On Point | Podcast
An African history of Africa with Zeinab Badawi
Jan 22, 2025
Zeinab Badawi, a Sudanese-British journalist and author of "An African History of Africa," dives into the lesser-known grandeur of the ancient Kingdom of Kush. She challenges stereotypes surrounding African history and emphasizes the importance of recognizing Kushite achievements and their architectural wonders. The conversation also touches on the impact of colonial narratives and the richness of oral traditions in understanding Africa's past. Badawi celebrates significant African figures and calls for a more nuanced perspective that highlights autonomy and culture.
47:15
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Quick takeaways
- Zeinab Badawi emphasizes the importance of presenting a multi-dimensional view of Africa's history to combat Western narratives and showcase its contributions, such as the achievements of the Kingdom of Kush.
- The podcast underscores the significance of oral history in articulating Africa's rich past, demonstrating that traditional knowledge is crucial for understanding contemporary identity and cultural heritage.
Deep dives
Zainab Badawi's Motivation for Writing
Zainab Badawi addresses the limited perspectives on African history that often prevail in Western narratives, advocating for a multi-dimensional approach that highlights Africa's achievements. Her career in journalism, particularly with the BBC's international division, was motivated by a desire to present a more nuanced view of Africa, moving away from the simplistic and often negative portrayals commonly shown to UK audiences. She identifies a significant gap in historical knowledge, as even educated individuals often lack a comprehensive understanding of Africa's ancient past. This inspired her to write her book, aiming to fill that gap and empower readers with an improved understanding of the continent's history.
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