It's a Continent

Mauritius is often seen as a paradise island, known for its stunning beaches and luxury resorts. But beneath this idyllic image lies a history shaped by colonisation, enslavement, and deep-rooted social inequalities. In this episode, we uncover the 1999 Mauritius Riots—an eruption of inter-ethnic violence following the death of beloved Creole seggae singer, Kaya, in police custody.

How did a musician’s death ignite nationwide unrest? What historical forces shaped the tensions between different communities? And how has Mauritius reckoned with these events decades later? Join us as we dive into the untold history behind the riots, the fight for justice, and the legacy of a fractured rainbow nation.

Sources:

Carroll, B. W., & Carroll, T. (2000). Trouble in paradise: Ethnic conflict in Mauritius. Commonwealth & Comparative Politics, 38(2), 25–50. https://doi.org/10.1080/14662040008447817

Shadow of ‘reggae riots’ still hangs over Mauritius

Mauritian Riot after murder of Berger Agathe

Mauritius: Communities of Paradise

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During Belgium’s colonial rule, mixed-heritage children were branded a 'problem' by the authorities, taken from their families, and forced into an uncertain future. This episode explores their experiences, the lasting impact of these policies, and the ongoing fight for recognition and reparations.

Sources For Further Reading

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We're exploring the life of Asantehene Prempeh I, the exiled king of the Asante Empire (modern-day Ghana). From his rise to power, supported by his mother Nana Yaa Kyaa, to his defiance of British colonial demands, Prempeh’s leadership threatened imperial ambitions, ultimately leading to his exile in the Seychelles for 28 years.

Prempeh’s resilience, diplomacy, and modernisation efforts shaped the Asante Kingdom’s history, even in the face of colonial oppression.

Sources:

TORDOFF, W. “THE EXILE AND REPATRIATION OF NANA PREMPEH I OF ASHANTI (1896-1924).” Transactions of the Historical Society of Ghana, vol. 4, no. 2, 1960, pp. 33–58. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/41405731. Accessed 19 Jan. 2025.

The History of Ashanti Kings and the Whole Country Itself and Other Writings

Asantehene Agyeman Prempeh I

Prempeh I in Exile

African Biographies

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With China scaling back its African investments, the UAE has stepped in, becoming the fourth-largest investing bloc on the continent. The UAE's expanding influence on the African continent has left investment, geopolitics, and conflict in its wake. From renewable energy and mining to humanitarian aid and allegations of fueling conflict, the UAE’s actions raise questions about the fine line between opportunity and exploitation.

We unpack the billions pledged in infrastructure and development, the impact on countries like Sudan, Ethiopia, and Tanzania, and the complexities of foreign influence in Africa's future.

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Click here for tickets for It's a Continent's Io Capitano Film Night on 12th October at The Ritzy, Brixton, London.

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Enjoy this bonus episode: It's A Continent recommends History Daily.

We're treating you to a teaser of this exciting podcast by sharing the episode "The Egyptian Revolution".

February 11, 2011. Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak steps down after nearly 30 years, following mass demonstrations that were part of the pro-democracy uprisings known as the Arab Spring.

About History Daily

On History Daily, we do history, daily. Every weekday, host Lindsay Graham (American Scandal, American History Tellers) takes you back in time to explore a momentous event that happened ‘on this day’ in history.

Whether it’s to remember the tragedy of December 7th, 1941, the day “that will live in infamy,” or to celebrate that 20th day in July, 1969, when mankind reached the moon, History Daily is there to tell you the true stories of the people and events that shaped our world—one day at a time.

So if you’re stuck in traffic, bored at work—wherever you are, listen to History Daily to remind yourself that something incredible happened to make that day historic.

A co-production from award-winning podcasters Airship and Noiser.

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Calls for reparations have come at a time where we’ve seen the Head of State be removed in Barbados and the returning of looted items like Benin Bronzes, Patrice Lumumba’s tooth and skulls stolen during the Namibian genocide. In this episode we look at the case for reparations: its definition, political origin and what it could look like.

This episode was originally aired on December 13th 2022.

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Sources for further reading:

Reparations to Africa - Rhoda Howard-Hassmann

Colonial Genocide and Reparations Claims in the 21st Century: The Socio-Legal Context of Claims under International Law by the Herero against Germany for Genocide in Namibia, 1904–1908, Jeremy Sarkin

How Europe Underdeveloped Africa - Walter Rodney

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90-95% of Africa’s cultural heritage is held overseas, with Benin Bronzes languishing in museum basements all over the world for around 125 years. the British Museum containing over 73,000 items from the continent alone. Asante Royal artefacts sit at the V&A, Met Museum and Royal Family. Germany possesses the skulls of Tanzanian chiefs, upsetting the local community and natural order. We discuss how these items were taken forcefully by colonial agency, and how African countries are calling for the return of their treasures.

Follow us on IG: itsacontinentpod and Twitter: itsacontinent. It's a Continent (published by Coronet) is available to purchase: itsacontinent.com/book  

This episode was originally broadcast on Jan 16th 2024.

Sources:

The story of Nigeria's stolen Benin Bronzes, and the London museum returning them

Stealing Africa: How Britain looted the continent’s art

Germany DNA study links colonial skulls to living relatives

Tanzanians demand return of ancestral skulls

The Tanzanians searching for their grandfathers' skulls in Germany

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