon

Meaning - Everyone has a weakness

Check out the App AfroTounges from the app store.

AfroTongues is the world’s first crowd-sourced language app dedicated exclusively to African based languages. This includes languages and dialects across the African diaspora. Contributors are wanted, please sign up if you’re interested in sharing your afrotongue.

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

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5. What Is the Wettest Country in Africa
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Construction on the Accra Mall in West Africa took two years and 700 people working nonstop, the Accra mall is located within an earthquake zone.

With open skylights, plastered ceilings and tiled floors the Accra Mall is the first and only Grade-A shopping mall and one of the largest modern malls in West Africa. Aurecon engineering and infrastructure advisory company was engaged to undertake both the civil and structural engineering and road design for the Accra Mall.

Walk Around the Accra Mall in Ghana Africa.

Open Monday thru Saturday from 10am - 9pm, Sunday and Public Holidays from 12pm - 6pm the Accra Mall is a retail and shopping center in Accra, Ghana, located on the Tetteh Quarshie Interchange. In 2003, the Government of Ghana initiated the expansion of the then Akuafo Circle.

The circle was the largest roundabout in Ghana. The contract for the project was won by Messrs. The interchange was commissioned for vehicular use on February 27, 2005, by the former president of Ghana, John Agyekum Kufuor. The interchange was the second to have been built in Ghana, after the Ako Adjei Interchange. The various roads the feed to the interchange bring vehicular traffic from all over Accra.

Accra Mall two largest stores; GAME and Shoprite.

The Accra Mall was commissioned on July 4, 2008. It is one of the most modern shopping malls in West Africa and the first large-scale shopping center in Ghana. The mall is an enclosed, fully air-conditioned with around 218,000 square feet or 19,700 square meters of retail shopping space. The Accra Mall has 65 shops and 9 restaurants. Two South African retail giants dominate the Accra Mall, Game Stores that occupies around 52,000 square feet or 5,000 square meters of space and Shoprite, which occupies 38,000 square feet or 3,500 square meters of the retail space.

Massmart operates more than 400 stores in South Africa and 12 other sub-Saharan countries. Walmart acquired a majority stake in Massmart Holdings Ltd. in 2011 and Game Stores, as well as Shoprite, are part of the Massmart Holdings group. Game Stores and Shoprite stores are big-box stores selling everything you would see in your typical Target or Wal-Mart.

With shocking pink as its brand color, the first GAME store opened in Durban, South Africa, in 1970. Game Stores are big-box stores selling appliances, electronics, toys, games, clothing, beauty products, kitchen wares, garden plants and furniture and much more. Game Stores are Africa’s largest discount retailer.

Shoprite Group is the 94th largest retailer in the world started in 1979 as an affordable retail chain. The Shoprite grocery store chain started in 1979 with the purchase of a chain of eight South African Cape town based supermarkets. In 1983, Shoprite opened its first branch outside the Western Cape in Hartswater in the Northern Cape, South Africa. Shoprite officially opened its first store in 2003 in Accra Ghana.

List of Accra Africa Mall stores.

Department Stores.
GAME Store. 
Shoprite. 

Food.
Barcelos. 
Basilissa and Nominom. 
Burger King. 
Enda Foods. 
Kentucky Fried Chicken KFC. 
Le Must Family Restaurant. 
Pizza Inn. Creamy Inn. 
Chicken Inn. 
Rose Joy. 
Say Cheers. 
Second Cup. 

Home Goods and Gifts.
Ashfoam. 
Monos. 
Maydan Home Décor.  

Fashion and Jewelry. 
AHA. 
Aurum. 
Bata Shoes. 
Grosvenor. 
Jet Kiki Clothing. 
Liberty Shoes. 
M.V Accessories. 
Moty. 
Mr. Price. 
Nallem Clothing. 
Pandora. 
Payless. 
Swatch. 
T.M Lewin.
Tous. 
Vlisco. 
Whiteleys. 
Woodin. 
ZigZag. 

Services.
Airtel. 
MTN. 
Spendstre Foto Store. 
Satguru Travels and Tours. 
Tigo.
Vodafone. 
Yasore Forex Bureau.  

Health and Beauty.
B-Fancy. 
Body Basics. 
Couture.
Eye Emporium .
Exotic Trendz. 
Hair Depot. 
Life Health Care. 
MAC Cosmetics. 
Paris II.
Scentopia. 

Electronics.
Electronics Hub. 
Galaxy Studio. 
Huawei. 
iShop. 
Panasonic. 
Samsung. 
Sony Centre. 
Starlite. 
Telefonika.  

Entertainment.
Silverbird Cinemas.
Vulkano Games.
Y FM.

In the yam belt of West Africa, Nigeria alone produces 71 percent of the yams and there are over 600 varieties of yams and 95 percent of these crops are grown in Africa. 

Yams are a staple tuber vegetable of West African countries with 177 calories in one cup of yams. 

A classic dish of vegan sautéed yams from the yam belt of Africa lightly boils yam chunks before cooking in olive oil, garlic, and spices. Sautéed yams are a delightful alternative to potatoes and so much trendier.

Prep time: 10 min 

Cook time: 10 min 

Total time: 20 min 

Perfect Vegan Sautéed Yams are the best West African Food recipe 

Yam Belt Vegan Sautéed Yams.

Ingredients 

1 large yam 

2 garlic cloves, minced 

2 whole bay leaves 

1 small bunch parsley, chopped 

2 tablespoons olive oil 

Sea salt to taste 

Directions 

Cut yams into chunks. Bring a large pan of water to the boil, and then cook the yams for three mins. Drain then place yams onto a paper-lined tray to cool. 

When ready to serve, heat olive oil, garlic, and bay leaves in a large non-stick frying pan until you can feel a strong heat rising. 

Add the yams in a single layer. Turn the heat to medium-high, so that the yams sizzle, but do not stir until they start to brown underneath. 

Turn yams evenly two or three times until nicely browned all over. Sprinkle with sea salt, chopped parsley and serve your new favorite vegan side dish to friends and family.

More economical easy breakfast, lunch and dinner recipes to make right now so you never have to eat or prepare a boring meal again.

1. Curried Tanzanian Coconut Okra Recipe
2. Frikkadelle an Afrikaner dish of meatballs
3. Senegalese Chicken Vermicelli
4. Chadian Steamed Honey Cassava Buns
5. Cameroon Smoked Bonga Fish Stew

African Water Spirit Mami Wata

African deity Mami Wata is a beautiful, caring, seductive, and treacherous water spirit.

Mami Wata, Maame Wata, or Mammy Water.

The African deity called Mami Wata, Maame Wata, or Mammy Water in some parts of Western and Eastern Africa is a very popular deity. Among the Swahili speaking groups, she is called Mamba Munti. Mami Wata is a deity that has existed in Africa for as long as African history and culture can recollect.

The half-fish half-human female water spirit is greatly respected, feared and worshipped presenting a balance between dark, divine, mysterious and angelic existence. Often appearing with the head and torso of a woman and the tail of a fish, Mami Wata straddles earth and water, culture and nature. Colors of Mami Wata are red symbolizing blood and white symbolizing spirituality and beauty; her colors represent Mami Wata’s dual personality.

She may also take the form of a snake charmer, sometimes in combination with her mermaid attributes and sometimes separate from them. She can exist in the form of indigenous African water spirits known as mami watas and papi watas. Mesopotamian myths state that the first great water goddess in the story of the Creation-Flood was known as Mami Aruru.

For women, she is a giver of fertility and protector of women and children. Mami Wata has a soft spot for women who have suffered abuse. The deity is also a provider of wealth and riches to her loyal worshippers and admirers and blesses children with beauty. She is said to have capsized many slave ships that do not make it to their western destinations especially during the abolition of the slave trade.

The deity is believed to be a woman with a half-human and half-fish appearance with the ability to transform wholly into any form of her choice. The deity could also take up the form of half-human half-snake. Mermaids are believed to be an adaptation of the ancient half-human and half-fish African deity Mami Wata.

The role of the strikingly beautiful goddess is to provide spiritual and material healing to her worshippers, while also protecting their emotional and mental health and growth. She is the protector of the water bodies. Mami Wata is the bigger goddess with smaller followers some of which were also men and had the same appearance as their goddess.

What is a deity?

A deity is a divine being that is revered by its followers. Deities are not gods but mean divine nature, not all encompassing of every aspect of life. A deity has control over pacific aspects of life such as water, air, fire, and earth. Most African deities represent a natural force and gleam their power from the one God who gave them supernatural internal forces.

The confusion with using the word deity when it comes to African religion is the same confusion that the Western world has with Africa. The belief that Africans believe in more than one God is false. African religion believes in one Almighty encompassing God who is the ruler of all. The deities are not godlike figures because they can never be God because God created them.

By tradition, God is omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient, omni-benevolent, and the supreme eternal creator. Deities are spirits that are closer to humans who listens to the day-to-day problems that we would not trouble God with, such as a fight with a husband or wife or money problems. Deities deal with the small and petty problems humankind.

Similar Mami Wata, Poseidon, a well-known Greek deity, was the ruler of the sea and waters, and storms. Since Poseidon had many descriptions depending on who was praying to him and what was being prayed for, he was the Savior of Sailors and The Leader of Water Spirits. Also in Greek mythology, Soteria was the deity of safety and salvation, deliverance, and preservation from harm.

Yemoja is a major water deity from the Yoruba religion and is an Orisha. Orisha’s rule over forces of nature and the endeavors of humanity answering only to the one God, Olodumare. Yemoja is maternal and resilient. She is the protector of women and like Mami Wata, she governs everything connected to women. 

She is able to cure infertility in women, and cowrie shells represent her wealth. When Yemoja waters broke when she had her first baby, it caused a great flood creating rivers and streams and the first mortal humans were created from her womb.

What is Animism?

The belief of animism is probably one of man's oldest beliefs in objects are alive and have feelings and objectives; Animism is from the Latin word anima, meaning breath, spirit, and life. An animist is a believer in that objects, places and creatures all possess a distinct unseen spiritual essence.

Animism is the belief that practically every object in the universe surrounding man has a soul and a personality such as he himself possesses. It is not astonishing that the early inhabitants of the earth spent their lives with supernatural attributes of a spiritual essence such as trees that in the gloom and chill of winter stood gaunt, bare, and sterile, but in the early spring hastened to greet the welcome warm life-giving sun.

Besides the belief in a human soul, the African animistic mind sees in every natural object a living entity. Thus, trees, rivers, winds, and animals all possess the gift of life. Humans from the most remote periods of history in Africa from which there no written records most likely experienced the natural unbroken existence between the human and spiritual world.

Animist original humans in Africa, watching the marvelous changes in nature through trees and plants, which accurately marked not only the seasons of the year and even the periods of time in a day, could not fail to be awestruck with a feeling of wonder at the mysterious invisible power which silently guided such wondrous and perplexing processes.

Throughout Africa, respect is given to distinct spiritual essences and the mysteries of the vast unseen world. Individual spiritual essences are shadowing the universe; mystically typifying creation and regeneration, and holding the key to the divine knowledge and wisdom to those who partook of it.

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

1. What do Waist Beads Symbolize in Africa?
2. About African Healers and Witchdoctors
3. Hurricanes are Angry African Ancestors
4. About African Night Running

Continue your descent through Africa’s haunted memories.
Explore more tales where the land remembers and the ancestors never forget at the Gothic African Folklore Collection .

Some people never look forward to Monday mornings. 

Instead of looking forward to the beginning of a new week with a renewed chance to change the world Monday mornings are dreaded. Unplugging from negative forces and being fully present is important to the honor of ancestors. 

Jumping out of bed and hitting the ground running each Monday morning may never be realistic but should also be the goal. Planning to do at least one happy thing each Monday morning you will look forward to Monday morning and honor the lessons of your ancestors.

African Proverbs your ancestors want you to know on Monday mornings.

Pay attention to the 32 proverbs and quotes from African ancestors on Monday morning.

What the colt learns in youth he continues in old age.


What is learned in the cradle lasts till the grave.


What is enough was never little.


Too late the bird cries out when it is caught.


To wash a donkeys tail is loss of time and soap.


There is no such thing as an insignificant enemy.


The wise chief does not eat from two sides.


The one-eyed are kings in the land of the blind.


The head that touches the ground a birth, will not fail to touch the ground at death.


One cannot see oneself, a stone cannot push itself.


The neck does not recognize that the head is heavy.


The good-looking fruit could be rotten inside.


One should either become a pillar or lean against one.


One hand alone cannot wash the body.


A man with a cough cannot conceal himself.


One half of the world laughs at the other.


On a fool’s beard, the barber learns to shave.


Nothing falls into the mouth of a sleeping lion.


No hyena deserves to be entertained twice.


Men’s ideas helped to locate the snake.


If generously shared, a flea can be bitten twice.


He who smiles too much with you will frown too much with you at your back.


He who rides on the giant’s shoulders sees further than he who carries him.


He does a good day’s work that rids himself of a fool.


Denial cannot hide cigarette smoke.


Ashes are result of fire.


Ashes always fly back in the face of him who throws them.


An honest enemy is better than a best friend who lies.


After mischance everyone is wise.


A good lawyer is a bad neighbor.


A friend's eye is a good mirror.


A friend is known in the time of need.


A fine cage won’t feed the bird.


A climbing plant with tendrils cannot grow on its own without the support of a tree.

Links to African history and facts

Mighty Little Hedgehog Short African Story

In Africa, in the earliest times before there were pictures or written words there was the African folktale. For centuries, stories were passed down by word of mouth from one generation to the next. As Africans traveled across the African continent, they took their stories with them.

Every community had a storyteller who sat around the fire at night spinning yarns of magical tales and legends. African folktales reached into the heart of the people and grew into the lifeblood of the African community.

African folklore storytelling has long been accepted as a form of teaching to be defined as a series of events told in such a way that it moves the emotions and the intellect. African folklore storytelling is a spiritual legacy passed down from one generation to another. It is as old as Africa herself with a deep appreciation for antiquity expressed in artistic form.

Folklore storytelling is the most ancient art form of the African Community. Just as someone expresses their ideas and the form of music, painting, dance and sculpture folklore takes the ideas of an ancient story and creates with words a picture that enchants the listener with a rich auditory environment.

Many African people are born storytellers and spend many long hours practicing their art. Not everyone can acquire the art of folklore storytelling imagery, but for the beginner one should think of folklore storytelling as a heritage passed on from traditional storytellers and dig deep within the ancient storyteller that lies within us all.

Time and effort must be given to becoming an African folklore storyteller, just as any artist must give time and effort to developing their skill. African folklore storytelling can turn a shy awkward self-conscious boy or girl into storytellers who captivates and win’s the heart of their listeners. African folklore storytelling can help those afraid of public speaking by relating the value of the story and discover the roots within themselves on how to tell a story like a skilled crafts-person.

Great storytelling of the short story began in Africa with the African folktale also known as African folklore. Here are three famous short African stories to begin reading or save when you have time to sit down and truly enjoy the depth and complexity of African folklore.

Small things are good. In this African short story, the big animals of the forest had to admit the little things are the biggest things and definitely the best things.

Mighty Little Hedgehog Short African Story

A long time ago the sun did not shine, so it was always night. In the forest, there stood a tree taller than any other did and so it was that so long as this tree stood there could be no day.

Therefore, all the animals of the forest conspired to pull it down.

The elephant, confident in his strength, first tried; but tried in vain.

After him, the lion, leopard and many other animals worked hard, but all to no purpose; none could pull it down or root it up.

At last, when all the others had despaired of trying to cut down the tree, a little hedgehog came forward and told them that she was stronger than they all were, and would soon prove it by felling the tree.

So off she ran, but soon returned with a small but sharp hatchet, with which she cut away till the tree fell, and as it fell the sun rose for the first time.

African hedgehog facts

The four-toed African hedgehogs are meat eaters found in Central Africa, East Africa, and West Africa Grassland, hedgerows, woodland, and meadows. Most hedgehogs have between 5000 and 7000 quills that are everywhere except on their face, legs, and tummies. By curling into a tight ball and tucking in their heads, tail, and legs, they protect vulnerable parts of their body. They also depend on their sense of hearing and smell because they have very poor eyesight.

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African folklore is as old as Africa herself with a deep appreciation for antiquity expressed in artistic form.

More short folklore stories from Africa to make you fall in love with myths and legends again from the motherland.

1. Why the bunny rabbit has wiggly slits for a nose
2. Love Takes No Less Than Everything Marriage Folklore
3. Hunters Attack Cowards Tell the Story
4. One Do Wrong All Get Punished
5. Blackman and White Snake Folklore Story

Ndebele Neck Rings (Idzila): Meaning, How They’re Worn and Removed

For centuries, Ndebele women of southern Africa have worn idzila neck rings as powerful emblems of social status, loyalty, and ritual significance. These copper or brass coils are stacked gradually over years — sometimes weighing many pounds. But how exactly are idzila added over time, and what happens to the body when they’re later removed? This article explores the cultural roots of neck rings, their method of wear, and the anatomy and health realities behind this striking tradition.

For deeper cultural context, explore:

• African cultural history
• African folktales and oral traditions
• Traditional African proverbs

A Ndebele woman wearing traditional idzila neck rings.

What Are Idzila Neck Rings?

Idzila (sometimes spelled idzilo) are heavy metal rings worn mainly by married Ndebele women in South Africa and Zimbabwe. Traditionally made of copper or brass, the rings were a public sign of marital commitment and economic status. The more rings a woman wore, the higher her family’s prestige and the greater her husband’s ability to provide.

Cultural & Ritual Meaning

Neck rings symbolized loyalty to a husband, respect for ancestors, and the strength of the family unit. Many African adornments carry deep cultural meaning — from waist beads to arm cuffs — as ways of expressing identity, fertility, or spirituality. For example, see African waist bead symbolism for a related tradition of jewelry that encodes power and personal history.

How the Rings Are Added Over Time

Girls might receive their first coil around the age of five. Over the years, more coils are added until dozens encircle the neck. Contrary to popular belief, the neck itself does not stretch. Instead, the weight of the rings pushes the collarbones and ribs downward, creating the appearance of a longer neck.

Did you know? Neck elongation is a myth — the shoulders lower as the collarbone and upper ribs shift, while the cervical spine stays the same length.

Removing Neck Rings

Rings are usually removed one at a time, but if taken off suddenly after many years, the neck muscles may feel weak due to long disuse. However, the neck does not collapse — with gradual strengthening, most women regain normal posture and movement.

Health Considerations

• Long-term wear can cause muscle weakness and limited range of motion.
• Skin irritation and pressure marks may appear under heavy coils.
• Medical experts note no true vertebrae lengthening occurs.

The Practice Today

Modern Ndebele women often choose lighter or symbolic neck pieces rather than full coils. Some wear them only for cultural events or tourism, while others see them as an outdated symbol tied to older gender roles. This shift echoes broader changes in African traditions — see traditional healing and symbolism in African cultures to explore similar cultural evolutions.

Key Takeaway

Ndebele neck rings remain an iconic African cultural practice blending beauty, identity, and social meaning. Understanding their history counters myths about “neck elongation” and honors the women who have worn them as living symbols of heritage.

Explore More African Adornment Traditions

• Symbolism of African Waist Beads
• Traditional Healing and Symbolism in Africa
• African Body Art and Identity

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Ndebele neck rings really elongate the neck?

No. The rings push down the collarbones and upper ribs, giving the appearance of a longer neck while the cervical spine itself remains the same length.

Why do Ndebele women wear neck rings?

Traditionally, idzila neck rings signified marital loyalty, family wealth, and respect for cultural heritage. They were a visible sign of a husband’s status and a woman’s commitment.

Is it safe to remove neck rings after many years?

Yes, if done gradually. Sudden removal can cause neck weakness due to unused muscles, but with careful support and strengthening most women regain normal movement.

Read Three Short African Folklore Stories

Three African folklore short stories you can read online. Take Care of Problems When They Are Small, No One Can Live On Beauty Alone and The Man Who Wanted To Fool Death are three short African stories to read today.

Take Care of Problems When They Are Small African Folklore Story

Two men in a certain town were building new shanties for themselves. One day one of them noticed a young Jackalberry tree nearby and he said to the other "Let us cut the tree down while it is still small. It may cause us serious damage later on if we allow it to grow."

"No!" said the other. "Why bother about it? It won't hurt us any."

And the tree was allowed to grow.

Sometime after a dreadful storm passed over the land, laying low many giant trees of the forest including the Jackalberry tree which, by this time, had grown to considerable size.

With a boom, the tree fell down on the shanty of the man who had said: "Let it grow, it won't hurt us any" and the man was killed because he did not take care of the issue early before it becomes a bigger problem.

No One Can Live On Beauty Alone African Folklore Story

As the elders say, a young woman was known and admired for her beauty.

One day the thought took possession of her that she would only have to show herself in public, and the people would bring her all that she needed for a living just because she is beautiful.

So, when she saw the women go to market, carrying loads of fruits and vegetables, she put on her prettiest clothes, adorned herself with costly beads and bracelets, and followed the women to market.

When she arrived at the market, the women were all busy bartering their produce for dried fish, salt, earthenware, and other commodities. However, she herself stood by, empty-handed, and had nothing with her to barter; neither did anyone pay any attention to her.

She stood and waited for a long time, but not even the tiniest little fish was offered her.

Empty handed and proud she had come, and empty-handed and shamed she went home. She had learned that no one could live on beauty alone.

The Man Who Wanted To Fool Death African Folklore Story

There lived a man named Kwaku who thought if he could only know the day of his death, he would be able to prevent the approach of his last enemy and trick him. 

One day he took sick, and fearing that he would die, he called his wife and told her to hurry and send for the village healer. 

When the healer came, Kwaku asked him "How long have I to live?" "After you dream about a woman with arms like a tree walking through the desert you must die!" the healer answered. 

Acting on this information Kwaku told his sons to get to work at once and dig a big hole about the size of a living room. 

When this was done, he told them to fill this ditch with all kinds of provisions, such as yams, plantains, and maize; also with water and firewood in sufficient quantities. When all preparations were completed, Kwaku himself went into the ditch. 

Before he had his sons fill up and cover the hole, he made them promise not to speak to anyone of his whereabouts and do not forget to call for him after two months has passed. 

The sons promised and then filled up the hole. Two months later when they returned to call for their father, nothing but his skeleton was found. 

This foolish man wanted to fool death, but death fooled him. No man can escape death.

Links to more African Folklore

African folklore teaches lessons with ancient words of wisdom.

Baboon Shepherd African Folklore

The Bird That Made Milk African Folklore

Why Some Souls Are White and Others Black African Folklore

Legend of Deepest Darkest Africa African Folklore

Rabbit Angered Moon African Folklore

Nkasa Tree Test for Witches Truish African Folklore

The DRC is a country located in central Africa where Ebola is still devastating Africa’s second largest country.

In The Democratic Republic of the Congo, the death rate from Ebola is 66% with 3,210 cases, 2,144 deaths, and 1,027 survivors.

How this outbreak of Ebola compares to other Ebola outbreaks. DRC outbreak is the second biggest outbreak of the Ebola Virus since the tracking of the disease in 1976, sadly Ebola is still killing African people in 2019.

The Ebola virus outbreak is heaviest in nine areas including Katwa and Vuhovi DRC. This Ebola outbreak is primarily affecting the northeastern provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo bordering Uganda, Rwanda, and South Sudan. During February 13 to April 4, 2019, a major increase in new confirmed and probable Ebola cases have been reported with a high risk of further spread.

DRC outbreak is the second biggest outbreak of the Ebola Virus since the tracking of the disease in 1976. As of April 4, 2019, there were 1,100 Ebola cases reported, of which 58% were female and 29% were children aged less than 18 years. Overall, 695 deaths and a case fatality ratio of 63% with 304 patients discharged from Ebola Treatment Centers. The number of healthcare workers affected has risen to 81 or 7% of total cases, including 27 deaths.

February 2019 saw many attacks on Ebola treatment centers as well as the murder of one nurse. There were burned out buildings and vehicles, including an ambulance. The epicenter of the outbreak has been in the towns of Butembo and Katwa where an armed groups don't believe Ebola in their region exists sparking numerous conspiracy theories. As a result, many people have become wary of the doctors and nurses who treat Ebola victims and many blame them for spreading the disease.

On February 19, a group of men armed with bows and arrows murdered a nurse working in an Ebola center in Vuhovi, DRC. Five days later during an attack on February 24, armed men burned an Ebola clinic in the hard hit town of Katwa.
More about Ebola in Africa ➙Ebola Workers in Africa Strike Over Not Being Paid

Three Ebola facts
Ebola virus outbreaks have occurred in Africa for decades. One reason the Ebola virus is deadly is due to the virus’s ability to interfere with the immune system. There is no approved vaccine or treatment for Ebola.

There is currently no licensed vaccine to protect people from the Ebola virus. However, the yet to be licensed Recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus–Zaire Ebola virus rVSV-ZEBOV Ebola vaccine has been approved for compassionate use in outbreaks. The vaccine delivers the Ebola virus gene inserts but does not replicate further. The gene inserts express an Ebola virus protein designed to prompt the human body to make an immune response. The investigational vaccine contains no infectious Ebola virus material.

In 2015, as a response to the devastating Ebola outbreak Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone where over 11,000 people died a ring vaccination trial took place in Guinea, it was found the vaccine was highly effective against Ebola. Guinean authorities gave their approval to loan more than 30 of the country’s health experts to the Democratic Republic of the Congo for the ring vaccination. I am here to help my brothers and friends in the Democratic Republic of Congo to fight against Ebola," said Dr Alhassane. "Ring vaccination can help stop the spread of the Ebola virus. 

Ring vaccination is a new and vital tool in the control of Ebola. The ring vaccination is led by the National Institute of Biomedical Research and the Ministry of Health of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which is working with a wide range of partners, including WHO, Médecins sans Frontières Doctors Without Borders and UNICEF.

Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, contributed funds towards the operational costs, and through an agreement with Merck, the vaccine developer, helped ensure that 300,000 investigational doses of the vaccine are available in case of an outbreak. The vaccination is being provided to the contacts of confirmed cases and the contacts of contacts, as well as healthcare workers, front line responders and other people with potential exposure to Ebola.

Ebola symptoms vary but the sudden onset of fever, intense weakness; muscle pain, headache, and sore throat are commonly experienced at the beginning of the disease, the dry phase. As the disease progresses, people commonly develop vomiting and diarrhea, the wet phase, rash, impaired kidney and liver function, and in some cases, both internal and external bleeding. More about Ebola in Africa ➙History of Ebola Virus Outbreaks in Africa

Prepare the mind for elevation with 45 African wise sayings and proverbs.

The tongue breaks bones though it has none. There is throughout Africa a large collection of wise sayings and proverbs. African proverbs embrace the wide range of human strokes of genius. They enchant with irony, humor, mischievousness, the grace of imagery, and the tenderness of emotion. 

Forty-Five random African wise sayings and proverbs

He who enters the home of a prostitute enters not to say his prayers.


By going and coming a bird builds its nest.


By blackening another, you do not whiten yourself.


Poverty makes a man a slave.


He that forgives gains the victory.


The moon does not grow full in a day.


The pearl lies at the bottom of the sea, while the corpse floats on the surface.


The way through the challenge and to get unstuck is to be still, run your favorite African proverb repeatedly in your mind and then ask yourself what is the next right move. 


Do the next right move and then from that make the next might move and the next right move. 


Use African proverbs and not to be overwhelmed by life because you know your life is bigger than that one moment.


A good name makes one sleep well.


The thief catches himself.


Misery in the house where the hen crows and the cock keeps silent.


Famine dwells in the house of the quarrelsome.


Who has patience has all things.


Stolen goods do not make one grow.


Before healing others, heal yourself.


A lent knife does not come back alone.


While two women in the same house will agree together like two cats over a mouse or two dogs over a bone.


He dreads a worm who has been bitten by a serpent.


Know you are not defined by what somebody says is a failure for you because failure is just there to point you in a different direction. 


Through African proverbs, I've learned to appreciate living in the moment and keep a grateful heart. 


Learn what you are grateful for and what it will begin to do is to change your perspective of your day and your life.


Focus on what you have you will always see that the cosmos is plentiful and you will have more if you are grateful and focus your life on what you do have.


If the camel once gets his nose in a tent, his body will soon follow.


He is a fool whose sheep run away twice


A man without enemies is like a river without stones.


Poverty destroys a man's reputation.


The law turns on golden wheels.


A man must cut out his own garments of reputation.


The cure for anger is silence.


A high name is better than a high house.


Anger benefits no one.


When a fish is killed its tail is inserted in its own mouth.



Poverty has no kin.


Hate has no medicine.


A poor man's pipe does not sound.


It is better to die of want than to beg.


Heaven is at the feet of the poor man.


Two crocodiles do not live in one hole.


A crab does not bring forth a bird.


The tracks of the antelope are lost in that of the elephant.


It is not known what calf the cow will have.


Bad as it is to be a thief, it is worse to be known as one.




Little by little a little becomes a lot.


You cannot stop the sun by standing before it.


A razor cannot shave itself.


The path is made by walking.


He who burnt himself with soup blows on milk.

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Millet and Sorghum in Africa: Ancient Grains with Modern Power

Millet isn’t just one grain—it’s a name for a family of small, round grains that range in color from white and yellow to red and brown. These drought-resistant grains have nourished African communities for thousands of years.

Millet — a resilient grain family feeding Africa for millennia

How Millet Is Used

Millet can be cooked whole like rice, cracked for porridge, or ground into flour for breads, flatbreads, and snacks. It also powers traditional fermented foods and drinks, including non-alcoholic beverages and home-brewed beers.

Pearl Millet: Africa’s Ancient Staple

Pearl millet originated in central tropical Africa and has been cultivated for over 5,000 years, especially along the southern Sahara. Today, it thrives across the semiarid tropics of Africa and Asia.

Sorghum: Africa’s Other Power Grain

Sorghum is the world’s fifth most important cereal. Likely carried from East Africa to India over 3,000 years ago, it remains vital in regions where other cereals struggle to grow. Sorghum provides nearly three-quarters of the total calorie intake in parts of Africa, especially near the southern edge of the Sahara, including Ethiopia and Somalia.

Sorghum also fuels beer traditions. Home-brewed sorghum beer remains popular and has inspired commercial breweries in countries such as Zambia and Malawi. In Nigeria, an 1980s barley import ban boosted sorghum beer production and created a thriving market.

Where Millet Grows

Approximately one-third of the world’s millet is produced in Africa and Asia; West Africa alone accounts for nearly 70%. Major African producers include Nigeria, Niger, Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Senegal, Sudan, and Uganda. Globally, China, Ethiopia, India, Niger, and Nigeria are the leading producers.

Minor Millets Worth Knowing

Beyond pearl millet and sorghum are lesser-known grains: finger millet, foxtail millet, kodo millet, little millet, common millet, and sawa millet. Although minor in global output, they are staple foods in the regions where they are grown.

Local Names for Millet

Across Africa, millet is known by many names: mwere (Kenya), mahangu (Namibia), gero and emeye (Nigeria), babala and amabele (Southern Africa), duhun (Sudan), mawele and uwele (Tanzania), and mpyoli (Zambia).

Cooking with Sorghum

Uji — Kenyan sorghum and cornmeal porridge

Sorghum Cereal Porridge Recipe

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup sorghum
• 3 cups water
• 2 tablespoons butter

Combine the ingredients in a medium pot, stir, and simmer over low heat for 30 minutes. Serve warm with butter; add sugar to taste.

Why Millet and Sorghum Matter

Millet and sorghum remain vital for food security in Africa. They thrive where other cereals fail, fuel traditional recipes, and inspire new innovations, from gluten-free baking to craft brewing.

Explore more African food recipes using these ancient grains.

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The Nkasa Tree Test
for Witches

A Living Practice in Southern Malawi & Rural DRC

The tree does not kill the innocent.
The tree only reveals what already lives inside.

The Nkasa tree is never cut for firewood or medicine.
Only for judgment.

In 2019 — and still today — in villages of Southern Malawi and rural Democratic Republic of Congo, when someone is accused of witchcraft, they are forced to drink powdered bark of the Nkasa tree.

If they vomit — they live. They are carried back to the village in celebration. Songs of innocence rise like smoke.

If they die — they were guilty. The body is burned. The ashes scattered so no spirit can return.

The villagers say the bark itself is not poison. It is the spirit in the tree that judges. The Nganga addresses the tree as Mwanda — “Great One” — before cutting. Honour must be given. The tree must be willing.

The accused stands with hands spread — forbidden to touch anything. The Nganga pours the powder into water. A curse is spoken: “If you are a witch, let this drink be your end.”

The crowd watches. Some pray for innocence. Some pray for proof.

This is not ancient history. This is Africa, now.

Continue your descent through the Gothic African Folklore realm —
Return to the Root-Mother’s Realm →

Documented by Ivy, The African Gourmet
© 2025 – Published under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0)

Africa’s five highest internal displacement countries are due to widespread disasters, conflict, and violence.

The poverty divide in Africa is worsened by conflict and forced displacement. These issues often arise due to political instability and armed conflicts within African countries. As a result, many people are forced to flee their homes to escape violence and persecution. This internal displacement can significantly impact poverty rates in the region.

Internal displacement in Africa leads to increased migration, both within the country and across borders. Some displaced individuals might try to migrate to other regions, including the United States, for better living conditions and economic prospects. This migration can, in turn, contribute to the rise in homelessness in the host country as new arrivals often face challenges in finding stable housing and employment.

Poverty refers to insufficient funds and resources to fulfill one's essential requirements, including food, clothing, and shelter.

According to the World Bank, although great strides have been made toward poverty reduction in Africa, the region hosts half of the world’s extremely poor. The latest estimates suggest that the share of the African population in extreme poverty declined from 57% in 1990 to 41% in 2013.

Over the next 10 years, only one in four of Africa’s youth is expected to find a salary job. This lack of opportunities threatens the realization of the money dividend. Forced displacement is a challenge in Africa that also increases the poverty divide.

A symptom of conflict, persecution, human rights abuses, natural disasters and failure of governance, the African region hosted 5.1 million refugees or internally displaced persons (IDP’s) at the end of 2016, 30% of global IDP’s.

IDP Stats

The Democratic Republic of the Congo 2017 estimates 4,480,000 IDP’s

South Sudan 2017 estimates 1,899,000 IDP’s

Nigeria 2017 estimates 1,707,000 IDP’s

Ethiopia 2017 estimates 1,078,000 IDP’s

Somalia 2017 estimates 825,000 IDP’s

While IDP’s are faced with aid dependency and life in encampment situations, the communities hosting them often belong to the poorest and most excluded in their respective country, living in secluded and underdeveloped borderlands. Turkana County in Kenya, for instance, which is home to the Kakuma refugee camp, has a poverty rate of 88% compared to the national average of 45%.

Despite forced displacement, Africa is undergoing rapid urbanization, with 40,000 new urban dwellers daily. Over 450 million new urban dwellers are expected between 2010 and 2040, with half of Africa’s population living in urban areas by that year.

The protracted conflict in many African regions has also created the poverty divide. Around 20 countries out of 54 in Africa are categorized as fragile or conflict-affected. The Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes Region have been in conflict for over 20 years.

In 2015, the World Bank estimated that there were 194,000 combatants in African armed groups. A 2016 study commissioned by the World Bank-administered Transitional Demobilization and Reintegration Program on armed movements in Mali found that youth comprised the majority of the ex-combatants, with the 18-40 age group representing 79%.

Environmental issues like climate change also contribute to internal displacement in Africa. For example, droughts, floods, and other extreme weather events can displace communities, causing them to seek refuge elsewhere within their own country. 

The interconnectedness of the global economy can also play a role. Economic policies, trade agreements, and investments in the United States and Africa can influence economic conditions, employment opportunities, and resource access. If economic disparities persist or worsen, it can exacerbate both homelessness in America and internal displacement in Africa.

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