What’s Going On: Gunmen raid in Nigeria, criminal charges against former Guinea president & more
Notable headlines from around Africa
48 dead after gunmen raid Northwest Nigeria
Northern Nigeria’s insecurity issues continue to escalate and provide horrific news reports. Last Friday, 48 people were killed by bandits in the Northwestern state of Zamfara. According to Aminu Suleiman, administrative head of the Bakura district, the attacks were coordinated as the terrorists shot anyone who was trying to flee. The attack comes a month after the horrific Kaduna train attack which left families traumatised after losing their loved ones.
The bandits attacked three villages – Damri, Sabon Garin and Kalahe – where they burned a police car down, killed two security personnel and attacked hospital patients before looting livestock and food supplies. “A total of 48 people were killed by the bandits in the three villages attacked Friday afternoon,” Suleiman said, adding that Damri was the worst hit, with an estimated 32 people killed.
In a statement, Nigerian president Muhammadu Buhari has asked security operatives to “do all that can be done to bring an immediate end to the horrific killings,” another perfunctory response that shows his administration’s failures to deal with this fatal epidemic. Officials in Zamfara say more than 700,000 people have been displaced by the violence, and the United Nations estimates that over 11,000 have relocated to neighbouring Niger to seek refuge.
Price of living increased in Mauritius
Effects of inflation have once again struck Mauritius resulting in a high cost of living. The current state of living was stated as the worst hike rate since the 2011 inflation rate after a nationwide riot protesting the increase in prices. Recently, the bus and train fares increased between 25-40%.
The current inflation rate has been credited due to the Russia-Ukraine war as Mauritius heavily imports food and fuel. Due to the currency weakness and the sanctions on Russia, there will be sustained pressure on the prices. Currently, the government is consulting with economic and social actors as they are about to present the national budget to the population. Perhaps another positive indicator is the International Monetary Fund’s projection that the country’s economy will grow 6.1% this year, a 2% increase from last year.
Kenyan athlete set a world record at Kip Keino Classic race
On Saturday evening, Kenyan athlete Ferdinand Omanyala set a new 2022 world lead of 9.85 seconds in men’s 100m, at Saturday’s Kip Keino Classic, a Continental Tour Gold Athletics. With Italian Olympic gold medalist Marcell Jacobs forced out due to food poisoning, Omanyala defeated Olympic 100m silver medalist, American Fred Kerley, who clocked 9.92 – his personal best this season – firmly putting him on the global radar as more events take place in coming months.
Back in September, the sprinter set his continental record of 9.77 seconds on the same home soil track, and he’s determined to lower that personal best in coming races. “I am the African record holder, but I want to be the African champion,” he told BBC Sport Africa. “Right now, I am hungry for medals, so I am really preparing for the African Championships, World Championships and the Commonwealth Games.”
Competing in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m events at the African senior Championships in Mauritius next month, Omanyala is targeting three gold medals at the competition scheduled for June 8 to June 12. He’s also targeting a podium finish at the World Championships in July 15 to 24 in Oregon, United States, as well as the Commonwealth Games slated for July 28 to August 8 in Birmingham, England.
Guinea to prosecute ousted president for murder and other grave charges
Last September, a military coup led to the ousting of former long term president, Alpha Conde, who’s popularity amongst Guineans had dwindled following moves to constitutionally extend his stay in office and hold on to power indefinitely. His forceful removal from office elicited mostly positive reactions from the general public, but that’s just the beginning of his travails. Guinea’s Military government has filed several charges for alleged crimes committed by Conde and 26 of his former official during his time in office.
According to a document shared by public prosecutor, Alphonse Charles Wright, the alleged crimes include murder, torture, kidnapping, violent sexual abuse, amongst others. Joining Conde as defendants in the case are a former president of the constitutional court, ex-speakers of parliament, a former prime minister and many former ministers, legislators and heads of the security services. These charges were issued in response to complaints filed by the National Front for the Defense of the Constitution (FNDC) — the group that had led the protests against Conde’s attempt to run for a third term in office.
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Fanti Carnival Returns to Lagos This Easter with a Vibrant Celebration of Afro-Brazilian Culture
The historic Fanti Carnival is set to make its grand return on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, bringing the...
The historic Fanti Carnival is set to make its grand return on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, bringing the streets of Lagos Island alive with colour, music, and culture. With roots dating back to 1890, the Lagos Fanti Carnival is one of Nigeria’s oldest and most vibrant cultural traditions, celebrating the deep ties between Nigeria and Brazil through a dynamic fusion of Afro-Brazilian heritage and modern creativity.
This year’s edition is supported by the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, in partnership with Robert Taylor Media and the Brazilian Descendants Association of Lagos. Together, they aim to honour the legacy of the Afro-Brazilian community in Lagos — descendants of formerly enslaved returnees who shaped the city’s culture, religion, and architecture.
The carnival procession will kick off at 12:00 PM, starting from Old Defence Road and will end at the JK Randle Centre, with accreditation beginning at 10:00 AM. Attendees can expect a stunning showcase of traditional costumes, Afro-Brazilian drumming, dance, and performances from local creatives reinterpreting heritage for a new generation.
Whether you’re drawn to the dazzling pageantry, the live performances, or the chance to connect with a rich cultural history, the Fanti Carnival is an unmissable event this Easter.
Tickets are now available, and more information can be found via the official Fanti Carnival website or their social platforms.
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Vlisco’s “The Garden Of Sisterhood” Campaign Comes To Life in New “MAYANGA” Video
A celebration of creativity and cultural
Dutch textile brand Vlisco recently unveiled its latest campaign ‘The Garden Of Sisterhood,’ as part of its women’s month celebration. The campaign, which looks to extend Vlisco’s rich legacy in African fashion and its ongoing celebration of creativity and cultural storytelling, takes inspiration from Congolese musical icon Fally Ipupa’s latest single, “Mayanga.” The song’s accompanying music video was shot in the Ivory Coast, and seamlessly balances Ipupa’s signature soulful Rumba music with intricate floral motifs and soft, elegant colour palettes that celebrate the strength and individuality that blossoms through community.
In addition to Fally Ipupa, Vlisco also tapped up Ivorian fashion designer Loza Maléombho and Nigerian director Daniel Obasi to contribute to ‘The Garden Of Sisterhood’ campaign. Maléombho’s unique designs and Obasi’s striking storytelling helped contribute to actualising Vlisco’s distinct aesthetic and vision of merging heritage, creativity and fashion.
In a statement discussing the collaboration with Vlisco, the Congolese superstar described it as a beautiful experience. “They understood my vision of working with talented artists and honouring the beautiful women who wear Vlisco fabrics. By creating exclusive designs for me and the remarkable women in the cast, Vlisco really brought our artistic vision to life, harmoniously fusing music and fashion,” he said.
Similarly, Marlou van Engelen, the creative director of Vlisco, expressed that it was an honour working with Fally Ipupa. “His song ‘MAYANGA’ perfectly reflects our admiration for the women who shaped us, inspire us, and mean so much to us. For us, it’s not just about fashion; it’s about the stories told through our beautiful prints. And I believe the best stories are always told together,” she said in a statement.
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NATIVE PREMIERE: Rigo Kamp Runs Ahead Of The Pack With The Visuals For “Marathon”
Rigo Kamp’s Marathon video is an intimate Afro-juju revival that pays homage to Sir Shina Peters and stamps...
Last Friday, Rigo Kamp, a NATIVE uNder alum and one of the architects of an equal parts nostalgic and refreshing sound released his self-titled debut EP, delivering a propulsive fusion of Alte, R&B, Funk, and Soul-infused rhythms.
Featuring previously released singles “Morning Sun” and “Summer”, the six-track eponymous EP executively produced by Odunsi The Engine sees Rigo lean heavily into his element as a sonic alchemist, jumping from silky falsettos to gritty grooves without losing an ounce of cohesion, and ultimately stamping the Abuja-born, Lagos-based singer-songwriter as a mad scientist of sound.
Just last November, Apple Music named Rigo Kamp as its Up Next artist, an acknowledgment that underscored his potential and confirmed what the tastemakers and underground scene already knew. Weeks later, he delivered an exhilarating live set for Spotify Fresh Finds in Lagos, proving he’s just as compelling live as he is in the studio.
On “Marathon”, the refreshing opener to the Rigo Kamp EP, Rigo borrows the bounce and swagger of Afro-Juju legend, Sir Shina Peters’ golden-era, fusing nostalgia with re-imagination to birth a vintage performance that feels like a private party for two, where it’s just Rigo, and you.
Get an exclusive first look at the video for Marathon here:
Listen to the Rigo Kamp EP:
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