BBC News Africa

In this episode Zeinab Badawi examines religion in Africa. First the enduring presence of Africa’s indigenous religions, to which millions of people on the continent still adhere. She travels to Zimbabwe to find out more about a remote community that follows traditional African religion. In Senegal she meets a Muslim man who, like so many others in the continent, blends Islamic beliefs with his ancestral ones and enjoys talking to trees! She also charts the impact of Judaism and early Christianity in Africa and how Africans in particular made significant contributions to Christian thinking and practice through influential figures such as St Augustine who lived in what is today Algeria. Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsafrica/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bbcafrica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcafrica/

In this episode Zeinab Badawi’s exploration of Africans’ rich history focuses on North Africa. She goes to Morocco to find out about the original inhabitants of the region in particular the Berbers or Amazigh as they prefer to be called. Zeinab visits Carthage in Tunisia and explains who the Carthaginians were and their place in Africa’s history. She also looks at the great Berber kings and how they managed to retain their influence when North Africa came under Roman rule. Zeinab visits some of the most extensive and least visited ancient sites in Algeria built under the Romans. Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsafrica/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bbcafrica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcafrica/

In this episode Zeinab Badawi focuses on the fall of the kingdom of Aksum and how the Christian kings who followed in the wake of its demise left powerful legacies especially that of King Lalibela who ruled in the 12/13th century. He is credited with building a complex of rock hewn churches which represent amazing feats of engineering at that time. Zeinab also charts the arrival of Islam in this part of Africa and how the Christian kings and Muslim emirs co-existed. And she visits Harar, the most holy of Ethiopia’s cities for Muslims, where she observes the bizarre long-standing tradition of the ‘hyena men’ of Harar who feed these wild animals by hand. Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsafrica/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bbcafrica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcafrica/

Zeinab Badawi travels to the rarely visited country of Eritrea and neighbouring Ethiopia to chart the rise of the kingdom of Aksum. Described as one of the four greatest civilisations of the ancient world Zeinab examines archaeological remains in both countries dating back many hundreds of years before our common era. She explains how the kings of Aksum grew rich and powerful from their control of Red Sea trade and how they were one of the first civilisations in the world that officially embraced Christianity in the fourth century. Also find out why the Queen of Sheba and the secret of the Ark of the Covenant are so fundamental to Ethiopia’s history. Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsafrica/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bbcafrica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcafrica/

In this episode Zeinab Badawi travels to the country of her birth and the very region of her forefathers and mothers: northern Sudan where she sheds light on this little-known aspect of ancient African history, the great Kingdom of Kush. Its kings ruled for many hundreds of years and indeed in the eighth century BC they conquered and governed Egypt for the best part of 100 years. Furthermore, Kush was an African superpower. Its influence extended to the modern day Middle East. Zeinab visits the best preserved of Sudan’s one thousand pyramids and shows how some of the ancient customs of Kush have endured to this day. Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsafrica/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bbcafrica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcafrica/

Zeinab Badawi’s quest to uncover the history of Africa takes her to Egypt where she explores the most famous civilisation on the continent that of the ancient Egyptians. Zeinab takes you beyond the usual coverage of the pharaohs, mummies and pyramids and examines the controversial question of who the ancient Egyptians actually were. What was their ethnicity? What made such a great civilisation possible and how did the ancient Egyptians order their society? And she is also allowed to capture on film the mummy and treasures of the famous boy king Tutankhamun. Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsafrica/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bbcafrica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcafrica/

Zeinab Badawi continues her journey through the history of human development travelling to meet the Maasai of east Africa - one of the best known of the continent’s ethnic groups. They help explain how human beings began to domesticate animals and become pastoralists. Then in Zimbabwe with one lively farming family, Zeinab examines how humans also began to settle and make a living from farming. And she also looks at how the Iron Age transformed life in Africa and paved the way for the development of rich urban civilisations. Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsafrica/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bbcafrica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcafrica/

In this first episode, Zeinab Badawi travels across the continent examining the origins of humankind; how and why we evolved in Africa - Africa is the greatest exporter of all time: every human being originated in Africa. During her journey Zeinab is granted rare access to the actual bones of one of the most iconic discoveries in the field of palaeontology, ‘Lucy' in Ethiopia, or as she is known in Amharic, ‘Dinkenesh’, which means ‘you are marvellous’. Zeinab also spends time in Tanzania with a tribe that is unique in the world because they live in the way our ancestors did, as hunters of big animals and gatherers. This community who have rarely been filmed provide a fascinating insight into how we have lived for most of our history. Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsafrica/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bbcafrica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcafrica/

A group of NHS doctors have taken up the popular #DontRush social media video challenge to bring a dose of positivity amid the global Covid-19 outbreak and highlight the issue of diversity. Most of the doctors are from African backgrounds and say they want to challenge the "underrepresentation of diversity in the NHS". The #Don't Rush trend challenges people to transform themselves for an imaginary glamorous night out - but within the confines of their own homes or offices. It comes as many people face strict social distancing rules due to the coronavirus pandemic. Video producer: Aaron Akinyemi. Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsafrica/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bbcafrica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcafrica/

More than 25 million people in parts of Nigeria are being placed on a two-week lockdown in a battle against the spread of coronavirus. But how are the country's sporting stars keeping up their fitness while staying at home? Nigeria international footballer, Desire Oparanozie, has developed an entire workout using just four pairs of shoes in a hallway. She shared some tips with BBC Sport Africa. Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsafrica/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bbcafrica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcafrica/

Gangsters, Golf and Greenbacks: Inside the collapse of a Kenyan construction giant An African construction giant mired in debt and on the verge of collapsing hires in two highly-paid British bosses to try and bring it back from the brink. Eighteen months later the business is bust, hundreds of African jobs have been lost and the UK directors fled, fearing for their safety. Now a cache of leaked company computer files obtained by #BBCAfricaEye raises serious questions about how the British bosses ran the firm. This is the story of how a company which boasted it was 'Building a Better Africa' ended up demolishing the dreams and dignity of ordinary Africans against a backdrop of seemingly highly questionable business practices. Both bosses deny all allegations. Click here to subscribe to our channel 👉🏽 http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica You may also be interested in these Africa Eye investigations: https://youtu.be/1wMdnCx6eUc https://youtu.be/UlTXRWMYpzQ https://youtu.be/TKHKjZ77RC0 https://youtu.be/papUXpLXf8I https://youtu.be/tI3AKMFgVKQ *** BBC Africa Eye brings you original, investigative journalism revealing secrets and rooting out injustice in the world’s most complex and exciting continent. Nothing stays hidden forever. You can check out all Africa Eye investigations here: https://bit.ly/bbcafricaeye Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsafrica/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bbcafrica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcafrica/ #documentary #investigativejournalism #africa #kenya

As the Covid-19 pandemic continues, an outbreak of false information is spreading online. Whether it's via WhatsApp messages or rogue Facebook posts, fake news always has a way of reaching people. Keeping track of what’s real and what’s fake isn’t always easy, so BBC Africa’s Joice Etutu has debunked some of the most widely shared myths so you don't have to. Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsafrica/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bbcafrica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcafrica/

Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje is a Nigerian-British actor and former fashion model known for his roles as Simon Adebisi in 2013 fantasy adventure film, 'Oz' and Nykwana Wombosi in 'The Bourne Identity', an action thriller movie series. The award-winning actor recently brought his new movie, ‘Farming', to cinemas in Nigeria where he hopes his directorial debut would form part of the 'healing' process for children who seek foster care and provide a platform for African movies to thrive. About Gist Nigeria: Gist Nigeria is a 30-minute current affairs programme, co-produced by the BBC and Channels Television for viewers in Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Liberia. The program offers in-depth reporting, focusing on stories behind the news and their impact on its audience. Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsafrica/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bbcafrica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcafrica/

When Abiola Matesun left Nigeria in the 1990s for the U.S, he had no clue he was going to become a multiple, award-winning cinematographer. His Emmy award-winning cinematography career has seen him work with music stars - including Snoop Dogg, Musiq Soulchild, Erykah Badu. Gist Nigeria Checks Him Out. About Gist Nigeria: Gist Nigeria is a 30-minute current affairs programme, co-produced by the BBC and Channels Television for viewers in Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Liberia. The program offers in-depth reporting, focusing on stories behind the news and their impact on its audience. Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsafrica/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bbcafrica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcafrica/ Learn more about Abiola Matesun here: http://www.malekfotofilms.com/our-creative-director

When Tosin Oshinowo left for the UK, she had one goal in mind - to become one of Nigeria's most successful architects, in a profession historically dominated by men. Today, she's not only smashed that glass ceiling, she's made her name for works which celebrate African beauty. Let's Check Her Out! About Gist Nigeria: Gist Nigeria is a 30-minute current affairs programme, co-produced by the BBC and Channels Television for viewers in Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Liberia. The program offers in-depth reporting, focusing on stories behind the news and their impact on its audience. Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsafrica/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bbcafrica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcafrica/

Growing up, Wendy Okolo always dreamed of being an engineer, and she worked HARD to make that dream a reality. Today she is an aerospace engineer at the at the Intelligent Systems Division, NASA. Yes, that NASA. About Gist Nigeria: Gist Nigeria is a 30-minute current affairs programme, co-produced by the BBC and Channels Television for viewers in Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Liberia. The program offers in-depth reporting, focusing on stories behind the news and their impact on its audience. Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsafrica/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bbcafrica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcafrica/

DJ Edu compares notes with Mr Eazi on Covid-19. They have both just recovered from an illness which looked and felt like the coronavirus, but since they are in the UK, they haven’t been able to get tested. What role did music play in their recovery? How have Mr Eazi’s plans and those of other stars of the African music scene been affected, and how are they dealing with the situation they find themselves in? Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsafrica/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bbcafrica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcafrica/

As the number of coronavirus cases in Kenya rise, citizens have been advised to stay at home in isolation. The country began a 19:00 to 05:00 curfew on Friday. Informal employment contributes 83% of all jobs in Kenya, with those workers particularly vulnerable, living from pay cheque to pay cheque. BBC Africa spoke to Esther, a domestic worker in the capital Nairobi. Video producers: Anne Okumu, Njoroge Muigai and Priscilla Ng’ethe. #stayhome #stayhomestaysafe #coronavirus #covid19 Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsafrica/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bbcafrica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcafrica/

On January 24, a ship called the Bana set sail from Turkey. Four days later the ship vanished from the radar. Where did it go? What was it carrying? And why does it matter? #BBCAfricaEye investigates secret arms shipments into Libya, and shows how foreign powers—in violation of UN resolutions—are fuelling a war that has brought misery to Libya’s people. Click here to subscribe to our channel 👉🏽 http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica You may also be interested in these open source investigations from Africa Eye: https://youtu.be/3DVE0tkGSaM https://youtu.be/MJoL7E4uvuU https://youtu.be/I0DJlSqlmEw https://youtu.be/g7d2AvLEPyA https://youtu.be/aT8Db8xfxQM https://youtu.be/WZPkRLkUiYo https://youtu.be/AuNDd_pteRQ *** BBC Africa Eye brings you original, investigative journalism revealing secrets and rooting out injustice in the world’s most complex and exciting continent. Nothing stays hidden forever. You can check out all Africa Eye investigations here: https://bit.ly/bbcafricaeye Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsafrica/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bbcafrica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcafrica/ #investigativejournalism #osint #opensource #libya #africa #türkiye

In Africa, there are fewer Covid-19 cases than in many parts of the world, but the head of the World Health Organization has warned that the continent should prepare for the worst. Governments across the region are introducing strict measures such as closing schools and restricting movements. But in informal settlements where millions of people live at close quarters, many fear that keeping social distance and self-isolation are not possible. Reporter: Sylvia Chebet Filed producer: Catherine Ellis Video producer: Gloria Achieng Filmed by: Andrew Njuguna Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsafrica/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bbcafrica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcafrica/

The coronavirus is not only a public health emergency. It also poses a major threat to the world’s economy. It’s already caused global stock markets to crash, raising fears of a recession. BBC Money Daily's Maya Hayakawa explains how the virus might affect African countries' economies. Produced by Anthony Irungu and Hugo Williams. Illustrations by Millicent Wachira. Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsafrica/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bbcafrica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcafrica/

Rosamond Asiamah was the first woman recruited into Ghana's police force in 1952. Her family and former colleagues told the BBC's #TheSheWord programme how she led the fight to change the rules for female police officers, so that they were allowed marry and have children just as male officers could. "If that had not happened, we would have had less women in the police service than we have now," said Ghana's Commissioner of Police Beatrice Zakpaa Vib-Sanziri. Rosamond, who recently celebrated her 90th birthday, still enjoys spending time with her fellow retired officers. Video produced by Eunice Gatonye and Ashley Ogonda. Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsafrica/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bbcafrica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcafrica/

Few events are more nerve wracking than meeting the parents of someone you love. For Black and Asian couples in South Africa, it's even more challenging. The country's painful past means interracial dating is still often frowned upon. Meet Ithra and Tumelo, a 'Blasian' couple about to introduce their parents to each other. Reporter: Megha Mohan Local producers: Kevyah Cardoso and Zinhlezonke Zitch Zikalala Filmed and directed by Yousef Eldin. Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsafrica/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bbcafrica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcafrica/

The rosewood tree is one of the most trafficked species on earth. When it's cut, it bleeds a blood-red sap. Having exhausted stocks elsewhere, Chinese traders have turned to West Africa, especially southern Senegal, where trees are cut down and smuggled into neighbouring Gambia and then all the way onto China. For a year #BBCAfricaEye, with Umaru Fofana, has been investigating the million-dollar trade in trafficked rosewood. Click here to subscribe to our channel 👉🏽 http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica You may also be interested in these Africa Eye investigations: https://youtu.be/2dg-0ik1NKM https://youtu.be/I0DJlSqlmEw https://youtu.be/TKHKjZ77RC0 *** BBC Africa Eye brings you original, investigative journalism revealing secrets and rooting out injustice in the world’s most complex and exciting continent. Nothing stays hidden forever. You can check out all Africa Eye investigations here: https://bit.ly/bbcafricaeye Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetoafrica Website: https://www.bbc.com/africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnewsafrica/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/bbcafrica/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbcafrica/ #senegal #gambia #documentary #investigativejournalism #westafrica