Welcome to Vol 101 of The Spread!

The Spread is a weekly edit of the best stories and global news on Africa(ns) influencing mainstream culture.

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Magugu House
Magugu House. Courtesy: Thebe Magugu

⏳ Trivia Time

Which African singer performed at the closing ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics, becoming the first African solo artist to perform at an Olympic closing ceremony?

A) Youssou N'Dour
B) Angélique Kidjo
C) Burna Boy

Scroll to the very bottom for the answer.


🧭 A Marmalade Guide To...

Olympic Team Kit For Sierra Leone. Credit: Labrum London

The Olympics and Africa: A Historic Journey and a Look Ahead to the 2024 Games

The Olympic Games have always been a beacon of global unity and sportsmanship, bringing together nations from around the world. Africa, with its rich history and vibrant cultures, has had a unique and inspiring journey in the Olympics. As we approach the 2024 Olympics, let's explore the historical significance of the Games for African countries, the athletes who have made their mark, and what we can expect from the upcoming event.


What We're...

📰 Reading: 12 Books by African Writers. For an exciting summer read, OkayAfrica has compiled a list of novels and short story collections by African authors released within the last decade and forthcoming, that are sure to stimulate, surprise and entertain you.

🎧 Listening to: Amapiano Mix by Major League DJz on CULTUR FM. This one is smooth hour long mix by one of the pioneers of the Amapiano sound.

📺 Watching: Ayra Starr's Performance on The Tonight Show. The Afro-Pop queen is on fire! She rocked the stage with a killer medley from her new album 'The Year I Turned 21'. Belting out 'Last Heartbreak Song' and 'Woman Commando', she gave us a taste of those awesome collabs with Giveon and Anitta x Coco Jones.

🎟️ Booking: JAM 'Picnic In The Park' - Marmalade members go free. ​Think of it as a house party but in the park – with your favourite tunes, refreshing drinks, mouth-watering snacks and interactive games. What to bring:🍹 Your own booze (BYOB) 🧺 cozy blankets, 🥨 extra snacks and 👫 your squad.

👀 Eyeing: Uche Premium Coconut Flavoured Rum. A uniquely flavoured rum that flawlessly melds the richness of golden rum with a velvety and delightful coconut infusion. "I sampled Uche's rum at Lux Afrique Polo Day and instantly fell in love".


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Trivia Answer: B) Angélique Kidjo

Angélique Kidjo, the renowned Beninese-French singer and songwriter, performed at the closing ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics. This performance was significant as it marked the first time an African solo artist had performed at an Olympic closing ceremony. Some additional context:

  1. Kidjo performed a powerful rendition of "Afirika," one of her signature songs celebrating the African continent.
  2. Her performance was part of a segment showcasing the handover to Rio de Janeiro, the host city of the 2016 Olympics.
  3. Kidjo's inclusion in the ceremony highlighted the global reach of African music and its importance in international cultural events.
  4. She shared the stage with other international stars like The Spice Girls, George Michael and The Who.
  5. This performance further cemented Kidjo's status as one of Africa's most recognised musical ambassadors on the global stage.

Angélique Kidjo's participation in the Olympic closing ceremony was a proud moment for African pop culture, showcasing the continent's musical talent to a worldwide audience.

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