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.
- 21 minutes 57 secondsResisting Empire: Eduardo Mondlane
This episode of our Resisting Empire series tells the story of Eduardo Mondlane: scholar, activist, and founding president of Mozambique’s liberation movement, FRELIMO. Born under Portuguese rule, Mondlane’s early encounters with colonial oppression shaped his lifelong beliefs. He used every opportunity to challenge the systems of empire that sought to define him.
As FRELIMO’s leader, Mondlane blended intellect with strategy, urging that true freedom meant building a fair and inclusive society. His assassination in 1969 cut short his vision, but his words, a luta continua “the struggle continues” became a rallying cry for Mozambique’s fight for independence and for liberation movements across Africa.
SOURCES:
Sansone, L. (2023, December 13). Eduardo Mondlane. Oxford Research Encyclopedia of African History.
Mozambique's Eduardo Mondlane: From professor to freedom fighter (BBC Witness History)
Eduardo Mondlane: The man behind Mozambique’s unity
The Struggle for Mozambique (Eduardo Mondlane)
Follow us on IG: itsacontinentpod and Twitter: itsacontinent. It's a Continent (published by Coronet) is available to purchase: itsacontinent.com/book
We're on Buy me a Coffee too: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/itsacontinent
Visit our website: itsacontinent.com
Artwork by Margo Designs: https://margosdesigns.myportfolio.com
Music provided by Free Vibes: https://goo.gl/NkGhTg
Warm Nights by Lakey Inspired: https://soundcloud.com/lakeyinspired/...
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
13 October 2025, 11:00 pm - 17 minutes 32 secondsResisting Empire: Samory Touré
This episode of our Resisting Empire series explores the life of Samory Touré, the 19th-century West African leader who built an empire across Guinea, Mali, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire, and Liberia. Known as the “Napoleon of Africa,” he modernised his armies, outmanoeuvred the French for over sixteen years, and used scorched-earth tactics to hold back European expansion.
But Samory was more than a military strategist. He united diverse groups under Islam, pursued bold ambitions, and ruled with authoritarian discipline that left deep divides. Captured in 1898 and exiled to Gabon, his legacy remains complex — both celebrated as a symbol of resistance and remembered as a ruthless conqueror.
PSA: You Are African First Before Anything
REFERENCES
Samory - African History (journal article)
West Africa the fight for survival
Follow us on IG: itsacontinentpod and Twitter: itsacontinent. It's a Continent (published by Coronet) is available to purchase: itsacontinent.com/book
We're on Buy me a Coffee too: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/itsacontinent
Visit our website: itsacontinent.com
Artwork by Margo Designs: https://margosdesigns.myportfolio.com
Music provided by Free Vibes: https://goo.gl/NkGhTg
Warm Nights by Lakey Inspired: https://soundcloud.com/lakeyinspired/...
Follow us on IG: itsacontinentpod and Twitter: itsacontinent. It's a Continent (published by Coronet) is available to purchase: itsacontinent.com/book
We're on Buy me a Coffee too: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/itsacontinent
Visit our website: itsacontinent.com
Artwork by Margo Designs: https://margosdesigns.myportfolio.com
Music provided by Free Vibes: https://goo.gl/NkGhTg
Warm Nights by Lakey Inspired: https://soundcloud.com/lakeyinspired/...
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
29 September 2025, 11:00 pm - 17 minutes 32 secondsResisting Empire: Queen Amanirenas
We travel back to the ancient world to spotlight Queen Amanirenas of the Kushite Empire. Known as one of the most powerful Kandake (queen mothers) of Kush, Amanirenas led her people in defiance of Rome after the conquest of Egypt.
From fierce battles and guerrilla tactics to symbolic acts, her story reveals how Kush resisted Rome’s expansion and secured a peace treaty on their own terms. We also explore the rich history of the Kushite civilisation, where women held rare political and military power, and Meroe thrived as a hub of trade, culture, and iron production.
A Day at Haset's House - Helen Demlew
Agojie: Dahmomey's Warrior Women (2022)
Follow us on IG: itsacontinentpod and Twitter: itsacontinent. It's a Continent (published by Coronet) is available to purchase: itsacontinent.com/book
We're on Buy me a Coffee too: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/itsacontinent
Visit our website: itsacontinent.com
Artwork by Margo Designs: https://margosdesigns.myportfolio.com
Music provided by Free Vibes: https://goo.gl/NkGhTg
Warm Nights by Lakey Inspired: https://soundcloud.com/lakeyinspired/...
Follow us on IG: itsacontinentpod and Twitter: itsacontinent. It's a Continent (published by Coronet) is available to purchase: itsacontinent.com/book
We're on Buy me a Coffee too: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/itsacontinent
Visit our website: itsacontinent.com
Artwork by Margo Designs: https://margosdesigns.myportfolio.com
Music provided by Free Vibes: https://goo.gl/NkGhTg
Warm Nights by Lakey Inspired: https://soundcloud.com/lakeyinspired/...
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
16 September 2025, 4:00 am - 33 minutes 41 secondsIntroducing: Trapped History
Here’s a great episode from the archives of the wonderful Trapped History podcast – where hosts, Oswin and Carla, share hidden stories of unsung heroes.
In this episode, they introduce us to one of the most important – and most overlooked – cultural icons of the last 60 years: John La Rose. Helping to forge a Black British identity, John set up dozens of political, cultural and community organisations and campaigned for justice for the victims of police brutality and of the New Cross Fire.
So it seemed obvious – and right – to name a street in his honour. But the backlash over the renaming of Black Boy Lane threw John and everything he stood for back into the cultural and political spotlight.
So tune in for this celebration of John’s life as Oswin and Carla — joined by their very special guest the magnificent Joris Lechene — try to understand how a simple street renaming can ignite intolerance and expose racism.
And as a bonus, you also get to hear Joris's nomination for the Trapped History Hall of Fame.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
24 June 2025, 3:00 am - 31 minutes 56 secondsThe Rise of African Queens & Warriors with Paula Akpan
We sit down with journalist, historian and speaker Paula Akpan to explore her debut book When We Ruled—an illuminating retelling of twelve pre-colonial African queens and warriors whose reigns spanned Nigeria, Rwanda, Madagascar, South Africa and beyond. Driven by a passion to fill the silences of mainstream history, Paula takes us through her research journey—navigating fragmentary archives, oral traditions and the toughest chapters to untangle.
Follow us on IG: itsacontinentpod and Twitter: itsacontinent. It's a Continent (published by Coronet) is available to purchase: itsacontinent.com/book
We're on Buy me a Coffee too: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/itsacontinent
Visit our website: itsacontinent.com
Artwork by Margo Designs: https://margosdesigns.myportfolio.com
Music provided by Free Vibes: https://goo.gl/NkGhTg
Warm Nights by Lakey Inspired: https://soundcloud.com/lakeyinspired/...
Follow us on IG: itsacontinentpod and Twitter: itsacontinent. It's a Continent (published by Coronet) is available to purchase: itsacontinent.com/book
We're on Buy me a Coffee too: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/itsacontinent
Visit our website: itsacontinent.com
Artwork by Margo Designs: https://margosdesigns.myportfolio.com
Music provided by Free Vibes: https://goo.gl/NkGhTg
Warm Nights by Lakey Inspired: https://soundcloud.com/lakeyinspired/...
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
17 June 2025, 4:00 am - 30 minutes 24 secondsThe Bongo Dynasty's Rise & Fall
Gabon should be a model of prosperity—yet its oil riches were siphoned into offshore mansions and luxury fleets by the Bongo kleptocracy. From Omar Bongo’s 42-year dynasty to Ali Bongo’s rigged re-elections and the 2023 palace coup, we trace how pipedreams of development gave way to pipelines—and ask whether Brice Oligui Nguema can finally reclaim Gabon’s stolen promise.
Sources:
Has Gabon’s ‘all-powerful’ Bongo dynasty really lost its 55-year grip?
Gabon’s first election after collapse of Bongo dynasty: What’s at stake?
Gabon votes in first presidential election since coup ended 55-year Bongo dynasty
Gabon: how the Bongo family’s 56-year rule has hurt the country and divided the opposition
Follow us on IG: itsacontinentpod and Twitter: itsacontinent. It's a Continent (published by Coronet) is available to purchase: itsacontinent.com/book
We're on Buy me a Coffee too: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/itsacontinent
Visit our website: itsacontinent.com
Artwork by Margo Designs: https://margosdesigns.myportfolio.com
Music provided by Free Vibes: https://goo.gl/NkGhTg
Warm Nights by Lakey Inspired: https://soundcloud.com/lakeyinspired/...
Follow us on IG: itsacontinentpod and Twitter: itsacontinent. It's a Continent (published by Coronet) is available to purchase: itsacontinent.com/book
We're on Buy me a Coffee too: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/itsacontinent
Visit our website: itsacontinent.com
Artwork by Margo Designs: https://margosdesigns.myportfolio.com
Music provided by Free Vibes: https://goo.gl/NkGhTg
Warm Nights by Lakey Inspired: https://soundcloud.com/lakeyinspired/...
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
24 May 2025, 5:15 pm - 26 minutes 56 secondsWinnie Mandela: The Weight of Resistance
In this episode, we journey to South Africa to explore the life and legacy of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela — a woman who became a symbol of resistance and resilience. Known to many as the “Mother of the Nation,” Winnie’s story is one of fierce activism, personal sacrifice, and deep complexity.
We are LIVE @ Hay Festival on June 1st! You can get tickets HERE
Follow us on IG: itsacontinentpod and Twitter: itsacontinent. It's a Continent (published by Coronet) is available to purchase: itsacontinent.com/book
We're on Buy me a Coffee too: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/itsacontinent
Visit our website: itsacontinent.com
Artwork by Margo Designs: https://margosdesigns.myportfolio.com
Music provided by Free Vibes: https://goo.gl/NkGhTg
Warm Nights by Lakey Inspired: https://soundcloud.com/lakeyinspired/...
Follow us on IG: itsacontinentpod and Twitter: itsacontinent. It's a Continent (published by Coronet) is available to purchase: itsacontinent.com/book
We're on Buy me a Coffee too: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/itsacontinent
Visit our website: itsacontinent.com
Artwork by Margo Designs: https://margosdesigns.myportfolio.com
Music provided by Free Vibes: https://goo.gl/NkGhTg
Warm Nights by Lakey Inspired: https://soundcloud.com/lakeyinspired/...
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
6 May 2025, 11:00 pm - 26 minutes 39 secondsAndrée Blouin: Central Africa's unsung heroine (rerun)
Andrée Blouin fought ardently for her belief in independence from imperial power. We look at her life, legacy and how colonial law impacted her experiences: from growing up in an orphanage, to losing her son from a treatable illness. Blouin used her experiences to advocate for women's rights both against traditional customs and European imperialism. How did she end up on the periphery of post-independent African history?
This episode was originally aired on February 6th 2023.
Follow us on IG: itsacontinentpod and Twitter: itsacontinent. It's a Continent (published by Coronet) is available to purchase: itsacontinent.com/book
We're on Buy me a Coffee too: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/itsacontinent
Visit our website: itsacontinent.com
Artwork by Margo Designs: https://margosdesigns.myportfolio.com
Music provided by Free Vibes: https://goo.gl/NkGhTg
Warm Nights by Lakey Inspired: https://soundcloud.com/lakeyinspired/...
Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Sources for further reading:
Gender and Decolonization in the Congo: The Legacy of Patrice Lumumba
Who was the woman behind Lumumba?
Remembering the Congolese women who fought for independence
My country, Africa : autobiography of the black pasionaria
Overlooked No More: Andrée Blouin, Voice for Independence in Africa
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
14 April 2025, 11:00 pm - 24 minutes 29 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
Follow us on IG: itsacontinentpod and Twitter: itsacontinent. It's a Continent (published by Coronet) is available to purchase: itsacontinent.com/book
We're on Buy me a Coffee too: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/itsacontinent
Visit our website: itsacontinent.com
Artwork by Margo Designs: https://margosdesigns.myportfolio.com
Music provided by Free Vibes: https://goo.gl/NkGhTg
Warm Nights by Lakey Inspired: https://soundcloud.com/lakeyinspired/...
Follow us on IG: itsacontinentpod and Twitter: itsacontinent. It's a Continent (published by Coronet) is available to purchase: itsacontinent.com/book
We're on Buy me a Coffee too: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/itsacontinent
Visit our website: itsacontinent.com
Artwork by Margo Designs: https://margosdesigns.myportfolio.com
Music provided by Free Vibes: https://goo.gl/NkGhTg
Warm Nights by Lakey Inspired: https://soundcloud.com/lakeyinspired/...
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
18 February 2025, 12:00 am - 28 minutes 24 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
Follow us on IG: itsacontinentpod and Twitter: itsacontinent. It's a Continent (published by Coronet) is available to purchase: itsacontinent.com/book
We're on Buy me a Coffee too: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/itsacontinent
Visit our website: itsacontinent.com
Artwork by Margo Designs: https://margosdesigns.myportfolio.com
Music provided by Free Vibes: https://goo.gl/NkGhTg
Warm Nights by Lakey Inspired: https://soundcloud.com/lakeyinspired/...
Follow us on IG: itsacontinentpod and Twitter: itsacontinent. It's a Continent (published by Coronet) is available to purchase: itsacontinent.com/book
We're on Buy me a Coffee too: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/itsacontinent
Visit our website: itsacontinent.com
Artwork by Margo Designs: https://margosdesigns.myportfolio.com
Music provided by Free Vibes: https://goo.gl/NkGhTg
Warm Nights by Lakey Inspired: https://soundcloud.com/lakeyinspired/...
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
4 February 2025, 12:00 am - 28 minutes 22 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
Follow us on IG: itsacontinentpod BlueSky itsacontinent, Twitter/X: itsacontinent. It's a Continent (published by Coronet) is available to purchase: itsacontinent.com/book
We're on Buy me a Coffee too: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/itsacontinent
Visit our website: itsacontinent.com
Artwork by Margo Designs: https://margosdesigns.myportfolio.com
Music provided by Free Vibes: https://goo.gl/NkGhTg
Warm Nights by Lakey Inspired: https://soundcloud.com/lakeyinspired/...
Follow us on IG: itsacontinentpod and Twitter: itsacontinent. It's a Continent (published by Coronet) is available to purchase: itsacontinent.com/book
We're on Buy me a Coffee too: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/itsacontinent
Visit our website: itsacontinent.com
Artwork by Margo Designs: https://margosdesigns.myportfolio.com
Music provided by Free Vibes: https://goo.gl/NkGhTg
Warm Nights by Lakey Inspired: https://soundcloud.com/lakeyinspired/...
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
21 January 2025, 8:00 am - More Episodes? Get the App