The 77 Percent - Topics

The African diaspora can no longer be ignored. In Germany black people are estimated to be nearly one million. There are also many young people contemplating on living their countries and immigrating to foreign countries. Listen to experiences of this growing and vibrant population.

Looting and violence spread across several neighborhoods in South Africa’s major cities of Pretoria and Johannesburg on Monday, after a spate of overnight attacks that appeared to target foreign-owned shops. Officials dismissed reports that the ongoing attacks were xenophobic and that foreign-owned shops were targeted in the violence, insisting they were opportunistic crimes.

In South Africa, it's called “black tax”. In many African countries, it does not have a name but at the end of the month, many young professionals have to part with some of their pay to feed their parents or siblings. With the lack of functional social welfare, surviving means turning to the young generation. To debate, the topic is Mimi Mefo from Cameroon and Ahmed Salisu from Nigeria.

Join Edith Kimani for a debate with young Gambians in Banjul on the issue of sex tourism and how this is harming their country's image. Promoting responsible tourism is not the only solution, they say.

Press Freedom in Africa is being eroded, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). Eritrea has the highest number of incarcerated journalists in sub-Saharan Africa. On this program, we hear from journalists across Africa about their experiences and how they see their role.

More people are moving to urban centers across Africa. According to the United Nations, sub-Saharan Africa is the fastest urbanizing region in the world. However, the uncontrolled migration is leading to congestion and pollution. Listen to the show as Edith Kimani engages young people in Tamale, Ghana to understand why they are leaving as well as some measures to curb the problem.

The African fashion industry is evolving and becoming attractive to many young people. According to Textile Today magazine, the market in sub-Saharan Africa is worth 31 billion US dollars. But not everyone can be part of that market. Listen to the show to get tips on how one can stand out from the crowded African fashion market.

Xenophobia in South Africa is nothing new. Since 2008 there have been killings and attacks against refugees and migrants from other African countries. Some experts and critics say it’s more than just an economic issue. Listen to the show featuring among others Zambian musician and activist popularly known as Pilato for more insight.

African music is getting global attention now than never before – with young musicians getting gigs to perform on an international stage. DW’s Michael Oti spoke to some young people here in Germany to know why they love African music. Also in the program, we feature Europe’s biggest Africa festival that was held in the city of Würzburg, and attracted more than 80,000 music fans.

African identity has always been a controversial issue. Partly because of past colonization and the current wave of globalization. The 77 percent, who make up majority of the population are redefining and reaffirming who they are despite modern day challenges. They see as a major element in defining their origins. But how achievable is it? And why does it even matter?