It's a Continent

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 u...

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...

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 jus...

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 toughe...

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.

Spend Abacha's Loot

Sources:

Gabon’s Bongo family e...

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...

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?

Th...

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 nationwi...

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...

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,...

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 exploitat...

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 w...

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.

Follow us on IG: itsacontinen...

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 ta...

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: ...

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.

Follow us on IG: itsa...

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...

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:

Miriam Makeba

Sharpeville massacre

Follow us on ...

*Trigger warning* Torture, human rights abuse and sexual abuse is spoken about frequently in this episode.

The Mau Mau Uprising was a pivotal event in Kenya's independence fight against Britain. British land theft in Kenya and the resulting displacement of various ethnic groups led to oppressive colonial rule. British injustices led to the Mau Mau movement being formed by radical activists, however the disproportionate rea...