Africa Calling

This week, Africa Calling podcast brings you audio-rich stories and voices from the African continent with our African correspondents. In South Africa, as comedy clubs reopen comedians are juggling between their live audience and their online one; from Gambia, young women are training to install solar panels to help other women; and in Malawi, farmers are trying to deal with the climate crisis by diversifying crops.

For this week’s podcast, South Africa correspondent Kagiso Mnisi talks to Gavin Kelly, resident host and co-organiser of  Monday Night Comedy sessions at Cocktail on Six comedy club, comics Suhayl Essa and Loyiso Gola, cultural commentator and novelist Andrew Miller, and audience member Jap Zwidi.

Gambia correspondent Sally Jeng speaks to solar panel installation teacher Fatou Njie, her student, Jama Ceesay, businesswoman Isatou Bajan, and Malang Sambou, project coordinator at Fandema.

Malawi correspondent Benson Kunchezera went to Salima to interview farmer Felix Jumbe, agriculture expert Tamani Nkhono Mvula, and agro-dealer Chidza Ngoma in Lilongwe.

Indie underground music in this episode comes from South African quartet Blk Jks, selected by music maven Alison Hird.

Find us on Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn or your favourite podcast app.

Africa Calling is produced by Radio France Internationale. Editor and host, Laura-Angela Bagnetto, sound editing by  Erwan Rome and Cécile Pompeani.

Follow us on Twitter: @Africa__Calling

This week, Africa Calling podcast brings you audio-rich stories and voices from the African continent, with our African correspondents. In Malawi, those affected by Cyclone Ana are struggling to get back on their feet; from Kenya, farmers are combatting antimicrobial resistance in crops; and in Nigeria, an artist leaves the hustle and bustle of Lagos for more tranquil inspiration in an historical town.

For this week’s podcast, Malawi correspondent Charles Pensulo speaks to victims of Cyclone Ana, including Mwandida Matias, a mother of six, and Paul Malonga, 35, who are living in a school;  he also spoke to Felix Makhaza Mkali, a health surveillance assistant for the area, and Dr. Victor Mithi, president of the Association of Society of Medical Doctors in Malawi.

Kenya correspondent Victor Moturi speaks to farmers Judith Mumbua, Charles Itumo, and Peter Melonye, student Wayne Mueya, Eustace Kiarie, an organic expert at Kenya Organic Agriculture Network (KOAN), and Dr. Dennis Bahati, a veterinary officer at Africa Network for Animal Welfare.

Nigeria correspondent Samuel Okocha went to Ilé-Ifẹ̀ for an interview with internationally renowned artist Dotun Popoola and his mentee, artist Christiana Balogun. Back in Lagos, he spoke to Ifeanyichukwu Oraemeka, an artist and creator, about finding inspiration as an artist.  

And at a time of lots of darkness, Zimbabwean signer-songwriter Stephen Chikazaza provides the perfect pick-me-up with the song, “My Good Things”, from his the Familiar People album.

Find us on Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn or your favourite podcast app.

Africa Calling is produced by Radio France Internationale. Editor and host, Laura-Angela Bagnetto, sound editing by  Erwan Rome.

Follow us on Twitter: @Africa__Calling

This week, Africa Calling podcast brings you audio-rich stories and voices from the African continent, with our African correspondents. In Nigeria, our reporter looks into how Boko Haram and ISWAP forces children into becoming child soldiers; and from Kenya, one hair stylist brings joy to her clients who are suffering from breast cancer.

For this week’s podcast, Nigeria correspondent Sam Olukoya speaks to former Boko Haram abductee Halima Audu, David Daciya, whose son was abducted by Boko Haram and murdered by child soldiers, and security expert Felix Olorunda of SSV Protection Services. 

Kenya correspondent Anne Macharia speaks to beautician Diana Aketch, her client Coletta Mwende, and oncologist Dr Wanda Dulcie at Kenyatta Hospital.

Beautiful Malian music in this episode comes from the late, great Khaira Arby, selected by music maven Alison Hird.

We want to share some great news with you, our listeners. We’ve been shortlisted for a prize! We’re up for the Best Commercial Strategy for a podcast by the Podcast Publisher Awards!

We want to thank you, the listeners, for your support of our Africa Calling podcast - African voices, African stories.

And if you’re just tuning in now, check out our more than 40 podcasts for free online! We’ve been running this for over a year, and we’re always striving to bring you more interesting features from all parts of Africa—not just in urban settings, but in the rural areas, too.

Find us on Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn or your favourite podcast app.

Africa Calling is produced by Radio France Internationale. Editor and host, Laura-Angela Bagnetto, sound editing by Nicolas Doreau and Erwan Rome.

Follow us on Twitter: @Africa__Calling

This week, Africa Calling podcast brings you audio-rich stories and voices from the African continent, with our African correspondents. In Kenya, our reporter looks into the Nubian community and its quest for identification cards; from Malawi, the rising numbers of suicide has the government looking into possible options; and in Ghana, we have a report on a special dance studio that helps underprivileged kids get their groove on.

For this week’s podcast, Kenya correspondent Victor Moturi speaks to Nubians Hashib Obwaka, a footballer, music student Abdul Said Shaban,Hussein Obagah and Zena Ali. He also met with Ismail Ali Babala, Nubian elder and government appointee, local historian Jamaldin Yahya, Nubian Rights Forum executive eirector Shaffy Ali Hussein, and paralegal and activist Hawa Ali.

Malawi correspondent Benson Kunchezera speaks to farmer Christopher Banda about dealing with mental health, as well as Thompson Gutani, mental health advocate from iMind in Blantyre.

Ghana correspondent Pearl Akanya Ofori speaks to Dance With a Purpose Academy founder and dancer Lloyd Konadu, aka Dancegod Lloyd, and dancer Solomon Obeng.  

Uplifting Nubian music in this episode comes from Alsarah & The Nubatones, selected by music maven Alison Hird.

Find us on Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn or your favourite podcast app.

Africa Calling is produced by Radio France Internationale. Editor and host, Laura-Angela Bagnetto, sound editing by Cécile Pompeani and Erwan Rome.

Follow us on Twitter: @Africa__Calling

This week, Africa Calling podcast is dedicated to the Africa Cup of Nations, or AFCON, football's greatest tournament on the African continent. We're bringing you an overview of what's happening on the pitch, a special report on how Gambia's Scorpions are faring on their first visit to the championship, and how taxi drivers in anglophone Buea are worried about security in the midst of the event.

For this week’s podcast, RFI's very own Paul Myers brings you up to speed on how the football matches are gearing up for the finals, and a bit of color as to how fans are reacting to games on the ground in Cameroon.

Gambia correspondent Sally Jeng is in Limbe, following the fortunes of the Scorpions -- she speaks with winger Abdoulie Jallow, and forward Musa Barrow, as well as fans Eliman Janneh and Amba.

In Buea, in the South-West region of Cameroon, reporter Batata Boris Karloff speaks to Buea resident Kingsley Ndip Takang, taxi union president John Musonge Litute, and taxi drivers Eben Chu and Man El-Musa, who are caught between driving residents and football fans to matches, and their own safety.

Funktastic music in this episode comes from Jean-Pierre Djeukam, selected by music maven Alison Hird.

Find us on Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn or your favourite podcast app.

Africa Calling is produced by Radio France Internationale. Editor and host, Laura-Angela Bagnetto, sound editing by Erwan Rome.

Follow us on Twitter: @Africa__Calling

This week, Africa Calling podcast brings you stories and voices from the African continent-- and beyond! In Gambia, our correspondent gives an update on how the country is faring, two weeks after the election; from Kenya, the pros and cons of battery cage poultry farming; while from Nigeria, we hear about a new way to find fun in Lagos. Plus, special Cuban musical guests with African roots to ring in the new year.

For this week’s podcast, Gambia correspondent Sally Jeng speaks to fellow Gambians Isatou, Amadou, a small businessman, Sadibou, an opposition supporter, and Sainey Njie, a taxi driver.

Kenya correspondent Victor Moturi goes to Kiambu to speak to chicken farmers Stella Njoroge and Peter Kinyua, chicken buyer Judy Kinoti, and Dr Victor Yamo, campaign manager for World Animal Protection.

In Nigeria, reporter Samuel Okocha speaks to Uzo Umeh, co-founder of EXP Lagos, and urban explorers Sabin, Efosa, and Obianuju.

Our special musical guest is Afro-Cuban band San Cristóbal de Regla, with a special shoutout for African listeners.

Find us on Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn or your favourite podcast app.

Africa Calling is produced by Radio France Internationale. Editor and host, Laura-Angela Bagnetto, sound editing by Cécile Pompeani and Erwan Rome.

Follow us on Twitter: @Africa__Calling

This week, Africa Calling podcast brings you stories and voices from the African continent. In Cameroon, our correspondent looks at why banned single-use plastics are still on the market; from northern Ghana we have a report on the hardships of women who process shea butter; while from Malawi, we hear about a river cleanup with an artistic angle.

For this week’s podcast, Cameroon correspondent Batata Boris Karloff speaks to trader Julius Nga, butcher paper wholesaler Collins Njoh, orange seller Elizabeth Ngomo, Hamlet Tandy, founder of Packaging by Ekose, a paper bag manufacturer, and South West region environment chief Patience Asanji Dufela.

Malawi correspondent Charles Pensulo goes to Mudi River to speak to Blantyre city council environmental committee chair Gertrude Chirambo, Art Malawi founder Malota Mphande, Blantyre resident Mario Chikunkhuzeni, Forestry and Natural Resources Minister Nancy Tembo, and artist Kondwani Hara.

In northern Ghana, reporter Zubaida Mabuno Ismail speaks to shea butter processors Amina Issahaku, Memunatu Salifu, Iddi Zakaria, Abiba Zakaria, Memunatu Salifu, national coordinator of Shea Network Ghana.

Environmentally friendly music in this episode comes from Benin songstress Angelique Kidjo, selected by music maven Alison Hird.

Find us on Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn or your favourite podcast app.

Africa Calling is produced by Radio France Internationale. Editor and host, Laura-Angela Bagnetto, sound editing by  Cécile Pompeani and Erwan Rome.

Follow us on Twitter: @Africa__Calling

This week, Africa Calling podcast brings you stories and voices from the African continent. In Ghana, our correspondent looks at the perils of skin whitening products, from Malawi there is a report on an inventor who is creating a new mode of transport, while from Lagos, Nigeria, we hear how rising waters is changing the fabric of one neighbourhood.

For this week’s podcast, Ghana correspondent Pearl Akanya Ofori speaks to certified skin care specialist Nikki Boa-Amponsem, and Chorkor–Chemuenaa resident Naa Dei.

Malawi correspondent Charles Pensulo goes to Lilongwe to speak to inventor Eston Nkhoma and  mechanical engineer Alexander Maononga.

In the Okun Alfa community near Lagos, Nigeria, reporter Sam Olukoya speaks to resident Evelyn Adeleke, Philip Jakpor, of the Friends of the Earth Nigeria, and the head of the Nigerian Bar Association’s sub-committee on climate change, Oladotun Hassan.

Music in this episode comes from the soulful, dynamic sound of Nigerian singer Wayne Snow, selected by music maven Alison Hird.

Find us on Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn or your favourite podcast app.

Africa Calling is produced by Radio France Internationale. Editor and host, Laura-Angela Bagnetto, sound editing by Yann Bourdelas, Cécile Pompeani, and Laurie Poussin.

Follow us on Twitter: @Africa__Calling

This week, Africa Calling podcast brings you stories from the African continent, including two reports on infrastructure. From Malawi, our correspondent looks at  a presidential promise to build secure homes for people living with albinism. We speak to a renowned Zambian civil society activist on President Hakainde Hichilema's first 100 days in office. And in Kenya, a new water service to Kibera informal community brings better quality of life.

For this week’s podcast, Malawi correspondent Benson Kunchezera speaks withLand's Ministry spokesperson Enock Chingoni, Association of Persons with Albinism National Coordinator Menard  Zacharia, and Fagetsi Laisani and her son, Alfred Misoya, who is a person with albinism.

We also speak to veteran Zambia civil rights campaigner Laura Miti, executive director for the Alliance for Community Action, on the sidelines of the Africa-France Summit to get more on President Hakainde Hichilema's first 100 days in office.

Elsewhere, Kenya correspondent Victor Moturi speaks with Kibera residents Ruth Atieno, Christine Layla, water kiosk attendant Vivian Awuor, Peter Shanthe, who owns a public  bathroom business, Jamleck Mutie, water expert at Shining Hope for Communities, and Emmanuel Karanja, a medical officer at Neptune medical center in Kibera.

Music in this episode is by the powerful and talented Sampa the Great, selected by music maven Alison Hird.

Find us on Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn or your favourite podcast app.

Africa Calling is produced by Radio France Internationale. Editor and host, Laura-Angela Bagnetto, sound editing by Erwan Rome.

Follow us on Twitter: @Africa__Calling

This week, Africa Calling podcast brings you stories from the African continent, including a report from Gambia on the presidential alliance struck down by former ruler Yahya Jammeh. We speak to the Burkinbé documentary film winner on the sidelines of Fespaco, the Pan-African film festival in Ouagadougou. And in Nigeria, whether it's out of lack of choice or preference, use of roadside herbal concoctions to cure ailments is on the rise in the capital city, Abuja.

For this week’s podcast, Gambia correspondent Sally Jeng speaks with Dodou Jah, deputy spokesperson of the expelled APRC, Seedy Njie, NPP’s deputy spokesman, who was Jammeh’s Information minister during the 2016 political impasse, Nyima Sonko, wife of Solo Sandeng, a political activist who was killed by the alleged notorious national intelligence agency under Jammeh’s regime and Essa Njie, a political science lecturer at the University of The Gambia.

We speak to Burkinabé documentary filmmaker Moumouni Sanou on the sidelines of the Fespaco Pan-African film festival in Ouagadougou about his movie, "Night Nursery", which won the top prize.

Nigeria correspondent Poloum David speaks to Susan Igbudu, a herbal medicine seller in Abuja, Innocent Okpologidi, Evelyn Samuel, and Sarah Jachor, herbal medicine customers, and Tony Ochela,herbal medicine skeptic. She also spoke to medical professionals Dr. Dotun Osikoya, Judith Opara, a nurse, and pharmacists Yusuf Dauran and Adanna Uche-Okonkwo. Abubakar Jimoh, an agency official from NAFDAC, Nigeria's drug regulatory agency, also spoke to Africa Calling.

Music in this episode is "Bienvenue à Ouaga" ("Welcome to Ouaga") by Amzy. He opened the Fespaco film festival this month with this song, so we thought we’d bring a little bit of Ouagadougu back to you.

Find us on Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn or your favourite podcast app.

Africa Calling is produced by Radio France Internationale. Editor and host, Laura-Angela Bagnetto, sound editing by Erwan Rome.

Follow us on Twitter: @Africa__Calling