Some figures transcend all borders - physical, religious or spiritual: Cai goes in search of the legendary Kanku Musa, possibly the richest person who ever lived, and who changed the course of Muslim history forever. Meanwhile, Laila recounts the mythical tale of the Queen of Sheba and her roots in Ethiopia.

Two of Africa's most famous, young revolutionaries gave their fledgling nations hope, if just for a short while. Laila explores how Patrice Lumumba's dreams of independence rattled Western powers, while Cai reveals why Burkinabe Thomas Sankara is still an icon for young leaders across Africa.

Laila and Cai explore the complex and controversial legacies of two of Africa's military men: South Africa's Shaka Zulu and Ethiopian Gobena Dache. While both are renowned for their military prowess, their repressive attempts to unify their people caused rivers of blood to flow.

When the scale and racist nature of Germany's colonial ambitions in Africa became apparent, leaders Rudolf Douala Manga Bell and Hendrik Witbooi resisted. Cai and Laila narrate how the two men from Cameroon and Namibia respectively took very different paths to impede German imperial domination.

One of the world's oldest humanoid fossils, colloquially known as Dinknesh or "Lucy", has intrigued paleontologists for decades. But her name is also a point of pride for Ethiopians. Meanwhile Laila narrates how fascination and racist attitudes around Sarah Baartman resulted in a harrowing, cautionary tale of human exploitation.

Cai explores how Senegal's first president, poet Leopold Senghor, believed a mix of African and French culture could carry Senegal into independence. Meanwhile Laila tells Cai how Nigerian Oba Ewuare's taste in cultural investment still has African nations and European museums at loggerheads.

Laila and Cai explore the roles of two remarkable South African women who fought white-oppression in two different eras. Golden voiced Charlotte Maxeke formed the ANC's Women's League in the early 20th century. Decades later, Helen Joseph led the historic Women's March and co-wrote the Freedom Charter. Though neither saw the fall of apartheid, their struggle inspired millions of South Africans.

Resisting oppression comes in many forms. But few embody spiritual resistance like Kimpa Vita, who adapted the Catholic religion to the chagrin of Portuguese colonists. Meanwhile in East Africa, prophet Kinjeketile raised an army against German imperialism. But how did they inspire resistance movements simply with their aura?

Despite colonial oppression limiting opportunites for talented African scientists, Senegalese polymath Cheikh Anta Diop dispelled whitewashed myths of Ancient Egypt. Meanwhile in South Africa, Hamilton Naki defied the apartheid regime by training among the elite heart surgeons that paved the way to the world's first heart transplant in 1967.

Cai introduces Laila to Zanzibari icon, Siti Binti Saad. Not only did she rewrite the rules of Taarab music, she became the genre's biggest star. Meanwhile, Laila's countrywoman Flora Nwapa literally wrote herself into history as a glass ceiling smashing novelist.