The 12 Books of Christmas | Zeinab Badawi on an African History of Africa

Dec 22, 2024

Zeinab Badawi, an award-winning broadcaster and author, teams up with historian Kate Williams to discuss an African-centric narrative of history. They explore the origins of humanity through discoveries like Lucy, the powerful Kingdom of Kush, and the diverse paths to African independence. Badawi emphasizes rewriting Africa's story to include local voices and experiences, while highlighting the contributions of female historians. Their conversation illuminates the importance of understanding Africa's past without the lens of colonialism, revealing its rich culture and history.

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INSIGHT

Overlooked African History

Many historians have overlooked or dismissed African history, particularly the pre-colonial era.
Zainab Badawi challenges this by highlighting Africa's rich history and the contributions of African scholars.

INSIGHT

Decolonizing History

African history is often disregarded due to an overemphasis on written records.
However, African scholars utilize diverse sources like oral traditions, archaeology, and music, offering a more comprehensive understanding.

ANECDOTE

Zainab's Travels

Zainab Badawi traveled extensively across Africa, visiting over 30 countries for research and filming.
Her journeys included visiting sites like the slave column in Cabo Verde and the pyramids of Sudan.

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To celebrate 2024, we’re taking a look backwards, and diving into the standout thinkers who have taken to the Intelligence Squared stage in the past 12 months. You might still be on the hunt for that perfect gift for the avid reader in your life, or perhaps you’re after some food for thought over the festive period. Either way, this 12 episode mini series will highlight the books that shaped 2024. We hope you’ll join us in 2025 for more events that intrigue, fascinate and entertain.

Too often historians have told the history of Africa through the prism of colonialism. But what picture of the continent emerges when we do away with making the story of Africa so anchored in European colonialism? Award-winning broadcaster Zeinab Badawi came to the Intelligence Squared stage recently to tell a new history of Africa – in all its shades and complexities – without the stifling gaze of Europe. Drawing on the themes of her latest book, An African History of Africa: From the Dawn of Humanity to Independence, she describes the origins of humankind, the emergence of ancient civilisations and empires, and the joys and thrills of Independence. Badawi was in conversation with historian and broadcaster Kate Williams.

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