The Africanist Podcast

In this episode of The Africanist Podcast, host Bamba Ndiaye sits down with Dr. Emily Jinan Riley of El Colegio de México to explore her groundbreaking book, Teraanga Republic (Indiana University Press 2025)—a sharp, intimate, and deeply layered examination of Senegalese hospitality, politics, and everyday life. Dr. Riley unpacks how “teraanga,” often celebrated as a national ethos of generosity and welcome, becomes a powerful political language that shapes belonging, citizenship, and the performance of national identity. Together, they trace the book’s ethnographic roots, its challenge to romanticized narratives of Senegalese exceptionalism, and its insights into how ordinary people navigate the tensions between cultural ideals and lived realities. Dr. Riley unpacks theory and street‑level experience, offering listeners a vivid sense of how hospitality becomes both a moral horizon and a political tool. The episode opens a window into a Senegal that is at once familiar and startlingly new—one where teraanga is not just a virtue, but a terrain of negotiation, aspiration, and struggle.

This episode of The Africanist Podcast features a rich and thought‑provoking conversation with Dr. Mark Deets of the American University in Cairo, whose award‑winning monograph A Country of Defiance (Ohio University Press 2023) has reshaped scholarly understanding of the Casamance conflict in Senegal. In this episode, Dr. Deets walks listeners through the spatial and historical dynamics that have shaped the region’s long‑running struggle, offering a perspective that moves beyond conventional political narratives. His approach highlights how geography, memory, and local identity intersect to produce a conflict that is both deeply rooted and continually evolving. The discussion brings clarity to a topic that is often misunderstood, making it accessible without sacrificing analytical depth. The book is both grounded and expansive, weaving together archival insights, fieldwork experiences, and theoretical reflections. Music: Jammu Africa by Ismaila Lo; Jaàm by Julien Juga ft. Doudou Ndiaye Rose

In this installment of our series Podcasting African Democracy, we sit down with Dr. Aikande Kwayu to unpack the turbulent aftermath of Tanzania’s recent presidential election. Marked by allegations of irregularities and contested legitimacy, the election sparked a wave of protests that revealed both the resilience and fragility of democratic practice in the country. Dr. Kwayu guides us through the complex interplay of state authority, citizen mobilization, and international scrutiny, highlighting how the protest movement has reshaped political discourse and exposed deep tensions between governance and grassroots demands. Together, we explore the consequences of this moment: the risks faced by protestors, the strategies of civil society, and the long‑term implications for Tanzania’s democratic trajectory. This conversation situates Tanzania’s crisis within broader debates about accountability, representation, and the future of African democracies.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Wendell H. Marsh (Mohammad VI Polytechnic University) to explore his groundbreaking book Textual Life: Islam, Africa, and the Fate of the Humanities (Columbia University Press, 2025). Marsh takes us deep into the intellectual world of Shaykh Musa Kamara, a towering figure of West African Islamic scholarship, whose bilingual manuscript History of the Blacks becomes a lens for examining colonial disruption, epistemic resistance, and the literary life of African thought. We unpack how Marsh reimagines African Islamic texts not as anthropological artifacts but as living documents of literary and philosophical engagement. From Kamara’s struggle to publish in colonial Senegal to the broader implications for postcolonial humanities, this conversation challenges us to rethink what counts as knowledge, who gets to preserve it, and how textual traditions shape futures across continents.

In this episode, Ph.D candidate, (in Art History) Margaret Nagawa discusses "Insistent Presence", her curated exhibition at Emory University's Michael Carlos Museum. "Drawn from the collections of the Chazen Museum of Art at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and curated by Emory PhD candidate Margaret Nagawa, Insistent Presence features works of sculpture, painting, ceramics, and printmaking by 24 artists who have lived and work on the African continent and in the diaspora. The exhibition examines how artists have reimagined the human figure to pose questions about social and political histories, contested identities, and a possible future for how we relate to one another. The artists in the exhibition think about twenty-first-century ways of being in the world and invite us to reflect on ourselves, our relationships, and the worlds we inhabit." source: https://carlos.emory.edu/exhibition/Insistent-Presence This episode was recorded on October 14, 2025. Music by: Ismaila Lo

This episode is the first installment of a new series entitled Podcasting African Democracy. It was recorded on August 5th, 2025. In this episode, we speak with Wairimu Gathimba — writer, researcher, and longtime organizer within Kenya’s social justice movement — about the mass protests that erupted in June 2025 following the commemoration of the 2024 controversial Finance Bill protest. From Nairobi to Kisumu, thousands of young Kenyans took to the streets, demanding transparency, accountability, and relief from crushing economic burdens. Wairimu breaks down the political stakes of the tax bill, the decentralized nature of the movement, and the role of digital mobilization in shaping a new era of civic resistance. We also explore the generational dynamics at play, the risks faced by protesters, and what this moment reveals about the future of Pan-African organizing. This is not just a story about taxes — it’s about reclaiming democracy, redefining leadership, and resisting austerity in a time of global economic pressure. Co-host: Luccas Perez Editor(s): Luccas Perez

In this special episode recorded live at the 2024 African Studies Association's Conference in Chicago, we delve into the vibrant world of academic podcasting with scholar-creators: Peter Alegi (Michigan State University), Bamba Ndiaye (Emory University), Reginold Royston (University of Wisconsin), Dean Rehberger (Michigan State University) and Michael Green. Drawing on their deep experience as researchers and podcasters, they share how podcasting can serve as a dynamic tool to disseminate scholarly work, foster critical pedagogy, and build public intellectual communities across borders. From practical insights on integrating audio storytelling into classrooms and research agendas to strategies for monetizing content and leveraging AI for streamlined production, the conversation unfolds as both visionary and grounded. The episode also highlights the flourishing of podcasting on the African continent, where creators are reimagining sonic archives and challenging the boundaries of scholarly communication. Whether you're new to academic podcasting or eager to take your work to the next level, this episode is your soundcheck for the future.

Step into the imaginative realms of Africanfuturism in this insightful episode featuring Prof. Kimberly Cleveland of Georgia State University in conversation with Bukunmi Bifarin (Emory University). Centered around Prof. Cleveland’s groundbreaking monograph, Africanfuturism: African Imaginings of Other Times, Spaces, and Worlds (Ohio University Press 2024), the discussion traverses speculative aesthetics, historical memory, and the creative force of African cultural expression. Together, they delve into how African artists, writers, and thinkers envision futures rooted in Indigenous knowledges, spiritual continuities, and alternative temporalities—disrupting colonial frameworks and offering new ways of seeing and being. This episode is an invitation to dream through the lens of the continent and its diasporas. Music: Ismaila Lo Episode Host: Bukunmi Bifarin Editor: Luccas Perez

In this episode, Profs Devin Bryson (Illinois College) and Molly Krueger Enz (South Dakota State University) discuss their co-authored monograph, Projections of Dakar: (Re) Imagining Urban Senegal Through Cinema (Ohio University Press 2024). “Projections of Dakar studies the audiovisual creations and practices of twenty-first-century Senegalese filmmakers living, working, and distributing their films in urban Senegal. Although some observers have described contemporary Senegalese cinema as a dying industry, this book shows that it retains great potential. Senegalese cinematic practitioners are forging unique, dynamic responses to social challenges and producing content in innovative forms.” Music: Africa by Ismaïla Lo Ndakarou by Youssou Ndour

NB: This episode was recorded on February 8, 2025. Since then, the conflict in Eastern DRC has dramatically evolved with more than 7000 fatalities, thousands of displaced and sanctions against Rwanda. In this episode we delve into the intricate and ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) with our esteemed guest, Dr. Patrick Litanga (Eastern Kentucky University). Dr. Litanga, a native of the DRC and an expert in African politics and post-conflict reconstruction, brings his profound insights to the table as we explore the multifaceted dimensions of this protracted war. He traces the origins of the conflict, sheds light on the historical and socio-political factors that have fueled the violence in the region. He also discusses the key actors involved, including the Congolese governmental forces, various rebel groups like M23, and the role of neighboring countries such as Rwanda and Uganda. Through his analysis, Dr. Litanga reveals the complex web of alliances and rivalries that have perpetuated the instability. We also examine the regional tensions and geostrategic implications of the conflict, highlighting how the struggle for control over the DRC's vast mineral resources has drawn in both regional and international players.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Natàlia Bueno, researcher at the Center for Social Studies (Coimbra University), to explore the recent political turmoil in Mozambique. The country has been gripped by violent protests and electoral violence following the contested election results that saw the ruling Frelimo party retain power. Nátalia Bueno provides an in-depth analysis of the disputed election results, highlighting the allegations of vote rigging and the subsequent unrest that has led to widespread violence and instability. We delve into the tragic assassinations of two prominent opposition leaders, Elvino Dias and Paulo Guambe, and discuss the implications of these targeted killings on the political landscape. Furthermore, we examine the reactions from the international community, including calls for intervention and the impact of these events on Mozambique's relations with neighboring countries and global organizations. Nátalia offers her expert insights into the potential long-term consequences of this political upheaval and what it means for the future of democracy in Mozambique.

This episode is a conversation with distinguished Zambian writer and activist Ba Mulenga Kapwepwe, who was recently invited to Emory University's Institute of African Studies to discuss her latest novel, Perfect Marriage. In this conversation facilitated by Dr. Bamba Ndiaye, Kapwepwe dissects the complexities of Bemba society, ritual practices, and social relationships in a gripping narrative that does not shy away from the scientificity of African cultures and rites often construed as pure folklore. To purchase the book click HERE. Novel's synopsys: "Dr Bwalya Katanshi and Dr Musonda Katongo are Zambian academics working in America. After meeting and falling in love, they decide to tie the knot. Neuroscientist Bwalya returns to Zambia ahead of Musonda, a mechanical engineer, to finalise their wedding arrangements. But the harmony is shattered when Musonda arrives. He is less than enthusiastic about embracing tradition and especially travelling to the village for their marriage rites and ceremonies. This reluctance strains their relationship and creates tension between the lovers, their future in-laws, and the entire village, jeopardizing the couple's future happiness.Rich with captivating depictions of Zambia's natural and cultural heritage, Perfect Marriage offers profound lessons and insights into the interconnectedness of human beings with their environment, with God, and with love-all shown through the lens of Bemba beliefs and practices." https://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Marriage-Mulenga-Kapwepwe/dp/9982990624

On May 19, 2024, an attempted coup occurred in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The assailants targeted President Félix Tshesekedi and the Economy Minister, Vital Kamerhe. They attacked both the Palais de la Nation and the Kamerhe's residence before they were swiftly pushed back by security forces. The commando's leader, Christian Malanga, was killed as a result of the security forces' response. His son Marcel Malanga and dozens of plotters were arrested. In this episode, Dr. Patrick Litanga (Eastern Kentucky University) discusses the details of this recent coup attempt, the history of military takeovers and takeover attempts in the DRC as well as the current political crisis between the DRC and Rwanda in the Eastern Congo.

In this episode, Nyaradzai Mahachi (Emory University) discusses with Dr. Matthew Rarey (Oberlin College) about the latter's first monograph, Insignificant Things: Amulets and the Art of Survival in the Early Black Atlantic (Duke University Press, 2023) The book "traces the history of the African-associated amulets that enslaved and other marginalized people carried as tools of survival in the Black Atlantic world from the seventeenth to the nineteenth centuries. Often considered visually benign by white Europeans, these amulet pouches, commonly known as “mandingas,” were used across Africa, Brazil, and Portugal and contained myriad objects, from herbs and Islamic prayers to shells and coins. Drawing on Arabic-language narratives from the West African Sahel, the archives of the Portuguese Inquisition, sixteenth- and seventeenth-century European travel and merchant accounts of the West African Coast, and early nineteenth-century Brazilian police records, Rarey shows how mandingas functioned as portable archives of their makers’ experiences of enslavement, displacement, and diaspora. He presents them as examples of the visual culture of enslavement and critical to conceptualizing Black Atlantic art history. Ultimately, Rarey looks to the archives of transatlantic slavery, which were meant to erase Black life, for objects like the mandingas that were created to protect it." https://www.dukeupress.edu/insignificant-things More about this episode's host, Nyaradzai Mahachi here.

In this conversation, Michelle Gavin (CFR), Rachel Beatty Riedl (Cornell University) and Bamba Ndiaye (Emory University) discuss the ongoing political crisis in Senegal. "On Saturday, February 3, Senegalese president Macky Sall informed the nation that he was postponing the presidential election scheduled for February 25. The move was necessary, he claimed, to prevent “a new crisis” from erupting over an ongoing conflict between the judiciary and parliament. It was a stunning and unexpected decree, roundly denounced by trade unions, religious institutions, the press, and citizens alike. It is also the culmination of the acute democratic backsliding that has characterized Senegal since the beginning of Sall’s second term in 2019. If unchecked, this constitutional putsch undeniably marks the demise of Senegalese democracy. Days before Sall’s weekend announcement, lawmakers from the Senegalese Democratic Party (PDS) and the ruling Benno Bok Yakkar (BBY) coalition accused two Constitutional Court judges of corruption. They allege that BBY’s presidential candidate, Prime Minister Amadou Ba, bribed two judges to eliminate a political opponent, PDS candidate Karim Wade, from the race." Music: Mackycratie by Keur Gui Crew Selected readings: "The Demise of Senegalese Democracy" by Bamba Ndiaye Restaurer la République (Texte collectif) "Making Sense of Senegal's Constitution" by Catherine Lena Kelly "Senegal's "Unraveling": President's Delay of Election Is Latest in String of Anti-Democratic Actions" www.democracynow.org

Co-Host: Eman Ghanayem In this episode, we discuss Mohamed Abdou's (Columbia University) Islam and Anarchism. "Islam and Anarchism is a highly original and interdisciplinary work, which simultaneously disrupts two commonly held beliefs - that Islam is necessarily authoritarian and capitalist; and that anarchism is necessarily anti-religious and anti-spiritual. Deeply rooted in key Islamic concepts and textual sources, and drawing on radical Indigenous, Islamic anarchistic and social movement discourses, Abdou proposes 'Anarcha-Islam'. Constructing a decolonial, non-authoritarian and non-capitalist Islamic anarchism." Source: https://www.plutobooks.com/9780745341927/islam-and-anarchism/

In this episode, Chelsy Monie and Dr. Susan Gagliardi (Emory University) discuss, the latter's recent monograph entitled Seeing the Unseen: Arts of Power Association on the Senufo-Mande Cultural "Frontier" (Indiana University Press, 2023) In this book, "art historian Susan Elizabeth Gagliardi examines tensions between the seen and unseen that makers, patrons, and audiences of arts in western West Africa negotiate through objects, assemblages, and performances. Gagliardi examines how ambiguity anchors design of the arts, and she shows that attempts to determine exact meanings miss the point. Specialists across western West Africa construct assemblages, installations, and buildings that hint at the possibility of revelation, but full disclosure remains unattainable. Specific activities and contexts integral to the design and use of the works often leave no visible trace" (IU Press). More about the host of this episode, Chelsy Monie here.

In this episode, renowned Kenyan writer and thinker Ngūgī wa Thiong’o discusses crucial issues in African literature including the 1962 African Writers Conference in Kampala, language use and the specter of (neo)colonialism in literary productions and African development. He also talks about sociopolitical issues in contemporary Africa as well as personal challenges he’s faced in the past few years. Co-Host: Dr. Baba Badji (Presidential Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of French and the Department of English, Rutgers University) Music by Xuman and Keyti. We thank Xuman and Keyti of the Journal Rappé for allowing us to use the songs below in this episode. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9edJOJa_O4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5MZnUbygGo

On June 1, 2023, a criminal court in Dakar found opposition leader, Ousmane Sonko guilty of corrupting the youth while dropping the rape and death threats charges in a historic case opposing him to Adji Sarr. The verdict plunged the country into another popular uprising resulting in more than two dozen fatalities, hundreds of injured protesters, and detentions. In this conversation, journalist, Borso Tall and the host discuss the outcome of the Sonko v. Sarr verdict and their experiences with the June 2023 uprising in Dakar, Senegal.

On June 1, 2023, a criminal court in Dakar found opposition leader, Ousmane Sonko guilty of corrupting the youth while dropping the rape and death threats charges in a historic case opposing him to Adji Sarr. The verdict plunged the country into another popular uprising resulting in more than two dozen fatalities, hundreds of injured protesters, and detentions. In this conversation, journalist, Borso Tall and the host discuss the outcome of the Sonko v. Sarr verdict and their experiences with the June 2023 uprising in Dakar, Senegal.