> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.marmaladecollective.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Asake’s Album Drops, Rema’s Barcelona Partnership, Senegal’s Olympic Prep and Plantains! - URL: https://www.marmaladecollective.com/asake-album-drops-rema-barcelona-partnership-senegals-olympic-prep-and-fashion-scene/ - Published: 2024-08-12T09:00:27.000Z - Updated: 2024-08-12T09:00:26.000Z - Description: Asake drops new album 'Lungu Boy,' Ethiopian star Tamirat Tola secures Olympic gold. Senegal prepares for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games, meet the Nigerian restaurateur redefining West African cuisine abroad, and Netflix's Africa-first content strategy. - Author: Tola Alade - Tags: Newsletters **Welcome to Vol 103 of The Spread!** The Spread is a weekly edit of the best stories and global news on Africa(ns) influencing mainstream culture. *Welcome to our new subscribers who signed up this week! If this email was forwarded to you, *subscribe* and join thousands of culturally-curious people* [👉 Subscribe 👈](https://www.marmaladecollective.com/subscribe/) 📣 ****This is NOT a drill**. From a playful prank to a delicious reality, DÒDÒ is coming and here to shake up your taste buds! [***Join the waitlist**](https://www.drinkdodo.com/?ref=marmaladecollective.com) to be first to taste DÒDÒ. Now, on to the real peel... ## 🔥 Trending Stories - Five Takeaways from Nigerian Superstar [**Asake’s New Album**](https://www.okayafrica.com/asake-lungu-boy-review/?ref=marmaladecollective.com), ‘Lungu Boy’ *via OkayAfrica* - Ethiopia's [**Tamirat Tola Wins Olympic Gold**](https://runningmagazine.ca/sections/runs-races/ethiopias-tamirat-tola-wins-olympic-gold-after-exclusion-from-marathon-team/?ref=marmaladecollective.com) after Exclusion from Marathon Team *via Running Magazine* - Is Senegal Ready to Host [**Africa's First Youth Olympic Games**](https://www.okayafrica.com/senegal-dakar-youth-olympics-2026/?ref=marmaladecollective.com) in 2026? *via OkayAfrica* - This Reluctant [**Nigerian Restaurateur**](https://www.forbesafrica.com/life/2024/07/26/the-reluctant-restaurateur-serving-west-african-cuisine-abroad/?ref=marmaladecollective.com) Serving West African Cuisine Abroad *via Forbes Africa* - [**Alioune Badara Fall**](https://nataal.com/ndakarou?ref=marmaladecollective.com) embraces the Senegalese capital in this Exclusive Fashion Tale *via Nataal* - [**Rema's Pre-Game Photography**](https://www.instagram.com/p/C-czlZAJylk/?ref=marmaladecollective.com) in partnership with Barcelona FC and Spotify *via Instagram / @spotify* - [**Netflix’s Africa Content Head Dorothy Ghettuba**](https://variety.com/2024/tv/global/netflix-africa-dorothy-ghettuba-mo-abudu-dfm-1236079223/?ref=marmaladecollective.com) Maps Out Streamer’s Local-First Strategy for Continent *via Variety* --- ###### SPECIAL FEATURE ## 🎉 Introducing DÒDÒ: A Plantain-Infused Rum by Marmalade [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f2/65/f2656369-0f61-4d65-ad9e-0284e2fdbaca/content/images/2024/08/DODO---Join-Waitlist-1.jpg)](https://www.drinkdodo.com/?ref=marmaladecollective.com) What **started as a** [**playful April Fool's prank**](https://www.marmaladecollective.com/dodo-diaries-1/) has turned into something real and delicious—**DÒDÒ is no longer just a joke,** it's happening for real! Since that fateful day in April, we've been working tirelessly behind the scenes and now **we can finally share some exciting updates with you**. [Read Update](https://www.marmaladecollective.com/dodo-diaries-2/) [Join Waitlist](https://www.drinkdodo.com/?ref=marmaladecollective.com) --- ## ⏳ Trivia Time In West Africa, particularly in Nigeria and Ghana, what is the name of the popular dish made by frying ripe plantains, often served as a side dish or snack? A) Akara B) Kelewele C) Dodo *Scroll to the very bottom for the answer.* --- ###### ICYMI ## 🧭 A Marmalade Guide To... [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f2/65/f2656369-0f61-4d65-ad9e-0284e2fdbaca/content/images/2024/08/garlicky-plantains-1.jpeg)](https://www.marmaladecollective.com/plantains-the-versatile-cousin-of-the-banana-you-need-in-your-kitchen/) ## Plantains: The Versatile Cousin of the Banana You Need in Your Kitchen If you think bananas are the only fruit worth peeling, it’s time to get acquainted with their African cousin, the plantain. This sturdy, versatile fruit has been a staple across Africa for centuries and it’s gaining fans worldwide thanks to its endless culinary possibilities and deep cultural roots. [Let's get into it!](https://www.marmaladecollective.com/plantains-the-versatile-cousin-of-the-banana-you-need-in-your-kitchen/) --- ## What We're... 📰 **Reading:** [**An African History of Africa by Zeinab Badawi**](https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0753560127?ref=marmaladecollective.com). In this fascinating book, Badawi guides us through Africa’s spectacular history – from the very origins of our species, through ancient civilisations and medieval empires with remarkable queens and kings, to the miseries of conquest and the elation of independence. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f2/65/f2656369-0f61-4d65-ad9e-0284e2fdbaca/content/images/2024/08/GMazPIHXAAAjVu-.jpeg) **Image Courtesy of Habeeb Akande / X* 🎧 **Listening to:** [**Asake's New Album 'Lungu Boy'**](https://open.spotify.com/album/3kS42vslfpYnxWkGN4JvlW?si=%5F2ZIXxBzSaKn6B7dq7jJKQ&ref=marmaladecollective.com) on Spotify. This album showcases Asake’s evolving artistry and deep connection to his roots. The album’s release was preceded by the singles “Wave,” featuring British rapper **Central** **Cee**, and “Active,” featuring American rapper **Travis** **Scott**. 📺 **Watching:** [**Zeinab Badawi's event recap at The Conduit**](https://www.youtube.com/live/F2KbHDkoRRM?si=mUeEkQDa%5FBQk0eTg&ref=marmaladecollective.com). Delve into the rich tapestry of Africa's history with Zeinab Badawi, President of SOAS University. Discover the narratives often overlooked in modern curricula, brought to life by Zeinab’s extensive knowledge and passion. 🎟️ **Booking:** [**Suspended States Exhibition**](https://www.serpentinegalleries.org/whats-on/yinka-shonibare-cbe-suspended-states/?ref=marmaladecollective.com) by Yinka Shonibare CBE. This is an exhibition in which Western iconography is reimagined and interrogated, at a moment in history when Nationalism, protectionism and hostility towards foreigners is on the rise. *It's free to book!* 👀 **Eyeing:** [**Zorelle Gin**](https://www.hispiritswineclub.com/product-launch?ref=marmaladecollective.com) by Hi Spirits Wine Club. Zorelle is Ireland's pioneering Pan-African inspired spirit, where the zest of zobo + sorrel in the Emerald Isle. Hi Spirits Wine Club is more than a wine and spirits community—it's a dynamic platform that intertwines exceptional wine experiences with a celebration of diversity and heritage ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f2/65/f2656369-0f61-4d65-ad9e-0284e2fdbaca/content/images/2024/08/Snapinsta.app_454155892_395610399800457_1323404912713422164_n_1080.jpg) **Image Courtesy of Hi Spirits Wine Club / Instagram* --- ## 👏 That's a wrap! Did we miss anything? Or just want to say hey? We'd love to hear from you! You can... - 🚀 [Advertise](https://bit.ly/47jmYYE?ref=marmaladecollective.com) in this newsletter - 📸 Follow us on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/marmaladecollective/?ref=marmaladecollective.com) - 💬 Connect on [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/marmaladeventures/?ref=marmaladecollective.com) - 💌 Reply to this email - 👨🏾‍💻 [Speak to us](https://www.orangebymarmalade.com/?ref=marmaladecollective.com) about a creative project > Did someone forward this to you? 👉 [**Sign up here**](https://www.marmaladecollective.com/subscribe/) --- ###### AD ## 🔑 Get More From Marmalade A Paid Marmalade Membership gives you **unlimited access to our IRL events** and a community of mission-driven members. Other benefits includes **exclusive content and unique experiences**. [Sign up today](https://www.marmaladecollective.com/#/portal/signup) and get more from Marmalade [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f2/65/f2656369-0f61-4d65-ad9e-0284e2fdbaca/content/images/2024/01/Marmalade-Membership.gif)](https://www.marmaladecollective.com/#/portal/signup) 🗣️ Trivia Answer: ****C) Dodo** Plantains are the ultimate culinary shapeshifters, packing the starch of a banana with way more attitude. In tropical regions like West Africa and the Caribbean, they’re a kitchen staple, showing up in dishes whether they’re green and firm or ripe and sweet. Green plantains bring the crunch when fried or boiled, while ripe ones turn into mouthwatering **dodo** in Nigeria or **maduros** in Latin America. Beyond their flavour, plantains are nutrition powerhouses, rich in carbs, vitamins, and minerals. Whether as a sidekick or the main event, they effortlessly glide between savoury and sweet, making them a beloved ingredient across cultures. > "Who wouldn’t fall for a food that’s as adaptable as it is delicious?" 📣 Shameless plug: Join us on this exciting journey as we bring DÒDÒ to life. [****Sign up now**](https://www.drinkdodo.com/?ref=marmaladecollective.com) for exclusive updates, early access to pre-orders and a special invite to our launch party. [****Be among the first to taste**](https://www.drinkdodo.com/?ref=marmaladecollective.com) the unique blend of rich plantain flavours with a smooth, sophisticated rum.