Jan 9th, 2009 · Politician Richard Komi's journey to the New Hampshire state House began more than a decade ago in a refugee camp in the West African nation of Benin. He fled there from southern Nigeria after being targeted by the Nigerian government for political activism on behalf of his tribal people.
Jan 8th, 2009 · Police in Nigeria have been arresting scores of motorcycle taxi riders who have been trying to avoid a new law that requires them to wear helmets. Some riders have been substituting dried fruit shells and pots for helmets. The motorcyclists complain helmets are too expensive. Some passengers refuse to wear them fearing the helmets carry disease or black magic.
Dec 11th, 2008 · Etran Finatawa is a remarkable musical collaboration between members of two nomadic African cultures in Niger. With three songs exclusive to the Web, Etran Finatawa performs their eclectic sound that features a variety of modern and traditional instrumentation, strong polyphonic chorals and high tenor solos.
Dec 2nd, 2008 · Days of fighting between Muslims and Christians in the Nigerian city of Jos have left an estimated 400 people dead. Constance Okokwu, Washington bureau chief for the Nigerian newspaper This Day, says the religious strife dates back to the creation of the West African country. Okokwu joins Roxanne Lawson, the Director of Africa Policy for the Washington based group, TransAfrica, to discuss the roots of the violence and what it means for Nigeria and the region.
Nov 7th, 2008 · Benjamin Ola Akande came to America from Nigeria in his teens to pursue an education. On election night, he wrote a letter to his American-born daughters, reflecting on the the historic moment from the perspective of an African immigrant.
Nov 6th, 2008 · Obama's victory isn't just a symbol of racial progress in the United States. For many people around the world, the victory is a sign of change in American attitudes and offers hope about their own aspirations. Nigerian reporter Constance Ikokwu; Mexico-based freelance journalist Luis Clemens; and Abderrahim Foukara, Washington Bureau Chief for Al Jazeera, discuss the global meaning of Obama's victory.
Nov 3rd, 2008 · Emmanuel Njoku thought he was living the American dream. During the housing boom, the Nigerian immigrant built a portfolio of 16 properties in Prince Georges County, Md. Now his family has lost a $1.5 million home, and he faces foreclosure on half a dozen other properties. But he says he hasn't lost faith in the dream.
Oct 5th, 2008 · A new musical by choreographer Bill T. Jones explores the controversial life and legacy of Nigerian musical revolutionary Fela Kuti. Fela pioneered Afrobeat, blending African harmonies and rhythms, jazz, funk (and even a little James Brown) with satirical lyrics criticizing the Nigerian government.