Episodes

  • Resisting Empire: Samory Touré

    Resisting Empire: Samory Touré
    Sep 29 2025
    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 united diverse groups under Islam, pursued bold ambitions, and ruled with authoritarian discipline that left deep divides. Captured in 1898 and exiled to Gabon, his legacy remains complex — both celebrated as a symbol of resistance and remembered as a ruthless conqueror. PSA: You Are African First Before Anything REFERENCES Samory - African History (journal article) Samori Touré (1830-1900) Quand les empires se faisaient et se défaisaient en Afrique de l’Ouest : le cas Samory Touré (in French) West Africa the fight for survival Follow us on IG: itsacontinentpod and Twitter: itsacontinent. It's a Continent (published by Coronet) is available to purchase: itsacontinent.com/book We're on Buy me a Coffee too: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/itsacontinent Visit our website: itsacontinent.com Artwork by Margo Designs: https://margosdesigns.myportfolio.com Music provided by Free Vibes: https://goo.gl/NkGhTg Warm Nights by Lakey Inspired: https://soundcloud.com/lakeyinspired/... Follow us on IG: itsacontinentpod and Twitter: itsacontinent. It's a Continent (published by Coronet) is available to purchase: itsacontinent.com/book We're on Buy me a Coffee too: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/itsacontinent Visit our website: itsacontinent.com Artwork by Margo Designs: https://margosdesigns.myportfolio.com Music provided by Free Vibes: https://goo.gl/NkGhTg Warm Nights by Lakey Inspired: https://soundcloud.com/lakeyinspired/... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Show More Show Less
    19 mins
  • Resisting Empire: Queen Amanirenas

    Resisting Empire: Queen Amanirenas
    Sep 16 2025
    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 the Kushite civilisation, where women held rare political and military power, and Meroe thrived as a hub of trade, culture, and iron production. ⁠A Day at Haset's House - Helen Demlew ⁠ ⁠Agojie: Dahmomey's Warrior Women (2022)⁠ Follow us on IG: itsacontinentpod and Twitter: itsacontinent. It's a Continent (published by Coronet) is available to purchase: itsacontinent.com/book We're on Buy me a Coffee too: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/itsacontinent Visit our website: itsacontinent.com Artwork by Margo Designs: https://margosdesigns.myportfolio.com Music provided by Free Vibes: https://goo.gl/NkGhTg Warm Nights by Lakey Inspired: https://soundcloud.com/lakeyinspired/... Follow us on IG: itsacontinentpod and Twitter: itsacontinent. It's a Continent (published by Coronet) is available to purchase: itsacontinent.com/book We're on Buy me a Coffee too: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/itsacontinent Visit our website: itsacontinent.com Artwork by Margo Designs: https://margosdesigns.myportfolio.com Music provided by Free Vibes: https://goo.gl/NkGhTg Warm Nights by Lakey Inspired: https://soundcloud.com/lakeyinspired/... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Show More Show Less
    19 mins
  • Introducing: Trapped History

    Introducing: Trapped History
    Jun 24 2025
    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 justice for the victims of police brutality and of the New Cross Fire. So it seemed obvious – and right – to name a street in his honour. But the backlash over the renaming of Black Boy Lane threw John and everything he stood for back into the cultural and political spotlight. So tune in for this celebration of John’s life as Oswin and Carla — joined by their very special guest the magnificent Joris Lechene — try to understand how a simple street renaming can ignite intolerance and expose racism. And as a bonus, you also get to hear Joris's nomination for the Trapped History Hall of Fame. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Show More Show Less
    35 mins
  • The Rise of African Queens & Warriors with Paula Akpan

    The Rise of African Queens & Warriors with Paula Akpan
    Jun 17 2025
    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 toughest chapters to untangle. Follow us on IG: itsacontinentpod and Twitter: itsacontinent. It's a Continent (published by Coronet) is available to purchase: itsacontinent.com/book We're on Buy me a Coffee too: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/itsacontinent Visit our website: itsacontinent.com Artwork by Margo Designs: https://margosdesigns.myportfolio.com Music provided by Free Vibes: https://goo.gl/NkGhTg Warm Nights by Lakey Inspired: https://soundcloud.com/lakeyinspired/... Follow us on IG: itsacontinentpod and Twitter: itsacontinent. It's a Continent (published by Coronet) is available to purchase: itsacontinent.com/book We're on Buy me a Coffee too: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/itsacontinent Visit our website: itsacontinent.com Artwork by Margo Designs: https://margosdesigns.myportfolio.com Music provided by Free Vibes: https://goo.gl/NkGhTg Warm Nights by Lakey Inspired: https://soundcloud.com/lakeyinspired/... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Show More Show Less
    33 mins
  • The Bongo Dynasty's Rise & Fall

    The Bongo Dynasty's Rise & Fall
    May 24 2025
    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 enriched itself over 56 years of kleptocratic rule, spreading its wealth across the world Has Gabon’s ‘all-powerful’ Bongo dynasty really lost its 55-year grip? Gabon (1960-present) Gabon’s first election after collapse of Bongo dynasty: What’s at stake? Gabon votes in first presidential election since coup ended 55-year Bongo dynasty Gabon: how the Bongo family’s 56-year rule has hurt the country and divided the opposition Follow us on IG: itsacontinentpod and Twitter: itsacontinent. It's a Continent (published by Coronet) is available to purchase: itsacontinent.com/book We're on Buy me a Coffee too: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/itsacontinent Visit our website: itsacontinent.com Artwork by Margo Designs: https://margosdesigns.myportfolio.com Music provided by Free Vibes: https://goo.gl/NkGhTg Warm Nights by Lakey Inspired: https://soundcloud.com/lakeyinspired/... Follow us on IG: itsacontinentpod and Twitter: itsacontinent. It's a Continent (published by Coronet) is available to purchase: itsacontinent.com/book We're on Buy me a Coffee too: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/itsacontinent Visit our website: itsacontinent.com Artwork by Margo Designs: https://margosdesigns.myportfolio.com Music provided by Free Vibes: https://goo.gl/NkGhTg Warm Nights by Lakey Inspired: https://soundcloud.com/lakeyinspired/... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Show More Show Less
    32 mins
  • Winnie Mandela: The Weight of Resistance

    Winnie Mandela: The Weight of Resistance
    May 6 2025
    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 a Continent (published by Coronet) is available to purchase: ⁠itsacontinent.com/book⁠ ⁠ ⁠ We're on Buy me a Coffee too:⁠ https://www.buymeacoffee.com/itsacontinent⁠ Visit our website:⁠ itsacontinent.com⁠ Artwork by Margo Designs:⁠ https://margosdesigns.myportfolio.com⁠ Music provided by Free Vibes:⁠ https://goo.gl/NkGhTg⁠ Warm Nights by Lakey Inspired:⁠ https://soundcloud.com/lakeyinspired/...⁠ Follow us on IG: itsacontinentpod and Twitter: itsacontinent. It's a Continent (published by Coronet) is available to purchase:⁠ itsacontinent.com/book⁠⁠ ⁠ We're on Buy me a Coffee too:⁠ https://www.buymeacoffee.com/itsacontinent⁠ Visit our website:⁠ itsacontinent.com⁠ Artwork by Margo Designs:⁠ https://margosdesigns.myportfolio.com⁠ Music provided by Free Vibes:⁠ https://goo.gl/NkGhTg⁠ Warm Nights by Lakey Inspired:⁠ https://soundcloud.com/lakeyinspired/...⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Show More Show Less
    28 mins
  • Andrée Blouin: Central Africa's unsung heroine (rerun)

    Andrée Blouin: Central Africa's unsung heroine (rerun)
    Apr 14 2025
    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? This episode was originally aired on February 6th 2023. Follow us on IG: itsacontinentpod and Twitter: itsacontinent. It's a Continent (published by Coronet) is available to purchase: itsacontinent.com/book We're on Buy me a Coffee too: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/itsacontinent Visit our website: itsacontinent.com Artwork by Margo Designs: https://margosdesigns.myportfolio.com Music provided by Free Vibes: https://goo.gl/NkGhTg Warm Nights by Lakey Inspired: https://soundcloud.com/lakeyinspired/... Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... Sources for further reading: Gender and Decolonization in the Congo: The Legacy of Patrice Lumumba Who was the woman behind Lumumba? Remembering the Congolese women who fought for independence My country, Africa : autobiography of the black pasionaria Overlooked No More: Andrée Blouin, Voice for Independence in Africa Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Show More Show Less
    28 mins
  • Mauritius Unmasked: The 1999 Riots

    Mauritius Unmasked: The 1999 Riots
    Feb 18 2025
    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 nationwide unrest? What historical forces shaped the tensions between different communities? And how has Mauritius reckoned with these events decades later? Join us as we dive into the untold history behind the riots, the fight for justice, and the legacy of a fractured rainbow nation. Sources: Carroll, B. W., & Carroll, T. (2000). Trouble in paradise: Ethnic conflict in Mauritius. Commonwealth & Comparative Politics, 38(2), 25–50. https://doi.org/10.1080/14662040008447817 Shadow of ‘reggae riots’ still hangs over Mauritius Mauritian Riot after murder of Berger Agathe Mauritius: Communities of Paradise Follow us on IG: itsacontinentpod and Twitter: itsacontinent. It's a Continent (published by Coronet) is available to purchase: itsacontinent.com/book We're on Buy me a Coffee too: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/itsacontinent Visit our website: itsacontinent.com Artwork by Margo Designs: https://margosdesigns.myportfolio.com Music provided by Free Vibes: https://goo.gl/NkGhTg Warm Nights by Lakey Inspired: https://soundcloud.com/lakeyinspired/... Follow us on IG: itsacontinentpod and Twitter: itsacontinent. It's a Continent (published by Coronet) is available to purchase: itsacontinent.com/book We're on Buy me a Coffee too: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/itsacontinent Visit our website: itsacontinent.com Artwork by Margo Designs: https://margosdesigns.myportfolio.com Music provided by Free Vibes: https://goo.gl/NkGhTg Warm Nights by Lakey Inspired: https://soundcloud.com/lakeyinspired/... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Show More Show Less
    26 mins