Long Story Short

From guerrilla fighters and strategists to educators and social activists, Angolan women risked their lives to challenge Portuguese colonialism and build a brighter future for their nation. In this episode of Long Story Short, we uncover the remarkable stories of the women who played pivotal roles in Angola's struggle for independence. Discover the courage, determination, and resilience of these extraordinary women, and learn why their legacies deserve to be celebrated.

Torn from their land to make way for a US military base, the Chagossians have endured decades of exile, hardship, and an ongoing fight for justice. In this episode of Long Story Short, we explore the tragic story of this forgotten community, a people forcibly displaced from their idyllic island home in the Indian Ocean.

This episode explores the extraordinary true story of Seretse Khama and Ruth Williams, whose romance sparked an international crisis and helped shape a nation. From their chance meeting in post-war London to their struggle against colonial powers and racial prejudice, this episode takes you on a journey through one of history's most remarkable love stories.

From his humble beginnings and rise to power to his untimely demise and the subsequent mystery surrounding his disappearance, Patrice Lumumba's story is one of hope, betrayal, and enduring legacy. In this episode, we trace the journey of his tooth, a poignant symbol of his life and the struggles of the Democratic Republic of Congo, as it returns home after decades in the hands of his murderers.

This episode explores the extraordinary true story of Seretse Khama and Ruth Williams, whose romance sparked an international crisis and helped shape a nation. From their chance meeting in post-war London to their struggle against colonial powers and racial prejudice, this episode takes you on a journey through one of history's most remarkable love stories.

Of the 54 countries in Africa, 44 have experienced military coups. Although there have been unsuccessful coups, they have been largely successful. But just when the continent thought it had seen the last of coups at the turn of the 21st century, it seems Africa is going by to its post-independence days.

But what have coups really solved?

There's a common saying among Africans, "Africa is a country". While this is factually wrong, a look at the flags of some African countries could make one believe that Africa is a country. This is the story of how many countries ended up with similar flags.

In this episode of "Long Story Short," the host, Liwa, takes us on a captivating journey through the life and legacy of the iconic South African singer and activist, Miriam Makeba, known as Mama Africa. Makeba's music not only captivated audiences worldwide but was also a powerful tool for activism and protest against apartheid in South Africa.Miriam Makeba was born in 1932 in Johannesburg, South Africa, and grew up in the vibrant township of Sophiatown, a hub of culture and resistance against apartheid. Her talent was discovered by record producer Spokes Mashiyane, and she began her professional career with the Cuban Brothers, an all-male harmony group.Her career took off when she toured the United States with Harry Belafonte in the late 1950s, who mentored her as a protege. Makeba's music blended traditional African rhythms with jazz, pop, and soul influences, and she sang in multiple languages, including Xhosa, Zulu, Swahili, English, and French.One of her most famous songs, "Pata Pata," released in 1967, became an international hit and showcased her unique sound and style.Makeba's activism was an integral part of her music. She used her platform to advocate for social justice and raise awareness about the oppression faced by black South Africans under apartheid. Her outspokenness led to the South African government banning her music and revoking her passport in 1960, but she persisted in her fight against apartheid.Makeba testified at the United Nations twice, the second time in support of Nelson Mandela and other political prisoners held in South Africa. She also performed at several anti-apartheid concerts, including the historic 1988 Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute concert at Wembley Stadium in London.Many of Makeba's songs addressed the struggles and injustices faced by black South Africans, such as "Soweto Blues," a response to the 1976 Soweto Uprising.Her activism and powerful voice earned her international recognition, including the prestigious Grammy Award for her album "An Evening with Belafonte/Makeba" and the Dag Hammarskjold Peace Prize.Makeba's legacy as a pioneering African musician and activist continues to inspire generations. The United Nations declared her birthday, March 4, as "Miriam Makeba Day" in honor of her contributions to music and human rights.Join Liwa as she takes you through the extraordinary life of Miriam Makeba, a true musical legend and a fearless advocate for justice and equality in South Africa. So, grab your coffee and best earphones because it's storytime with Mama Africa.

In this episode of Long Story Short, host Liwa delves into the atrocities committed in the Congo Free State during the reign of King Leopold II of Belgium. The episode begins with a reflection on the saying "If you throw a stone in a river, you don’t know where the ripples would reach or end," emphasizing the far-reaching consequences of actions.
Liwa takes us back to the Berlin Conference of 1884-85, where European powers divided Africa for their own interests. The Congo Free State was established during this conference and granted to King Leopold II as his personal possession. The vast territory, exceeding 2.6 million square kilometers, became a source of exploitation, particularly for rubber.
However, the labor policies implemented to extract rubber were brutal, involving forced labor and violent coercion by the state's military force, the Force Publique. Workers who refused to collect rubber were killed, and entire villages were destroyed. The soldiers accounted for each bullet fired by severing the hands of workers. These policies had a devastating impact on the Congolese population, leading to a decline estimated between 1.5 million to 13 million due to disease, famine, violence, and social disruption.
Christian missionaries working in the region exposed the atrocities to the international community, causing outrage. The campaign against the Congo Free State gained momentum under the leadership of British activist E. D. Morel. Eventually, in 1908, under international pressure, the Belgian government annexed the Congo Free State and put an end to many of the abusive systems.
The episode highlights the ongoing effects of Belgian colonization in the Congo. Decades of dictatorship, civil war, and economic decline have left the region struggling with extreme poverty, political instability, and conflict. Liwa mentions that while King Philippe of Belgium expressed regret for the "acts of violence and cruelty" during the Congo Free State's rule in 2020, some activists argue that a full and proper apology has not been made to the Congolese people.
In conclusion, the atrocities committed in the Congo Free State under King Leopold II's reign were a dark chapter in Congolese history, with long-lasting effects. The legacy of Belgian colonization continues to impact the country today, and it is crucial to acknowledge and address the ongoing issues faced by the Congolese people.