S6 E12: The fantastic epic of Rumba: From Kongo Empire to Cuba! (Part 1/3)

S6 E12: The fantastic epic of Rumba: From Kongo Empire to Cuba! (Part 1/3)

Author: Dr Teju Baba January 18, 2021 Duration: 9:55

If you take a close look at history books, you will certainly find examples of decisive moments where music and power crossed paths. And by now, there must be some of those examples of moments already jostling in your head? Perhaps you are thinking of the encounter between the genius of Mozart conquered by the Freemasons?  Or maybe between the composer Richard Wagner, dreamed but impossible love of King Louis the Second of Bavaria? And what about the one between Russian composer Dmitry Shostakovich manhandled like a toy by Stalin? Or the one between the Italian French composer Jean-Baptiste Lully, who only lived to magnify French King Louis the Fourteen? Last but not least and perhaps the most spectacular of all, is the encounter between the incredible British talent, Ethel Smyth, and the Suffragette revolution in Great Britain.

Yes, the list is very long of this type of encounters, but as you notice, most are examples from Europe. Yet in Africa, such encounters exist, a major one that deserves mention is a crossing between a man of power, the former president of Zaire, (current DRC), President Mobutu Sese Seko Kuku Ngbendu Wa Za ​​Banga, and a type of music, but can you guess which one? We will find this out soon…


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: 100

My African Cliches (English)
Podcast Episodes
S7 E13: Are you aware of the Fashoda Complex? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:35
Hello friends, I am back again, finally, after more than 5 months of a forced absence. Thank you to those who have taken news! don't worry, my prolonged absence is not due to a lack of inspiration, of topics to share wit…
S7 E 12: Searching for Mary: African Queen of Copenhagen [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:15
This woman, Mary Thomas, a courageous 19th-century slave from St. Croix (now part of the U.S. Virgin Islands), rebelled against indignity, along with two other women leaders, Agnes and Mathilda, "the three queens," to sp…
S7 E11: The Nana Benz story: the harder they fall... [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:32
Join us in Part 2 to learn how the reign of the Nana Benz ended and the efforts of their daughters, ( the Nanettes) who actually went to business schools in the US and Europe to try and keep the sun shining! Enjoy!
S7 E10: The Nana Benz: The quicker they rise... [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:25
The Nana Benz is first and foremost a collective adventure that refers to the economic mutations of an entire continent, from the early days of the colonial age to the arrival in force of China. To understand their story…
S7 E5: Sierra Leone, 1961: Birth of a Nation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:38
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S7 E4: Sierra Leone,1789: the rise and fall of a British colony! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:01
It's a country whose recent history was overshadowed by a brutal civil war, but with a rich history, with one of the largest natural deep-water harbor in the world; it's the first country to appoint a woman as a cabinet…