Welcome to Vol 106 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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Huge thank you to everyone who braved the not-so-great weather to join us for our picnic this weekend—we had such a blast together! S/o to our members: Winnie, Tobi, Seye, Nina and others 🫶

And now for some exciting news...We SOLD OUT the first release of our Plantain-Infused Rum, DÒDÒ 🎉 To everyone who grabbed a bottle (or two), we’re so grateful for your support. Stay tuned for more updates and adventures by following DÒDÒ Diaries.

Now, on to the real peel...

Gabzy, Image: Supplied

⏳ Trivia Time

Which African country is often referred to as the birthplace of coffee, where the beans are believed to have been discovered by a goat herder named Kaldi?

A) Ethiopia
B) Kenya
C) Rwanda

Scroll to the very bottom for the answer.


ICYMI

🧭 A Marmalade Guide To...

Image Courtesy of GQ

Fela Kuti: The Trailblazing Pioneer of Afrobeat

When you think about music that moves not just your feet but also your soul, Fela Kuti is a name that should come to mind. Known as the father of Afrobeat, Fela wasn't just a musician; he was a force of nature, a revolutionary, and a voice for the voiceless. Let's dive into the fascinating life of Fela Kuti and how he changed the musical landscape forever.


What We're...

📰 Reading: Shallipopi's Rise To Global Fame. He first burst onto the scene in early 2023 with his single “Elon Musk” which demonstrated his captivating beat selection, emphatic delivery and countless caption worthy bars.

Shallipopi. Image Source: DAPPER

🎧 Listening to: Peace & Love by Yemi Alade feat. Ziggy Marley. One of the singles on Yemi Alade's latest album 'Rebel Queen'.

📺 Watching: Olamide's Uptown Disco Music Video. Featuring Asake and Fireboy, the track shines with its seamless YBNL family feel. Directed by @jydeajala, the video is a cinematic trip—Olamide on a plane wing, Fireboy in a car chase, and Asake on a monster truck—bringing the grind and glow-up to life.⁠

🎟️ Booking: Little Baobab at The Africa Centre. Little Baobab is taking over the restaurant space at The Africa Centre. They will have a set menu for dinner, a casual lunch menu, authentic Senegalese flavours and welcoming vibes with the Senegalese spirit of teranga.

👀 Eyeing: Rolling Stone Africa’s exclusive inaugural magazine. Featuring the iconic Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, this limited-edition print celebrates the legend who forever changed the face of Afrobeat and African culture. With only 1,000 copies available worldwide—don’t miss your chance to own this collector’s item.


👏 That's a wrap!

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Trivia Answer: A) Ethiopia
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