Shows
BlackFor30Black in Time: Who was Patrice Lumumba?Send us a textExplore the rise and tragic fall of Patrice Lumumba, a beacon of the black movement and a nationalist leader whose dreams of an independent Congo were thwarted by internal strife, Belgian interference, and Cold War geopolitics. Join us as we unravel the profound implications of Belgian colonisation on Congo and how artificially imposed borders still affect the fabric of Congo and modern Africa.As we contrast the transition of African societies from communal systems to those influenced by colonial feudalism and European capitalism, we delve into how European imperialists exploited Africa...2024-09-291h 09BlackFor30The Struggle for Linguistic Identity in Post-Colonial Africa w/Salikoko MufweneSend us a textWhat if your native language was sidelined in favour of a foreign one in your own homeland? In a discussion with Salikoko Mufwene, a distinguished linguist from the Democratic Republic of Congo, we navigate the intricate web of language, culture, and colonisation in Africa. Our conversation embarks from the rich and diverse pre-colonial African civilisations, highlighting the seismic shifts brought on by the arrival of Arabs and Europeans. Mufwene offers deep insights into the origins and roles of African languages, exploring how they have historically served as bridges between ethnic groups and how...2024-09-011h 12BlackFor30Black in Time: Who was Kwame Ture?Send us a textEver wondered how the term "Black Power" came to define a generation? In this episode, we talk about the life of Kwame Ture, better known as Stokely Carmichael. From his foundational work with the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) to his radical shift towards Black Power, we examine how Ture’s activism and his influence from figures like Amílcar Cabral shaped the fight for civil rights and Black liberation.Transitioning from blatant segregation to insidious practices like redlining, we discuss covert methods perpetuating racial inequities. We analyze the ideological struggles wit...2024-08-181h 26BlackFor30Deep Dive into Leadership, Social Movements, and Systemic Issues w/Sean SololeSend us a textAs we wrap up this season of BlackFor30, we engage in a conversation about the dynamics of leadership, the subtleties of societal structures, and systemic issues that often determine how a movement is perceived. We dissect the role of individuals and our collective responsibility towards our continent. We also challenge our own expectations of leaders and discuss the fallacies hidden in government rhetoric and the often misleading language of laws.This season finale isn't just a mere reflection on our journey so far. It's a deep dive into how our thoughts...2023-11-0459 minBlackFor30Black in Time: Who was Aimé Césaire? pt. 2 w/Sean SololeSend us a textWe dissect the ideology and political ambitions of Aimé Césaire and scrutinise his revolutionary approach, how his ambitions were shaped by the class system of his time, and his controversial decision to departmentalise. Was this decision driven by a need for societal acceptance? We also unpack the evolution of the African diaspora as it navigates the preservation of its cultural heritage in a modern world. Sean shares his comprehensive analysis of black movements at their core, specifically Pan-Africanism, and its impact on black liberation.This episode is not just...2023-10-2246 minBlackFor30Black in Time: Who was Aimé Césaire? pt. 1 w/Sean SololeSend us a textIn this podcast episode, we delve into the life and influence of Aimé Césaire, a pioneering intellectual from Martinique who played a pivotal role in the Negritude movement. This movement aimed to reclaim the cultural identity and values of Africans. We explore Césaire's political journey, which led to Martinique's decolonisation through departmentalisation, his critique of French imperialism, and his impact on other significant movements.We grapple with the history of revolutionary movements, the enduring effects of colonialism on cultural identity, and the relevance of Afrocentric literature in today's society. We...2023-10-0839 minBlackFor30Timbuktu: Unveiling Africa's Hidden History w/Sean SololeSend us a textIn this episode, we delve into the rich and often overlooked history of Timbuktu, a once-thriving centre of learning in the Mali Empire. At its peak, the empire spanned modern-day Guinea, Senegal, Ivory Coast, and Ghana, boasting around 400 cities. We explore the influence of Musa, a renowned ruler who incorporated Gao and Timbuktu into the empire in the 14th century. Timbuktu, founded as a bustling trade hub in the 12th century, became a renowned centre of Islamic learning under Musa's patronage.Despite its historical significance, Timbuktu's history remains lesser-known among Africans...2023-07-0948 minBlackFor30Family Feud w/Sean SololeSend us a textSociety has developed in a way that has driven a lot of us into an individualistic mindset. One that tends to allow personal interests to take precedence over all else.As an African, I’m familiar with the concept of collectivism which a lot of us have grown up with. A way of life that teaches us that we are descendants of our ancestors, meaning ‘we are, because they were’ – ubuntu. A philosophy that embraces the idea that our identity, our consciousness, and our morality are shaped by the connectio...2023-05-281h 03BlackFor30Is It Acceptance, Appreciation, or Just Appropriation? w/Sean SololeSend us a textCulture is a complex series of shared beliefs and behaviours that bind a group of people together. Recently, there has been an increase in things that are synonymous with Black culture that mainstream culture has adopted.In this episode, Sean and I discuss appropriation in its many forms, ranging from stolen traditional artefacts during colonial times to body alterations that mimic the somatotypes of black women. We explore how appropriation has evolved over time, blurring the line between appreciation and appropriation. How the need to belong and feel accepted can be...2022-10-011h 00BlackFor30Performative Allyship w/Sean SololeSend us a textAs an African, history can be a harsh realisation of where society has failed black people, yet we don’t seem to take heed of these lessons – both black people and the wider society. Today, whether driven by moral disengagement, a zero-sum mentality, or a saviour complex we choose to be complacent in pushing for meaningful change.For all, the reparations to get us to a more equitable society are both internal and external, so Sean and I discuss what black people owe themselves and what meaningful allyship means. We touch on t...2022-07-3049 minBlackFor30Society, Principles and How They Interact w/Sean SololeSend us a textPreparing for this episode was different, because it felt like this discussion was time sensitive. Currently, the world is observing the Russia/Ukraine conflict and just like any other critical event in humanity people have different experiences and opinions of it.It appears that there was bias in the coverage of the initial days of the war breaking out. This is obviously not the first time the media has been partial, but more importantly it begs the question "why do we seem to only show empathy on a global scale when...2022-04-2350 minBlackFor30Black Face, White Mask w/Sean SololeSend us a textLaunching into Season 2, we explore the issues of group identity and pick apart what it means to be profiled based on the colour of our skin.Sean and I walk the fine line of being objective while weighing the subject against our lived experiences. In the same vein, we share our frustration of being conditionally accepted and measured by a societal yardstick that we have no influence over. Are we to live on someone else’s perception of what it takes for us to be considered equal?2022-04-0933 minBlackFor30A Reflection Thus Far w/Sean SololeSend us a textOn this episode, we take a look at the journey thus far and reflect on the first year of the show. What inspired the creation of the show? Why the message of BlackFor30 is important not only for black people, but everyone else interested in discussing race matters? What drove the decision to choosing the show intro?We discuss the conception of BlackFor30, the process of selecting topics of discussion, and what lies ahead. This episode marks the end of chapter one and offers an insight into what comes next.2021-12-2139 minBlackFor30The Dictates of Gaddafi w/Sean SololeSend us a textMuammar Gaddafi was a Libyan leader and during his rule he published a book titled The Green Book. This book shares his political philosophy which promotes the idea of a governing system of the people by the people. One overseen by the General People’s Committee. A pure democracy that rejects the institutions of capitalism and indirect democracy. Within the book he reflects on the authority of the people, socialism, and the social basis of The Third Universal Theory. On this episode of BlackFor30, I have Sean Solole (Co-Host) on to tal...2021-11-2352 minBlackFor30Beware of False Teachings Pt.1 w/Sean SololeSend us a textSociety's attitude towards politics, sexuality, or morality is affected by the dominant religion. In such a dynamic and diverse world, how can the teachings of one religion be incontrovertible? To be incontrovertible would imply the principles are enduring. If so, these precepts based on compassion, honesty, coveting and the holy scripture can be examined on their veracity.On this episode of BlackFor30, I am joined by my co-collaborator Sean Solole to discuss religion’s history and its influences in society.Host:Fungai MutsiwaInstagram: @ blackfor30Guest...2021-08-0359 minBlackFor30Breaking The Cycle of The Patriarchal Black FatherSend us a textMost of us have default emotional responses that we inherited from our parents. When you think of your relationship with your father, how present was he in supporting your emotional development? On this episode of BlackFor30, we discuss the impacts of fathers within African households, more specifically with the emotional maturation in their children. I am joined with my co-collaborator Sean Solole to discuss our own experiences, as well as, the experiences of our parents in shaping how we grew and matured. Host:Fungai MutsiwaInstagram: @blackfor302021-07-0634 min