AfricaRising

Celebrating Africa through storytelling

Featured in AfricaRising

girl-57d90f06

I was fourteen.  … And then everything stopped, and something snapped. As the air stood still and the song of the cricket seized, his labored...
Sylvester Bulus Mamman

in AfricaRising
Feb 27  -  1 min read

Jose Matute (6)-425f7993

                                      BOUQET AND EVERYTHING AFTER BY PRINCESS .E. AKENZUA                 They buy what’s not in their budget,                 They spend millions on dresses,                 They...
Princess Akenzua

in AfricaRising
Jun 24  -  1 min read

Latest posts

Rufus Oyemade-7bef72a7

            DEADBITS OF LAGOS BY PRINCESS .E. AKENZUA           Oh! What a wicked world!         Our lawless beggars are back again,         They roam...
Princess Akenzua

in AfricaRising
Jun 24  -  1 min read

Jackson David (9)-5ee6279d

                                 Warriors in          Heels by Princess .E. Akenzua             Who are they you ask?             They are our sisters, our mothers and grandmothers,...
Princess Akenzua

in AfricaRising
Jun 24  -  1 min read

Screenshot_20220616_161446-11bf3a78

African Child Be authentic, Cease to be a clownDetach from inferiority complexEnlighten yourselves For you are the backbone of the society Guarantee our next generationHappy...
Mildred Saliwe Ntuli

in AfricaRising
Jun 16  -  1 min read

Jessica Felicio (4)-c5ad21ad

The first time I came home late from my job, Bayo beat me with a belt and made me soak in scalding water, “This would...
Kiemeneyo Ibia

in AfricaRising
May 25  -  1 min read

Tom Podmore-557ff2dd

It came as a dream, The day I looked back and saw,The endless numbers of nobodies behind me,Literally, no human person was behind me,I was...
Nathanael Haert

in AfricaRising
May 23  -  1 min read

Sam Moghadam Khamseh-cbf92190

My place was a rectangular room, narrow and long. The mahogany door led to a part, I sectioned as the living room with thick brown...
Kiemeneyo Ibia

in AfricaRising
May 23  -  1 min read

muthengi mbuvi-b54ede2d

Trouble started when Ìyá Ìbejì’s friend, Aunty Florence got back from the village. It had always been there, lurking at the background, peeping and raising...
Khadijah Kolapo

in AfricaRising
May 23  -  1 min read

Mustafa Omar-a3fbf838

“Madam push, push” the doctor said. I watched as the woman screamed with the last ounce of strength she had in her. The scream was...
Abiola Ojo

in AfricaRising
May 22  -  2 min read

Emmanuel Ikwuegbu-dbc28804

I wasn’t the brightest student in my class, but definitely not the dullest. I usually hung somewhere in between. While everyone was up and doing,...
Aisha Lamidi

in AfricaRising
May 22  -  1 min read

Hu Chen-464691ad

Ep 10 Àyọ̀ká was left in the darkness of her thought oaring the boat of assumptions. What could a maid from someone who was the...
Ismail Daud

in AfricaRising
May 22  -  5 min read

Prince Akachi (1)-1b0a2104

I noticed her the night mama sent me into my room without supper. The quiet and irregular shapes in the darkness served as the perfect...
Oreoluwa Idowu

in AfricaRising
May 22  -  2 min read

Jordan Rowland-292d5a2c

If you were born in homes where you refreshed the cistern after a little drop of pee please step back, wrong hall, go to the...
Kiemeneyo Ibia

in AfricaRising
May 22  -  1 min read

Nicola Fioravanti-0aab1c2a

At that moment, everything stopped. The shouts from the crowd became a little more than a whisper, the raised clenched fists remained in the air,...
Karolos

in AfricaRising
May 22  -  2 min read

Nana Yaw Otoo-0ea89085

I try not to think of beginnings because if I goad myself into ignoring them, then I don’t have to think of endings — I...
Karolos

in AfricaRising
May 22  -  1 min read

Oladimeji Odunsi (1)-5ae255b9

I see itI see it comingThe liberation of the captives is at handNo matter the afflictions, we standNo matter the hurdles, we triumphIn spite of...
Jess

in AfricaRising
May 22  -  1 min read

Annie Spratt-d9ab3231

They rouse to the sounds of the drum, reverberating deep within their souls and mortal bodies. They feel drawn towards the source, seeking understanding and...
Oreoluwa Idowu

in AfricaRising
May 21  -  1 min read

Matt Atherton-137da79f

When I was conversing with femi, he explained to me that the Yoruba Aborisa religious system has been greatly misunderstood by modern Christians and widely...
Chidera Chokolate

in AfricaRising
May 21  -  2 min read

Hu Chen-86b3732e

Ep 9 Ayanwale took Oyèrẹ̀mí back to the Ajíbógun town after burying Àlàrí corpse with dried leaves in the bush for his safety. Those people...
Ismail Daud

in AfricaRising
May 21  -  3 min read

Matt Atherton-b0ef0c8a

Bring to the gods, kola, salt, water and bitter kolaso your prayers be admitted to heavenbefore the emergence of the morning cock crow. Bring to...
Wale Ope

in AfricaRising
May 21  -  1 min read

Peinge Nakale-0a8a4510

There was this Ayinke I fell in love with. I haven’t tasted this kind of aroma of love before until life streamed us together. I...
HABEEB OLAYINKA

in AfricaRising
May 21  -  3 min read

Andrey Zvyagintsev-9a5cc26d

The first alphabet started with the letters in our name,We designed to be first regardless of pain and now,Even when we sort it through, Africa...
Nathanael Haert

in AfricaRising
May 21  -  1 min read

Joshua Hanson-5343b61b

Nneoma, You are the sun that shines your strength when our warrior fathers tread beyond the ume river. You are the moon that brightens our...
IFEOMA DEBORAH NKEMJIKA

in AfricaRising
May 21  -  1 min read

Ian Kiragu-37d9eb4b

  Early rise in the mornEach new day in its timeAs I sit alone and prayI cling to my only true love I stare at...
Jess

in AfricaRising
May 21  -  1 min read

Zach Vessels-b50b2d68

He lived next door, the child of some of the most loving people I had ever met. His mother hugged me so tightly the day...
Karolos

in AfricaRising
May 21  -  6 min read

Hu Chen (1)-fb573614

Her green stretches far As far as the eyes can see. Her soil is viableAnd brings forth fruit In its season.She is blessed With silver...
Abiola Ojo

in AfricaRising
May 20  -  1 min read

bill wegener-99042c2d

So, there’s this school Okpor Iwa National Group of school (IWANG), this school was known for its high level of disciplinary. Fine fine boys and...
Chidera Chokolate

in AfricaRising
May 20  -  2 min read

Annie Spratt-e92d15eb

I walked from aisle to aisle in search of the perfect novel for my solo date but all of them seemed boring. I had told...
Khadijah Kolapo

in AfricaRising
May 20  -  2 min read

Hu Chen-4b29d732

O aged tree. Methuselah treeTall and stately. Strong and gallantFull of wisdom. Brimming with historyAdorned with ageless rings of knowledgeOf stories and legends and folkloreSecrets,...
Imabong Faminu

in AfricaRising
May 20  -  1 min read

Joshua Duneebon-b322d7cf

I had to go through therapy before I started taking water again. My guys and I had always gone to the streams or shallow rivers...
Aisha Lamidi

in AfricaRising
May 20  -  2 min read

Screenshot_20220520-224228-d9787f75

PLAYBACK Brethren, let me rewind your mind back to a pool of memory, let’s sail and pave in the pool of governance,let me take you...
HABEEB OLAYINKA

in AfricaRising
May 20  -  1 min read

Hu Chen-c96c43c7

Ep 8 Ọ̀tún and Aṣípa were left alone and they began to think about how to curb the devilish act of Baṣọ̀run and his alliances....
Ismail Daud

in AfricaRising
May 20  -  3 min read

94C614F5-B4BE-4663-8842-B67D9C5C8951-e2e3cb77

The world has never been dictated by fairness and Nana Silva can testify to that.  She grew up in a very small community and was...
Britney Muoghalu

in AfricaRising
May 20  -  2 min read

Rodgers Otieno-b4701fa8

  Filani’s eyes shot open, suddenly remembering that he was supposed to have an interview by 10am. Jumping out of his bed, he went straight...
Nmesomachi Nwachukwu

in AfricaRising
May 20  -  2 min read

Ian Kiragu-64602e2f

  Time is not for us to makeBut it’s ours to create lasting memoriesTime is just but transientIt’s not ours to hold on toHere today...
Jess

in AfricaRising
May 20  -  1 min read

Jakob Owens-a2348592

Hi, I am Sally, and this is my story. I was born into a loving family; my Dad, our ever-provider, will go through the depth...
Aremu John

in AfricaRising
May 20  -  4 min read

Hu Chen-c179da99

  Ep 7 The Palace was dark and filled with wailing. Olori Àwẹ̀ní had cried and tears no longer shedding from her eyes. The chiefs...
Ismail Daud

in AfricaRising
May 19  -  1 min read

Prince Akachi (1)-d9066523

LÀBAKÈ Làbakè, without consulting the oracle seer I know you could feel my heart’s injuryRemember, from afar your soul glue with mine effortlesslyYou know that...
HABEEB OLAYINKA

in AfricaRising
May 19  -  1 min read

Yusuf Shamsudeen-d4e414be

“This place is so clean” That was my first thought when I got to this town. The medians were free of refuse, a signature of...
Khadijah Kolapo

in AfricaRising
May 19  -  2 min read

Etty Fidele-43cc6253

A lonely tear trickle down my face How did it come to this? I silently ask I demand for answers I search deep within Having journeyed far and wide...
JOY OMOIJUANFO

in AfricaRising
May 19  -  1 min read

Kreative Kwame-f325a93b

The moon stood tall, smiling down upon the earth, as the stars rainbowed along the creamy cloud calling the name of the beautiful breeze, blowing...
Nathanael Haert

in AfricaRising
May 19  -  1 min read

Ricardo Fontes Mendes-53d3df4c

Baami, Today I turn 16. You promised to make up for your absence last year remember. Maami had told me not to bank on it...
Tolulope Akintaro

in AfricaRising
May 19  -  1 min read

Hu Chen-b434f671

The air of peaceThe aura of gladnessThat atmosphere of joy and happiness that consumes me at the sound of your voice I love your voice...
Jess

in AfricaRising
May 19  -  1 min read

Sam Moghadam Khamseh-136e4fa0

I’m dead on my feet. I am not sure what time it is, but it’s certainly Sun o’clock. I’ve always wondered if there’s really a...
Karolos

in AfricaRising
May 19  -  2 min read

Anthony Notes-18dbb4e2

  Once was I free Before I met theeYou came bearing promises of loveYet plotted a desire-dilemma I couldn’t solve You made a mess of...
Aremu John

in AfricaRising
May 18  -  1 min read

Jessica Felicio (2)-f50fb7a3

I know mama said life will throw a lot of things at me. I remember her saying I should make lemons out of the lemonade…or...
Oreoluwa Idowu

in AfricaRising
May 18  -  2 min read

Dennis Irorere-0d044410

“He’s changing,” Fadekemi said seated on the only sofa in her friend, Bimpe’s one room self contain apartment. “Are you serious?” Bimpe’s eyes widened as...
Abiola Ojo

in AfricaRising
May 18  -  1 min read

Ian Macharia-1-ec8f6e6d

The sun popped out of the sky, totally deciding to bless the morning. The flowers opened up, displaying their bright colours. The road with its...
Aisha Lamidi

in AfricaRising
May 18  -  2 min read

Hu Chen-bed86041

  Ep 6 The three of them were astounded by the voice. They did not foresee anyone seeing them in the bush. Àyànwálé turned back...
Ismail Daud

in AfricaRising
May 18  -  4 min read

Oladimeji Odunsi-f596fc05

  Ever wondered where it lay?The hidden resolve to stand tallThe determination to always be herNever doubting herself to all she can beShe gives so...
Jess

in AfricaRising
May 18  -  1 min read

Oladimeji Odunsi-af89e5cd

Like a horse trodding aloneHe tries to tame youYou are compared first to an impossible highwayHe speaks of undying lovePromises to love you till eternityHe...
Jess

in AfricaRising
May 18  -  1 min read

Annie Spratt-fe6aa126

Child of destiny, child of promiseChild of opportunity, child of hopeChild of miracles, child of dreamsChild of purpose, child of grace Child of destiny, child...
Imabong Faminu

in AfricaRising
May 18  -  1 min read

Ken kahiri-1a1ed750

The king stepped in, accompained by his entourage of chief and guards. The crowd went on their knees to pay homage to Oba Òyéròmádé, Ààyita...
Abiola Ojo

in AfricaRising
May 17  -  1 min read

Mustafa Omar-48930822

Show me all the beauty we possess together, and I will give you a thousand reasons why it never glows. There’s you and there’s me,...
Oreoluwa Idowu

in AfricaRising
May 17  -  1 min read

Prince Akachi-7b56bf3b

Dressed in suit, Forgetting the rules and values, Out there in the woods, Up to no good, The world crashing at his foot, In the...
Aisha Lamidi

in AfricaRising
May 17  -  1 min read

Jessica Felicio-f186f19a

“I’m getting married. Tomorrow” Her sharp intake of breath was the only thing he heard and then, the silence, one so loud that he could...
Khadijah Kolapo

in AfricaRising
May 17  -  2 min read

David Clode-47ae7334

OH AFRICA Oh Africa, Why did you choose to be a snail in the race of Lions?With the heavy load you mount on your neck,...
HABEEB OLAYINKA

in AfricaRising
May 17  -  1 min read

Oladimeji Odunsi-784ab223

  The womb – manThe vessel of hope and dreamsThe seed bearer…the creatorHer womb births lifeHer womb births seeds that multiply and dominateHer womb births...
Jess

in AfricaRising
May 17  -  1 min read

Oladimeji Odunsi-9c801eeb

  Ever wondered where it lay?The hidden resolve to stand tallThe determination to always be herNever doubting herself to all she can beShe gives so...
Jess

in AfricaRising
May 17  -  1 min read

Hu Chen-720f43f5

Ep 5 The cocks squawked all across Ajégúnlẹ̀ town and the sun clambered his zenith lazily. The grasses were moistured with the hazes that kept...
Ismail Daud

in AfricaRising
May 17  -  4 min read

Ian Kiragu-4897a935

“Harder“, she whispered to herself digging into the ground hoping to get at least a drop, something, anything to give hope but she met nothing....
Gift Effiong

in AfricaRising
May 17  -  4 min read

Prince Akachi-c010dfd8

“Hey! You there. What are you—”“Officer calm down.” Femi threw sand up. I was born not far from here,Rolled bike-tire like no man’s business,Trekked bear-foot...
Nathanael Haert

in AfricaRising
May 17  -  1 min read

Hu Chen-28c0623f

I had not quite yet made up my mind on where next to go. I was here now, worn out, in this large farmhouse to...
Karolos

in AfricaRising
May 16  -  2 min read

Dim Hou-7e2045bb

The village square was filled to the brim with people of different shades of black. Even chickens and goats found their way to the ground,...
Abiola Ojo

in AfricaRising
May 16  -  1 min read

Dennis Irorere-8e741af5

The small mirror standing on the makeshift table shows nothing relating to my insides. I wish it does. Maybe then, all would see how much...
Oreoluwa Idowu

in AfricaRising
May 16  -  1 min read

Hu Chen-e7f5ac1d

Ep 4 “Àyàn! Can you please spare me some minutes before we enter?” it was Asípa who tapped Àyànwálé and whispered into his left ear....
Ismail Daud

in AfricaRising
May 16  -  4 min read

87E60D32-D8E8-4F88-849A-0D9F49C81574-f10f6693

Why is it that when they tell stories of Africa it is heavily laced with poverty, suffering and everything that isn’t good. I see these...
Britney Muoghalu

in AfricaRising
May 16  -  1 min read

Lee Pigott-c5a664d4

“Dance for me Adira.” Adira was shocked at the request. She turned her neck to look up at her lover. Derek’s hazel eyes were trained...
Ann Okafor

in AfricaRising
May 16  -  3 min read

Alvin Balemesa-43bf4d03

What is the essence of life if not to live to the greatest capacity?To achieve all your goals Hit every of your target Enjoy every minute spent What...
JOY OMOIJUANFO

in AfricaRising
May 16  -  1 min read

Samuel Aboh-34deecba

 “My Mother: She is beautiful, softened at the edges and tempered with a spine of steel. I want to grow old and be like her.”...
Gift Effiong

in AfricaRising
May 16  -  1 min read

Oladimeji Odunsi-6bbcb82f

  I don’t understand why I can’t just be meI can’t express the way I feelI often feel ignored, mocked, and despisedIs it because I...
Jess

in AfricaRising
May 16  -  1 min read

Jabber Visuals-feec5079

If you stole something as useless as a rusted spoon or glassware already cracked or chipped at one end from a shelf in Arèwa Market...
Kiemeneyo Ibia

in AfricaRising
May 16  -  4 min read

bill wegener-9d3deaaf

You are standing on holy ground. Yours might be a building with grandeur edifice with pietistical mannerisms. Mine is a shrine you cannot do without....
Tolulope Akintaro

in AfricaRising
May 16  -  1 min read

Mustafa Omar-85b8b67d

Woman! Man with a womb, You are a vessel of hopes and dreams, Such a unique creature that is also a creator, bearing seeds, Seeds...
Gift Effiong

in AfricaRising
May 16  -  1 min read

Wanyoike Mbugua-8f85f8ea

We were called out of the darkest night into the brightest day,Never thought a future knew who we were,For our hearts were strengthened in chains,...
Nathanael Haert

in AfricaRising
May 16  -  1 min read

Ian Kiragu-85a344f7

“You cannot do it” a faint voice took control of Bidemi’s mind. “How do you want to explain it? A female president?” Never.” The voice...
Abiola Ojo

in AfricaRising
May 15  -  3 min read

Annie Spratt-1-993c8927

I am a mother. No. I have a child. Yes, that is more accurate. Mama would say that a mother is a woman who would...
Karolos

in AfricaRising
May 15  -  2 min read

Jessica Felicio-e5d3dc6d

Gathered under the stars in the center of our compound, my siblings and I waited for Papa to take in the last morsel of starch...
Oreoluwa Idowu

in AfricaRising
May 15  -  2 min read

Oladimeji Odunsi-1-417784d9

‘Freedom!!!!!’  They kept echoing from time immemorial  Deep breaths, sighs, one, two Everyday the same, invaded, stripped of their heritage  Robbed of their culture, their...
Grace Odukoya

in AfricaRising
May 15  -  1 min read

Ian Macharia-9175cf5d

We were borne and bred, In the shimmering stars and the blazing sun we were raised,On my mother’s back I laid,Watching around in earnest to see...
Aisha Lamidi

in AfricaRising
May 15  -  1 min read

Jeffery Erhunse-abb09924

Sometimes you find yourself in life’s death gripStill fighting battles you thought you would have overcomeStill searching for answers to questions long overdueStill vexed by...
Imabong Faminu

in AfricaRising
May 15  -  1 min read

Joshua Oyebanji-193f0afe

Who did not know Brianna, popularly called Bri in Kwei town? She was the talk of the town, her bright hair colours that could be...
Gift Effiong

in AfricaRising
May 15  -  1 min read

Terricks Noah-a1f791d6

AYANFE MI Óloju Alàredè, I have been longing to tell you this, how those birds sing a lullaby in my window, how angels sing the...
HABEEB OLAYINKA

in AfricaRising
May 15  -  1 min read

Oladimeji Odunsi 2-7b92d45c

I have never seen war in this fickle life I live I have often seen pain hidden in eyes I don’t give thought to matters that do not...
JOY OMOIJUANFO

in AfricaRising
May 15  -  1 min read

Hu Chen-297300b4

Ep 3 Crickets’ shrillings seized everywhere in Oyèrẹ̀mí’s quarter. The sky groaned and was ready to bathe the earth with storms. The wind ran with...
Ismail Daud

in AfricaRising
May 15  -  6 min read

Zach Vessels-2e31358a

He is watching you, He sees everything you do, Every move, Every thing you put yourself through, He sees your pain, He doesn’t fully understand...
Gift Effiong

in AfricaRising
May 15  -  1 min read

Prince Akachi-214940dc

The day goes dim and the night sips in. Majestically, It crawls in flaunting its sharp claws grinning and giggling like the monster in my...
IFEOMA DEBORAH NKEMJIKA

in AfricaRising
May 15  -  1 min read

Hu Chen-132073a1

That is not their real face,  they are wolves in sheep clothing”, our chi warned us, but we are stubborn from the womb. A mysterious...
Gift Effiong

in AfricaRising
May 14  -  1 min read

Annie Spratt-b15653e6

Do you think  You could light a candle And hold a prayer at the crack of your lips For her?   Sometimes, When the stories...
Karolos

in AfricaRising
May 14  -  1 min read

Nicola Fioravanti-96f37e17

” If you want to die, why not go to your family’s house and die. Mogami”, A voice yelled at me from a car. “I’m...
Maryam Nababa

in AfricaRising
May 14  -  3 min read

Oladimeji Odunsi-3504eb3c

FEAR! The most powerful tool of all!It controls all from the prominent to the poor in the societyFEAR!The richest in historyFor having stolen the richest...
JOY OMOIJUANFO

in AfricaRising
May 14  -  1 min read

Jordan Rowland-8b90a771

A blissful morning to the rest,But to her the beginning of sorrow.The entire village was presentTo escort a young girl To her place of bondage.She...
Abiola Ojo

in AfricaRising
May 14  -  1 min read

Annie Spratt-aec38ff9

It’s in us, the ability to spring back up and flourish like palms even where we should drown. it’s in us, it’s in our superficial...
ETIBABA

in AfricaRising
May 14  -  1 min read

Cut in A Moment-ccc5f008

“Should I call back? It seems you are busy”, she said, obviously frustrated with the guy’s inattentiveness. You didn’t mean to eavesdrop but when you...
Khadijah Kolapo

in AfricaRising
May 14  -  1 min read

Ian Macharia-bf918923

  “Aru! Abomination! You can not blame a man for the problems in a home, if anything goes wrong, then it is the woman, how...
Gift Effiong

in AfricaRising
May 14  -  2 min read

Jordan Rowland-a6f46bad

  The suds knew everything. At least, that’s what She told us. They drew rumours far from the outskirts of town and mixed them all...
Bolanle Alashe

in AfricaRising
May 14  -  3 min read

Hu Chen-9fe9e4ac

Ep. 2 The following morning’s sun squealed and smiled on the greens of Ajégúnlẹ̀ town; people were finding their ways to the palace. Àyànwálé, the...
Ismail Daud

in AfricaRising
May 14  -  4 min read

Ian Kiragu-7431f883

  A minute of silence For the songs, we never singBut left buried alive in us. A minute of silenceFor the connectionsOur ego had been...
Maryam Nababa

in AfricaRising
May 13  -  1 min read

Andrey Zvyagintsev-b8dc7970

Mum is flitting about again, washing and cooking and cleaning and cleaning again. The house smells like a bakery, and not a hair is out...
Karolos

in AfricaRising
May 13  -  2 min read

Seth Doyle-e74a9663

“Why are you running?” To answer this question, let’s go back a little before an hour ago. There I was, drenched in sweat and plastered...
Aremu John

in AfricaRising
May 13  -  2 min read

abolova .-fa48b708

“Almost set.” A young lady standing behind an old bungalow, moved towards an old red-coloured crate, placing her pair of shoes on it. “Aina!” A...
Nathanael Haert

in AfricaRising
May 13  -  2 min read

1DF25B41-BCB9-44E7-AC3B-C07C67EFB9A3-5d81cc49

In a rigidly patriarchal society the position of the first born daughter is held in high esteem. She becomes a mother way too early and...
Britney Muoghalu

in AfricaRising
May 13  -  1 min read

Oladimeji Odunsi-2e98f5a5

The sky was clear giving way for the sun to radiate its golden glow and give joy to humankind. The opposite seems to be the...
Abiola Ojo

in AfricaRising
May 13  -  2 min read

Hu Chen

Ep. 1 There was no moon in the sky of Ajégúnlẹ̀ Town. The rains just gushed heavily and everywhere was damp and dense. The crickets...
Ismail Daud

in AfricaRising
May 13  -  2 min read