We are sooo back!!! In this “A→Z” first episode, Adeche (Adwoa & Solomon) take you on an immersive journey through four foundational entries in the Encyclopaedia of African Religion: Abasi, Abosom, Abuk and Adinkra Symbols. Whether you’re a scholar of African religion­ mythology, a mythology lover seeking inspiring content, or an art enthusiast curious about the visual language of Akan culture. There's so much to learn.

📖 Episode Overview

00:00 - 02:09 Introduction

Adeche share updates, introduce our Patreon (transcripts, slide decks, livestreams) and explain why Season 4 expands “ASMR A→Z” into an “A→Z Immersion” format.

02:09 - 11:02 Abasi (Efik Creator)

Learn how Abasi, the sky-dwelling Creator, retreats when humans farm and procreate. See Atai’s role, Ekpe (Ukara/Nsibidi) secret societies as mediators, and the Abakuá brotherhood in Cuba influencing Afro-Cuban music.

11:02 - 23:37 Abosom (Akan Spirits)

Abosom are intermediary deities connecting humans to Nyame. We cover three categories (territorial, family and clan spirits) and highlight key figures like Akonnedi (justice) and Nana Asuo Gyebi (healing). Discover the Akradinbosom system (daily deities shaping one’s kra and nkrabea) and the role of Akomfo (priests) and Bosomfie (spirit-houses).

23:37 - 31:00 Abuk (Dinka First Woman)

Abuk, formed from Nile-clay by Nhialic, plants one millet grain-pioneering agriculture. Her “blue-bird severing” opens heaven, unleashing mortality. Compare Abuk to Eve, Pandora and Mbokomu. Explore living traditions: blue-bead braiding, snake-staff rites and diaspora performances.

31:00 - 39:00 (Approx.) Adinkra Symbols (Akan Visual Proverbs)

Adinkra began as funeral cloth stamps using calabash and plant dyes. Over fifty symbols (e.g. Gye Nyame, Sankofa, Dwennimmen) encode moral lessons: humility, wisdom and independence. See Adinkra’s role in workshops, fashion in Accra, London and New York, and diaspora art.

🔑 Why Listen & Takeaways

1. Creation Narratives
2. Compare human curiosity/disobedience in Efik, Akan and Dinka myths and reflect on divine withdrawal.
3. Intermediaries & Secret Societies
4. Abosom (Akan) and Ekpe/Abakuá (Efik/Cuba) bridge the gap with the Creator through rituals and masked dances.
5. First-Woman Myths & Innovation
6. Contrast Abuk’s co-creation with Eve’s fall, mortality as a byproduct of ingenuity.
7. Adinkra’s Moral Language
8. Adinkra condenses ethics into images, guiding identity and modern designs in diaspora contexts.
9. Diaspora & Artistic Legacies

📢 Call to Action

If you love African mythology, culture and art, please like, share and subscribe! Comment: which segment resonated most?. Hit 🔔 for new episodes.

Support Adeche on Patreon (transcripts, slides, livestreams): patreon.com/adecheatelier

- Adeche (Adwoa & Solomon)

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🎙️ Welcome back, Afro Mythos family! We’re Solomon and Adwoa, and today, we’re thrilled to introduce a special guest—Maria Motunrayo Adebisi, the author behind the extraordinary Koku Akanbi series! Follow her on socials @Maria.motunrayo.author

In this episode, we dive deep into Maria’s creative world, where African mythology and modern-day realities collide. Koku Akanbi: The Heart of Midnight and its sequel Koku Akanbi: The King of Lost Souls have captured the imagination of readers with their vibrant mix of ancient Orishas, gripping adventure, and deeply personal themes of dual identity and resilience.

✨ In This Episode:

• Writing Between Two Worlds: How Maria brings the British-Nigerian experience to life in Koku’s journey, mirroring the challenges of balancing two identities in a world shaped by African spirituality and Western influence.
• Representation That Matters: The choice to give Koku sickle cell anaemia, and why representing this condition in a fantasy setting helps break boundaries while inspiring empathy and understanding.
• World-Building Masterclass: Get a behind-the-scenes look at how West African mythology, particularly the Orishas, inspired the creation of Juju Land, a magical realm where culture, history, and fantasy intersect.

🎧 Why Listen?

If you’ve ever wondered how African myths can shape modern fantasy or how characters with real-world challenges can become heroes, this episode is for you. We explore the importance of seeing ourselves in stories and the power of reclaiming African narratives in literature.

🔗 Tune In & Join the Conversation:

• Watch on YouTube: Here
• Support us on Patreon: Here

💬 Engage With Us:

We’d love to hear your thoughts on Koku’s journey! What does representation in fantasy mean to you? How does African mythology shape your perspective? Leave a comment or send us a message, and let’s keep the conversation going.

Follow us on Instagram: @adeche.atelier

Stay updated and thank you for exploring this wonderful world of African Mythology with us!

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🎙️ Welcome, Afro Mythos family! We're Solomon and Adwoa, and we are thrilled to bring you this special episode celebrating The National Gallery's 200th birthday. Join us for an extraordinary journey as we explore the fascinating intersection of European and African mythologies.

In this episode, we're joined by Ed Dickenson, a Gallery Educator at The National Gallery, who provides his expert insights on two iconic European paintings: Titian's 'Bacchus and Ariadne' and Luca Giordano's 'Perseus Turning Phineas and His Followers to Stone'.

We delve into the historical context and mythological stories behind these masterpieces, offering a detailed exploration of their themes and artistic significance.

✨ Our Artistic Responses:

- The love triangle of Oya, Sango, and Ogun from the Yoruba pantheon.

- The Legend of Wagadou from the Ghana Empire.

Through these narratives, we reveal the deep connections and contrasts between European and African mythologies, discussing themes of love, jealousy, rivalry, and fate.

What to Expect:

- In-depth discussions on mythological art.

- Cross-cultural comparisons of European and African myths.

- Insights from Ed Dickenson on the enduring appeal of mythology in art.

🔗 Stay Connected:

• Watch on youtube : https://youtu.be/Ce6EcmdE1zs
• Show notes and book recommendations: [Patreon](https://www.patreon.com/adecheatelier)
• Support us on Patreon: [Patreon](https://www.patreon.com/adecheatelier)
• Subscribe and listen to the full episode: [Podcast Link]

🌍 Join Us:

Your support helps us continue exploring and celebrating the rich tapestry of African mythology and history. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave a comment to let us know what you think!

Follow Us:

- Instagram: [@adeche.atelier](https://www.instagram.com/adeche.atelier)

- Twitter: [@adeche.atelier](https://www.twitter.com/adeche.atelier)

- Facebook: [@adeche.atelier](https://www.facebook.com/adeche.atelier)

Thank you for tuning in and embarking on this journey through time and myth with us!

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