S5 E15: Trilogy of Africa's impact on the world: What America owes to the Africans on the Amistad!

S5 E15: Trilogy of Africa's impact on the world: What America owes to the Africans on the Amistad!

Author: Dr Teju Baba May 18, 2020 Duration: 9:12

My African cliché of the day is a tribute to Repats, these African men and women of the diaspora who, like these valiant captives of the Amistad, sometimes give up a very a comfortable life, to return to Africa. According to a study by Inspir Afrika Magazine, their 3 main reasons are: the desire to have an impact on the continent - interesting professional opportunities and family and social pressure; But once back, the adaptation process can be brutal, so that around 15% leave. Many of those who remain, ultimately find their way, create jobs, and have a real impact. This is the case of the talented Kenyan writer Binyanvanga wainaina, who left us exactly one year ago. Binyavanga made a revolutionary impact on literature from and about the African continent. He became an LGBT activitist in 2014, in response to a wave of anti-gay laws passed in Africa. This same year, Time magazine recognized Binyavanga as one of the "Most Influential People in the World" in its annual Time 100 series.

This episode is therefore a tribute to Binyavanga and many more like him, to the Nigerian Nneka Ezeigwe, Guinean Khadija Bah, and Malian Fatou Sow. What about you, what's your opinion about this wave of returns to a continent which is certainly difficult in many respects, but which remains the only and greatest legacy that belongs to us.


Dr. Teju Baba hosts My African Cliches (English), a podcast that moves through time much like the Sankofa bird-looking thoughtfully at the past while steadily progressing forward. Each episode is a journey into the layers of African history, culture, and society, designed to challenge oversimplified narratives and uncover the continent's profound complexity. You’ll hear detailed explorations of specific events, figures, and cultural movements that are often glossed over or misunderstood, connecting historical roots to contemporary realities. This isn't just a recounting of dates and names; it's an engaging conversation about how centuries of rich, diverse experiences shape modern life across Africa. By unpacking these deep histories, the podcast provides essential context, helping listeners move beyond superficial stereotypes. Tune in for a nuanced and enlightening perspective that honors Africa's glorious past and its dynamic present, all within a single, thoughtfully produced podcast. Dr. Baba’s expertise guides you through these stories, making each episode a step toward a more informed and respectful understanding of a continent whose story is still being written.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

My African Cliches (English)
Podcast Episodes
S5 E12: Currency of beauty in Africa: the origins of colorism! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:23
What is your definition of beauty? "Is it a combination of qualities, such as shape, colour, or form, that pleases the aesthetic senses, especially the sight" as defined the oxford dictionary? Obviously, definitions of b…
S5 E7: The month of heroines:  HEADWRAPS, AN AFRICAN EPIC! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:20
YOUR WRAP, YOUR STYLE, YOUR IDENTITY My African cliché of the day is question to you: do you think that if a White American white lady chooses to wear a headwrap, it is cultural appropriation? Is it paying tribute? Is it…
S5 E6: The month of heroines: ABENAFRICA, decolonizing your minds! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:28
My African cliche of the day is a quote from our captain, about her favorite black heroine, Harriet Tubman. What can I say after the powerful words of a woman as impressive as Harriet Tubman? NOTHING. And nothing is alre…
S5 E5: The month of heroines: ABENAFRICA, Proud & Afro-curious [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:04
My African cliche of the day is a duty, what I could call "the duty of curiosity", a kind of minimum service that each African and Afro-descendant must perform, to help himself, and help to to make known a counter histor…