10 Zulu Names For Females

The Zulu people are the largest ethnic group in South Africa. These people take pride in their culture which comprises music, dance, and various forms of beadwork. The women in Zulu society are known to be beautiful and hard-working. The names given to women in this culture are

Zobuhle

• Meaning: Lady of beauty

Yibanathi

• Meaning: Be with us

Thobeka

• Meaning: Humble

Thadie

• Meaning: Loved one

Sinenhlanhla

• Meaning: We have luck

Ntokozo 

• Meaning: Happiness or joy

Nomvula

• Meaning: After the rain

Khethiwe

• Meaning: The chosen one

Duduzile

• Meaning: Consoled

Ayanda

• Meaning: One who is always increasing

10 Yoruba Names For Females

The Yoruba people are a West African ethnic group that mainly inhabit parts of Nigeria, Benin, and Togo. Like many other African ethnic groups, Yoruba names for females project a child’s identity or respond to certain circumstances to which the child was born.

Ayomide

• Meaning: My joy has come

Tiwa

• Meaning: One who owns the crown

Toluwalase

• Meaning: God’s will be done

Oyinlola

• Meaning: Wealth is sweet

Oluwafunbi

• Meaning: God has given this child to me

Morenikeji

• Meaning: This girl resembles me

Ifedayo

• Meaning: Love has become joy

Iretioluwa

• Meaning: God’s hope

Idowu

• Meaning: A girl born after twins

Ibukun

• Meaning: Blessing

10 Masai Names For Females

The Masai ethnic group inhabits northern, central, and southern Kenya as well as the African Great Lakes region. Masai names often signify elements of Maasai culture, nature, and other significant events.

Naitoti

• Meaning: Born during a drought

Nataana

• Meaning: Born of a neighbor

Lankenua

• Meaning: Lucky

Naipanoi

• Meaning: The big one

Nanyoka

• Meaning: Young and energetic

Napayian

• Meaning: The chosen one

Nkasiogi

• Meaning: One who is always in a hurry

Neelai

• Meaning: Intelligent

Naserian

• Meaning: The peaceful one

Nalepo

• Meaning: Born at night

10 Hausa Names For Females

The Hausa ethnic group is mostly found in the West African region of the continent and most of the Hausa names for females are drawn from Arabic.

Habibah

• Meaning: A beloved child

Jamilah

• Meaning: Beautiful, elegant, or graceful

Faɗimatu 

• Meaning: Premature child

Fara

• Meaning: A joyful person

Gimbiya

• Meaning: Princess

Fa’idah

• Meaning: Benefit or advantage

Hakuri

• Meaning: A patience person

Hamidah

• Meaning: An appreciative person

Jummai

• Meaning: Born on Friday

Fa’idah

• Meaning: Benefit or advantage

SEE ALSO: South African Names – 150 Popular South African Names And Meanings

10 Swahili Names For Females

The Swahili people comprise the Bantu, Afro-Arab, and Comorian ethnic groups inhabiting the Swahili coast. Spoken across Eastern Africa, the Swahili language has strong influences from the Arabic. Meanwhile, most female Swahili names find their roots in religion, culture, and contemporary happenings.

 Tambika

• Meaning: A religious offering

Imani

• Meaning: Faith

Chinira

• Meaning: God receives

Safiyah

• Meaning: Pure

N’bushe

• Meaning: Godly one

Zawati

• Meaning: Gift

Chriki

• Meaning: Blessing

Kaisa

• Pure

Muraty

• Meaning: One who is sacred

Kiojah

• Meaning: Miracle

10 Igbo Names For Females

The Igbo are primarily found in Eastern Nigeria. Several female Igbo names hold cultural and spiritual significance and are believed to be essential in shaping a person’s destiny.

Isioma

• Meaning: One who is fortunate and blessed

Uzoamaka

• Meaning: A good path

Chukwudaalu

• Meaning: Thank you God

Amaogechukwu

• The Lord’s time is the best

Achebe

• Meaning: One who is protected by the Goddess

Adaolisa

• Meaning: God’s daughter

Adaobi

• Meaning: The first daughter in the family compound

Ahunna

• Meaning: One with the body of her father

Anwulichukwu

• Meaning: Joy of the Lord

Chiasoka

• Meaning: God is too sweet

10 Asante Names For Females

The Asante ethnic group is native to the Ashanti Region of modern-day Ghana. The Asante people frequently name their children after the day of the week. They also name their children after special circumstances.

Akosua

• Meaning: Sunday

Adwoa

• Meaning: Monday

Abena

• Meaning: Tuesday

Akua

• Meaning: Wednesday

Yaa

• Meaning: Thursday

Afua

• Meaning: Friday

Ama

• Meaning: Saturday

Ataá

• Meaning: Twin

Píèsíe

• Meaning: Firstborn

Nyaméama

• Meaning: Premature or sickly

10 Akamba Names For Females

The Kamba or Akamba are of the Bantu ethnic group of Kenya. The Kamba believe that names have specific traits. They also believe in giving names that will honor and preserve their cultural heritage.

Moathimo

• Meaning: Blessings

Mumbe

• Meaning: Beautiful

Wayua

• Meaning: Born during famine

Nduku

• Meaning: Born at night

Mwikali

• Meaning: Born after a long duration gestation

Mueni

• Meaning: The new one

Kasyoka

• Meaning: Reincarnation of a dead family member

Mumbua

• Meaning: Born during the rainy season

Mbuku

• Meaning: Hare

Mutanu

• A happy one

10 Rwanda Names For Females

Most of the Rwandan names for females have spiritual significance. They also portray attributes like favor and peace.

Uwimana

• Meaning: Daughter of God

Neza

• Meaning: Good

Uwera

• Meaning: The holy one

Urimana

• Meaning: Daughter of God

Muteteli

• Dainty

Mutoni 

• Favored one

Akaliza

• Firstborn

Amahoro

• Peace

Uwase

• Meaning: She is her father’s

Uwimbabazi

• Meaning: She who is merciful

10 Xhosa Names For Females

The Xhosa are a South African cultural group who emphasize traditional practices and customs inherited from their forefathers. Most of the female names the Xhosa people give their females are also rooted in their culture. But they also give names that have contemporary meanings.

Nkosazana

• Meaning: Princess

Zimkhitha

• Meaning: One who has dignity

Noxolo

• Meaning: Peace

Fundiswa

• Meaning: Smart or educated

Funeka

• Meaning: Needed

Gugu

• Meaning: Our pride

Khanyiswa

• Meaning: Lights up

Sindiswa

• Meaning: We have it

Nonhle

• Beautiful

Zintle

• Beautiful one

The post 100 African Names For Females appeared first on WeAfrique.

Moreover, the Yoruba people are an ethnic group primarily found in Nigeria, as well as other parts of west Africa like Benin, Togo, and Sierra Leone. They have a rich cultural heritage and are known for their art, music, and religion, which includes the worship of the numerous deities known as the Orishas.

Yoruba Names and Meanings For Boys 

Adetayo

• Meaning: The crown has brought us honor

Adeshola

• Meaning: One who is crowned to bring wealth

Adebisi

• Meaning: The king produces more

Adebiyi

• Meaning: The royal one

Adebowale

• Meaning: The crown has come home

Akintoye

• Meaning: Strenght is all I need

Adeboye

• Meaning: The crown meets with dignity

Adedayo

• Meaning: The crown became Joy

Adetola

• Meaning: The crown is worth the same as wealth

Adekunle

• Meaning: Crowns fill the house

Alade

• Meaning: The crowned one

Abioye

• Meaning: Son of royalty

Abiodun

• Meaning: Born during a festive period

Adebayo

• Meaning: He came in Joyful time

Adeleke

• Meaning: The crown stays above

Adeyemi

• Meaning: worthy of the crown

Adenuga

• Meaning: The crown owns the palace

Ayotunde

• Meaning: Joy has returned

Ayoola

• Meaning: The joy of wealth

Adeyinka

• Meaning: The crowns surrounds me

Adesola

• Meaning: crowned with wealth

Adesoji

• Meaning: The crown is revived

Adenrele

• Meaning: The crown is going home

Adepoju

• Meaning: Many crowns

Abitoluwa

• Meaning: Born as God’s own

Adegoke

• Meaning:  The crown has been exalted

Adekola

• Meaning: The crown brings wealth

Afolabi

• Meaning: Born into wealth

Adesanya

• Meaning: My pain has been compensated with the birth of this child

Adelomo

• Meaning: A child is a crown

Akinwale

• Meaning: Strenght/Valor/Warrior has  come home

Araoluwakiitan

• Meaning: The wonders of the Lord never ends

Aremu

• Meaning: First male child in the family

Adedeji

• Meaning: The king has become two

Akande

• Meaning: First born

Babatunji

• Meaning: Father has returned

Boluwatife

• Meaning: As God wishes

Bayowa

• Meaning: He came with Joy

Bankole

• Meaning: Build a home for me

Babasola

• Meaning: Father’s wealth has come

Bolade

• Meaning: Honor will come

Durojaiye

• Meaning: One who waits for the Joy of life

Durodola

• Meaning: Wait for wealth

Damola

• Meaning: Child mixed with wealth

Ebunoluwa

• Meaning: God’s gift

Erioluwa

• Meaning: Evidence of God

Eyitayo

• Meaning: Sufficient cause for Joy

Femi

• Meaning: Love me

Ibunkunoluwa

• Meaning: Blessing of God

Idowu

• Meaning:  Born after twins

Iyinoluwa

• Meaning: Praise of God

Ilerioluwa

• Meaning: God’s promise

Juwon

• Meaning: God is gracious

Kolawole

• Meaning: Wealth has entered

Mayowa

• Meaning: One who brings joy to the family

Mobolaji

• Meaning:  One who wears the crown of wealth

Modadeola

• Meaning: One is waering the crown of wealth

Mobolarinwa

• Meaning: I walk with wealth

Modurodoluwa

• Meaning: I waited on the lord

Obafemi

• Meaning: The king loves me

Olabisi

• Meaning: Joy has increased

Oladayo

• Meaning: Wealth has become joy

Olusola

• Meaning: The Lord has blessed me

Oluwadaramisi

• Meaning: God is good to me

Oluwadamilola

• Meaning: The Lord makes me wealthy

Oluwagbenga

• Meaning: The Lord has lifted me

Oluwakayode

• Meaning: The Lord has brought Joy

Oluwale

• Meaning: Wealth has come

Oluwapamilerin

• Meaning: God has made me to laugh

Oluwasegun

• Meaning: God has been victorious

Oluwarotimi

• Meaning: God lives with me

Oluwaseun

• Meaning: Thanks be to God

Oluwaseyi

• Meaning: God did this

Oluwatobi

• Meaning: God is great

Omobolanle

• Meaning: Child that met wealth at home

See Also: 150+ Ghanaian Female Names And Meanings

Oyebanji

• Meaning: Title awakens me

Oyindamola

• Meaning: Honey mixed with wealth

Oluwajomiloju

• Meaning: God is awesome

Oluwanifemi

• Meaning: God loves me

Oluwadusin

• Meaning: God is worthy of our adoration

Oluwabamigbe

• Meaning: God is living with me

Olamilekan

• Meaning: My wealth is greater

Olamide

• Meaning: My wealth has arrived

Olademeji

• Meaning: wealth has doubled

Odunayo

• Meaning: Year of happiness

Oloruyomi

• Meaning: God saved me

Otedola

• Meaning: Fortune/Riches

Oyebamiji

• Meaning: The prince has been crowned

Ropo

• Meaning: He has come to save

Seye

• Meaning: Honor

Sijuwade

• Meaning: Man destined for greatness

Toluwanimi

• Meaning: I belong to God

Toluwalope

• Meaning: To God be the glory

Tayo

• Meaning: Boy full of happiness

Teniayo

• Meaning: The foundation of Joy

Toluwalogo

• Meaning: The glory belongs to  God

Timilehin

• Meaning: God is with you

Tolulola

• Meaning: Riches belong to God

Yele

• Meaning: One who befits the family

Yimika

• Meaning: Surround me

The post 100 Popular Yoruba Names and Meaning For Boys appeared first on WeAfrique.

With over 250 ethnic groups and thousands of languages in Nigeria, there is a vast array of female names to select from.

Unique Nigerian Female Names and Their Meanings

Yoruba Female Names

1. Abiona

One who is born during a journey

2. Adesina

She opens the way

3. Aina

Beautiful Eyed Woman

4. Smoke

Loving stroke or to pet her

5. Olayinka

Wealth surrounds me

6. Abebi

We asked for a girl child

7. Abidemi

A girl born during her father’s absence

8. Adefolake

Your wealth supports us

9. Aderiyike

The pampered crown

10. Adunni

A daughter of a sweet person

11. Atinuke

One who has been taken care of right from conception

12. Ayobami

Wealth meet me, one asking

13. Ayokunumi

I am overwhelmed by the wealth

14. Ayomide

My Joy has returned

15. Ayoola

The joy of wealth

16. Ayotola

Joy is enough wealth

17. Ayotunde

Joy has returned

18. Bimpe

One who is gorgeous

19. Bisi

She is the first-born daughter in the Family

20. Bodunde

Came with Christmas or one who was born during

21. Bolatito

How joy sanctifies me

22. Boluwatife

As God wishes, one who follows the will of God

23. Bosede

A daughter that came to the world on a sunday

24. Bunmi

To be my gift

25. Busayo

Add to the joy

26. Doyinsola

My wealth is sweet

27. Ebunoluwa

The God’s gift

28. Ewatomi

Beauty is enough for me

29. Feyisayo

Use this as joy.

30. Feyisetan

A Yoruba term meaning use this as history

31. Feyisola

A girl who always has the blessing of her parents on her, my blessing

32. Fisayo

God has added me to my joy

33. Folake

One who is taken care of with wealth

34. Folasade

Yoruba term meaning honor confers a crown

35. Funmilayo

Gift of God or God has brought me joy.

36. Fyiynfoluwa

Give praise to God.

37. Gbemisola

Yoruba term meaning carry me into wealth

38. Ifedayo

Love has turned to joy

39. Ifedolapo

Wealth has been mixed with love

40. Ifesowapo

Love has joined us together

41. Ikeoluwa

One who is under the constant care of God

42. Ilerioluwa

The promise of God.

43. Iretomiwa

Blessing has come to me, a girl who has brought blessings to her family

44. Kikelomo

A child whom everyone loves pampering

45. Korede

A girl who has brought joy to the family

46. Oluwatoyin

God deserves my praise

47. Omolade

Child of the crown

48. Oyinlola

wealth is sweet

49. Tejumola

One who looks forward to better days

50. Titilayo

One who is joyful forever, ever happy Read Also:100 Popular Yoruba Names for Girls and The Meaning 

Igbo Female Names Commonly Used in Nigeria

51. Adaego

Daughter of wealth

52. Adaeze

Princess, daughter of the king

53. Adaku

A girl born into wealthy family or the one who brings wealth to the family.

54. Adanna

Father’s daughter, given to the elder sister of a girl

55. Adaobi

The first daughter in the family compound.

56. Amaka

Queen of ravishing beauty who is spontaneous and versatile by nature

57. Anwuli

A joyous and happy girl

58. Akudo

Peaceful wealth

59. Chizaram

God answered me

60. Chibundo

God is my shelter

61. Chisimdi

God said i should live

62. Chinelo

God thinks for me

64. Chinazor

God saves

65. Chinenye

God gives

66. Chinyere

God’s gave

67. Chioma

Good God

68. Chisom

God is with me

69. Daberechi

Lean on God

70. Daluchi

Thank God

71. Ebube

Glory

72. Ezinne

Good mother

73. Ginikachukwu

What can be greater than God

74. Ifechukwu

The light of God

75. Ifedimma

Something good

76. Isioma

One who is fortunate and blessed

77. Ndidi

Patience

78. Ngozi

Blessing

79. Nkolika

Peace

80. Nkechinyere

The one given to me by God

81. Nkenna

Belongs to the Father (God)

82. Nkiruka

Greater things are ahead

83. Obiageli

One who is born into wealth

84. Obianuju

Born amid plenty

85. Ogechukwu

God’s time

86. Olachukwu

God’s pearl/jewel

87. Olanma

Beautiful pearl

88. Oluchukwu

Work of God

89. Onyinye

Gift

90. Ozioma

Good news

91. Oluebube

Miracle of God

92. Somtochukwu

Praise God with me

93. Ugonma

A beautiful eagle

94. Uloma

Good house

95. Urenna

Her father’s pride

96. Utochi

Sweetness of God

Hausa Female Names

The Hausa people, predominantly located in Nigeria, Niger, and Ghana, have a diverse range of names that often reflect their Islamic faith and many of these names stem from Arabic roots, often retaining their original meanings. Some of  these names include;

97. Aisha

Alive or prosperous

98. Aminah

Safe, secure, and protected

99. Anaya

God has shown favor

100. Asabe

Born on a Saturday

101. Asma’u

Loftier or a more eminent person

102. Atikah

Clear or pure

103. Aunika

A sweet face

104. Deloo

The first girl born after three boys

105. Dena

A bright ornament

106. Djamila

A peaceful woman

107. Fa’idah

Benefit or advantage

108. Fa’iqah

An excellent person or one who surpasses expectations

109. Fa’izah

The victorious one

110. Faɗimatu

Premature child

111. Fara

A joyful person or the cause for rejoicing

112. Fatima

One who abstains

113. Gamila

A gorgeous woman

114. Gimbiya

A princess

115. Habibah

A beloved child

116. Hakuri

A wife who is extremely patient with people in her community

117. Halimah

A gentle person

118. Hamidah

An appreciative person

119. Iesha

One who is alive

120. Jamilah

A beautiful, elegant, and graceful girl

121. Jummai

Born on a Friday

122. Kadada

A daughter born of related couples

123. Kamaria

The Moon

124. Kando

The first daughter born in a family of three to four male children

125. Kayra

A peaceful and unique girl

126. Kubra

A great or senior person

127. Kuluwa

A daughter who is the most loved in a family

128. Kyauta

Gift or present

129. Kyawo

A beautiful girl

130. Latifah

A kind, gentle, or refined woman

131. Lubabah

Innermost essence

132. Mansurah

A victorious woman

133. Maimuna

The fortunate or blessed one

134. Nabilah

A noble or magnanimous woman

135. Nafisah

A precious and delicate gem

136. Na’imah

Enjoying God’s bounty

137. Nissi

The beloved one

138. Rabi’ah

The fourth child

139. Rahmah

A kind and compassionate person

140. Rashidah

A rightly-guided woman

141. Safiyah

Pure or serene

142. Sakinah

Tranquility or peace of mind

143. Salimah

A safe, sound, and healthy woman

144. Samirah

A jovial companion

145. Samu

A female child born after the parent has long been waiting for childbirth

146. Samukelisiwe

We have received a gift

147. Sarauniya

A queen

148. Shekara

A child who makes a year in her mother’s womb before her delivery time

149. Shukriyah

Thanksgiving

150. Talatu

Born on a Saturday

151. Tanoma

Born during the farming season

152. Tsakani

A middle birth in a family

153. Uwani

My mother

154. Yada

A female born after the passing away of siblings but with a tradition

155. Yatsohi

A daughter born to old parents

156. Zahrah

A flower, blossom, or splendor

157. Zakiyyah

One who is pure/chaste

Efik/ Ibibio Popular Nigerian Girl Names

158. Affiong

Moon

159. Ekaete

Father’s mother

159. Eno-Obong

God’s Gift

160. Ediye

Beautiful

161. Imaobong

God’s love

162. Iniobong

God’s time

163. Ifiok

Wisdom

164. Ime

Patience

165. Inemesit

happiness

166. Itoro

Praise

167. Sifon

Goodness

168. Uyai

Beauty

169. Unwana

Bright/ Light

170. Unyime

God’s agreement

The post 150+ Nigerian Female Names And Meanings appeared first on WeAfrique.

Today, at the heart of these traditions, some gods are still worshipped by some Africans. The African traditional religion is one of the major religions alongside Christianity and Islam on the continent.

Some of The Most Well-known African Gods and Goddesses 

Ogun

Authority: god of war and iron

Associated with: Iron

Worshippers: Yoruba people of Nigeria

Anzar

Authority: god of rain and water

Associated with: Rain

Worshippers: Berber people of Morocco

Takhar

Authority: Justice and vengeance

Associated with: Tree

Worshippers: Serer people of West Africa ( ethnic group found in Senegal, the Gambia, and Mauritania)

Tano

Authority: god of War and Strife (for Agni mythology), god of Thunder and Lightening (for Ashante mythology)

Associated with: River

Worshippers: Ashanti people of Ghana and Agni people of Lower Ivory Coast

Apedemak

Authority: War goddess

Associated with: Lion

Worshippers: Egyptian people

Oya

Authority: goddess of weather

Associated with: Wind, Thunderbolts, and Fire

Worshippers: Yoruba people of Nigeria

Olokun

Authority: god of great wealth

Associated with: Water

Worshippers: Yoruba people of Nigeria

Mukasa

Authority: god of prosperity, harvest, fertility, and health

Associated with: Island

Worshippers: Baganda people in present-day Uganda

Oko

Authority: god of Fertility, Agriculture, and Law

Associated with: Farm

Worshippers: Yoruba people of Nigeria

Shango

Authority: god of war and thunder

Associated with: Thunder and fire

Worshippers: Yoruba people of Nigeria

Aje

Authority: goddess of Trade and Economic prosperity

Associated with: Marketplace

Worshippers: Yoruba people of Nigeria

Amadioha

Authority: god of Justice

Associated with: Thunder

Worshippers: Igbo people of Nigeria

Obatala

Authority: god of Compassion

Associated with: honesty, purpose, purity, peace, the New Year, forgiveness, and resurrection

Worshippers: Yoruba people of Nigeria

Nana-buluku

Authority: Mother supreme creator

Associated with: Moon and Sun

Worshippers: Fon people of (Benin, Dahomey), Ewe people of (Togo)

Anyanwu

Authority: goddess of the sun

Associated with: Sun

Worshippers: Igbo people of Nigeria

Modjadji

Authority: goddess of rain

Associated with: Rain

Worshippers: People of the Limpopo Province of South Africa

Denka

Authority: god of fertility

Associated with: Rain

Worshippers: Dinka people of South Sudan

Asase Yaa

Authority: Earth goddess of fertility

Associated with: Earth

Worshippers: Ashanti people of Ghana

Yemaya

Authority: Childbirth goddess

Associated with: Ocean

Worshippers: Yoruba people of Nigeria

Obaluaye

Authority: god of healing

Associated with: Infectious diseases and healing

Worshippers: Yoruba people of Nigeria

Orunmila

Authority: god of Wisdom

Associated with: Humanity

Worshippers: Yoruba people of Nigeria

Nhialic

Authority: Supreme god

Associated with: Sky and Rain

Worshippers: Dinka people of South Sudan

Mebege

Authority: Creation god

Associated with:  Spider(Dibobia)

Worshippers: Fang people of the Central African Republic

Arebati

Authority: Supreme god

Associated with:  Moon

Worshippers: Efe people of the Democratic Republic of Congo

Roog

Authority: Supreme god

Associated with:  Pangool

Worshippers: Serere people of Senegal

Qamata

Authority: Creator god

Associated with:  Stones

Worshippers: Xhosa people of South-eastern African

Ngai

Authority: Creator god

Associated with:  Mount Kenya and Mugumo tree

Worshippers: Kamba and Kikuyu people of Kenya

Adroa

Authority: Creator god

Associated with:  Mankind and River

Worshippers: Lugbara people of the Central Sudanic ethnic group  in the West Nile region of Uganda

Anubis

Authority: god of the death

Associated with:  Underworld

Worshippers: Egyptian people

Njoku Ji

Authority: Guardian deity of the yam

Associated with: Farming season

Worshippers: Igbo people of Nigeria

Ikenga

Authority: god of human endeavor, achievement, success, and victory

Associated with: Right hand

Worshippers: Igbo people of Nigeria

Abena

Authority: goddess of the river

Associated with: Wealth symbols (such as Gold and Brass)

Worshippers: Effutu people from central Ghana

Kibuka

Authority: god of war

Associated with: Cloud

Worshippers: Buganda people of Uganda

Bumba

Authority: Creator god

Associated with: Vomit

Worshippers: Kuba people of Central Africa

Eshu

Authority: Trickster god

Associated with: Yam

Worshippers: Yoruba people  of Nigeria

Oba

Authority: River goddess

Associated with: River

Worshippers: Yoruba people of Nigeria

Oduduwa

Authority: Creator goddess

Associated with: Earth

Worshippers: Yoruba people of Nigeria

Ogo

Authority: god of Chaos

Associated with: Pale Fox

Worshippers: Dogon people of Mali

Babalu Aye

Authority: Healer god

Associated with: Dogs

Worshippers: Yoruba people of Nigeria

Aje Shaluga

Authority: god of Money and Treasures

Associated with: Flowers, Fresh fruit, pigeons, and Necklaces

Worshippers: Yoruba people of Nigeria

Njambe

Authority: Supreme creator god

Associated with: Sickness and death

Worshippers: Loki or Boloki people of the Democratic Republic of Congo

Mami Wata

Authority: goddess of water

Associated with: Water

Worshippers: West Africa, some parts of Central and Southern Africa

Kaang

Authority: Creator god

Associated with: Mantis and Caterpillar

Worshippers: Bushmen  people of southern Africa

Gu

Authority: god of Blacksmithing

Associated with: Metal

Worshippers: African

Maher

Authority: god of war

Associated with: Mars or Ares

Worshippers: Aksumites and the Himyarites people of Ethiopia

Modimo

Authority: god of all good things

Associated with: Earth

Worshippers: Botswanans

Age

Authority: god of the hunters, the wilderness, and animals

Associated with: Forest

Worshippers: Fon people of Dahomey

Avrikiti

Authority: god of Fishermen

Associated with: water

Worshippers: Fon people of Dahomey

See Also: 12 Famous African Gods and Goddesses With Unbelievable Capabilities

Mawu-Lisa

Authority: creator goddess

Associated with: Moon and Sun

Worshippers: Fon people of Dahomey

Amun

Authority: god of the air and sun

Associated with: Ram

Worshippers: Egyptians

The post 50 Famous African Gods And Their Authority appeared first on WeAfrique.

If you are considering naming your baby girl, here are some amazing IsiXhosa names that you would cherish.

Female Names From The Xhosa Tribe  

Aphiwe

Meaning: Gift or given

Anathi

Meaning: God is always with us

Athandwa

Meaning: Loved

Amila

Meaning: They are firm

Asemahle

Meaning: Beautiful

Amyoli

Meaning: The clan is happy

Alulutho

Meaning: Valuable

Avethandwa

Meaning: Valuable

Alunamida

Meaning: Unending love

Avuyile

Meaning: Delightful

Akhinzolo

Meaning: Build peace

Amathuba

Meaning: Opportunities

Afeziwe

Meaning: Dream come true

Bathandwa

Meaning: Beloved

Babalwa

Meaning: One who is graced or blessed

Buhle

Meaning: Beauty

Bongani

Meaning: Thankful

Buyiswa

Meaning: Brought back

Bulumko

Meaning: Wisdom

Cebisa

Meaning: one who can give advice

Chulumanco

Meaning: Joy

Chuma

Meaning: Flourish

Cebokazi

Meaning: Great plan

Dumo

Meaning: Praise

Esihle

Meaning: One who is beautiful

Elethu

Meaning: Our hope and pride

Endinako

Meaning: What I have

Enzokhule

Meaning: Do beautiful things

Emsulwa

Meaning: Innocent

Fundiswa

Meaning: Sensible and smart

Funeka

Meaning: One who is needed

Fansiwa

Meaning: One who looks like

Gcobisa

Meaning: One who is exciting

Hlonela

Meaning: Obey/Abide

Hlumisa

Meaning: Make it grow

Hlalumi

Meaning: Keep standing firm

Isipho

Meaning: Gift

Imange

Meaning: Stand by the Lord

Izibele

Meaning: Grace

Imihlali

Meaning: Rejoice

Inam

Meaning: The Lord is with us

Ivakele

Meaning: Prayers have been heard

Jongikhaya

Meaning: Take care of your home

Kamva

Meaning: Future

Khethiwe

Meaning: The chosen one

Khunjulwa

Meaning: The one who will be remembered

Khayone

Meaning: God didn’t make a sin by giving me her

Kuhle

Meaning: Wellness

Kholo

Meaning: Faith

Khwezl

Meaning: Morning star

Kungawo

Meaning: By the power of God

Khanyiswa

Meaning: Light

Lindelwa

Meaning: The one who was awaited

Lwando

Meaning: Someone who is mild and soft-spoken

Liqhamile

Meaning: Bright

Lunje

Meaning: (Love is) like this

Ligugu

Meaning: She is our pride

Lithalethu

Meaning: Our light

Lindiwe

Meaning: Waited for

Mafungwashe

Meaning: The first-born girl child

Mncedisi

Meaning: Helper

Mthobeli

Meaning: The obedient one

Mpumelelo

Meaning: Success

Melokuhle

Meaning: Stand for good things

Mawande

Meaning: May the house increase

Minqweno

Meaning: My desire

 Mxolisi

Meaning: Peaceful

Mandisa

Meaning: One who brings joy

Nandipha

Meaning: The one who has good taste

Nceba

Meaning: Mercy

Ndiliswa

Meaning: The respected one

Nobomi 

Meaning: Life

Nocawe

Meaning: Girl who was born on Sunday

Nomthandazo

Meaning: A prayer

Nomuula

Meaning: Rain

Nomlanga

Meaning: Sun

Notumato

Meaning: One who is beautiful at birth

Nofoto

Meaning: One who is like her grandmother

Nkosazana

Meaning: Princess

Nomble

Meaning: One who is graced with beauty

Ntsika

Meaning: Pillar of strength

Noxolo

Meaning: Peaceful

Nkazimulo

Meaning: Glory

Novuyo

Meaning: Ultimate Joy

Nombuyiselo

Meaning: She who gives back

Simthandile

Meaning: We have loved her

Siphosethu

Meaning: One who is your gift

Sumeya

Meaning: Never doubt God

Sandisiwe

Meaning: Added to the family

Thembeka 

Meaning: Trustworthy

Thandiwe

Meaning: One who is loved

Thozoma 

Meaning: Calmness

Themba

Meaning: One who is trusted and is full of faith and hope

Thando

Meaning: Love

Vuyokazi

Meaning: Happiness

Vuyisile

Meaning: One who brings Joy

Xabiso 

Meaning: Value

Zimkhitha

Meaning: One who has dignity

See Also: Types Of Marriages In South Africa: All The Recognized Unions

Zintle

Meaning: The beautiful  one

Zola

Meaning: Calm

The post 100 Popular Xhosa Names For Girls And Meaning appeared first on WeAfrique.

Below are Some Popular male Hausa Names

Ali

• Meaning: Noble

Adamu

• Meaning: Adam (first male child)

Asif

• Meaning: Forgiving

Abubakar

• Meaning: Father of a young camel

Aminu

• Meaning: Reliable person

Ashir

• Meaning: Gratitude

Abdulsalam

• Meaning: Messenger of peace

Arzika

• Meaning: Male child born after the mother underwent severe labor pain

Aqil

• Meaning: Intelligent

Anaruwa

• Meaning: Water bearer

Abdul-Azeez

• Meaning: Servant of the mighty

Adare

• Meaning: Born at night

Abdul-kareem

• Meaning: Generous

Amir

• Meaning: A ruler

Bako 

• Meaning: Born after the arrival of a visitor

Bashir

• Meaning: One brings good news

Bawa

• Meaning: A child brought up by another woman

Balarabe

• Meaning: A Male child born Wednesday

Bara

• Meaning: A Male child born after his siblings are all Females

Babangida

• Meaning: Master of the house

SEE ALSO: 100 Popular Hausa Names For Girls And The Meanings

Danasabe 

• Meaning: Child born on Saturday

Danjuma 

• Meaning: Male child born on Friday

Dandawo

• Meaning: A male child born while his mother was pounding Millet

Dan-Azumi

• Meaning: Born during Ramadan

Dangali

• Meaning: Only son in the family

Dogo

• Meaning: Tall/Long

Danladi

• Meaning:  Male child Born on a Sunday

Danlami

• Meaning: Male child born on a Thursday

Faruq

• Meaning: One who differentiates the truth from the lie

Faisal

• Meaning: Decisive person

Fuad

• Meaning: My heart

Gado

• Meaning: Legacy

Gambo

• Meaning: Male child born after twins

Gowon

• Meaning: Rainmaker

Hafiz

• Meaning: Protector

Hana

• Meaning: A male child born while  his family is mourning the death of a family member

Hassan

• Meaning: First boy in the set of twins

Hussani

• Meaning: Second boy in the set of twins

Hadi

• Meaning: Calm person

Habib

• Meaning: Beloved

Haruna

• Meaning: Aaron

Hamzah

• Meaning: Loin

Hameed

• Meaning: Praise

Imam

• Meaning: Leader

Idris

• Meaning: Smart

Ibrahim

• Meaning: Father of all who is in the faith (Christian)

Ismaila

• Meaning: Isreal

Jamal

• Meaning: Grace and Beauty

Jika

• Meaning: Grandson to  someone

Jibril

• Meaning: Archangel

Jalil

• Meaning: Exalted one

Jatau

• Meaning: Light

Jariri

• Meaning: One who was extremely thin at birth

Jigo

• Meaning: Leader (given to an only male child in a family who has only sisters)

Kabiru

• Meaning: Large or grand

Korau

• Meaning: One born when his mother was divorced

 Kadaɗe

• Meaning: A child born after his parents waited for a long time before having him

Khalifa

• Meaning: Successor

Maifari

• Meaning: Born during drought season

Maikudi

• Meaning: A wealthy person

Musa

• Meaning: Moses

Mahmud

• Meaning: Praise

Mailahiya

• Meaning: A calm person in a community

Magaji

• Meaning: Heir

Masoyi

• Meaning: Sweetheart

Mubarak

• Meaning: Blessing

Makao

• Meaning: A male child born  during heavy rainfall

Mansurah

• Meaning: Supporter

Mustapha

• Meaning: Chosen one

Maigari

• Meaning: Town owner

Madugu

• Meaning: A male child born in the process of traveling

Nahantsi

• Meaning: Born at dawn

Nagoma

• Meaning: The tenth male child born in the family

Nagona

• Meaning: One born at the farm

Nuhu

• Meaning: Noah (Comfort)

Nomau

• Meaning: Born during the farming season

Rashidi

• Meaning: A  rightly guided person with true faith

Razaq

• Meaning: Sustainer

Rabo

• Meaning: Sharing, portion

Sa’ad

• Meaning: Good fortune (Muslim)

Sadiq

• Meaning: Sincere (Muslim)

Suleiman

• Meaning: Man of peace

Shibkau

• Meaning:  A male child born during the sowing season

Sarki

• Meaning: King

Sabo

• Meaning: New

Sani

• Meaning: Knowledge

Shekarau

• Meaning: A child who spent a year in his mother’s womb before being born

Shakau

• Meaning: Specialist

Tanko

• Meaning: A male child born after three or four girls

Tariq

• Meaning: Morning star

Tanimu

• Meaning: Male child born on Monday

Taimako

• Meaning:  Help

Tunau

• Meaning: Remembering birth (after his mother waited for a long time before she conceived him)

See Also: Every African Country, Capital, How It Got Its Name, Most Spoken Language

Usman

• Meaning: Companion

Umar

• Meaning: Flourishing

Yarima

• Meaning: Prince

Yohance

• Meaning: Yahweh is gracious

Yakubu

• Meaning: Jacob

Yusuf

• Meaning: Joseph

Yohanna

• Meaning: John

Zubairu

• Meaning: Patient

The post 100 Popular Hausa Names And Meanings For Boys appeared first on WeAfrique.

Check out some of them below.

Some Adorable Zulu Names That May Interest You

 Ayanda

• Meaning: One who always increase

Amahle

• Meaning: The beautiful one

Ayize

• Meaning: Let it happen

Andile

• Meaning: The family is growing

Busisiwe

• Meaning: Blessed

Cele

• Meaning: Ask (Go to him, “God,” and ask)

Duduzile

• Meaning: Consoled

Dumisile

• Meaning: They have praised

Gugulethu

• Meaning: our Treasure

Hlengiwe

• Meaning: Redeemed

Inyoni

• Meaning: Bird

Jabulile

• Meaning: Happy

Khanyisile

• Meaning: she has brought happiness or light

Khethiwe

• Meaning: The one who is chosen

Kaya

• Meaning: Restful place

Londisa

• Meaning: Caregiver

Londie

• Meaning: One who is shy

Lindiwe

• Meaning: One who has been waited for

Luyanda

• Meaning: It is growing

Mbali

• Meaning: Flower

Mbalienhle

• Meaning: Beautiful Flower

Mhambi

• Meaning: Traveler

Minenhle

• Meaning: Beautiful day

Mthandeni

• Meaning: Love her

Melamina

• Meaning: carry my name

Melokuhle

• Meaning: One who represents good things

Mpilenhle

• Meaning: Good life

Msizi

• Meaning: Helper

Nozizwe

• Meaning: Mother of nations

Ndondoloza

• Meaning: Prudence

Nhlanhla

• Meaning: Lucky

Nkosingiphile

• Meaning: The Lord gave me

Ntokozo

• Meaning: Joy

Nomvula

• Meaning: Mother of rain

Ntombifuthi

• Meaning: Another girl

Nobantu

• Meaning: Mother of the people

Nozibusiso

• Meaning: Mother of blessings

Ntozake

• Meaning: One who owns her own things

Nakuthula

• Meaning: Mother of peace

Nomusa

• Meaning: Mother of Kindness

Nelisiwe

• Meaning: Satisfied

Nonjabulo

• Meaning:  Brought joy

Nolwazi

• Meaning: One who is knowledgeable

Nandi

• Meaning: Sweet

Nomalanga

• Meaning: Mother of Sunshine

Nomagugu

• Meaning: Mother of Treasure

Nobuhle

• Meaning: Mother of beauty

Nomcebo

• Meaning: Mother of wealth

Nqobizitha

• Meaning: Conqueror

Noxolo

• Meaning: Mother of peace

Nomathalente

• Meaning: Mother of Talent

Nonhlanhla

• Meaning: Mother of Luck

 Nozipho

• Meaning: Bearer of Gifts

Nothando

• Meaning: Mother of Love

Nqobile

• Meaning: Has come up victorious in what was hopeless

Nonkululeko

• Meaning: Freedom

Ntombenhle

• Meaning: Beautiful girl

Nomusa

• Meaning: One who looks like an eagle

Nolwandle

• Meaning: Mother of Oceans

Owethu

• Meaning: She is ours

Philisiwe

• Meaning: You healed

Qophelo

• Meaning: Of high standard

Sizani

• Meaning: Be of help or advantage

Sithembiso

• Meaning: Promise

Sizakele

• Meaning: Helper

Siphesihle

• Meaning: Beautiful gift

Silondile

• Meaning: Has protected us

Simosihle

• Meaning: Beautiful feeling

Sibongile

• Meaning: We are thankful

Siphephelo

• Meaning: Place of peace

Sibusisiwe

• Meaning: We are blessed

Sinegugu

• Meaning: We have a precious treasure

Sinenhlanhla

• Meaning: We have luck

Simphiwe

• Meaning: Gift

Sinethemba

• Meaning: We have hope

See Also: 20 Top Beaches In South Africa And Why Each Of Them Is Special

Simangele

• Meaning: Surprise

Sihle

• Meaning: Mercy

Sithembile

• Meaning: We trust

Thembile

• Meaning: Hopeful

Thabisa

• Meaning: To bring joy

Thandeka

• Meaning: Lovely

Thalente

• Meaning: Gift from God

Thembekile

• Meaning: Faithful/Trustworthy

Thobeka

• Meaning: Humble

Thadie

• Meaning: Loved one

Thulisile

• Meaning: She who has brought peace

Thenjiwe

• Meaning: The trusted one

Tholakele

• Meaning: Found

Thuthukile

• Meaning: Has become a better person

Uluthando

• Meaning: She is love

Unathi

• Meaning: She is with us

Zobuhle

• Meaning: Lady of beauty

Zola

• Meaning: Calm

Zinhle

• Meaning: Beautiful

Zanele

• Meaning: They (girls) are Enough

Zandile

• Meaning: They have multiplied

Zenzile

• Meaning: Make a way for herself, or be responsible for what she becomes

Zula

• Meaning: Brilliant

Zamokuhle

• Meaning: Try the good

Ziphozonke

• Meaning: All the gifts

The post 100 Popular Zulu Names For Girls And Meaning appeared first on WeAfrique.

Meanwhile, the Hausa People are predominantly a native ethnic group in West Africa who speak the Hausa language and have a culture and religion that are relatively intertwined. If you love Hausa names or even the people and you are considering picking a name for yourself, your daughter, or a loved one, here are some nice Hausa names for you.

Some Hausa Names And Their Meanings

Amina

• Meaning: Safe one

Alheri

• Meaning: Kindness

Altine

• Meaning: Born on Monday

Asabe

• Meaning: Born on Saturday

Anaca

• Meaning: Radiant

Auta

• Meaning: The last child

Anaya

• Meaning: Blessing of God

Araga

• Meaning: Remaining daughter after her siblings have passed away

Asma’u

• Meaning: Eminent person

Aashvi

• Meaning: Blessed

Aisha

• Meaning: Prosperous

Azumi

• Meaning: Girl child born during Ramadan

Abida

• Meaning: One who worships/ praying woman

Adama

• Meaning: A lovely woman to be with

Amilah

• Meaning: Graceful

Binta 

• Meaning: Gift of Allah

Bilkisu

• Meaning: Powerful queen

Delu

• Meaning: Girl child born after three boys

Dena

• Meaning: Bright ornament

Djamila

• Meaning: A peaceful woman

Dinatu

• Meaning: Vindicated

Dura

• Meaning: Well fed-girl

Elham 

• Meaning: Inspiring person

Fa’izah

• Meaning: The victorious one

Fatima

• Meaning: One who abstains

Fa’idah

• Meaning: Advantage

Fa’iqah

• Meaning: Person of excellence

Fara

• Meaning: Pleasant loving one

Fareedah/Farida

• Meaning: Unique, Precious gem

Gimbiya

• Meaning: Princess

Godiya 

• Meaning: Gratitude

Gamila

• Meaning: Gorgeous woman

Hannatu

• Meaning: God’s favor

Habiba

• Meaning:  Beloved child

Hasana

• Meaning: Beautiful girl

Hauwa

• Meaning: Mother of all

Hakuri

• Meaning: Patient woman

Hira

• Meaning: Chatty girl

Hafsat

• Meaning: Baby Lioness

Hadiza

• Meaning: one with no desire

Hamidah

• Meaning: Praised/Commendable

Husaina 

• Meaning: Second-born girl twin

Hannatu

• Meaning: God’s favor

Halima

• Meaning: Gentle person

Iman

• Meaning: Faith

Iesha

• Meaning: One who is Alive

Jummai

• Meaning: Born on Friday

Jamilah

• Meaning: Beautiful and Graceful girl

Kyauta

• Meaning: Gift

Kauna

• Meaning: Love

Khadijah 

• Meaning: Trustworthy

Kuluwa

• Meaning: Most loved daughter in the family

Kamaria

• Meaning: The moon

Kando

• Meaning: First girl child to be born after 3 to 4 male children

Kadada

• Meaning: daughter born of related  couples

Kyawo

• Meaning: Beautiful girl

Kande

• Meaning: First daughter

Kubra

• Meaning: Great person

Kayra

• Meaning: Peaceful and unique person

Ladi

• Meaning: Born on Sunday

Lai’atu

• Meaning: Delicate

Lubabah

• Meaning: Innermost essence

Lami

• Meaning: Born on a Thursday

Laraba

• Meaning: Born on Wednesday

Latifah

• Meaning: A gentle-woman

Maimuna

• Meaning: Blessed one

Mariam 

• Meaning: Mother of Jesus ( in Christianity)

Magajiya

• Meaning: Successor

Mansurah

• Meaning: Successful or prosperous woman

Nafisah

• Meaning:  Valuable

Nissi

• Meaning:  The Cherished one

Nabilah

• Meaning: A noble-woman

Na’imah

• Meaning: Enjoying God’s bounty

Rahmah

• Meaning: KInd person

Rashidah

• Meaning: A rightly guided-woman

Rahila

• Meaning: One who travels

Rukayyatu

• Meaning: One who Allah loves

Rifkatu

• Meaning: To tie

Rutvi

• Meaning: Name of an angel meaning Season, Love, and saint, speech

Safiya

• Meaning: Pure

Salimah

• Meaning: Sound and Healthy woman

Samira 

• Meaning:  A jovial companion/ Pleasant woman

Sarauniya

• Meaning: A queen

Summayyah

• Meaning: A proper name

Saratu

• Meaning: Mother of all

Shekara

• Meaning: A girl who makes a year in her mother’s womb before being birthed

Samukelisiwe

• Meaning:  A gift have being received

Sakinah

• Meaning: Tranquility/ Peace of mind

Saanvi

• Meaning: God  has shown favour

Talatu

• Meaning: Born on a Tuesday

Tanoma

• Meaning: Born during a farming season

Tsakani

• Meaning: Middle child in the family

Ummi

• Meaning: My mother

Yatsohi

• Meaning: Daughter born to old parents

Yada

• Meaning: Girl child born after the death of her siblings( but based on tradition)

See Also: The 13 Deserts In Africa: Their Location And Size

Yalwa

• Meaning: Abundance

Zabiya

• Meaning: Female singer

Zahrah

• Meaning: Splendour/ blooming flower

Zubaydah

• Meaning: A radiant woman

Zainabu

• Meaning: Attractive/Charm

The post 100 Popular Hausa Names For Girls And The Meanings appeared first on WeAfrique.

In this article, we will be looking at 20 of the greatest African kings and queens who have ruled different parts of Africa and how their reigns impacted the territories they ruled over.

Great Kings And Queens Of Africa

1. Pharaoh Akhenaten

Although Egyptologists know very little about Akhenaten’s birthday and early life, it has been established that he was named Amenhotep at birth. Akhenaten was the son of Pharoah Amenhotep III of Egypt and his wife, Tiye and he became heir to the throne after his older brother, Thutmose died.

He ruled as Amenhotep IV until the 5th year of his reign when he changed his name to Akhenaten. Also, Akhenaten was married to Queen Nefertiti and other women, who bore him many children.

This king is famous for abandoning Egypt’s traditional polytheism and introducing a new religion known as Atenism. This religion was centered on worshiping a god called Aten, which was represented as a solar disk. Consequently, he attacked other Egyptian gods and erased the names and images from Egyptian monuments.

He also created new architectural designs and moved the capital city of Eygpt to a new site named Akhetaten. This translates to “a place where Aten becomes effective”. He further claimed that Aten manifested itself for the first time there.

Akhenaten died in the 17th year of his reign. However, the reason for his death and where he was buried have remained a mystery. It was also revealed that he was not given a royal burial.

2. Queen Amina

Also called Aminatu, Queen Amina was born to King Nikatau, the 22nd King of Zazzau, and his wife, Queen Bakwa Turunku, in the mid-16th century.

After the death of her father, her older brother, Karami, became king. During his reign, Amina led the cavalry of her Zazzau’s army and became a famous warrior princess. Subsequently, after the death of her brother in 1576, she ascended the throne of Zazzau.

During her reign as the Queen, she conquered many territories which led to the expansion of the kingdom. It was said that she built walls around all the areas she conquered, which was proof of her existence. Similarly, she introduced the production of kola nuts in the area.

Although there are plenty of discrepancies surrounding her death, many authors have stated in their writings that she passed away in Atagara, which is the modern-day Idah, Kogi State of north-central Nigeria.

The Queen exceeded the accomplishments of her predecessors. Although she did not get married, it was revealed that she took slave husbands from villages she conquered and executed them afterward. In recent times, the matriarch is a symbol of the strength of a woman.

3. Menelik II

Menelik II, one of the greatest African kings, was born in 1844, in Ankober, Shewa, Ethiopia. His father, Haile Malakot, was the king of Shewa. Menelik II got baptized and took the name Sahle Mariam.

Shortly before the death of his father, Menelik was taken as a prisoner by Emperor Tewodros II. While in captivity, he continued to receive an education and would later marry one of the Emperor’s daughters.

He escaped captivity and returned to Shewa and claimed his throne as the king in 1865. However, he had a bigger ambition, which was to become the emperor of the entire Ethiopia and not just a small village. In order to achieve that, he pledged his loyalty to Emperor Yohanes IV.

Menelik was the strongest contender for the throne after the emperor died in a battle. He was crowned “negus negast” which means king of kings, on November 3, 1889, at the church of Mary, on Mount Entoto

He transformed the Ethiopian empire and defeated the Italian troops to defend the independence of his people during his reign. Subsequently, he introduced a national currency, improved the educational sector, constructed a railway from Djibouti to the new Ethiopian capital, Adis Ababa, and established the first telephone and telegraph systems in the Empire.

The emperor suffered a stroke in 1909, after which his wife, Queen Taytu, ascended the throne. Unfortunately, the Emperor did not recover, as he died a few years later, on December 12, 1913. He was buried without any announcement or ceremony in the Imperial Palace. In 1916, he was reburied in a Ba’eta Le Mariam Monastery, Adis Ababa, which was specifically for him.

4. Kadanke Amanirenas

Also known as the “one-eyed queen”, Amanirenas was born between 60 and 50 BCE. She ruled the Ancient Kingdom of Kush between 40-10 BCE and is the second of the 8 Kandankes of the Kingdom of Kush.

Amanirenas is famous for defending her kingdom against the Roman Empire. She defaced the statue of Ceasar Augustus by removing its head and burying it at the entrance of her palace.

The Kadane was not intimidated by the weapons the Romans had, she gave the Roman Emperor, Augustus, an ultimatum. She sent him arrows with the message “If you want peace, they are a token of warmth and friendship. If you want war, you’ll need them”.

Augustus submitted to the demand of the queen even though he considered her message to be an insult. He withdrew Roman control from all the Kushite territories that had been conquered. The two empires signed a peace treaty in 22 BCE. Amanirenas died in 10 BCE.

5. Oba Oduduwa

Oduduwa is revered by the Yoruba people of West Africa not just as a ruler, but as a god. He is believed to be the founder of this widespread ethnic group. While some believed that he came to earth through a mythical chain in the 12th century and settled in Ile Ife, others believed he was sent by Olodumare, the lord of the skies, to fulfill a mission his brother, Obatala was unable to complete.

His name Oduduwa translates to “the great repository which brings forth existence”. He was the Olofin of Ile Ife and ruled the city for a few years. However, he never bore the title of the Ooni of Ife nor used the Ife traditional crown.

Unfortunately, Oduduwa was killed during a leadership contest between Obatala, Orunmila, and Owa Ilare. His death led to the dispersal of his children and grandchildren to different territories where they became founders. One of these territories is the great Benin Empire founded by his grandson, Prince Oranmiyan. Another of his grandsons became the first Alaafin of Oyo.

In the Yoruba culture, Oduduwa is a symbol of life or the power of the womb. He also represents the omnipotence and the values of the culture.

6. Makeda

The Queen of Sheba is one of the queens recorded in the Bible. She was also known as Queen Sheba, Queen of Saba, and Queen Belqis. She became the Queen of Axum after winning the battle against the serpent king, Arwe, who had troubled the northern Ethiopian Kingdom.

Queen Makeda of Sheba was one of the women of Solomon, King of Isreal’s life. It was recorded that she traveled all the way to bring gifts to King Solomon. Afterward, she bore him a son, Menelik I, who would become the first imperial leader of Ethiopia and the first of the lineage of Aksumite kings.

Although her existence is disputed among historians, she is identified by modern historians with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. She is believed to be the first African Queen to rule in 960 BC, and through her, a lineage of East African and Nubian Kings emerged.

7. Mansa Musa

Mansa Musa is arguably one of the greatest kings to have ruled Africa. He ruled the Mali Kingdom from 1312 to 1337. His territory cut across present-day Mali, Nigeria, Senegal, Chad, The Gambia, Niger, Guinea, Mauritania, and Burkina Faso.

The already flourishing Mali Kingdom blossomed even more during his reign. At the empire’s peak, Mansa became the wealthiest man to have ever lived.

His wealth and greatness were recorded by the Europeans and the Egyptians. He built the economy of the empire by trading in gold, salt, and ivory among other things.  With the money he got from trading, Mansa Musa funded the education, architectural, and art sectors of the Mali Empire.

The great King Mansa died in 1337 and was succeeded by his son, who could not handle the great empire left in his care. That led to the fall of the Great Mali Empire.

8. Yaa Asantewaa

This African Queen was born to Kwaku Ampoma and Ata Po, in Besease, in 1840. She was known as an intellectual, activist, and queen mother.

Yaa Asantewaa fought alongside her people against British colonialism in 1900. The war is also known as the Yaa Asantewaa War of Independence.

Sadly, she died after being exiled to Seychelles in 1921. She was considered a hero for not giving up the royal golden stool, which symbolizes the authority of the King, the soul of the nation, and the unity of the Asante people.

She is remembered for her active participation in the liberation of her people, which led to the territory becoming the first African nation in sub-Saharan Africa to gain independence from British colonialism.

9. Shaka Zulu

The founder of the Zulu empire was born to the chief of Zulu sometime in 1787. There were many controversies surrounding his birth because at the time, his parents were not married and their relationship was considered an abomination.

The complexities of their relationship led to his father denying the paternity but later accepting it. When Shaka was 6, his parents separated and he grew up with his mother; making him experience a terrible childhood. He was always referred to as a bastard. However, he did not allow the unfortunate events in his life to deter him.

He learned under the mentorship of the leader of another clan, Dingiswayo, whom he served.  Digiswayo helped him take over the throne of Zulu from his brother in a coup, after the death of his father.

His reign was characterized by brutality and military expansion. After the death of Dingiswayo, Shaka Zulu took control of the surrounding territories and became the most powerful and influential ruler in the area. This led to the formation of the Zulu Kingdom.

After the death of his mother, he ordered that no crops should be planted for a year. Similarly, no milk should be used for the year, he also ordered the execution of pregnant women in the area. He murdered as many as 7000 people as a way of grieving. This led to his assassination by his half-brothers in 1828. He was buried in an unmarked grave

See Also: Greatest African Kings: Ewuare the Great

10. Queen Nefertiti

Nefertiti whose name means “a beautiful woman has come”, was the wife of Akhenaten, the Pharoah of Egypt. According to some sources, she is the daughter or niece of a high chief called Ay, from a town called Akhmim. Other sources suggest she was a princess of the Mittani Kingdom in Syria.

She ruled Eygpt alongside her husband and subsequently, after his death. She became very wealthy as she saw the expansions of the kingdom. The Queen changed her name to Neferneferuaten-Nefertiti which means “beautiful are the beauties of Aten, a beautiful woman has come”.

During her reign as Queen, she consolidated the developments made by her husband.

Today, Nefertiti is the ideal symbol of beauty and feminine power. The bust of Nefertiti is one of the icons of Ancient Egypt. She was known for many titles, some of which include Hereditary Princess, Great of Praises, Lady of Grace, Sweet of Love, Main King’s Wife, and Lady of all Women.

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Also known as witch purge, it is a practice in search of people who have been labeled witches. These practices range from forcing them to drink poison to beheading them. It is carried out by a set of people known as witch hunters, who possess some kind of power to identify witches.

10 Insane Facts About Witch Hunting in Africa

1.  Elderly Women are the Most Affected by Witch-Hunting

One might wonder why the term witch, describes a woman who is old and frail and struggling to survive. This is owed largely to the fact that witch-hunting targets the poor and most vulnerable in society.

At that stage of their lives, this set of people can barely defend themselves, the best they can get is family members who can defend them and plead their cause. But what happens when the family meant to protect and defend you is the one pointing the accusing finger? This is the case for many older women who have been labeled witches.

In Bangui, the capital city of the Central African Republic, Elderly people, especially women are increasingly accused of witchcraft and are killed for it. More often than not, these accusations come from family members of the accused.

Some of these accused people have not left their houses in years for fear of being killed, while others cannot go far because of the same fear. In general, people who have been victims of witch-hunting live in isolation and fear of the unknown.

2. People Accused of Witchcraft Flee to Places Called Witch Camps

These are camps where people accused of witchcraft flee for safety. They emerged in the early 20th century and accused witches go there after they have been expelled from their communities following an accusation.

Tragically, the accusation can come from anybody. Someone could die in the area and fingers would point at a certain person who would then be labeled a witch.

There are at least 6 witch camps in Ghana, they are located in Bonyasi, Gambaga, Gnani, Kpatinga, Kukuo, and Naabuli. These camps are deplorable without electricity, proper housing, or health facilities.

There are hundreds of women in witch camps. Most of them are old women who cannot work or fend for themselves. They end up dying from hunger and ailments such as malaria, tuberculosis, and typhoid.

However, there are other types of sanctuaries that are dominated by an earth priest. People who have been accused of witchcraft are kept and tortured until they confess.

They serve as sites for traditional exorcisms, that involve offering sacrifices to determine the innocence or guilt of a person. Subsequently, a concoction is given to cleanse the witchcraft from a person, as it is believed that the local earth has the power to neutralize witchcraft.

Other times, they voluntarily offer themselves to be taken to jail to avoid being lynched and killed. In Bimbo, a women’s prison in Bangui, many of the detainees are voluntarily due to the accusations leveled against them.

3. Witch Doctors Kill and Mutilate Albinos for More Powers

In Tanzania, witch doctors believe that the body parts of albinos are good ingredients for making magical potions. As a result, albinos in this east African country face widespread danger.

They have been killed and dismembered and the graves of those who died from other causes have been dug up and desecrated. According to superstition, their limbs, bones, skin, and internal organs can be used in creating charms, potions, amulets, and concoctions that are speculated to bring good fortune, wealth, and supernatural powers to their users.

Most of these attacks take place in rural areas because it is believed that albinos disappear, so it is usually assumed that they have disappeared and no one questions their whereabouts.

This might seem like a thing of the past before civilization came to the country, but it is not. As recently as 2021, the killing of four albinos was reported and some corpses of this endangered set of people were exhumed and mutilated.

4. Some People Accused of Witchcraft are Burned to Death

A 72-year-old woman was lynched and burned to death in Ghana in 2010. She was suspected to have been a witch and was said to have fallen from the sky after her witch-flying gas ran out. Medical experts claimed that the old woman might have been suffering from dementia and her behavior was mistaken for being a witch.

Similarly, 5 of  7 people accused of witchcraft were burned to death in Tanzania, in 2014, by villagers. The other 2 were hacked to death with machetes. Additionally, 8 women were also burned to death in the Democratic Republic of Congo, after being accused of witchcraft.

Other parts of Africa where people have been burned to death because of an accusation that might be considered baseless or sentimental include the Central African Republic, Nigeria, Kenya, and Sierra Leone.

See Also: 10 Shocking Beauty Practices Across Africa

5. “Witches” Were Forced to Drink Magical Potions by The Government

Amnesty International reported that up to 1,000 Gambians were killed after being forced to drink a poisonous substance at gunpoint by the government of the day. The former president of Gambia, Yahya Jammeh, ordered the arrest and detention of witches. He employed the services of witch doctors who carried out this exercise.

The victims were taken to secret detention centers, where they were stripped naked, beaten, and pressured into confessing to committing murders through witchcraft. They were then forced to drink a herbal concoction that had hallucinating capabilities. Some of the victims died from the torture and others from the concoction.

Others who managed to survive are living with the after-effects which include anxiety and depression caused by post-traumatic stress disorder.

6. Some Witches Were Tasked with National Security

While some presidents are executing alleged witches in their countries, some are making use of them and the power they possess for the good of their countries.

Cameroonian president, Paul Biya, called for the help of Cameroonian witches to join the fight against Boko Haram. Biya said he wanted to hear that Cameroonian villages wiped out or limited the sect’s influence through witchcraft.

This was born out of desperation, after the terrorist group continued to carry out attacks, killing the people of his country. As a result of his request, hundreds of militia fighters sought help from sorcerers, to obtain lucky charms and talismans for their protection in battle.

7. People Are Sometimes Accused of Witchcraft in Order to Avoid Paying Debts

In some parts of Africa, people are accused of witchcraft by their debtors to avoid paying what they owe. In 2012, a woman was accused of being a witch by her debtor. She was said to have made a family member sick. It was revealed that the sick girl saw her in a dream.

However, the accused revealed that the man owed her some amount of money which she has been asking him to repay but he has refused. She added that his accusation was only to get rid of her from the community and erase his debt alongside.

8. The Position of A Dying Chicken Reveals if the Accused is Guilty or Not

In Ghana, after a  person is accused of being a witch, he/she is taken to a shrine for confirmation of whether or not the accusation is true. The person who does the ritual is called the Tindana.

Two chickens are provided for the ritual, one white, and the other,  multicolored. It is believed that if the chicken dies facing the sky,  the person is innocent but if it dies facing the ground a person is guilty.

After the confirmation of the innocence of a person, a cleansing ritual is carried out on the guilty. The Tindana would take the feathers of the slaughtered chickens, and their intestines and place them on stones that represent the shrine spirits. He then dips the knife he used in slaughtering the chicken and dips it in “shrine water”, from which the accused is made to drink.

This ritual signifies the cleansing of a person from witchcraft. But are they really free?

9. After Cleansing, Some Alleged Witches are not Allowed to Go Back to Their Communities

After the ritual is performed, it is expected that the accused would be allowed to go back to their families and be reintegrated into the community, but that is not usually the case.

These former witches are not allowed to go back to their families immediately after the ritual, sometimes it might take from weeks to months, and other times, they might never return to their homes. Instead, they go to live in the witch camps until they die.

10. People go into Witchcraft for Wealth Acquisition

In Nigeria, the rate of witchcraft is steadily on the increase as the youth of the country go into it for the purpose of getting rich quickly. These young people go to different lengths just to get rich. Money gotten from these occultic means is called blood money. In Igbo, it is called “Ego Obala”.

In 2021, 3 teenagers were arrested after they confessed to the killing, mutilation, and desecration of a young girl. Similarly, a mother confessed to killing her child as instructed by a witch doctor, in order to make money.

These are just but a few episodes as it has become a national problem. However, security operatives have been trying to fish out these people and they have identified hotspots where most of these activities take place.

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