Hello 👋,
Why is it difficult for African parents to discuss sex with their children? And in the cases where they do, the descriptions are always indirect, scary, full of threats, and overly exaggerated 😂.
Growing up, I remember my mum telling me not to play with girls because she can't have another man raising a kid in her house. I would have to leave and stay in the streets. I dutifully followed her instructions, for some time at least, until one daughter of Jezebel decided to spoil everything by confusing me with her strong charms. Story for another day.
This fear to discuss sex has led to teenage pregnancies. Some adults can't discuss sex even with their partners! The cycle continues.
How did your parents first tell you about sex?
Taytu Betul; the formidable queen and empress of Ethiopia
Tatyu was a strong-willed woman who saved her country at a critical moment from the hands of colonizers by thwarting the Italians at The battle of Adwa. She was the sunshine to her nation Ethiopia due to her strength, bravery, dedication and determination. To find out more about this great empress, read the story.
The history of Nigeria explained in 6 minutes (3,000 Years of Nigerian history)
The history of Nigeria, the most populous nation in Africa and 7th in the world with over 500 languages, dates back to Nok culture, the oldest identified civilization in west Africa (1500BC - 500AD). The Nok were master terracotta sculptures and potters.
The Nok would disappear, leaving behind only their knowledge and master craftsmanship which, is believed to have influenced the artistry of the Ife people, an ancient Yoruba civilization ( 12th-13th AD). The Ife perfected casting techniques, creating human sculptures that perfectly depicted youth, old age e.t.c
The last prince of Ife founded the Oyo kingdom (1300 AD - 1896 AD), another Yoruba empire and the only one that adopted cavalry. The Oyo were great traders.
The Edo people, also known as the Kingdom of Benin (1180AD - 1897AD), also learned metal techniques from the Ife. The Edo are famous for building the great city of Benin, one of the most advanced cities of its time. It was well planned, had an impressive military and even had street lights. Yes, you heard me right, street lights fuelled with palm oil.
On the north were the Hausa kingdoms or Hausaland (14th-19th century). Hausaland flourished thanks to the trade of salt, leather products and slaves. In 1804, the Sokoto caliphate would conquer and unite the Hausa kingdoms.
To the East of the Edo empire also emerged the kingdom of Nri, an Igbo empire ruled by a priest-king (948 AD - 1911 AD). The Nri tradition was based on the idea of peace, truth and harmony.
In 1851, the British empire began its quest of colonizing Nigeria under the disguise of ending the slave trade. By the end of the century, most of the empires had fallen, and Nigeria was under British control.
The team at Epimetheus shared a quick and fascinating youtube video detailing the history of Nigeria. (3000 years of history:1500 BC to date) that you should watch. One takeaway from the video that stuck with me is the wise saying from the comment section that says 'No land has a boring history. We just have a lack of evidence.'
What saddens me the most is that the stolen relics and heritage are being displayed proudly in some museums in Europe.
Special Mentions
📌 How stamps played an important role in the commemoration of events in Kenya - Paukwa
📌 Xenophobia and racism towards migrants trying to make it into the UK - Odumbe Kute
📌 'Why are we locking away Africa? Nobody is locking away Belgium & Israel. It is discriminatory and xenophobic...' - Dr Ayoade Alakija
RIDDLE ðŸ§
What is as light as a feather, yet no man can hold it for long?
PROVERB ðŸ§
Mwana wa rwendo ariaga nyina na ithe.(Gikuyu)
Translation: The child-of-love troubles the father and mother.
Meaning: The proverb is used to warn parents not to overindulge or pamper their children lest they become spoilt. It could also mean, a child born out of illegitimate love will soon be a nuisance to their parents.
DID YOU KNOW 🤯
There is a town in Liberia called “Smell No Taste”. During the Second World War, the United States positioned thousands of soldiers to guard the military flights and rubber plantations. The smell of their food cooking would often drift into the town, but the citizens were not allowed to enter the soldiers’ base, so they could only smell the food and never taste it. And that is how the town got its name.
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Enjoy this musical cocktail by the talented Nigerian artist Ric Hassani.
Special thanks to Stephanie for editing this issue.
Thanks for reading. Remember, it is time to tell our own stories.- Mike
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