Long Story Short

In this episode of "Long Story Short," the host, Liwa, takes us on a captivating journey through the life and legacy of the iconic South African singer and activist, Miriam Makeba, known as Mama Africa. Makeba's music not only captivated audiences worldwide but was also a powerful tool for activism and protest against apartheid in South Africa.Miriam Makeba was born in 1932 in Johannesburg, South Africa, and grew up in the vibrant township of Sophiatown, a hub of culture and resistance against apartheid. Her talent was discovered by record producer Spokes Mashiyane, and she began her professional career with the Cuban Brothers, an all-male harmony group.Her career took off when she toured the United States with Harry Belafonte in the late 1950s, who mentored her as a protege. Makeba's music blended traditional African rhythms with jazz, pop, and soul influences, and she sang in multiple languages, including Xhosa, Zulu, Swahili, English, and French.One of her most famous songs, "Pata Pata," released in 1967, became an international hit and showcased her unique sound and style.Makeba's activism was an integral part of her music. She used her platform to advocate for social justice and raise awareness about the oppression faced by black South Africans under apartheid. Her outspokenness led to the South African government banning her music and revoking her passport in 1960, but she persisted in her fight against apartheid.Makeba testified at the United Nations twice, the second time in support of Nelson Mandela and other political prisoners held in South Africa. She also performed at several anti-apartheid concerts, including the historic 1988 Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute concert at Wembley Stadium in London.Many of Makeba's songs addressed the struggles and injustices faced by black South Africans, such as "Soweto Blues," a response to the 1976 Soweto Uprising.Her activism and powerful voice earned her international recognition, including the prestigious Grammy Award for her album "An Evening with Belafonte/Makeba" and the Dag Hammarskjold Peace Prize.Makeba's legacy as a pioneering African musician and activist continues to inspire generations. The United Nations declared her birthday, March 4, as "Miriam Makeba Day" in honor of her contributions to music and human rights.Join Liwa as she takes you through the extraordinary life of Miriam Makeba, a true musical legend and a fearless advocate for justice and equality in South Africa. So, grab your coffee and best earphones because it's storytime with Mama Africa.

In this episode of Long Story Short, host Liwa delves into the atrocities committed in the Congo Free State during the reign of King Leopold II of Belgium. The episode begins with a reflection on the saying "If you throw a stone in a river, you don’t know where the ripples would reach or end," emphasizing the far-reaching consequences of actions.
Liwa takes us back to the Berlin Conference of 1884-85, where European powers divided Africa for their own interests. The Congo Free State was established during this conference and granted to King Leopold II as his personal possession. The vast territory, exceeding 2.6 million square kilometers, became a source of exploitation, particularly for rubber.
However, the labor policies implemented to extract rubber were brutal, involving forced labor and violent coercion by the state's military force, the Force Publique. Workers who refused to collect rubber were killed, and entire villages were destroyed. The soldiers accounted for each bullet fired by severing the hands of workers. These policies had a devastating impact on the Congolese population, leading to a decline estimated between 1.5 million to 13 million due to disease, famine, violence, and social disruption.
Christian missionaries working in the region exposed the atrocities to the international community, causing outrage. The campaign against the Congo Free State gained momentum under the leadership of British activist E. D. Morel. Eventually, in 1908, under international pressure, the Belgian government annexed the Congo Free State and put an end to many of the abusive systems.
The episode highlights the ongoing effects of Belgian colonization in the Congo. Decades of dictatorship, civil war, and economic decline have left the region struggling with extreme poverty, political instability, and conflict. Liwa mentions that while King Philippe of Belgium expressed regret for the "acts of violence and cruelty" during the Congo Free State's rule in 2020, some activists argue that a full and proper apology has not been made to the Congolese people.
In conclusion, the atrocities committed in the Congo Free State under King Leopold II's reign were a dark chapter in Congolese history, with long-lasting effects. The legacy of Belgian colonization continues to impact the country today, and it is crucial to acknowledge and address the ongoing issues faced by the Congolese people.

Boxing is a really tough sport. There’s no way you’re in the ring and decide to just be; it’s either you punch your way out or your opponent knocks your light out. You just have to fight.

And in the history of boxing, there have been lots of fascinating bouts that have defined the sport, but not many have come close to this one that was fought in Africa—The Rumble in The Jungle.

This episode of Long story Short delves into the aftermath of colonization in Africa and how it has shaped the present state of many Francophone African countries. The episode explores the relationship between France and its African colonies before, during, and after World War II.
France, facing economic and political problems after the war, saw its African colonies as a potential solution. However, the relationship between France and its colonies was one of exploitation and oppression.
African soldiers who fought for France during the war were promised wages and compensation, but many were never paid. The Senegalese Tirailleurs, a group of African soldiers, staged a protest in 1944 demanding their wages, which resulted in a massacre. France treated its colonies as sources of resources and labor rather than equal partners.
The decolonization process in the 1950s was not smooth, with France initially reluctant to grant independence. France sought to maintain its influence and control over its former colonies, often supporting military coups and dictators sympathetic to French interests. In recent years, France has acknowledged its colonial legacy and called for a new partnership based on equality and mutual respect.

When wars are fought, the different battles that are won or lost determine the victor. In pre-modern Africa, many battles were fought, and some of the most notable ones are those that involved invaders—European invaders. One such is the Battle of Dogali

Introducing Long Story Short Season 3 join Noah as he embarks on stories from African history.

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We give an insight into the victory of the Chipolopolo football team.
The Zambian football team is known to have a history of "close to winning" football games on several occasions. Luckily, in 2012 they finally bagged their Africa Cup of Nations title. How did this happen? Find out in the episode.

As people, we sometimes love to be introduced by our achievements. But imagine of all your achievements, the one you're celebrated for is changing a light bulb! While Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti might have not changed a light bulb, some of her most notable feats have been minimised. Listen to Long Story Short on Jamit.App

In the making of a modern Egypt, Gamal Abdel-Nasser made many notable contributions. But with service comes sacrifice. Caught in between The Muslim Brotherhood and nationalism, there were many attempts on his life. However, one stands out among all. That's what we explore in today's episode.

The Walls of Benin are a series of earthworks made up of banks and ditches, called Iya in the Edo language, in the area around present-day Benin City

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