It's a Continent
W!ZARD Studios
We’re here to challenge the common misconception that Africa is a country, whilst appreciating the identity of each nation. Through each episode we’ll explore key historical moments which have shaped the continent, in an easily digestible, satirical (and shady) format with your hosts Chinny and Astrid.
- 25 minutes 59 secondsMauritius Unmasked: The 1999 Riots
Mauritius is often seen as a paradise island, known for its stunning beaches and luxury resorts. But beneath this idyllic image lies a history shaped by colonisation, enslavement, and deep-rooted social inequalities. In this episode, we uncover the 1999 Mauritius Riots—an eruption of inter-ethnic violence following the death of beloved Creole seggae singer, Kaya, in police custody.
How did a musician’s death ignite nationwide unrest? What historical forces shaped the tensions between different communities? And how has Mauritius reckoned with these events decades later? Join us as we dive into the untold history behind the riots, the fight for justice, and the legacy of a fractured rainbow nation.
Sources:
Carroll, B. W., & Carroll, T. (2000). Trouble in paradise: Ethnic conflict in Mauritius. Commonwealth & Comparative Politics, 38(2), 25–50. https://doi.org/10.1080/14662040008447817
Shadow of ‘reggae riots’ still hangs over Mauritius
Mauritian Riot after murder of Berger Agathe
Mauritius: Communities of Paradise
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18 February 2025, 12:00 am - 29 minutes 54 secondsThe Stolen Children of Colonial Empire
During Belgium’s colonial rule, mixed-heritage children were branded a 'problem' by the authorities, taken from their families, and forced into an uncertain future. This episode explores their experiences, the lasting impact of these policies, and the ongoing fight for recognition and reparations.
Sources For Further Reading
- https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2021/2/3/the-children-colonial-belgium-stole-from-africa
- King Leopold’s Ghost by Adam Hochschild
- https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/shattered-the-youngest-victims-of-belgian-rule-still-seeking-justice-decades-later-180981813/
- https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/dec/01/mixed-race-kidnappings-belgian-congo-belgium
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4 February 2025, 12:00 am - 29 minutes 52 secondsGhana’s Exiled King: Prempeh I
We're exploring the life of Asantehene Prempeh I, the exiled king of the Asante Empire (modern-day Ghana). From his rise to power, supported by his mother Nana Yaa Kyaa, to his defiance of British colonial demands, Prempeh’s leadership threatened imperial ambitions, ultimately leading to his exile in the Seychelles for 28 years.
Prempeh’s resilience, diplomacy, and modernisation efforts shaped the Asante Kingdom’s history, even in the face of colonial oppression.
Sources:
TORDOFF, W. “THE EXILE AND REPATRIATION OF NANA PREMPEH I OF ASHANTI (1896-1924).” Transactions of the Historical Society of Ghana, vol. 4, no. 2, 1960, pp. 33–58. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/41405731. Accessed 19 Jan. 2025.
The History of Ashanti Kings and the Whole Country Itself and Other Writings
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Follow us on IG: itsacontinentpod and Twitter: itsacontinent. It's a Continent (published by Coronet) is available to purchase: itsacontinent.com/book
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21 January 2025, 8:00 am - 35 minutes 42 secondsThe UAE and Africa: Investment or Influence?
With China scaling back its African investments, the UAE has stepped in, becoming the fourth-largest investing bloc on the continent. The UAE's expanding influence on the African continent has left investment, geopolitics, and conflict in its wake. From renewable energy and mining to humanitarian aid and allegations of fueling conflict, the UAE’s actions raise questions about the fine line between opportunity and exploitation.
We unpack the billions pledged in infrastructure and development, the impact on countries like Sudan, Ethiopia, and Tanzania, and the complexities of foreign influence in Africa's future.
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Click here for tickets for It's a Continent's Io Capitano Film Night on 12th October at The Ritzy, Brixton, London.
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17 December 2024, 12:00 am - 21 minutes 53 secondsIntroducing History Daily: The Egyptian Revolution
Enjoy this bonus episode: It's A Continent recommends History Daily.
We're treating you to a teaser of this exciting podcast by sharing the episode "The Egyptian Revolution".
February 11, 2011. Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak steps down after nearly 30 years, following mass demonstrations that were part of the pro-democracy uprisings known as the Arab Spring.
About History Daily
On History Daily, we do history, daily. Every weekday, host Lindsay Graham (American Scandal, American History Tellers) takes you back in time to explore a momentous event that happened ‘on this day’ in history.
Whether it’s to remember the tragedy of December 7th, 1941, the day “that will live in infamy,” or to celebrate that 20th day in July, 1969, when mankind reached the moon, History Daily is there to tell you the true stories of the people and events that shaped our world—one day at a time.
So if you’re stuck in traffic, bored at work—wherever you are, listen to History Daily to remind yourself that something incredible happened to make that day historic.
A co-production from award-winning podcasters Airship and Noiser.
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23 November 2024, 1:00 am - 38 minutes 8 secondsReparations to Africa: Action not Words (rerun)
Calls for reparations have come at a time where we’ve seen the Head of State be removed in Barbados and the returning of looted items like Benin Bronzes, Patrice Lumumba’s tooth and skulls stolen during the Namibian genocide. In this episode we look at the case for reparations: its definition, political origin and what it could look like.
This episode was originally aired on December 13th 2022.
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Sources for further reading:
Reparations to Africa - Rhoda Howard-Hassmann
How Europe Underdeveloped Africa - Walter Rodney
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29 October 2024, 12:00 am - 25 minutes 1 secondRepatriating African Artefacts (rerun)
90-95% of Africa’s cultural heritage is held overseas, with Benin Bronzes languishing in museum basements all over the world for around 125 years. the British Museum containing over 73,000 items from the continent alone. Asante Royal artefacts sit at the V&A, Met Museum and Royal Family. Germany possesses the skulls of Tanzanian chiefs, upsetting the local community and natural order. We discuss how these items were taken forcefully by colonial agency, and how African countries are calling for the return of their treasures.
Follow us on IG: itsacontinentpod and Twitter: itsacontinent. It's a Continent (published by Coronet) is available to purchase: itsacontinent.com/book
This episode was originally broadcast on Jan 16th 2024.
Sources:
The story of Nigeria's stolen Benin Bronzes, and the London museum returning them
Stealing Africa: How Britain looted the continent’s art
Germany DNA study links colonial skulls to living relatives
Tanzanians demand return of ancestral skulls
The Tanzanians searching for their grandfathers' skulls in Germany
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14 October 2024, 11:00 pm - 55 minutes 21 secondsBenevolent Imperialism with Kehinde Andrews (rerun)
To recognise Black History month in the UK, we're joined by the academic, activist and author Professor Kehinde Andrews. Kehinde is a professor of Black Studies at Birmingham City University and has written several books, including ‘The New Age of Empire: How Racism and Colonialism Still Rule the World.’ In this episode we discuss black British identity, immigration, and how colonisation has shifted into its current form: benevolent imperialism.
Kehinde's projects include the Harambee Organisation of Black Unity, and Make It Plain, the home of black radical thought.
Click here for tickets for It's a Continent's Io Capitano Film Night on 12th October at The Ritzy, Brixton, London.
This episode was first broadcast on October 5th 2021.
Follow us on IG: itsacontinentpod and Twitter: itsacontinent. It's a Continent (published by Coronet) is available to purchase: itsacontinent.com/book
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30 September 2024, 11:00 pm - 30 minutes 32 secondsFrancisco Macías Nguema - Equatorial Guinea’s Tyrant
We explore the story of Equatorial Guinea and its first post-independence leader, Francisco Macías Nguema. This small West African nation—the only Spanish-speaking country on the continent, is rich in oil but marred by a legacy of exploitation. From its colonial past as Spanish Guinea to Macías's rise to power, we uncover how he transformed from a court clerk into one of Africa's most brutal dictators.
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SOURCES
- https://www.blackpast.org/global-african-history/people-global-african-history/francisco-macias-nguema-1924-1979/
- Real Dictators – podcast
- Tyrants - The World's Worst Dictators by David Wallechinsky
- Dictatorland - The Men Who Stole Africa by Paul Kenyon
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2 September 2024, 11:00 pm - 25 minutes 14 secondsUnravelling the Black Tax (rerun)
This episode was first broadcast on 30th January 2024.
In this episode, we explore the term Black Tax, originating in South Africa, to describe the financial support provided by black individuals to their families. Examining its roots, we navigate its historical context, cultural and emotional burdens, and its ties to imperialism, colonialism, and apartheid.
Follow us on IG: itsacontinentpod and Twitter: itsacontinent. It's a Continent (published by Coronet) is available to purchase: itsacontinent.com/book
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Sources:
Annalena Oppel (2023) Black Tax and coloniality – re-interpretation, emancipation, and alienation, Social Identities, 29:1, 44-61, DOI: 10.1080/13504630.2023.2188183
Arinao Mangoma & Anthony Wilson-Prangley (2019) Black Tax: Understanding the financial transfers of the emerging black middle class, Development Southern Africa,36:4, 443-460, DOI: 10.1080/0376835X.2018.1516545
Black Tax: Burden or Ubuntu? by Niq Mhlongo
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19 August 2024, 11:00 pm - 29 minutes 20 secondsMiriam Makeba: Empress of African Song
Miriam Makeba, known as the Empress of African Song, remains a symbol of the movement against colonialism, and Black Power movements in the US and the global Pan African movement. She unified the struggle for those of African descent across the world. We take a look at her story, and how Makeba used her talent to speak out against the apartheid movement in South Africa.
Sources:
Follow us on IG: itsacontinentpod and Twitter: itsacontinent. It's a Continent (published by Coronet) is available to purchase: itsacontinent.com/book
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