The State of Africa

By Bolu Mayode

The State of Africa is a narrative deep-dive into how Africa became what it is today; the history we weren’t taught, the systems that shaped us, the decisions that broke us and the possibilities that ... more

· Government

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FAQs about The State of Africa:

How many episodes does The State of Africa have?

The podcast currently has 33 episodes available.

The State of Africa episodes:

January 02, 2026 33. The Man Who Turned Music into a Weapon
Fela Kuti & The Kalakuta Republic (1970s)

The government sent soldiers, police and entire battalions after Fela but he never stopped singing. Fela Kuti showed Africa that music can confront power, challenge dictators and free people’s mind.

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6min
January 01, 2026 32. The Man Who Refused To Be Broken
For 27 years, the apartheid government did everything to break one man, hard labour, isolation, censorship, starvation of information.

But Nelson Mandela walked out stronger than he went in.

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5min
December 31, 2025 31. The World Watched As Children Starved
The Biafran Airlift (1968–1970)

Although the Biafran Airlift saved lives, it also shaped the world’s perception of Africa as powerless, tragic and in need of foreign intervention.

The lesson? True freedom and dignity come only when Africa controls its own destiny.

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6min
December 27, 2025 30. Brothers Divided, A Nation in Flames
The Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970).

Nigeria became independent in 1960. In 1967, it was rich, diverse and full of potential. Then it suddenly started tearing itself apart. It took this brutal war to reveal that borders alone cannot create a nation, identity and unity must come first.

Freedom without cohesion is fragile.

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5min
December 25, 2025 29. The African Giant Born Without a Blueprint
Nigeria’s independence (1960). Nigeria became free in 1960. But the real independence of identity is still unfolding.

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5min
December 24, 2025 28 The African Leader Who Threatened the World
Patrice Lumumba & The Congo Crisis (1960)

Patrice Lumumba was 35 years old when he became Prime Minister and when the world turned against him. His dream of a truly independent, united Congo made him one of the most feared men in the eyes of global powers.

His story explains why African unity remains Africa’s greatest threat and Africa’s greatest hope.

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5min
December 23, 2025 27. Ghana’s Independence, Africa’ Liberation
Ghana’s Independence & Kwame Nkrumah (1957).

On March 6th, 1957, Ghana became the first sub-Saharan African country to gain independence. But Nkrumah’s dream was bigger: a liberated, united Africa.

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4min
December 19, 2025 26. When Kenya Forced Britain to Confront Itself
The Mau Mau Uprising (1952–1960), was one of the most important and most hidden anti-colonial movements in Africa. It was not a rebellion of armies, but of ordinary people who refused to live without dignity.

Their courage shook an empire and led Kenya toward independence.
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5min
December 17, 2025 25. When Black Leaders Rallied to Demand Freedom
The Pan-African Congresses (1919–1945). The Pan-African Congresses gathered Black leaders from around the world to demand freedom and dignity. These meetings lit the spark that eventually tore down colonialism.

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5min
December 16, 2025 24. The War That Finally Opened Africa’s Eyes
African Soldiers in World War II (1939–1945).
African soldiers helped defeat fascism in World War II. When they returned home, they questioned the colonial systems that denied them basic rights.

Their bravery abroad inspired independence movements across Africa.

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4min

FAQs about The State of Africa:

How many episodes does The State of Africa have?

The podcast currently has 33 episodes available.