What was supposed to be a landmark interview between Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin and a major American news media network turned out to be a disenchanting exercise in denials and obfuscation. The interview between the controversial President of the Russian Federation and Megyn Kelly, a journalist and television personality who developed her career at the Fox…
The former first couple is putting down some roots in DC. Since leaving office, the Obamas have been renting a home in the Kalorama neighborhood. The family plans to stay in DC until 15-year-old Sasha finishes high school. They recently bought the house they’d been renting for $8.1 million. Keven Lewis, a spokesman for the Obamas,…
Anti-censorship advocates have begun paying close attention to recent developments in Kenya as the country’s government mulls passing new laws dictating social media use. At first glance, the proposed law sounds quite innocuous as it simply states that people would be banned from using fake names on Facebook and other social media accounts. However, not…
André Alexis, one of Canada’s premier playwrights and novelists, is now recognized for the scope of his bibliography as the winner of the 2017 Windham-Campbell Prize. This coveted American literary prize, known for awarding one of the richest literary prize amounts in the world, recognizes Alexis’ entire body of diverse creative works. Alexis was born in…
While American tech giants such as Apple, Google and PayPal compete and fail to agree on the standards for digital wallets, a financial technology platform proudly developed in Africa is set to expand across the Continent. Safaricom, the Kenyan wireless services company that operates the M-Pesa network, recently issued a major corporate announcement. Vodacom, a South…
English artist Damien Hirst is in hot water for cultural appropriation at this year’s Venice Biennale. His exhibit includes a golden head that mimics the work of artists from Ile-Ife, Nigeria. This is particularly remarkable given that this is a hugely important year for Nigeria, with artists representing their country at a national pavilion for the…
It’s not the first time NBA star LeBron James has spoken out about racism. He’s used his platform to talk about the deaths of young black men like Trayvon Martin and Eric Garner, voiced respect for Colin Kaepernick’s national anthem protests, and commented on racist statements made within the NBA. Now, he’s speaking up…
The glamorous stage where the English National Ballet performs is worlds away from the grinding poverty of the Kuwinda slum in Kenya. Yet that stage appears to be where one former Kuwinda resident is destined to be seen. Sixteen-year-old Joel Kioko is a phenomenon in the ballet world. Like many male dancers, he came to…
Venice Biennale is an arts organization in Venice, Italy that organizes a prestigious bi-annual contemporary art exhibition. Art collectors and dealers flock to the event and it helps artists get discovered and make sales. This year is a landmark year for Nigeria, with a special pavilion for Nigerian artists included. This is the first time in…
A legislative proposal being considered in the Egyptian Parliament would require citizens to acquire a license if they wish to access Facebook and other online social networks. The social media license would be issued by the government only after the Egyptian citizen has furnished his or her national ID number, email address and the usernames…
