We are sooo back!!! In this “A→Z” first episode, Adeche (Adwoa & Solomon) take you on an immersive journey through four foundational entries in the Encyclopaedia of African Religion: Abasi, Abosom, Abuk and Adinkra Symbols. Whether you’re a scholar of African religion­ mythology, a mythology lover seeking inspiring content, or an art enthusiast curious about the visual language of Akan culture. There's so much to learn.

📖 Episode Overview

00:00 - 02:09 Introduction

Adeche share updates, introduce our Patreon (transcripts, slide decks, livestreams) and explain why Season 4 expands “ASMR A→Z” into an “A→Z Immersion” format.

02:09 - 11:02 Abasi (Efik Creator)

Learn how Abasi, the sky-dwelling Creator, retreats when humans farm and procreate. See Atai’s role, Ekpe (Ukara/Nsibidi) secret societies as mediators, and the Abakuá brotherhood in Cuba influencing Afro-Cuban music.

11:02 - 23:37 Abosom (Akan Spirits)

Abosom are intermediary deities connecting humans to Nyame. We cover three categories (territorial, family and clan spirits) and highlight key figures like Akonnedi (justice) and Nana Asuo Gyebi (healing). Discover the Akradinbosom system (daily deities shaping one’s kra and nkrabea) and the role of Akomfo (priests) and Bosomfie (spirit-houses).

23:37 - 31:00 Abuk (Dinka First Woman)

Abuk, formed from Nile-clay by Nhialic, plants one millet grain-pioneering agriculture. Her “blue-bird severing” opens heaven, unleashing mortality. Compare Abuk to Eve, Pandora and Mbokomu. Explore living traditions: blue-bead braiding, snake-staff rites and diaspora performances.

31:00 - 39:00 (Approx.) Adinkra Symbols (Akan Visual Proverbs)

Adinkra began as funeral cloth stamps using calabash and plant dyes. Over fifty symbols (e.g. Gye Nyame, Sankofa, Dwennimmen) encode moral lessons: humility, wisdom and independence. See Adinkra’s role in workshops, fashion in Accra, London and New York, and diaspora art.

🔑 Why Listen & Takeaways

1. Creation Narratives
2. Compare human curiosity/disobedience in Efik, Akan and Dinka myths and reflect on divine withdrawal.
3. Intermediaries & Secret Societies
4. Abosom (Akan) and Ekpe/Abakuá (Efik/Cuba) bridge the gap with the Creator through rituals and masked dances.
5. First-Woman Myths & Innovation
6. Contrast Abuk’s co-creation with Eve’s fall, mortality as a byproduct of ingenuity.
7. Adinkra’s Moral Language
8. Adinkra condenses ethics into images, guiding identity and modern designs in diaspora contexts.
9. Diaspora & Artistic Legacies

📢 Call to Action

If you love African mythology, culture and art, please like, share and subscribe! Comment: which segment resonated most?. Hit 🔔 for new episodes.

Support Adeche on Patreon (transcripts, slides, livestreams): patreon.com/adecheatelier

- Adeche (Adwoa & Solomon)

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🎙️ Welcome back, Afro Mythos family! We’re Solomon and Adwoa, and today, we’re thrilled to introduce a special guest—Maria Motunrayo Adebisi, the author behind the extraordinary Koku Akanbi series! Follow her on socials @Maria.motunrayo.author

In this episode, we dive deep into Maria’s creative world, where African mythology and modern-day realities collide. Koku Akanbi: The Heart of Midnight and its sequel Koku Akanbi: The King of Lost Souls have captured the imagination of readers with their vibrant mix of ancient Orishas, gripping adventure, and deeply personal themes of dual identity and resilience.

✨ In This Episode:

• Writing Between Two Worlds: How Maria brings the British-Nigerian experience to life in Koku’s journey, mirroring the challenges of balancing two identities in a world shaped by African spirituality and Western influence.
• Representation That Matters: The choice to give Koku sickle cell anaemia, and why representing this condition in a fantasy setting helps break boundaries while inspiring empathy and understanding.
• World-Building Masterclass: Get a behind-the-scenes look at how West African mythology, particularly the Orishas, inspired the creation of Juju Land, a magical realm where culture, history, and fantasy intersect.

🎧 Why Listen?

If you’ve ever wondered how African myths can shape modern fantasy or how characters with real-world challenges can become heroes, this episode is for you. We explore the importance of seeing ourselves in stories and the power of reclaiming African narratives in literature.

🔗 Tune In & Join the Conversation:

• Watch on YouTube: Here
• Support us on Patreon: Here

💬 Engage With Us:

We’d love to hear your thoughts on Koku’s journey! What does representation in fantasy mean to you? How does African mythology shape your perspective? Leave a comment or send us a message, and let’s keep the conversation going.

Follow us on Instagram: @adeche.atelier

Stay updated and thank you for exploring this wonderful world of African Mythology with us!

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🎙️ Welcome, Afro Mythos family! We're Solomon and Adwoa, and we are thrilled to bring you this special episode celebrating The National Gallery's 200th birthday. Join us for an extraordinary journey as we explore the fascinating intersection of European and African mythologies.

In this episode, we're joined by Ed Dickenson, a Gallery Educator at The National Gallery, who provides his expert insights on two iconic European paintings: Titian's 'Bacchus and Ariadne' and Luca Giordano's 'Perseus Turning Phineas and His Followers to Stone'.

We delve into the historical context and mythological stories behind these masterpieces, offering a detailed exploration of their themes and artistic significance.

✨ Our Artistic Responses:

- The love triangle of Oya, Sango, and Ogun from the Yoruba pantheon.

- The Legend of Wagadou from the Ghana Empire.

Through these narratives, we reveal the deep connections and contrasts between European and African mythologies, discussing themes of love, jealousy, rivalry, and fate.

What to Expect:

- In-depth discussions on mythological art.

- Cross-cultural comparisons of European and African myths.

- Insights from Ed Dickenson on the enduring appeal of mythology in art.

🔗 Stay Connected:

• Watch on youtube : https://youtu.be/Ce6EcmdE1zs
• Show notes and book recommendations: [Patreon](https://www.patreon.com/adecheatelier)
• Support us on Patreon: [Patreon](https://www.patreon.com/adecheatelier)
• Subscribe and listen to the full episode: [Podcast Link]

🌍 Join Us:

Your support helps us continue exploring and celebrating the rich tapestry of African mythology and history. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave a comment to let us know what you think!

Follow Us:

- Instagram: [@adeche.atelier](https://www.instagram.com/adeche.atelier)

- Twitter: [@adeche.atelier](https://www.twitter.com/adeche.atelier)

- Facebook: [@adeche.atelier](https://www.facebook.com/adeche.atelier)

Thank you for tuning in and embarking on this journey through time and myth with us!

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🎙️ Hello, Afro Mythos family! It's Solomon and Adwoa here :) and we're thrilled to bring you early access to another captivating episode of our podcast. This week, we're diving into the wonderful history of African empires, starting with the illustrious empires of Egypt, Kerma, and Kush.

🌟 In today's episode, we explore the foundations, achievements, and legacies of these ancient civilizations. We start with Ancient Egypt, known for its monumental architecture, complex society, and influential mythology. From the Old Kingdom's pyramids to the Middle Kingdom's renaissance and the New Kingdom's imperial grandeur, Egypt's history is a treasure trove of fascinating stories.

📜 We then journey to the Kingdom of Kerma, a powerful Nubian state south of Egypt. Kerma's strategic location and cultural exchanges with Egypt created a unique civilization, known for its impressive Deffufa structures and skilled archers. We discuss the religious practices and deities of Kerma, highlighting their deep connection to the natural world and fertility.

🏛️ Finally, we explore the Kingdom of Kush, which rose to prominence after Kerma. The Kushite rulers embraced Egyptian culture, ruling as the 25th Dynasty of Egypt. We delve into their military prowess, economic achievements, and the iconic pyramids of Meroë. The Kushites' blend of Egyptian and indigenous elements created a distinct and enduring legacy.

📚 Throughout the episode, we provide insights into the political, cultural, and technological contributions of these empires. We also discuss their interactions, conflicts, and the influence they had on each other and the broader African continent.

🎨 Stay tuned as we announce a special live session where we will create a painting inspired by the mythology surrounding these magnificent empires. We aim to bring their stories to life through art and storytelling.

🔗 Don't forget to check out our show notes and book recommendations on our Patreon. Your support helps us continue exploring and celebrating African mythology and history.

🌍 Thank you for joining us on this journey through time. Tune in, subscribe, and leave a review to help us share these incredible stories with more listeners.

Listen now and immerse yourself in the world of African myths and storytelling!

Subscribe and Listen Here | Support Us on Patreon

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🎙️ Hello, Afro Mythos family! It's Solomon and Adwoa here :) and we're thrilled to bring another captivating episode of our podcast. This week, we're joined by a remarkably talented guest, Abubakar Salim—an actor, voice artist, and game developer renowned for his role as Bayek in Assassin's Creed Origins and his work in shows like Jamestown and Raised By Wolves.

🌟 In today's episode, Abu shares his journey as the Creative Director of Surgent Studios and introduces us to his latest project, Tales of Kenzera: ZAU, a game inspired by Bantu mythology. This game not only showcases African folklore but also weaves a personal story of loss and healing.

🎮 Abu delves into the creation of Tales of Kenzera, explaining how his Kenyan heritage and a profound connection to his roots influenced the game’s narrative and characters. As storytellers dedicated to African mythology, we find a kindred spirit in Abu, who uses his unique platform to highlight and celebrate African cultures.

🤔 We also explore how his exposure to mythology has shaped his creative vision, and Abu shares insights into his research process, including fascinating myths that inspired aspects of the game.

📣 This episode is not just an exploration of a game but a deeper dive into how personal and cultural narratives can be intertwined to tell powerful stories in new mediums.

💬 We wrap up with a discussion on the potential of Tales of Kenzera to influence perceptions of African culture and the significant takeaways Abu hopes players will gain from the game.

🖌️ Stay tuned as we announce a special live session where we will create a painting inspired by the mythology surrounding this wonderful game, with Abu sharing more amazing folktales.

🔗 Pre-order Tales of Kenzera: ZAU now, and don't forget to follow Abu on Instagram @abzysalim and @surgentstudios for more updates!

https://www.ea.com/en-au/games/tales-of-kenzera/zau

🌍 As always, we appreciate you joining us on this journey to explore and celebrate the rich world of African Mythology. Tune in, subscribe, and leave a review to help us share these incredible stories with more listeners.

Listen now and immerse yourself in the world of African myths and storytelling!

Subscribe and Listen Here | Support Us on Patreon

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Vodou - The Spirit of Freedom and Unity in Haiti. A melting pot of various African religious traditions, Vodou emerged as a beacon of hope and a tool for liberation in the heart of Saint-Domingue, now Haiti. It played a pivotal role in uniting the enslaved Africans, fuelling the fire of the Haitian Revolution, and birthing the world's first free black republic.

In this episode, we delve into the misunderstood world of Vodou, exploring its origins, practices, and the powerful pantheon of Loas that guide its followers. We speak on common misconceptions and shine a light on the religion's true essence:

• The historical origins of Vodou and its African roots.
• The significant role of Vodou flags and Veve symbols in religious ceremonies.
• The intricate hierarchy and roles of the Loa, including prominent figures like Legba, Erzulie, Agwé, Ayida-Weddo, and Ogou.
• Insight into the vital rituals and offerings that connect the physical with the spiritual.
• Dispelling myths: Addressing the inaccuracies and stereotypes that have shrouded Vodou in mystery and fear.

Join us as we discuss the spirit of freedom and unity that Vodou embodies, offering a deeper understanding of a tradition that has been a cornerstone of Haitian culture and identity.

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Its a new season so join us as we reminisce about what got us into African mythology in the first place... oh and if you are starting with this episode, Run it back to the last season (S2) because you will want to be up to date with all the good content and discussions we have made so far (but don't go all the way back to the beginning beginning *Mufasa voice* ) oh and we have visuals now so head over to YouTube and see out lovely faces in 4K...ish.

https://youtu.be/daN5vAs3RPk

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In this minisode, we tell tantalising little folktales about the afterlife... ish

Enjoy!

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