Generally, the languages of Africa break down into 3 large families (phyla) known as Niger-Congo, Nilo-Saharan, and Afroasiatic.

How Many Languages Are in Africa?

There are over 3000 languages in Africa, making it one-third of the world’s languages.

These languages fall under different language classifications, with Niger-Congo being the largest.

Among the many languages in Africa, Nigeria is the country with the most languages on the continent. Nigeria, a West African country has over 500 languages with its three major native languages – Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba being among the most popular languages in Africa.

In Africa, there are indigenous languages and foreign languages which have been adopted due to colonialism.

Many of these foreign languages such as English, Portuguese, Spanish, and French are used in some countries as Lingua Franca while in other countries, there is also the use of native languages in formal settings.

For instance, South Africa has 12 formal languages and Zimbabwe has 16 official languages. In both countries, numerous native languages are used as formal languages rather than other foreign languages.

The 5 Main Languages Spoken in Africa and the Countries They Are Found 

1. Swahili (200 Million)

• Native Speakers: 18 million
• Foreign Speakers: 55 million
• Countries Found: Tanzania, Kenya, Comoros, Mayotte, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia, Southern Somalia, Zambia, Malawi, Madagascar and Oman
• Language Family: Niger-Congo

Swahili, also known as Kiswahili is a popular African language and is the most spoken on the continent. It is found in East Africa with over 200 million speakers in estimation.

Swahili is an official language in Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Tanzania has the highest number of Swahili native speakers.

Regardless, the language has speakers in other African countries such as Comoros, Mayotte, Burundi, Somalia, Zambia, Malawi, and Madagascar.

There are also many learners of the language across the world. For instance, Swahili is taught in over 50 universities in the US and several others in Europe and Asia.

2. Arabic (150 Million)

• Speakers: 150 million
• Countries Found: Algeria, Chad, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania (Zanzibar), and Tunisia
• Language Family: Afro-Asiatic

According to some estimations about the most popular languages in Africa, Arabic is the most spoken language in Africa. However, the numbers based on estimation show that there are over 150 million native speakers in 13 countries.

Interestingly, Arabic is mutually unintelligible in some cases. This means that the variations of the language are different making some speakers unable to understand other speakers.

Arabic is mainly found in Northern Africa with Egypt, Algeria, Libya, and Sudan having some of the highest speakers. However, the language is also a minority language in northeastern Nigeria.

Apart from Arabic being a native language and having numerous native speakers in Africa, it is widely used in the entire continent for religious purposes in Islamic settings.

3. Hausa (88 million)

• Native Speakers: 54 million
• Foreign Speakers: 34 million
• Countries Found: Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Benin, Togo, Niger, Chad, Sudan, Ivory Coast, and Burkina Faso
• Language Family: Afroasiatic

Hausa is the most spoken language in Nigeria, the most populated country in Africa. However, it is the third most popular language in Africa, coming after Arabic and Swahili.

Hausa is a Chadic language and the speakers who are known as the Hausa people (Hausawa) migrated from Nubia to Niger. Currently, native speakers of the language are found in Northern Nigeria, Ghana, Togo, Niger, and Chad among other West African languages.

The language has numerous dialects known as Dauranci in Daura, Kananci in Kano, Sakkwatanci in Sokoto, Kurhwayanci, and Gaananci in Ghana; and Togo to mention a few.

4. Amharic (60 Million)

• Native Speakers: 35 million
• Foreign Speakers: 25 million
• Countries Found: Ethiopia, Eritrea
• Language Family: Afroasiatic (Semitic Group)

Amharic is a Semitic language under the Afro-Asiatic language family. It is the second most spoken language in Ethiopia, the second most spoken Semitic language in the world after Arabic, and the 4th most spoken language in Africa.

In Ethiopia, it is the official working language of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

5. Yoruba (47 Million)

• Native Speakers: 45 million
• Foreign Speakers: 2 million
• Countries Found: Nigeria, Togo, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia
• Language Family:  Niger-Congo (Atlantic-Congo)

The Yoruba language is native to Yoruba people who are mainly found in West Africa in southwestern and central Nigeria, Togo, and Benin. It is also found in Côte d’Ivoire, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia, mostly due to migration.

The language is the second most popular language and one of the three major languages in Nigeria.

The Yoruba language has different dialects such as Northwest, Northeast, Central, Southwest, and Southeast (in Nigeria); and Lucumí language and Oworo dialects among others.

Yoruba is used for religious purposes (Yoruba religion (Ìṣẹ̀ṣe)- Traditional African religions) and is very popular in the US, Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela, and St. Vincent & The Grenadines.

Other Languages in Africa Based on Their Popularity 

6. Oromo (45.5 million)

• Speakers: 45.5 million
• Countries Found: Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia
• Language Family: Afroasiatic

Oromo is a popular language found mostly in eastern Africa Kenya and Ethiopia. It is also spoken in some parts of Somalia, Libya, Egypt, and Sudan.

In Africa, it is the fourth most spoken language. Regardless, it is the most popular language found in Ethiopia – where it is spoken the most in the world. In the country, it is used officially alongside Amharic.

The language was once banned in Ethiopia. This was under Haile Selassie’s regime in 1940 (until 1991) when it was stopped from being spoken, used administratively, in schools, and in many other ways.

Oromo has different varieties including:

• Western Oromo (Maca)
• Shewa (Tuulama, Arsi)
• Eastern Oromo (Harar)
• Southern Oromo (Ajuran, Borana, Gabra, Munyo, Orma, Sakuye, Waata)

7. Lingala (Ngala)- 40 Million

• Native Speakers: 20 million
• Foreign Speakers: 20 million 
• Countries Found: Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Angola, the Central African Republic, Kenya, and South Sudan.
• Language Family: Niger-Congo (Bantu Language)

Lingala is a Bantu language that is found in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Angola, the Central African Republic, Kenya, and South Sudan. It has at least 20 million native speakers and about 20 million second-language speakers.

According to Wikipedia, the number of speakers is approximated between 60 to 65 million.

The language has different regiolects and sociolects. The major varieties are northwestern Lingala, Kinshasa Lingala, and Brazzaville Lingala.

8. Fula – 39.7

• Native Speakers: 37 million
• Foreign Speakers: 2.7 million
• Countries Found: Guinea, Cameroon, Nigeria, and Sudan
• Language Family: Niger-Congo (Senegambian branch)

Fula which is also known as Fulani, Fulfulde, Pulaar, or Pular is a Senegambian language of the Atlantic-Congo family of the Niger-Congo language family.

It is the 8th most popular language in Africa and an official language in Burkina Faso.

The language is a major language mainly found in West Africa, Central, and North Africa.

Fula has speakers in Fula speakers can be found in Mauritania, Senegal, Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Niger, Nigeria, Cameroon, Gambia, Chad, Sierra Leone, Benin, Guinea-Bissau, Sudan, Central African Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Liberia and Gabon.

9. Igbo – 32.5 Million

• Native Speakers: 31 million
• Foreign Speakers: 1.5 million
• Countries Found: Nigeria
• Language Family: Niger-Congo (Atlantic–Congo)

The Igbo language is an old language, one of the three major languages in Nigeria, and the 7th most popular language in Africa. The language is native to the Igbo people of southeastern Nigeria.

In Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea, the language is recognized as a minority language.

Despite being native to only a part of West Africa, Igbo people are considered the most traveled ethnic group in Nigeria and some of the most traveled ethnic groups in Africa. This means that their language can be found spoken beyond the shores of Nigeria or Africa.

10. Malagasy – 25 million

• Native Speakers: 25 million
• Countries Found: Madagascar and the Comoros
• Language Family: Austronesian (Barito language Branch)

Malagasy is one of the two official languages found in Madagascar. There is a minority of speakers of the language in Comoros. The language is spoken by at least 24 million people and it is considered as one fo the most popular languages in Africa.

The language is the westernmost Malayo-Polynesian language and it is closely related to the Ma’anyan language.

Malagacy has twelve dialects between two main dialect groups; Eastern and Western. Some of the dialects include Northern Betsimisaraka Malagasy, Antankarana Malagasy, Southern Betsimisaraka Malagasy, Plateau (Merina) Malagasy, Tsimihety Malagas, and Tandroy-Mahafaly Malaga.

11. Somali – 24 Million

• Native Speakers: 24 million
• Countries Found: Somalia, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya
• Language Family: Afro-Asiatic (Cushitic branch)

Somali is the most spoken language in Somalia, with about 89% of the population speakers. It is also the official language of the country as well as one of the 5 official languages in Ethiopia.

Somali is also spoken in Djibouti and Kenya. In total, there are about 24 million speakers of the language, making it the ninth most popular language in Africa.

The language belongs to the Cushite branch in the Afroasiacc language family.

Somali, like many other languages in Africa, has numerous dialects such as Ashraf, Benadiri, Maay, and Northern Somali.

12. Wolof – 23.1 Million

• Native Speakers: 7.1 million
• Foreign Speakers: 16 million
• Countries Found: Senegal, Mauritania, Gambia
• Language Family: Niger-Congo (Senegambia Branch)

Wolof is one of the most widely spoken languages in Western Africa and one of the most popular in Africa. It is the most spoken language in Senegal with over 40% of the country’s population speaking it.

The language is also spoken in Gambia and also in Gambia.

Wolof is so popular that the English language borrowed words from the language. Some of the languages include banana and eat (as a root word).

The language has variations. For instance, the Senegalese Wolof is different from the Mauritanian and Gambian Wolof.

13. Xhosa (Xosa or isiXhosa)- 20 Million 

• Native Speakers: 10 million
• Foreign Speakers: 10 million
• Countries Found: South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Lesotho
• Language Family: Niger-Congo (Bantu Language)

Xhosa is an Nguni language and one of the 12 official languages in South Africa. It is also an official language in Zimbabwe. Together with Zulu, Southern Ndebele, and Northern Ndebele, Xhosa is included in the Zunda languages.

The language is so popular that about 18% of South Africa’s population speaks it.

Also, due to its popularity, the language is the official language of Wakanda, a Hollywood film.

14. Afrikaans – 17.5 Million

• Native Speakers: 7.2 million
  
• Foreign Speakers: 10.3 million
• Countries Found: South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe
• Language Family: Indo-European (Germanic branch)

Afrikaans is a language that was developed in the 18th century. It started as a vernacular until it later became a language that is native to South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

The language is believed to be one of the sexiest languages and accents in South Africa.

15. Berber- 16 Million

• Speakers: 16 Million
• Countries Found: Morocco, Algeria
• Language Family: Afro-Asiatic (Semitic Group)

Berber is an ethnic group which is also known as Amazigh. The language has some similarities with some Semitic languages such as Arabic and Hebrew.

The language is mainly native to North Africa, in countries such as Morrocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt. It is also spoken in some West African countries such as Mali and Niger.

Among the countries where Berber is spoken, Morocco has the most native speakers, claiming between 15 to 20 million speakers.

16. Chewa (Nyanja) 14 million

• Native Speakers: 14 million
• Countries Found: Malawi, Zambia, and Mozambique
• Language Family: Niger-Congo (Bantu)

Chewa is spoken by at least 14 million native speakers and it is also spoken as a second language.

The language is one of the most famous languages found in Africa and the most widely known in Malawi. It is also native to Zambia and Mozambique.

17. Sepedi (Sesotho sa Lebowa; Northern Sotho) – 13.8 Million

• Native Speakers: 4.7 million
• Foreign Speakers: 9.1 million
• Countries Found: South Africa
• Language Family: Niger-Congo (Bantu)

Sepedi is the fifth most-spoken language in South Africa and one of the most popular in Africa. The Bantu language shares similarities with Setswana.

Sepedi has numerous dialects such as Bapedi, Phokwane, Bakone, Chuene, and Batlokwa.

18. Sesotho (Southern Sotho)- 13.5 Million

• Native Speakers: 5.6 million
• Foreign Speakers: 7.9 million
• Countries Found: Lesotho, South Africa, Zimbabwe
• Language Family: Niger-Congo (Southern Bantu)

Sesotho is a Bantu language which is also one of the twelve official languages in South Africa, one of the two official languages of Lesotho, and one of the sixteen official languages of Zimbabwe.

The language is closely related to other Bantu languages such as Venda, Tsonga, Tonga, and Lozi.

19. Kirundi (Rundi)- 13 million

• Native Speakers: 13 million
• Countries Found: Rwanda, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and Kenya
• Language Family: Niger-Congo (Bantu Language)

Kirundi is one of the official languages in Burundi. It is also a widely spoken language in other parts of Africa.

The language is mutually intelligible with Kinyarwanda, another popular language in Africa.

20. Shona – 12 Million

• Native Speakers: 6.5 million
• Foreign Speakers: 5.50 million
• Countries Found: Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Botswana
• Language Family: Niger-Congo (Bantu Language)

21. Akan – 11,000,000

• Native Speakers: 8.9
• Foreign Speakers: 2: 1 
• Countries Found: Ghana
• Language Family: Niger-Congo (Kwa branch)

Akan is one of Africa’s most popular languages. It is also the popular native language in Ghana where about 44% of the population are native speakers but about 80% of the country’s population can speak the language.

Akan language which is the .. most popular language in Africa has different dialects such as Bono (Twi), Asante, Akuapem, Bono (collectively known as Twi), and Fante.

22. Zulu – 10,400,000

• Native Speakers: 13 million
• Foreign Speakers: 16 million
• Countries Found: South Africa, Lesotho
• Language Family: Niger-Congo (Bantu)

Zulu which is also known as isiZulu is an African language and one the 12 official languages in South Africa. The language is the.. most popular language in Africa, the second most spoken Bantu language after Swahili, and the most spoken native language in South Africa.

The language is closely related to the Northern Ndebele in Zimbabwe.

Zulu is one of the most popular ethnic groups in Africa. This is mainly because of Shaka Zulu, one of Africa’s most historic warriors.

The language has four dialects known as central KwaZulu-Natal Zulu, northern Transvaal Zulu, eastern coastal Qwabe, and western coastal Cele.

23. Kinyarwanda – 9,800,000

• Native Speakers: 24 million
• Countries Found: Somalia, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya
• Language Family: Afro-Asiatic (Cushitic branch)

Kinyarwanda is one of the main languages spoken in Rwanda alongside English and French. It is spoken by about 93% of the total population of Rwanda.

Also, the language is spoken in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and Tanzania.

Kinyarwanda which is also known as Ikinyarwanda is a Bantu language. This means that it falls under the same language family as other African languages such as Zulu, Xhosa, Shona, and Kirundi,

There are different dialects of Kinyarwanda known as Bufumbwa, Ikinyabwishya, Igikiga, Ikinyamurenge, Ikirera, Urufumbira, and Urutwatwa.

Other Popular Languages in Africa

24. Tswana (Setswana; Sechuana)- 12.9 Million

• Native Speakers: 12.9 Million
• Countries Found: Botswana, South Africa, and Zimbabwe
• Language Family: Niger-Congo (Bantu Language)

25. Kongo – 11.5 Million

• Native Speakers:  6.5 million
  
• Foreign Speakers: 5 million
• Countries Found: Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Republic of the Congo, Gabon and Angola
• Language Family: Niger-Congo (Bantu Language)

26. Luganda (Ganda) – 11 Million

• Native Speakers: 5.6 million
• Foreign Speakers: 5.4 million
• Countries Found: Uganda
• Language Family: Niger-Congo (Bantu)

27. Tigrinya (Tigrigna)- 9.7 million

• Native Speakers: 9.7 million
• Countries Found: Eritrea, Ethiopia
• Language Family: Afro-Asiatic (Semitic)

28. Gikuyu (Kikuyu) – 8.1 Million

• Native Speakers: 8.1 Million
• Countries Found: Kenya
• Language Family: Niger-Congo (Bantu Language)

29. Tsonga (Xitsonga)- 7.1 Million

• Native Speakers: 3.7 million
• Foreign Speakers: 3.4 million
• Countries Found: Eswatini, Mozambique, South Africa, and Zimbabwe
• Language Family: Niger-Congo (Bantu)

30. Umbundu (South Mbundu)- 7 Million

• Native Speakers: 7,000,000
• Countries Found: Angola
• Language Family: Niger-Congo (Bantu Language)

31. Luhya – 6,800,000

• Native Speakers: 3.3 million
• Countries Found: Kenya
• Language Family: Niger-Congo (Bantu Language)

32. Kalenjin (Elgeyo language)- 6.6 Million

• Native Speakers: 6,600,000
• Countries Found: Kenya and Uganda
• Language Family: Nilo-Saharan (Nilotic)

33. Mossi (Mooré or More )- 6.5 million

• Native Speakers: 6.5 million
• Countries Found: Burkina Faso, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Benin, Niger, Mali, Togo and Senegal
• Language Family: Niger-Congo (Bantu Language)

34. Tshiluba (Luba-Kasai, Cilubà or Tshilubà, Luba-Lulua)- 6,300,000

• Native Speakers: 6.4 Million
• Countries Found:  Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Language Family: Niger-Congo (Bantu Language

35. Kituba – 5,400,000

• Native Speakers: 5.4 million
• Countries Found: the Republic of the Congo and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
• Language Family: Kongo-based Creole

36. Luo – 5,000,000

• Native Speakers: 5 million
• Countries Found: Kenya and Tanzania
• Language Family: Nilo-Saharan ( Nilotic language)

37. Swazi (siSwati)- 4.7 Million

• Native Speakers: 2.3 million
• Foreign Speakers: 2.4 million
• Countries Found: Eswatini, South Africa, Lesotho, Mozambique
• Language Family: Niger-Congo (Bantu)

38. Tshivenda (Venḓa) – 3 Million

• Native Speakers: 1.3 million
• Foreign Speakers: 1.7 million
• Countries Found: South Africa Zimbabwe, and Mozambique
• Language Family: Niger-Congo (Bantu)

39. Sena – 2.8 Million

• Native Speakers: 2.8 million
• Countries Found:  Mozambique, Malawi
• Language Family: Niger-Congo (Bantu)

40. Northern Ndebele (isiNdebele saseNyakatho, Zimbabwean Ndebele or North Ndebele) – 2,600,000

• Native Speakers: 2.6 million
• Countries Found: Zimbabwe
• Language Family: Niger-Congo (Bantu)

41. Afar ( ’Afar Af, Afaraf, Qafar af) – 2,500,000

• Native Speakers: 2.6 million
• Countries Found: Somalia, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya
• Language Family: Afro-Asiatic (Cushitic branch)

42. Ndau (chiNdau, Chindau, Ndzawu, Njao, Southeast Shona, Chidanda)- 2,400,000

• Native Speakers: 2.4 million
• Countries Found:  Mozambique, Zimbabwe
• Language Family: Niger-Congo (Bantu)

43. Fon – 2,300,000

• Native Speakers: 2.3 million
• Countries Found: Benin, Nigeria, Togo, Ghana, Gabon
• Language Family: Niger-Congo (Bantu)

44. Kimbundu (Mbundu)- 1,700,000

• Native Speakers: 1.7 million
• Countries Found: Angola
• Language Family: Niger-Congo (Bantu)

45. Tonga (Zambezi)- 1,500,000

• Native Speakers: 1.5 million
• Countries Found: Zambia, Zimbabwe
• Language Family: Niger-Congo (Bantu)

The post 45 Most Popular Languages in Africa appeared first on WeAfrique.

These 30 Beautiful African Birds are a Sight to Behold 

1. African Barbet

• Scientific Name: Lybiidae
• Length: 7.9 to 9.8 inches
• Weight: 0.3 to 7.2 ounces
• Range: Sub-saharan Africa

It is not only the vibrant colors of the African Barbet that make it the first on this list but the intricate patterns on its feathers, its big head, short, thick bill, and plump body.

There are several species but the most common is the created barbet which is nicknamed fruit salad. It features a prominent yellow crest on its head and a vibrant green plumage with a yellow breast.

They are known for their loud, drumming calls and their playful behavior. Surprisingly they hardly move in groups.

The barbet is an omnivore bird and mostly feeds on fruits and insects. They are mostly found in woodlands or scrub savannas in Zambia, Angola, and other Southern African countries.

2. Secretarybird

• Scientific Name: Balearica regulorum
• Length: 3.3 feet
• Weight: 7.7 pounds

This is one of the most unique African birds and its name originates from the black plume of feathers at the back of its head which resembles the quill pens used by secretaries in the 19th century. They are mostly more than 4 feet tall and they hunt mostly on the ground and feed primarily on small rodents, amphibians, and reptiles using their sharp claws and powerful legs to stomp and kill their prey before swallowing it whole.

The secretary birds are mostly found in the open grasslands and savannas of the sub-Saharan region. They spread across Senegal to Somalia and down to South Africa.

3. Grey Crowned Crane

• Scientific Name: Balearica regulorum
• Length: 3.3 feet
• Weight: 7.7 pounds

The Grey Crowned Crane is stunningly one of Africa’s most beautiful and colorful birds. This bird stands tall with grey plumage, white wings, a golden crown of feathers, and a bright red throat pouch. In measurement, they grow up to 1m (3.3ft) and weigh 3.5 kg (7.7 lbs) with a wingspan of 2 m (6.5 ft).

They are mostly found in the Eastern and Southern parts of Africa in areas like the grasslands, flooded plains, marshes, and agricultural land. The grey-crowned cranes are known for their elaborate courtship dances which involve synchronizing bowing, jumping, and wing display.

4. African Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus)

• Scientific Name: Psittacus erithacus
• Length: 33 cm
• Weight: 0.4 kg

This bird is renowned for its exceptional intelligence and ability to talk and mimic human speech and sounds. The African Grey Parrot are native to rainforests of West and Central Africa and you will most likely find them in coastal countries such as Sierra Leone, Ghana, and the Ivory Coast foraging for nuts and fruits on treetops. These birds can easily captivate anyone with their sleek grey plumage and very distinctive bright red tail feathers.

They are highly social birds who play a significant role in their communities, forming strong bonds and engaging in complex communication. No wonder they have been nicknamed “The Einsteins of the Bird World.”

5. Hadada Ibis 

• Scientific Name: Bostrychia hagedash
• Height: 30 inches
• Weight: 1.2 kg

This Africa beautiful bird is easily recognizable by its long, down-curved bill and the crest of loose feathers adorning its head. Hadada Ibises are found in wetlands and grasslands, where they wade through shallow water searching for crustaceans, insects, and small fish.

Their loud, drawn-out call, resembling “ha-da-da,” has earned them their unique name. They are also known for

6. African Fish Eagle 

• Scientific Name: Haliaeetus vocifer
• Length: 63 to 77 cm
• Weight: 2.1 to 3.6 kg

You can call the African fish eagle a dominant predator in African skies and that’s no lie. Its brown plumage is accentuated by white patches on its chest and wings, and its powerful yellow beak is perfectly adapted for tearing apart fish. They are found near water bodies in sub-Saharan Africa.

In addition to its colorful looks, the African Fish Eagle is also known for its piercing cry which is a familiar sound across African landscapes. These birds are hunters and primarily feed on fishes.

7. African Penguin

• Scientific Name: Spheniscus demersus
• Length: 24 to 28 inches
• Weight: 4.9 to 7.7 pounds
• Range: Southern Africa

Like other penguins around the world, the African Penguin cannot fly. However, this doesnt stop this bird from being one of Africa’s delights. Penguins exist in different species across the world. But in Africa, they are mostly found along the coastline of southern Africa and Namibia.

Penguins are naturally social birds and their friendly nature makes them an attraction for a lot of tourists. Their distinctive b;  black and white plumage also makes them attractive to birdwatchers. Since they live on land and water, they eat fish and insects.

8. Saddle-billed Stork 

• Scientific Name: Ephippiorhyncus senegalensis
• Length: 4 ft 8 inches
• Weight: 11 to 16.6 pounds

With its long, slender legs and a massive, saddle-shaped bill, the Saddle-billed Stork is a majestic inhabitant of African wetlands. Its plumage is a stunning combination of black, white, and grey, with a bare red patch around the eye

These patient predators stand motionless for long periods, awaiting the opportune moment to strike unsuspecting prey like fish, frogs, and small reptiles.

Read Also: African Animals With Horns

9. Lilac-breasted Roller 

• Scientific Name: Coracias caudatus
• Height: 14.5 inches
• Weight: 110g

Across the south and east of Africa is where you’ll find the lilac-breasted roller. Its vibrant lilac breast contrasts beautifully with its turquoise back, and its underparts are adorned with a mosaic of black, white, and brown hence its name.

The Lilac-breasted Roller is a skilled acrobat who has been captured performing aerial somersaults while capturing insects in mid-air.

10. Purple-crested Turaco

• Scientific Name: Tauraco porphyreolophus
• Length: 18-19 inches
• Weight: 8-12 ounces

Another magnificent turaco species, the Purple-crested Turaco are peculiar birds that have long tails, chunky bodies, small heads, and mohawk-like crest features. These birds are the national birds of Swaziland and are native to South and East Africa. They have vibrant green plumage, a striking purple crest on its head, and a bright red beak.

The purple-crested turaco is a shy bird that is often heard before they are seen, thanks to their loud calls echoing through the dense rainforest canopy.

11. African Spoonbill

• Scientific Name: Platalea alba
• Length: 90 cm (35 inches)
• Weight: about 3 pounds)

This bird is mostly found in long marshes, lakes, and rivers across Africa. Their features such as their white plumage, black long spoon-shaped bill, bright red facial skin, and long legs make them a favorite for birdwatchers.

This wading bird primarily feeds on small fish and crustaceans. They skillfully sweep the water surface for food using their bill to sift through mud and water.

12. Malachite Kingfisher 

• Scientific Name: Corythornis cristatus
• Length: 5.11 inches
• Weight: 12-19 g

The Malachite Kingfishers are mostly found in forests and woodlands. You’ll find these tiny jewel-toned birds near rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water throughout sub-Saharan Africa.

These birds often perch on branches and sometimes dive into water to catch insects and small fish. It is not just its agile movement that makes it a delight to watch but its iridescent colors as well. From its electric blue back to its black and blue crest, and rufous and white underparts, this bird is undoubtedly one beautiful bird you’ll find in Africa.

13. African Pied Kingfisher 

• Scientific Name: Ceryle Rudis
• Length: 9.8 inches
• Weight: 1.5 to 2 ounces
• Range: Africa, Asia

This is another kingfisher species that is a common sight along rivers, lakes, and streams across Africa. Its striking appearance features a white chest and belly, contrasted by a black head, back, and wings.

The African Pied Kingfisher is a skilled hunter, hovering mid-air before diving headfirst into the water to catch fish.

14. Oxpecker

• Scientific Name: Buphagus
• Length: 7.9 inches
• Weight: 2 ounces

This is another unique bird that is found in Africa with the yellow-billed and the red-billed oxpeckers endemic to Africa and are both distinguished by their bill colors. These birds share a mutual relationship with mammals like rhinos and buffalos typically feeding on insects that live on the host. However, their relationship gets parasitic when they begin to pick off the flesh of the animal.

The oxpeckers have greyish plumage, red eyes, short legs, and a strong, stiff tail and can be found in Savannas in countries like Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Somalia

15. European Bee-eaters

• Scientific Name: Merops block
• Length: 8 to 9 inches
• Weight: 23g

These birds are a feast for the eyes and boast beautiful shades of red, orange, and green with sky-blue underparts. Despite being called the European bee-eaters, the breed of these birds is found across Africa, Asia, and Europe.

Oftentimes, these birds are found in savannahs, grasslands, woodlands, shrublands, and cultivations. By nature, they are acrobatic and display hunting skills. Talking of hunting, these birds, feed mostly on bees and other flying insects.

16. Go Away Bird

• Scientific Name: Corythaixoides concolor
• Length: 47–51 cm
• Weight: 200-300g

If you’ve ever heard any bird say “Kuh-we” then you may have likely crossed paths with the Go Away bird. They are known for their loud, repetitive call alarm call which sounds like they are saying “Go Away”. There are 3 species of this African bird namely the grey go-away bird, the bare-faced go-away bird, and the white-bellied go-away bird.

They are often found in southern and eastern Africa. Also, they eat fruits and insects and enjoy perching on tall or dead trees. What makes them even more interesting is their communication prowess. The go-away birds sometimes involve in duets and mimicry which makes their vocalization something to marvel about.

17. Flamingo

• Scientific Name: Phoenicopteridae
• Length: 4 to 5 feet
• Weight: 4 to 8 pounds
• Range: Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia

Even though it is the Greater Flamingo that is widely recognized, Africa is also home to the Lesser Flamingo which is a slightly smaller species. There are 4 species of flamingos around the world but there are only 2 of them in Africa while others can be found in the islands of Asia, America, and Europe. These birds have vibrant pink plumage and black wingtips. Aside from their beautiful color, the flamingoes usually stand with one leg while the other remains tucked in their bodies.

These social birds primarily feed on shellfish which most has been attributed to their pink coloured plumage. They also eat small insects and algae.

18. The Cape Sugar Bird

• Scientific Name: Promerops cafer
• Length: 23 to 44 cm (9.1–17.3 in)
• Weight: 26 and 46 g

The cape sugarbird is undoubtedly another true visual spectacle. These birds are native and endemic to South Africa particularly areas with an abundance of flowers. The cape suarbird feeds primarily on nectar, using its long, curved beak to reach deep inside flowers.

Both males and females display impressive aerial acrobatics while hovering in mid-air. However, the male cape sugarbirds are more dominating as they are fiercely territorial, and would even engage in aerial battles to defend their feeding areas while attracting mates with their melodious songs.

19. The Ostrich

• Scientific Name: Struthio camelus
• Length: 2.5 m (8 ft.)
• Weight: 145 kg (320 lb.)
• Range: central and southern Africa.

No other bird comes close to the Ostrich when it comes to height and weight. For this reason, it is the largest living bird on Earth. Interestingly, its size does not make it a lazy bird thanks to its powerful legs which propels it across vast savannas at speeds exceeding 70 kilometers per hour, earning another title as the “fastest bird on land.”

The ostrich has a distinctive black and white plumage, with males sporting a flamboyant red neck and thighs during breeding season. Since they are social birds, they live in flocks of up to 20 individuals. Aside from their large bodies, they possess keen eyes and ears that make them vigilant sentinels. The dominant males keep watch for predators for the entire flock and alert them with a loud warning call which can be mistaken for a lion’s roar.

Interestingly, ostriches can eat anything even things that other animals cannot digest as they can grind food with their muscular stomach. While their diet consists of roots, leaves, and seeds, these birds can also consume insects, snakes, lizards, and rodents.

20. Rosy-Faced Lovebirds

• Scientific Name: Agapornis
• Length: 5 to 7 inches
• Weight: 1.5 to 2 ounces

These charming birds are not just colorful but also social and affectionate and are known for their strong pair bonds. The lovebirds are often seen perched together, preening and feeding each other to show their companionship. It is no surprise that these birds are mostly the popular choice for pet owners.

Over nine species of this bird across southwest Africa can be seen in savannahs, woodlands, croplands, and human habitations. They come in various colors, including green, yellow, and blue, and often have pink spotting around the eye region.

21. Superb Starling

• Scientific Name: Lamprotornis superbus
• Length: 7.1 to 7.5 inches
• Weight: 2.5 to 3 ounces

These birds are mostly found in habitats like savannas, woodlands, and gardens, and just like their name, they are stunning and colorful birds. Their iridescent plumage shimmers in shades of blue, green, and purple, while their chest glows a vibrant orange.

It is a native of East Africa and they are often seen in large flocks which makes them a complete attraction. As per feeding, they eat small animals like worms, termites, and beetles

22. Sunbird

• Scientific Name: Nectariniidae
• Length: 4 inches
• Weight: 5 to 45g
• Range: Africa, Asia, Australia

The African sunbird species are often called hummingbirds of Africa. Aside from the colors and beauty they add to African gardens and forests, these birds are pollinators of many African plant species as they also use their curved beaks to feed on nectar just like the hummingbirds.

Several species across Africa appear in different colors. The Variable Sunbird, for example, dazzles with its iridescent green feathers and a bright red gorget on its throat, while the Bronzy Sunbird has a combination of metallic bronze and green feathers. Also, the male variable sunbird often shows off its beautiful plumage to impress the females.

23. African Hoopoe

• Scientific Name: Upupa africana
• Length: 25 to 29 cm
• Weight: 38 to 67 g

These unique birds are one of the species to see on a safari for bird lovers and are easily recognizable because of their distinctive crests and long, curved bills. You’ll find them in open parklands and snobs across Africa. The most common species of this bird is the Eurasian Hoopoe which is orange and has a white-striped body and black and white crest.

The African Hoopoe feeds on insects like beetles, locusts, and grasshoppers. They grub by probing the ground with their bills. Some of their predators include cats, hawks, and eagles.

24. White-backed Vulture

• Scientific Name: Ornithurae
• Length: 30 inches
• Weight: 15 to 33 pounds
• Range: Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas

Vultures play a critical role as nature’s clean-up crew and this bird lives up to its role as the “garbage man” of the savannah. The White-backed Vulture is smaller in size and has a dark eye compared to the Cape vultures which it is often confused with. You will find these birds in open plains and wooded country across West Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, and throughout Southern Africa.

Their names match their description. They have white head and body and dark brown wings. These birds help prevent the spread of disease by scavenging on carcasses.

25. Pelican

• Scientific Name: Pelecanus
• Length: 5.2 to 5.9 feet
• Weight: 22 to 26 pounds
• Range: Worldwide

This species of birds are mostly found in Southern and Sub-saharan Africa and they exist in 8 species around the world except Antarctica. They are mostly known as water birds and the species living in Africa are the great white and the pink-backed pelicans.

Pelicans are known for their large throat pouch and for most people, they have something in there. But the throat pouch only helps to filter food. Another feature of the pelicans is that they have long necks and short legs.

26. Shoebill 

• Scientific Name: Balaeniceps rex
• Length: 43 to 55 inches
• Weight: 8.8 to 15.4 pounds
• Range: East Africa

This is another beautiful African bird that has a bill that resembles a shoe hence its name “Shoebill”. However, it is also known as the billed stork or the whale-headed. This prehistory bird also resembles the dinosaurs of old. They have long legs and the adults appear grey while the juveniles are brown. These birds can be found in freshwater swamps in Central and East Africa.

Primarily, the Shoebill feeds on snakes, frogs,  fish, and other aquatic creatures using their big bill to catch their prey. They are also known for their slow and deliberate movement that’s possibly why they enjoy marshy areas where they can stay unmoving for hours.

27. Marabou Stork

• Scientific Name: Leptoptilos crumenifer
• Length: 4.99 feet
• Weight: 20 pounds
• Range: Sub-saharan Africa

The Marabou Stork belongs to the stork family known as the Ciciniidae and it is mostly found in Tanzania, Ethiopia, Uganda, and Kenya. This bird is similar to the vulture not just in appearance but other traits and has been nicknamed the undertaker bird. The Marabou stock is large and has a bald hair and neck with white underparts. They are skilled hunters and scavengers that mostly feed on small animals and carrion

28. Hamerkop

• Scientific Name: Scopus umbretta
• Length: 22 inches
• Weight: 17 ounces
• Range: Africa, Arabia

The hamerkop is a fascinating bird that has a hammer-shaped crest on its head which explains its name. It is also closely related to the pelicans and shoebill and is the only species in the genus Scopus and the Scopidae family.

Most hamerkops are brown and have barred tails, black legs, big wings, and partially webbed feet. They feed on fish and other small animals using their bill to catch their prey. Also, they are known for their nest-building skills as most of their nest are perched high on trees and are often dome-shaped.

29. Cattle Egret 

• Scientific Name: Bubulcus ibis
• Length: 18 to 22 inches
• Weight: 9.5 to 18 ounces
• Range: Worldwide

This bird is one of the common beautiful birds in Africa and in recent times, they have spread throughout the world. These birds are mostly found around herd cattle as they have a symbiotic relationship with cattle hence their name. During nonbreding season, they appear white but while breeding, they develop orange buff plumes on the crown, back, and breast areas. It is also around this period that their bill becomes red.

These birds are often found in the lake and marshy areas. They do not make many sounds except for the throaty “rick rack” sound that is hardly heard by a lot of people.

30. Hornbill 

• Scientific Name: Bucerotidae
• Length: 1 ft 1 to 5 ft 11 inches
• Weight: 3.50 ounces to 14 pounds
• Range: Africa, Asia

The Hornbill is another species of beautiful bird found in Eastern and Southern Africa, especially in subtropical areas. You will hardly miss a hornbill as they are known for their brightly colored plumage and the unique casques on their bill which makes it heavy. As such, they use their first and second neck vertebrae to carry it.

Different species of hornbills differ in size and color. It is only their bill they share in common. Among other things, Hornbills are known for their distinctive call which can be heard echoing throughout the forest and savannah areas.

Like the shoebill, these birds also use their bill to catch prey, fight, and construct nests.

The post 30 Beautiful African Birds appeared first on WeAfrique.

From the springbok to the impala and the gemsbok, these animals live in a world of their own, and above the fancy of their horns, they also serve the purpose of defense, dominance, and display.

15 African Creatures with Unique Horns 

1. Giraffe

The giraffe is the tallest land animal in the world and they can be found in several African geographic regions. It is also one of the most famous African animals with horns. They are often called distinctive ossicones – bony horns fused with the skull. However, they are not true horns, but their sheer size which is up to 4 feet is remarkable.

The males use their horns in “necking” battles and winging their heads to establish dominance while the females do.

2. Gemsbok (Oryx gazella)

The gemsbok antelope is mostly found in the desert area of Southern Africa and stands out for its long, straight horns which are mostly elegantly curved inwards. These horns usually grow to about 85 centimeters and the males tend to have thicker horns while the females have longer and thinner horns.

Mostly their horns are weapons used for both defense and sparring. However, the males engage in ritualized fights for breeding rights.

3. Greater Kudu 

The greater kudu is not just one of the tallest antelopes in the world but one with the most magnificent horns in Africa. They stand up to 1.2 meters at the shoulder and can weigh up to 315 kg. Their horns are often large, spiraling in structures, and have ridges and grooves with each twist unique from the other.

Males use them for display, attracting females and intimidating rivals. In addition to this, their horns can be crafted into musical instruments and can be sometimes used as a shofar in Jewish ceremonies.

4. Springbok

The springbok which is also known as the springbuck is another animal with horns.  Aside from their agile and playful nature, they are also one of the most enchanting antelopes. They have a white face with dark stripes that extends from its mouth to the eyes. This is complemented by a reddish-brown coat that transitions to white as it reaches the lower third of its body and ends with a white rear.

They have lyre-shaped black horns that arch backward and stand at about 14 to 20 inches. Males use them in spectacular leaping displays, showcasing their fitness to potential mates. Their horns have also inspired African art decoration.

5. Rhinos

This list will be incomplete without the iconic rhinos which are one of the most well-known animals with horns in Africa. They have become endangered species due to poaching for their prized horns. The black and white rhinoceros possess thick,  imposing horns made of keratin. They often differ in size and shape.

The horns of the black rhino are rounded at the base and sometimes evenly sized which differs from the squarish shape of the white rhino with one large horn and small horn. Rhinos use their horns for self-defense, digging, and clearing vegetation.

6. Grant’s Gazelle

The Grant’s gazelle is another animal that stands out for its horn and height. There are several species of gazelle including the speak gazelle, Thomson’s gazelle, and the dama gazelle. They all possess slender, ringed horns however, the females tend to possess shorter horns than their male counterparts that are usually equipped with longer horns.

The horns are used mostly for defense, grazing, and sparring. Also, the females choose mates based on horn size and curvature.

7. Bongo Antelope

The Bongo antelope possesses spiraling, mahogany-colored horns that often command attention. The two species that exist are the lowland western bongo and the mountain eastern bongo which are considered the larger members of the antelope family.

They are shy by nature and often use their horns for display and defense. It is not only their horns and stripes that make them unique but their hearing abilities and speed of around 60 km/h when pursued by predators. The male bongo often dwells alone while the female dwells in herds.

In many African cultures, the bongo has been linked to inducing seizures in people. As such, they are often avoided by people.

Read Also: 10 Deadliest Snakes In Africa

8. Impala

This is another common African antelope which is known for their swiftness and elongated necks supported by specially adapted spines and delicate horns only found on males.

These elegant creatures are incredibly adept at balancing on their hind legs to reach even higher foliage, earning them the nickname “giraffe of the gazelle world.”

9. Eland 

The Eland is called Africa’s biggest antelope and despite its big size, it is mostly called the peaceful and slowest member of the antelope family. In fact, their calm demeanor and grazing habits have earned them the nickname “the cow antelope.”

Both males and females possess short, straight horns which are used for display and occasional sparring. Interestingly, their close relationship with humans for centuries has resulted in several domesticated breeds used for milk and meat.

10. Hartebeest

From a distance, the hartebeest looks like a misshapen antelope. They possess V-shaped horns and are iconic grazers of the savanna. Both sexes possess these horns, used in dominant displays and defense.

These hardy creatures are famous for their incredible migrations, traveling vast distances in search of fresh grazing grounds, and forming massive herds that thunder across the plains.

11. Gerenuk

With its giraffe-like neck and long, slender horns, the gerenuk presents a fascinating paradox. Reaching high foliage with its neck, it uses its horns for sparring and display, highlighting the diverse ecological niches horns can occupy.

With necks stretching impossibly long, gerenuk resembles living question marks grazing on acacia leaves. Their elongated necks, supported by specially adapted spines, are adorned with delicate horns only found on males. These elegant creatures are incredibly adept at balancing on their hind legs to reach even higher foliage, earning them the nickname “giraffe of the gazelle world.”

12. Waterbuck

Found near water sources, the waterbuck has large, lyre-shaped horns with distinctive rings. Males lock horns in epic battles for dominance, creating a spectacle of strength and determination.

Thriving in marshy savannas and riverine habitats, waterbucks are powerful antelope distinguished by their impressive ringed horns. Both sexes sport these curved horns, used for defense and dominance battles. Interestingly, waterbucks possess the remarkable ability to close their nostrils underwater, allowing them to graze submerged plants while keeping an eye out for predators

13. Sable Antelope

The regal sable antelope boasts impressive, forward-curving horns that can grow up to 4 feet long. These weapons are used for defense, sparring, and clearing dense vegetation, symbolizing the animal’s power and resilience.

Living a semi-aquatic life in papyrus swamps and dense vegetation, the sitatunga embodies adaptation. Their webbed hooves aid in navigating muddy terrain, while their long, slender legs allow them to walk through water. Males boast lyre-shaped horns, used for territorial disputes and attracting females. Their cryptic coloration and aquatic prowess make them masters of camouflage, hidden in plain sight within the reeds.

14. Sitatunga

Living in dense swamps and marshes, the sitatunga is a shy, semi-aquatic antelope. Its short, heavily ridged horns help it navigate through thick vegetation and are used for intraspecific competition.

Living a semi-aquatic life in papyrus swamps and dense vegetation, the sitatunga embodies adaptation. Their webbed hooves aid in navigating muddy terrain, while their long, slender legs allow them to walk through water. Males boast lyre-shaped horns, used for territorial disputes and attracting females. Their cryptic coloration and aquatic prowess make them masters of camouflage, hidden in plain sight within the reeds.

15. Scimitar-Horned Oryx

Due to excessive hunting in the wild for their horns, these animals which are also called the Sahara oryx have faced extinction since 2000. They have long, straight, slender horns that are curved backward and resemble curved scimitars. These horns are used for digging, cooling, and defense.

The scimitar-horned oryx is often found in arid environments like deserts and because of their adaptive natures, they can survive with water consumption. Unlike other animals, they do not have traditional structures and will often maintain groups of at least 70 members.

The post African Animals With Horns appeared first on WeAfrique.

Meanwhile, the late president of Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe was arguably one of the most enduring symbols of Africa’s struggle for liberation from colonial rule and has made so many pronouncements in that light. Some of his quotes include;

The white man is not indigenous to Africa. Africa is for Africans. Zimbabwe is for Zimbabweans.

100 Black History Quotes From Famous African Leaders and Revolutionists

Quotes by Martin Luther King Jr

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• “You can kill the dreamer, but you can’t kill the dream.”
• “There comes a time when people get tired of being pushed out of the glittering sunlight of life’s July and left standing amid the piercing chill of an alpine November.”
• “Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred.”
• “Be a bush if you can’t be a tree. If you can’t be a highway, just be a trail. If you can’t be a sun, be a star. For it isn’t by size that you win or fail. Be the best of whatever you are.”
• “We’ve got some difficult days ahead. But it really doesn’t matter with me now because I’ve been to the mountaintop… I’ve looked over and I’ve seen the promised land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight that we as a people will get to the promised land.”
• “I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. This is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant.
• Man must evolve for all human conflict a method which rejects revenge, aggression and retaliation. The foundation of such a method is love.”
• “We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive. He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love. There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us. When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies.”
• “Rarely do we find men who willingly engage in hard, solid thinking. There is an almost universal quest for easy answers and half-baked solutions. Nothing pains some people more than having to think.”
• “Hate is just as injurious to the hater as it is to the hated. Like an unchecked cancer, hate corrodes the personality and eats away its vital unity. Many of our inner conflicts are rooted in hate. This is why psychiatrists say, “Love or perish.” Hate is too great a burden to bear.”

Quotes by Barrack Obama

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• “Change will not come if we wait for some other person, or if we wait for some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.”
• “The worst thing that colonialism did was to cloud our view of our past”
• “The best way to not feel hopeless is to get up and do something. Don’t wait for good things to happen to you. If you go out and make some good things happen, you will fill the world with hope, you will fill yourself with hope.”
• “A change is brought about because ordinary people do extraordinary things.”
• “We are the change we have been waiting for.”
• “In the face of impossible odds, people who love this country can change it”
• “I’m inspired by the people I meet in my travels–hearing their stories, seeing the hardships they overcome, their fundamental optimism and decency. I’m inspired by the love people have for their children. And I’m inspired by my own children, how full they make my heart. They make me want to work to make the world a little bit better. And they make me want to be a better man”
• “One voice can change a room, and if one voice can change a room, then it can change a city, and if it can change a city, it can change a state, and if it change a state, it can change a nation, and if it can change a nation, it can change the world. Your voice can change the world.”
• “Making your mark on the world is hard. If it were easy, everybody would do it. But it’s not. It takes patience, it takes commitment, and it comes with plenty of failure along the way. The real test is not whether you avoid this failure, because you won’t. it’s whether you let it harden or shame you into inaction, or whether you learn from it; whether you choose to persevere”
• “Nothing can stand in the way of the power of millions of voices calling for change”

Quotes by Malcolm X

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• “Don’t be in a hurry to condemn because he doesn’t do what you do or think”
• “I am not a racist. I am against every form of racism and segregation, every form of discrimination. I believe in human beings, and that all human beings should be respected as such, regardless of their color.”
• “I believe that there will ultimately be a clash between the oppressed and those that do the oppressing. I believe that there will be a clash between those who want freedom, justice and equality for everyone and those who want to continue the systems of exploitation.” as you think or as fast. There was a time when you didn’t know what you know today.” “They put your mind right in a bag, and take it wherever they want.”
• “A man who stands for nothing will fall for anything.”
• “We are nonviolent with people who are nonviolent with us.”
• “I for one believe that if you give people a thorough understanding of what confronts them and the basic causes that produce it, they’ll create their own program, and when the people create a program, you get action.”
• “If you’re not ready to die for it, put the word ‘freedom’ out of your vocabulary.”
• “You don’t have to be a man to fight for freedom. All you have to do is to be an intelligent human being.”
• “When a person places the proper value on freedom, there is nothing under the sun that he will not do to acquire that freedom. Whenever you hear a man saying he wants freedom, but in the next breath he is going to tell you what he won’t do to get it, or what he doesn’t believe in doing in order to get it, he doesn’t believe in freedom. A man who believes in freedom will do anything under the sun to acquire… or preserve his freedom.”
• “We declare our right on this earth to be a human being, to be respected as a human being, to be given the rights of a human being in this society, on this earth, in this day, which we intend to bring into existence by any means necessary”

SEE ALSO: 100 Most Powerful African Quotes And Proverbs For Daily Use

Quotes by Oprah Winfrey

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• “The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams”
• “Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you.”
• “Where there is no struggle, there is no strength.”
• “Real integrity is doing the right thing, knowing that nobody’s going to know whether you did it or not.”
• “Do the one thing you think you cannot do. Fail at it. Try again. Do better the second time. The only people who never tumble are those who never mount the high wire. This is your moment. Own it.”
• “Turn your wounds into wisdom”
• “Doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment.”
• “Doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment.”
• “Doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment.”
• “Breathe. Let go. And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure.”

Quotes by Marcus Garvey

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• “A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.”
• “If you haven’t confidence in self, you are twice defeated in the race of life. With confidence, you have won even before you have started. ”
• “The pen is mightier than the sword, but the tongue is mightier than them both put together.”
• “The ends you serve that are selfish will take you no further than yourself but the ends you serve that are for all, in common, will take you into eternity.”
• “The pen is mightier than the sword, but the tongue is mightier than them both put together”
• “Liberate the minds of men and ultimately you will liberate the bodies of men.”
• “I regard the Klan, the Anglo-Saxon clubs and White American societies, as far as the Negro is concerned, as better friends of the race than all other groups of hypocritical whites put together.”
• “We are going to emancipate ourselves from mental slavery, for though others may free the body, none but ourselves can free the mind. Mind is our only ruler; sovereign.”
• “You at this time can only be destroyed by yourselves, from within and not from without. You have reached the point where the victory is to be won from within and can only be lost from within.”
• “Having had the wrong education as a start in his racial career, the Negro has become his own greatest enemy. Most of the trouble I have had in advancing the cause of the race has come from Negroes. Booker Washington aptly described the race in one of his lectures by stating that we were like crabs in a barrel, that none would allow the other to climb over, but on any such attempt all would continue to pull back into the barrel the one crab that would make the effort to climb out. Yet, those of us with vision cannot desert the race, leaving it to suffer and die.”

Quotes by Nelson Mandela

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• “Real leaders must be ready to sacrifice all for the freedom of their people”

• “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”

• “Many people in this country have paid the price before me and many will pay the price after me”

• “A fundamental concern for others in our individual and community lives would go a long way in making the world the better place we so passionately dreamt of.”

• “Everyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve success if they are dedicated to and passionate about what they do.”

• “It always seems impossible until it’s done.”

•  “Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again”

• “It is not our diversity which divides us; it is not our ethnicity, or religion or culture that divides us. Since we have achieved our freedom, there can only be one division amongst us: between those who cherish democracy and those who do not.”

• “For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”

• “A critical, independent and investigative press is the lifeblood of any democracy. The press must be free from state interference. It must have the economic strength to stand up to the blandishments of government officials. It must have sufficient independence from vested interests to be bold and inquiring without fear or favour. It must enjoy the protection of the constitution so that it can protect our rights as citizens.”

Quotes by Kofi Annan

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• “The skills you need to fight the colonial power and the skills you need to gain independence are not necessarily the same you need to run a country.”
• “More than ever before in human history, we share a common destiny. We can master it only if we face it together. And that, my friends, is why we have the United Nations.”
• “To live is to choose. But to choose well, you must know who you are and what you stand for, where you want to go and why you want to get there”
• “Often we mistake stability, in terms of security and economic activity, to mean a country is doing well. We forget the third and important pillar: rule of law and respect for human rights.”
• “In their greatest hour of need, the world failed the people of Rwanda.”
• “We must ensure that the global market is embedded in broadly shared values and practices that reflect global social needs, and that all the world’s people share the benefits of globalization.”
• “We need to think of the future and the planet we are ging to leave to our children and their children.”
• “I have always believed that on important issues, the leaders must lead. Where the leaders fail to lead, and people are really concerned about it, the people will take the lead and make the leaders follow.”
• “My own advice to people who would be in office for two or three terms is that they must accept democratic rotation: ideally, not put themselves up for re-election and allow the system to work.”
• “I am a stubborn optimist and will remain an optimist.”

Quotes by Kwame Nkruma

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• “It is clear that we must find an African solution to our problems, and that this can only be found in African unity. Divided we are weak: united, Africa could become one of the greatest forces for good in the world.”
• “It is far better to be free to govern or misgovern yourself than to be governed by anybody else”
• “Those who would judge us merely by the heights we have achieved would do well to remember the depths from which we started.”
• “The forces that unite us are intrinsic and greater than the superimposed influences that keep us apart.”
• “Capitalism is a development by refinement from feudalism, just as feudalism is development by refinement from slavery . Capitalism is but the gentlemen’s method of slavery.”
• “Countrymen, the task ahead is great indeed, and heavy is the responsibility; and yet it is a noble and glorious challenge – a challenge which calls for the courage to dream, the courage to believe, the courage to dare, the courage to do, the courage to envision, the courage to fight, the courage to work, the courage to achieve – to achieve the highest excellencies and the fullest greatness of man. Dare we ask for more in life?”
• “I am not African because I was born in Africa but because Africa was born in me.”
• “As far as i am concerned, i am in the knowledge that death can never extinguish the torch which i have lit in Ghana and Africa. Long after i am dead and gone, the light will continue to burn and be borne aloft, giving light and guidance to all people.”
• “We have awakened. We will not sleep anymore. Today, from now on, there is a new African in the world!”
• “Africa is a paradox which illustrates and highlights neo-colonialism . Her earth is rich, yet the products that come from above and below the soil continue to enrich, not Africans predominantly, but groups and individuals who operate to Africa’s impoverishment.”

Quotes by Chinua Achebe

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• “Nobody can teach me who I am. You can describe parts of me, but who I am – and what I need – is something I have to find out myself.”
• “The white man is very clever. He came quietly and peaceably with his religion. We were amused at his foolishness and allowed him to stay. Now he has won our brothers, and our clan can no longer act like one. He has put a knife on the things that held us together and we have fallen apart.”
• “A man who calls his kinsmen to a feast does not do so to save them from starving. They all have food in their own homes. When we gather together in the moonlit village ground it is not because of the moon. Every man can see it in his own compound. We come together because it is good for kinsmen to do so.”
• “We cannot trample upon the humanity of others without devaluing our own. The Igbo, always practical, put it concretely in their proverb Onye ji onye n’ani ji onwe ya: ‘He who will hold another down in the mud must stay in the mud to keep him down.'”
• “In dealing with a man who thinks you are a fool, it is good sometimes to remind him that you know what he knows but have chosen to appear foolish for the sake of peace.”
• “People say that if you find water rising up to your ankle, that’s the time to do something about it, not when it’s around your neck.”
• “Become familiar with your home, but know also about your neighbors. The young man who never went anywhere thinks his mother is the greatest cook.”
• “A man of worth never gets up to unsay what he said yesterday.”
• “It is praiseworthy to be brave and fearless, but sometimes it is better to be a coward. We often stand in the compound of a coward to point at the ruins where a brave man used to live.”
• “If you only hear one side of the story, you have no understanding at all.”

Quotes by Robert Mugabe

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• “So, Blair keep your England, and let me keep my Zimbabwe”
• “The white man is not indigenous to Africa. Africa is for Africans. Zimbabwe is for Zimbabweans.”
• “We don’t mind having sanctions banning us from Europe. We are not Europeans.”
• “We have this American president, Obama, born of an African father, who is saying we will not give you aid if you don’t embrace homosexuality. We ask, was he born out of homosexuality? We need continuity in our race, and that comes from the woman, and no to homosexuality.”
• “We have this American president, Obama, born of an African father, who is saying we will not give you aid if you don’t embrace homosexuality. We ask, was he born out of homosexuality? We need continuity in our race, and that comes from the woman, and no to homosexuality.”
• “If the choice were made, one for us to lose our sovereignty and become a member of the Commonwealth or remain with our sovereignty and lose the membership of the Commonwealth, I would say let the Commonwealth go.”
• “We are no longer going to ask for the land, but we are going to take it without negotiating.
• “Zimbabwe will never be a colony again”
• “We pride ourselves as being top, really, on the African ladder… We feel that we have actually been advancing rather than going backwards.”
• “Was it not enough punishment and suffering in history that we were uprooted and made helpless slaves not only in new colonial outposts but also domestically.”

The post Black History Quotes appeared first on WeAfrique.

In exploring these silent ambusers, we uncover their unique characteristics, hunting strategies, and the effects of their venom.

10 Most Deadliest Snakes In Africa

1. Black Mamba (Dendroaspis Polylepis)

With an average of 4.3 meters in length and a lightning-fast speed of 12 miles per hour, the black mamba is living up to its fearsome reputation as one of Africa’s deadliest snakes.

This sleek, agile hunter is extremely aggressive and will strike at any chance it gets. Its neurotoxic venom delivers a potent cocktail of toxins that can instantly cause paralysis and respiratory failure within minutes. Even though they have been described as shy by nature when threatened, their dramatic threat display shouldn’t fool you.

Rather than fighting, the black mamba prefers flight over fight, escaping into burrows and termite mounds with remarkable agility.

2. West African Carpet Viper (Echis ocellatus)

Even though this West African carpet viper is small (0.6-1 meter) in size, it shouldn’t be underestimated. It is mostly found in the sands of West Africa and is responsible for some of the highest numbers of snake bites. By nature, they are yellowish-brown in color, and have distinctive eye-like spots they are thick, heavy-bodied, and have a viper diamond-shaped head.

Its potent hemotoxic venom disrupts blood clotting, leading to internal bleeding and potentially kidney failure. When trying to attack, this snake can easily camouflage against the desert background ambush unsuspecting prey, and strike multiple times.

While this viper is crucial in controlling rodent populations, its bite always demands immediate medical attention.

3. Gaboon Viper (Bitis gabonica)

Often found in rainforests and savannas, this stocky, heavy-bodied serpent is Africa’s largest viper, reaching a staggering 5 centimeters in length and 18 kg in weight. Unsurprisingly, its thick-set body houses venom glands capable of delivering the largest single dose of venom among vipers.

Its venom is a complex mix of cytotoxins and neurotoxins which can cause tissue damage, bleeding, and paralysis. Despite its intimidating size, the Gaboon Viper is primarily an ambush predator that would patiently wait for prey to wander near before attack.

4. Mozambique Spitting Cobra (Naja mossambica)

This cobra is found across diverse habitats in Southern Africa and possesses a unique defense mechanism: spitting venom. It is usually pink or yellow-purple appears nervous in temperament can accurately project its potent neurotoxic venom up to 3 meters, and often aims for the eyes of a perceived threat. This venom can cause temporary or even permanent blindness if not flushed immediately.

Aside from spitting into the threat’s eyes, this cobra will quickly unleash a bite of strong cytotoxic venom which causes pain, swelling, and tissue damage. If not

Primarily feeding on rodents and amphibians, this cobra also plays a role in controlling populations of scorpions and centipedes.

Read Also: Most Dangerous Tribe in Africa

5. Egyptian Cobra (Naja haje)

For centuries, this cobra has captivated imaginations for its flared hood which is instantly recognizable. It is found across North and sub-Saharan Africa and it reaches up to 2.5 meters in length. Its color varies from copper-red to almost entirely black.

Since they are often docile, they take an upright posture and spread their cobra hood as the final warning before striking. This is possibly why they are depicted in ancient Egyptian art, it was revered as a symbol of royalty and power.

With each bite, it releases a potent neurotoxic venom which directly attacks the immune system and causes the body to slowly shut down. it is also capable of causing paralysis and respiratory failure. Surprisingly, it does not spit venom like other African cobra.

6. Cape Cobra (Naja nivea)

Found in diverse habitats across southern Africa, this cobra reaches up to 1.5 meters long and is known for its diurnal activity. It varies in color and ranges from yellow to copper/mahogany colored and purplish/black.

Even though it is not as aggressive as the black mamba, its potent venom cannot be argued. Death usually occurs between 2 and 5 hours after the bite and its neurotoxic venom affects the nervous system, leading to paralysis and respiratory failure.  While primarily feeding on rodents and frogs, it will readily defend itself if threatened and raise its hood before giving out potentially fatal bite.

While not as aggressive as the black mamba, its presence demands respect due to its potent venom.

7. Saw-Scaled Viper (Echis carinatus)

Don’t be deceived by the small size of this viper which often measures between 0.4-0.8 meters as it is one of the most aggressive and ill-tempered snakes in the world. According to studies, its bite is five times more toxic than that of the cobra and 16 times more toxic than Russell’s viper (one of Asia’s most deadly snakes).

Its venom is hemotoxic and very virulent and its bite can be fatal without prompt medical attention. It disrupts blood clotting, causing internal bleeding and organ damage. It is often classified as a member of the “Big Four,” and this refers to a group of snakes responsible for more bites and even death than any other species on the planet.

8. Forest Cobra (Naja melanoleuca)

This slender, agile cobra mostly inhabits the rainforests of West and Central Africa. It can reach up to 3 meters in length and can be easily identified by its large hood, wide body, and unique color which appears glossy-black with a whitish-brown and sometimes yellow.

This cobra possesses a blend of neurotoxic and cytotoxic venom and can affect both the nervous system and tissues. They are mostly active at night and feed on rodents, amphibians, and other snakes. Even though it is not as aggressive as some other cobras, its potent venom speaks for itself.

In about 30 minutes after a bite, the victim will experience symptoms such as fatigue, vertigo, hypotension, hearing loss, an inability to speak, and even shock. If no medical treatment is given immediately, this may result to even death from suffocation.

9. Puff Adder (Bitis arietans)

This large (up to 1.9 meters) and heavy-bodied viper is mostly known for its camouflaging and defensive behavior. They are mostly found in savannas and grasslands across sub-Saharan Africa. While their venom may not be as deadly as the Black Mamba, their bites aren’t so rare. In fact, the Puff Adder has been linked to several fatal snake bites in Africa each year as its nature brings it into frequent contact with humans. With its cytotoxic venom, it causes extensive tissue damage and necrosis, sometimes requiring limb amputation.

When threatened, it puffs up its body and hisses loudly but sometimes may not move when it hears a predator approaching. Rather, it blends quickly with the sand, and when people accidentally step on it, and strikes in self-defense.

10. Green Mamba (Dendroaspis angusticeps)

This arboreal beauty exists in three species (Eastern, Western, and Jameson’s Green Mamba) native to Africa and they are found in coastal and rainforest regions. They possess a potent neurotoxic venom that affects breathing and muscle control, however, their toxicity differs. Symptoms after being bitten can manifest within 15 minutes and their victims may suffer pain, swelling, shock, nausea, dizziness, and headaches.

Similar to their cousin – the Black Mamba, they possess unmatched agility, speed (reaching 20 km/h!), and unpredictable behavior making them a force to be reckoned with. But due to their shy nature, bites from Green Mambas are relatively rare.

The post 10 Deadliest Snakes In Africa appeared first on WeAfrique.

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.

While some fought successfully and founded nations like Haiti or lost their lives and left legacies like the town of Yanga and San Basilio de Palenque, here are all the fascinating details to know about these great warriors.

Iconic African Warriors That Fought Slavery

1. Gaspar Yanga (1545-1618)

Also known as the First Liberator of the Americas, Yanga was born in Gabon and later sold into slavery in Mexico. Having started his life in a royal family among the Bran people of Gabon, his capture in Mexico only increased his determination for freedom.

It is unclear when he was captured into slavery, however, reports have it that he was about 25 years old in 1570 when he fled from his enslaver. Together with other fleeing slaves, they formed a maroon colony named San Lorenzo de los Negros in the highlands. This type of settlement made of running or former slaves was also called palenque. From this location, Yanga led a series of attacks on nearby plantations and caravans around Vera Cruz for the survival of the Palenque.

Eventually, his community and the Spanish authorities started having clashes. However, they escaped capture by the government for over forty years. It was not till 1618 that the Spaniards finally signed a treaty that would settle the hostility with Yanga’s maroon colony. While the agreement allowed him to build a free community, the settlement continued to pay taxes to the Spanish crown. His resistance against slavery led to the establishment of San Lorenzo de Los Negros de Cerravo in 1630.

Today, the town’s name has changed to Yanga after the former slave who fought and won against a brutal institution. The Mexican government honored him with the title of the national hero of Mexico in 1871 while the town was named a UNESCO world heritage site. He is also the inspiration behind Snoop Dogg’s 2020 song Gaspar Yanga.

2. Benkos Biohó 

The town of San Basilio de Palenque may still be standing as the first free African town in the Americas, yet, behind this is a shocking history of slave revolt. Its hero, Benkos Biohó was a Mandinka man who started life in a Guinea Bissau royal family. However, his life’s course took a different direction when he was captured and sold into slavery by the slave trader, Pedro Gomes Reinel.

While in captivity in the Americas, Biohó escaped captivity severally. His last escape was into the marshy lands north of Cartagena in 1599. The success strengthened his organization into one of the largest armies in the Montes de Maria region. Through this army, he was able to set other enslaved people free as well as assist fleeing slaves. He also started addressing himself as king, a matter that was not taken lightly by the government.

Notably, his activities led to clashes with the Colombian government. They finally signed a peace treaty in 1612. This peace lasted till 1619 when the Spaniards captured Benko. The South American emancipator was later hung in 1621.

3. Zumbi dos Palmares (1655-1695)

This Brazilian warrior remains a powerful symbol of resistance to slavery. His descent is traced to Kongo nobility through his mother, Sabina. He was born into slavery in 1655 in Palmares. When he was six years old, he was given to the missionary, Father Antonio Melo.

By the time he turned 15 in 1670, Zumbi who was baptized Francisco escaped and returned to Palmares. The years following this saw him rise to become a leader of the maroon community of Palmares. Notably, he possessed military prowess and the martial arts skill of Capoeira. He used this in defending Palmeres against the Portuguese authority.

After a series of clashes, the Portuguese were forced to settle with him but he rejected their offers because other slaves outside of Palmares had to be freed. He fought the government for 15 years before they finally captured and killed him in 1695.

Zumbi is considered one of the greatest warriors in Afro-Brazilian folklore. Many believed he was a demigod who was controlled by African spirits.

4. Queen Nanny 1685-1750

She was a leader of the Jamaican maroon community that fought the British to regain their freedom. Also known as Granny Nanny, her story started in the West African country of Ghana where she was born in c.1685. However, she was captured and sold into slavery, a journey that would lead her to Jamaica.

While in captivity, she escaped and joined other fleeing slaves in the Blue Mountain range. Over time, she gained experience as a fighter. Thanks to this military skills and leadership ability, she trained others in guerilla warfare that would free more than 800 slaves.

As a result of the fierce resistance put up by the maroons, the British were forced to sign a peace treaty with them in 1740.

Queen Nanny’s role in fighting slavery has led to her recognition as Right Excellent by the Jamaican government. You will also find her on the Jamaican $500 bill.

5. Elizabeth Freeman c.1744-1781

Unlike most enslaved people who took up arms to fight for freedom, Elizabeth fought through the Massachusetts court to gain freedom. She was born Beth in Massachusetts but was given to her master’s daughter, Hannah Ashley when she was six years old. Beth was the first to file and win a lawsuit for freedom in Massachusetts.

There are accounts of how she came to know about the freedom contained in the Sheffield Declaration. Many believe that she overheard her master, Hannah’s husband discussing the issue with others.

After hearing of the freedom and equality contained in it, she hired a lawyer, Theodore Sedgewick. The pro-abolition lawyer filed a lawsuit on her behalf. The lawsuit led to their freedom and an award of 30 shillings to cover the cost of the trial. This landmark victory in 1781 set a precedent for other cases.

6. Toussaint Louverture 1743-1803

He is also known as the father of Haiti. To understand how he earned such an accolade, it goes back to his being a former slave who became a great warrior against slavery. He was born into slavery to a West African man from Dahomey named Hypolite and his wife, Pauline.

Toussant drew attention to himself as an influential person through his leadership in the Haitian revolution. He joined the slave rebellion in 1791 during which time he trained other negro people in the army. However, he was not impressed with the organization of the leadership of the rebellion leading him to train his own guerilla fighters.

The rebellion put a spotlight on him and added to his influence. This would prove vital when he started playing both the Spanish and French governments during the 1793 war between the two powers. He later chose the French side after they abolished slavery and became governor-general of the Island in 1796.

The military strategist used his new position to continue fighting for other enslaved people. However, the French soon clashed with him when he freed slaves in Santo Domingo. This move led to his capture and imprisonment by the French. Having laid the foundation for Haitian independence, he did not live to see it happen as he died in 1803. Nonetheless, the revolution continued till the former slave colony declared independence on January 1, 1804.

7. Nat Turner 1800-1831

He is one of the fiercest warriors against slavery among people of African descent. Nat is said to have possessed fierceness since when he was a child. As an adult, he channeled this into fighting an institution that he was born into.

Aside from being fierce, Turner was deeply religious, and through his beliefs, he amassed a huge following. In his teachings, he encouraged his followers to take action against their enslavers. This would eventually lead to the Nat Turner rebellion of August 1831, one of the fiercest slave rebellions led by him and about 70 enslaved people.

They started by killing his master, his master’s wife, and their children before attacking other slave-holding families. In the uprising that lasted between August 21 and August 23, they killed over 50 people before he was captured and executed.

8. Carlota Lukumi

She is one of the greatest warriors who fought against slavery. Carlotta is of Yoruba descent and was sold into slavery in Matanzas, Cuba. She started planning a revolt while in captivity on a sugar plantation. One of her collaborators was another female slave named Fermina. Their plans were discovered and Fermina was beaten and imprisoned.

This did not stop the musically gifted Carlotta from continuing with the plan. Reports have it that she used the talking drum to send coded messages. Considering her African background, it is not surprising that she used this means of communication.

In 1843, she led a successful attack that freed Fermina and other enslaved people. This marked the beginning of other uprisings by the fearless warrior who went to battle using a machete. Their success against the Spanish plantations only lasted for a year before she was captured and executed alongside Fermina.

9. Bussa

He was one of the planners of the 1816 rebellion in Barbados. How he came to be a fighter in the first of three rebellions that happened in the West Indies before the abolition of slavery is quite a fascinating tale of bravery.

Bussa is said to be of Igbo descent and was born in West Africa before he was later enslaved in the West Indies.

While in captivity, Bussa worked as a ranger and this position gave him mobility that allowed him to organize the rebellion alongside other slaves from different plantations. He and other collaborators led about 400 slaves in the rebellion. The revolt started on Sunday, April 14 in St Phillip before spreading to other parts of the Island.

Bussa’s rebellion led to the declaration of martial law on April 15. Sadly, he was killed in battle while the fighting continued. Three days later, the British imperial troops quelled it. While over 100 slaves died during the rebellion, only two white people were reported to have been killed.

Today, ‘Bussa’s statue’ stands tall in the Haggart Hall in St Michael. The statue was unveiled in 1985, 169 years after he fought to free himself and other slaves. His role as a warrior against slavery has also earned him a place as a national hero of Barbados.

See Also: 10 African Slaves Who Became Legendary

10. Harriet Tubman

Her story is one of courage and bravery. She is a third-generation slave whose grandmother, Modesty was sold into slavery in Africa. Harriet Tubman experienced the trauma of slavery as she grew up under harsh conditions. Her first taste of resistance came from her mother who resisted the sale of her son. This experience of being separated from some of her children made Harriet’s mother strong-willed.

In adulthood, Tubman fought slavery for herself and others through the underground train, a set of secret safehouses that provided hiding places for fleeing slaves. Her activity on the underground train earned her the nickname of Moses after the Biblical Moses that led the Israelites out of Egypt. Tubman freed an estimated number of 70 people in 11 years. These included members of her family and other slaves from Maryland

The post 10 Greatest African Warriors That Fought Slavery appeared first on WeAfrique.

While many African countries have faced coups d’etats at different points in their existence,  Botswana is one of the few that has never experienced such. This explains why the presidents of Botswana have led the country through significant economic, social, and political transformations. Also, the country serves as a model of democracy and development in Africa. Their legacies continue to inspire people in Botswana and beyond.

Meet The Presidents of Botswana From Past to Present 

1. Seretse Khama

• Date of Birth:  1 July 1921– 13 July 1980
• Presidential Term: 30 September 1966 – 13 July 1980
• Political party: BDP

He was born Seretse Goitsebeng Maphiri Khama on July 1, 1921. Seretse Khama was the first president of the landlocked country. He assumed office on September 30, 1966, through election. Prior, Khama was elected as the first prime minister of the country in 1965, a position that no one ever held as the country changed its system of government.

He had been involved in politics during the British colonial rule in the country and was recognized as a chieftain of his people, the Bamangwato. However, his position was challenged when he married a White woman named, Ruth Williams in a time when interracial marriages were considered taboo. While many like Julius Nyerere of Tanzania described their love as one of the great love stories of the world, many more opposed it.

On the one hand, there were the tribal elders of Bechuanaland who opposed it because they expected him as a member of the royal family to marry one of their women.

On the other hand was South Africa which had introduced the racial segregation system known as apartheid. Since Britain, the colonial power in Bechuanaland was getting cheap mineral resources from South Africa, the country pushed for Khama’s banishment.

He and his wife were exiled in 1951. They were allowed to return to Bechuanaland as private citizens in 1956 after he renounced his tribal chieftaincy. Needless to say, Khama soon joined local politics and even rose to the position of secretary of the tribal council in the late 60s. In 1961, he founded the Bechuanaland Democratic Party which is now known as Botswana Democratic Party.

He was elected as the country’s first president under the party’s flag. Notably, Khama set the country on the path of development through its mining industry. Unsurprisingly,  Botswana had the fastest-growing economy in the world between 1960 and 80.  He was elected three times in 1969, 1974, and 1979 in a tenure that lasted 13 years. Sadly, he died in his sleep during his last tenure.

2. Quett Masire

• Date of Birth: 23 July 1925– 22 June 2017
• Presidential Term: 18 July 1980 – 31 March 1998
• Political Party: BDP

He started as the vice president during Khama’s tenure and assumed office shortly after his death. Quett Masire assumed office on July 13, 1980. Like his predecessor, Masire worked towards the independence struggle of his country.

He served for three terms from 1980 to 1998 making him the longest serving Botswana president. Masire retired from politics in 1998. Notably, the former president became a strong critic of the BDP claiming that the party had moved from the ideals in which it was formed.

Sadly, He died on June 29, 2017, at the age of 91.

3. Festus Mogae

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• Date of Birth:  21 August 1939
• Presidential Term: 1 April 1998 – 1 April 2008
• Political Party: BDP

He is the third president of Botswana who served two tenures that lasted between 1998 and 2008. Festus Mogae was born on August 21, 1939 in Serowe. He studied Economics in the UK and when he assumed office, he embarked on a campaign to tackle poverty and the HIV/AIDS pandemic in the country.

After his second tenure ended, Mogae left office. Needless to say, he has remained active in pursuing different courses including being a special envoy of the UN Secretary General on Climate Change. He also sits on the advisory board of TeachAids, a US nonprofit.

4. Seretse Khama Ian Khama

• Date of Birth: 27 February 1953
• Presidential Term: 1 April 2008- 1 April 2018
• Political Party: BDP

He served for two terms as the fourth president of the country. Seretse Khama Ian Khama who is also referred to as Ian Khama is the second child of the former resident, Seretse Khama. Aside from sharing a name with his father, Ian also took a career footstep in politics and reached the highest office on April 1, 2008, after Mogae stepped down making him one of few sons of former presidents to achieve this feat. Others include Gnassingbé Eyadema and Faure Eyadema of Togo, Jomo Kenyatta and Uhuru Kenyata of Kenya, and Joseph Kabila

Before this, he was trained at the military academy in Sandhurst, UK, and held positions like commander of the Botswana Defense Force. He retired from military service on March 31, 1998, and went fully into politics the following month when he became the vice president under Festus Mogae.

He eventually became president after Mogae stepped down in 2008. Though he promised continuity in policy, his government was accused of many controversies. These include the killing of John Khalifas, party manipulations, and illegal possession of firearms.

Ian served in office for two five-year tenures that lasted 10 years before leaving office in 2018. He also left the BDP which his father helped to found and joined the Botswana Patriotic Front(BPF). As mentioned earlier, he has faced some controversies including the possession of firearms and this led to the issuance of an arrest in 2022. However, he failed to appear in court leading to a 14-count charge against him

See Also: 10 Presidents That Ruled Africa Longest

5. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi

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• Date of Birth: 21 July 1962
• Presidential Term: 1 April 2018
• Political Party: BDP

Mokgweetsi Masisi is fondly called ‘Sisiboy’ as a play on his surname and he assumed office on April 1, 2018, as the fifth president of the country under the BDP. Before this, he had worked in other political offices such as the vice president. Like Ian Khama, Masisi’s father, Edison Masisi was very active in the politics of Botswana.

In the early years of his career, Masisi worked as an actor and is notable for acting in the lead role in the production of Cry the Beloved Country, based on Alan Paton’s book of the same name.  Also, he took up a teaching career and taught at the secondary school level. He served as the Chancellor of the University of Botswana during Ian Khami’s presidency.

More on his presidency, Masisi reversed some of the policies of his predecessor such as lifting the ban on elephant hunting. This and other issues made Ian Khama regret making Masisi his successor. He went as far back as calling it a mistake.

The post Every President Of Botswana Since Independence appeared first on WeAfrique.

More so, Nigeria is recognized for its diverse cultures, vibrant scene, and rich history. It is also known as the largest black nation in the world and the economic heartbeat of Africa, a nation endowed with a wealth of natural resources. Its people are considered to have amiable energy and hospitality.

Here are Some of The Great  Nigerian Quotes 

1. Hold a true friend with both hands.

2. A child does not die because the mother’s breasts are dry.

3. When the music changes, so do the dance.

4. Ugliness with a good character is better than beauty.

5. Without knowing a person we must not hate him.

6. One finger cannot remove lice from the head.

7. Love is better than a whip

8. What affects the nose must also affect the eyes that must weep for it.

9. When the laborer is praised, his cutlass begins to cut more keenly.

10. Marriage is like groundnut, you have to crack it to see what is inside.

11. It is the habit that a child forms at home, that follows them to their marriage.

12. If the owner of a calabash calls it a worthless calabash, others will join him to use it to pack rubbish.

13. He who does not mend his clothes will soon have none.

14. Even if a goat has a frown face, it cannot lack a buyer in the market.

15. The same sun that melts the wax is also capable of hardening clay.

16. No matter how hot your anger is, it cannot cook yam.

17. Horses have four legs though they often fall.

18 . That man who has one eye will only thank God if he sees a blind man.

19. He who sees an old hag squatting should leave her alone; who knows how she breathes?

20. Anger against a brother is felt in the flesh, not in the bone.

21. Maize bears fruits once and dies because it is not rooted in the ground.

22. He who will swallow the Udala seed must consider the size of his stomach.

23. The fly that has no one to advise him follows a corpse into the grave,

24. When a handshake passes the elbow, it becomes another thing.

25. When a mighty tree falls, the birds are scattered into the bush.

26. No matter how a log stays in the water, it does not become a crocodile.

27 The little bird that hops off the ground and lands on anti-hill may not know it but is still on the ground.

29. A common snake, which a man sees all alone, may become a python in his eyes.

30. The very thing that killed a mother rat is always there to ensure its young ones never open their eyes.

31. A boy who perseveres in asking what killed his father before he has enough strength to avenge may be asking for his father’s fate.

32. When death wants to take a little dog, it prevents him from perceiving even the smell of excrement.

33. A man who sees a hen scattering excrement should stop it. Who knows who will eat the leg?

34. If that rat cannot flee enough, let it make way for a tortoise.

35. You cannot beat a drum with one finger.

36. Look for a dark goat first in the daytime because you may not find it at night.

37. What an elder saw while sitting, a youth could not see it standing.

38. When a man makes a fence, you will know his level of wisdom.

39. A fowl does not forget who trims his feathers during the rainy season.

40. Send your child where he wants to go, and you will see his pace.

41. A child’s fingers are not scalded by a piece of hot yam, which his mother puts into his hand.

42. A chick that will grow into a rooster can be spotted the very day it hatches.

43. When two elephants meet on a narrow bridge, they cannot go anywhere until one them lies down.

44. When you are crying for rain, you are crying for mud too.

45. Knowledge is like a garden: if it is not cultivated, it cannot be harvested.

46. A man who pays respect to the great paves the way for his own greatness.

47. Wherever a man goes to dwell, his character goes with him.

48. It takes a whole village to raise a child.

49.  Do not call the forest that shelters you a jungle.

50. If you offend, ask for a pardon; if offended, forgive.

51. Don’t set sail using someone else’s star.

52.  He who sleeps with an itchy anus must wake up with smelly fingers.

53. If you cannot look ahead, you will always remain behind.

54. When the mouse laughs at the cat there is a hole nearby.

55. Water may cover the footprint on the ground but it does not cover the words of the mouth.

56. Until lions have their own historians, accounts of the hunt will always celebrate the hunter.

57. The only insurance against fire is to have two houses.

58.  The hunter does not rub himself in oil and lies by the fire to sleep.

59. The mouth that eats pepper is the one that the pepper influences.

60.  The disobedient fowl obeys in a pot of soup.

61. The frog does not jump in the daytime without reason.

62. The death that will kill a man begins with an appetite.

63. The day on which one starts out is not the time to start one’s preparations.

64. Rain does not make friends with anybody- it falls on any person it meets outside.

65. No sane person sharpens his machete to cut a banana tree.

66. No matter how dark it is, the hand always knows the way to the mouth.

67. It is the fear of offense that makes men swallow poison.

68. If you fill your mouth with a razor, you will spit blood.

69 Grass does not grow on the nose of a thief.

70 From the well of envy, only a fool drinks the water.

71. Fowls will not spare a cockroach that falls in their mist.

72. Choose your neighbors before you buy your house.

73. Birth is the only remedy against death.

74. Ashes fly back into the face of him who throws them.

75. Abundance will make cotton pull a stone.

76 A tree does not move unless there is wind.

77. A traveler to distant places should make no enemies.

78. A person always breaking off from work never finishes anything.

79. A man does not wander far from where his corn is roasting.

80. A hunter who has only one arrow does not shoot with careless aim.

81. A fowl does not forget where it lays its eggs.

82.  A rat is not born a rabbit.

83. He who marries beauty marries trouble.

84. Guilt is like the footprint of a hippopotamus.

85.

86. Only the thing for which you have struggled will last.

87. The child of an elephant will not be a dwarf.

88. One who has been bitten by a snake lives in fear of worms.

89. One who pays respect to the great paves the way for his own greatness.

90. The roaring lion kills no prey.

91. Familiarity breeds contempt; distance breeds respect.

92. However far the stream flows, it never forgets its source.

93. A man who swallows a whole coconut has to compete with faith in his anus.

94. He who wanders away must come back.

95. You can’t Judge that a market would be bad in the morning.

96. The okra cannot grow taller than the planter.

See Also: 100 Most Powerful African Quotes And Proverbs For Daily Use

97. What else is expected of cigarettes if not smoke?

98. White ant is beautiful but can’t be eaten by a hen.

99. If a snake fails to show its venom, little kids will use it in tying firewood.

100. There are various eaves in the forest, but people go in to look for Okazi leaves.

100. If the yam used in sacrifice does not die prematurely, it will eventually germinate.

The post 100 Nigerian Proverbs appeared first on WeAfrique.

Africans have their own unique perspectives on wealth, material possessions, and financial success. In many African cultures, the concept of money is deeply intertwined with ideas about status, power, and social hierarchy. Nevertheless, African societies have become more integrated into the global economy, and the role of money has become even more central. Today, African men are often judged not only by their traditional forms of wealth but also by their ability to participate in the modern economy, whether through entrepreneurship, skilled labor, or education.

African Sayings on Money 

1. Make some money but don’t let money make you.

2. He who loves money must labor.

3. Poverty is slavery.

4. Money can even corrupt the virtuous.

5. If it hurts to spend your money, you will go hungry.

6. It is no disgrace at all to work for money.

7. He who has people is richer than he who has money.

8. If money where to be found up in the trees, most people would be married to monkeys.

9. If you want to improve your memory, lend someone money.

10. What is sweet in a fool’s mouth will surely finish his money.

11. When a blind man is happy he gives to his child to buy kerosene for his lamp.

12. Money is sharper than a sword.

13. When a poor man gets a little money, his thoughts go off in ten different directions.

14. It is better to inherit the gratitude of your father than his building.

15. Use what you have earned in earlier days

16. A patient man is a wealthy man

17. The firewood in a community gets the community’s food done.

18. Money has no tongue and yet it speaks for the rich.

19. Wealth is invited but poverty invites itself

20. He who sells sand as brown sugar will receive stones as payment.

21. Much wealth brings many enemies.

22. Money is like a guest: it comes today leaves tomorrow.

23.If wealth was the inevitable result of hard work and enterprise. Every woman in Africa would be a millionaire.

24. The poorest man in the world is not the one without money but the one without people.

25. Money can’t talk, yet it can make lies look true.

26. Wisdom is not like money to be tied up and hidden.

27. By labor comes wealth.

28. You become wise when you begin to run out of money

29. With wealth one wins a woman.

30. One cannot count on riches.

31. Money is not the medicine against death.

32. A fool and his money is one big party.

33. Your brother’s pocket cannot keep your wealth.

34. He who knows that he has enough is rich.

35. Even if you are rich, you cannot bury yourself.

36. If you get rich, be in a dark corner when you jump for joy.

37. Brothers love each other when they are equally rich.

38. Wisdom is not like money to be tied up and hidden.

39. If ten cents does not go out, it does not bring in one thousand dollars.

40. Greed loses what it has gained.

41. Lack of money is lack of friends; if you have money at your disposal, every dog and goat will claim to be related to you.

42. Money resides right in the lion’s mouth.

43. Good pedigrees cannot be bought with money.

44. Money is capable of elevating and damaging one’s character.

45. Lack of money is the arch-frightener.

46. The wealth which enslaves the owner isn’t wealth.

See Also: 10 Richest African Kings Today Vs Mansa Musa

47. Money is sweet balm

48. If you marry a monkey for his wealth, the money goes and the monkey remains as it is.

49. News that’s for money today will be for free tomorrow.

50. Money, like manure, does no good till is spread.

The post 50 African Proverbs on Money appeared first on WeAfrique.