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.

Importance of Your Last Name

In West Africa, last names have cultural, historical, and familial significance, similar to last names in the United States and other parts of the world.

Knowing your last name is fundamental to understanding who you are, where you come from, and the cultural and historical context that shapes your identity. It contributes to a sense of individuality, connection, and continuity within the larger human experience.

Last Name

Common last names from West African countries and a brief description of their meanings.


Keita

The name Keita is associated with the Mandinka people, who were a prominent ethnic group within the Mali Empire. The founder of the Mali Empire, Sundiata Keita, belonged to this ethnic group. The name Keita is derived from the Mandinka word keitafa, which means heritage or inheritor.


Diop 

Diop is a common surname among the Wolof and other ethnic groups in Senegal and Mali. It is often associated with the concept of being an ancestor or descendant.


Touré

Touré is a widespread surname among the Soninke, Mandinka, and other ethnic groups. It signifies noble or aristocratic lineage and can also imply leadership and responsibility.


Diallo

Diallo is a surname found among the Fulani (Peul) and other ethnic groups. It is thought to mean bold or brave and can reflect the character traits of the individual or family.


N'Diaye 

N'Diaye is often associated with the concept of second-born or junior and is common among the Wolof and Mandinka people.


Kouyaté

Kouyaté is a surname associated with griots, who are traditional storytellers, historians, and musicians. It often indicates a family's hereditary role in preserving and transmitting oral history.


Ouattara

Ouattara is a surname commonly found among the Akan people, particularly in Ivory Coast. Its meaning varies, but it can refer to a powerful or respected lineage.


Kane

Kane is a widespread surname among the Fulani and other groups. Its meaning can include blacksmith or smith, reflecting traditional occupations.


Camara

Camara is a common surname among Malinke and other groups. Its origins can be traced back to the Arabic word for secretary or scribe.

Kane

Importance of knowing the meaning of your last name.

Like last names in the United States, West African last names carry familial and cultural significance, indicating ancestry, clan affiliation, occupation, and identity. Like in the U.S., last names in West Africa help establish a sense of belonging, heritage, and connection within communities.

Knowing your last name is like a missing puzzle that helps you understand who you are and where you belong. Learning your last name connects you to your roots, your family's past, and the traditions that have been passed down through generations. 

It's like discovering a piece of your own story within the larger tapestry of human history. Having a last name gives you a sense of identity, makes you feel more connected to others, and helps you carry forward your family's legacy. It's pretty amazing how something as simple as a name can hold so much meaning and significance.

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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