Au Cap, Seychelles | AFP | It is the world’s largest seed, and with a shape suggestive of a woman’s hips and myths of love-making powers, the coco de mer is an icon of the Seychelles. With a 10-kilogramme (22-pound) coconut wedged between his feet, experienced nut cutter Christophe Bristol uses …
Read More »Harvey Weinstein convicted of sexual assault and rape
New York, United States | AFP | Harvey Weinstein was convicted Monday of sexual assault and rape but cleared of the most serious predatory sexual assault charges, a verdict hailed as a historic victory by the #MeToo Movement against sexual abuse. The jury of seven men and five women, delivering …
Read More »UK pianist Alexis Ffrench bids to change image of classical music
London, United Kingdom | AFP | British composer and pianist Alexis Ffrench, a rising black star in the overwhelmingly white world of classical music, is on a mission “to change the narrative” that the genre is stuffy and outdated. The 48-year-old, who is set to release his latest album next month, …
Read More »Morocco fortress village hopes to draw ‘Game of Thrones’ fans
AIT-BEN-HADDOU, Morocco | AFP | Millions worldwide may have seen the desert fortress in the hit fantasy series “Game of Thrones”, but fewer know they can visit the Moroccan village of Ait-Ben-Haddou. The fortified old settlement at the foot of the majestic Atlas mountains enchanted audiences in the HBO series and …
Read More »Nigerian singer Rude Boy to perform on Valentine’s Day in Kampala
Kampala, Uganda | JULIUS BUSINGE | Nigerian singer, real name Paul Okoye, famously known by his stage name “Rude boy” is in Kampala to perform on Valentine’s Day celebrations this Friday, Feb.14. The popular singer has been brought to Uganda by Comedy Store Director, Alex Muhangi. Speaking to …
Read More »Did the Oscars snub women? Decades-old debate rages on
Los Angeles, United States | AFP | It is an accusation that has been levelled at the Oscars all too often over the years, and 2020 is no different — too many men, not enough women, particularly in the most prestigious categories. The hashtag #OscarsSoMale reared up again following the Academy …
Read More »Can foreign-language films ever win over Hollywood?
Los Angeles, United States | AFP | When South Korea’s Bong Joon-ho accepted the Golden Globe for best foreign language film for his widely hailed “Parasite,” he urged moviegoers to “overcome the one-inch-tall barrier of subtitles.” “You will be introduced to so many more amazing films,” he promised, reopening a debate …
Read More »Kampala to host the first ever social media festival
Kampala, Uganda | Patricia Akankwatsa | The first ever social media festival is scheduled to take place this Saturday January 25 th at the Silver Springs Hotel Gardens Bugolobi under the theme ; redirecting social media to impactful communication and social networking engagements. Amon Baita, the marketing head, Social Media FestUg says …
Read More »Cameroon bikutsi dancers celebrate women’s sexuality
Yaoundé, Cameroon | AFP | It’s already 1:00 am at the Quebec, a cabaret in Cameroon’s capital Yaounde where the beer is flowing and punters are getting restless. Finally the band starts up and a trio of bikutsi dancers enter the spotlight, hips undulating with unabashed sexuality. “I want to, …
Read More »Rema celebrates Dr Hamza Sebunya’s graduation
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Ugandan musician Rema Namakula today celebrated the graduation of her new husband Dr Hamza Sebunya with two tweets. “I’m so proud of you hubby ❤❤ Bachelors degree in human medicine and bachelors degree in surgery,” she said in one of the tweets. Students cheered loudly when …
Read More »