Welcome to Vol 109 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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Thank you so much for joining us at The Conduit on Friday! Your energy and presence made it such a special night and we’re so grateful for your support. Check out the photos.

Finally, the wait is over! DÒDÒ Plantain-Infused Rum shipped today! We couldn’t be more excited for you to finally get your hands on this unique and delicious rum.

Now, on to the real peel...

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⏳ Trivia Time

Which famous Ghanaian architect is credited with bringing Tropical Modernism to Ghana, notably through his design of the Independence Arch and State House in Accra?

A) Kwame Nkrumah
B) David Adjaye
C) Theodore S. Clerk

Scroll to the very bottom for the answer.

ICYMI

🧭 A Marmalade Guide To...

Bukayo Saka for Arsenal FC. Source: X

African Football Stars Leading the Charge in the Biggest Leagues of 2024

Football has always been more than just a game for many Africans and for these African-born stars—it’s a way to connect with their roots while leaving a mark on the global stage. Whether they’re dazzling fans in the Premier League or showcasing their talents in La Liga, these players carry the pride of their nations with them. In 2024, we’re seeing African footballers not only lighting up Europe’s biggest leagues but also staying true to the places they call home. From giving back to their communities to representing their heritage on and off the pitch, these stars are proving that the heart of football beats in Africa. Let’s take a closer look at their journeys, their triumphs, and how they balance being football icons and ambassadors of their cultures.

Let's get into it!

What We're...

📰 Reading: Tropical Modernism: Architecture and Independence by Christopher Turner. Its leading proponents, British architects Jane Drew and Maxwell Fry, adapted a utopian Bauhaus-derived Modernist aesthetic to hot and humid conditions. After Independence, Tropical Modernism was championed by leaders including Jawaharlal Nehru and Kwame Nkrumah as a symbol of freedom, progressiveness and internationalism in monumental projects such as Chandigarh in Punjab planned by Le Corbusier and Black Star Square in Accra designed by Victor Adegbite.

🎧 Listening to: Pa Salieu - Allergy (Live Session). Hailing from Gambia but growing up in Coventry, Pa is one of the most unique voices in UK Rap today. His debut project ‘Send Them To Coventry’ dropped to critical acclaim and he has since gone onto work with the likes of Ghetts, SL, and FKA Twigs.

Pa Salieu. Source: junodownload

📺 Watching: There’s more to African music than Afrobeats – just listen to these artists on CNN. Traditional, modern, global, dynamic: Africa’s alternative music scene thrives. From Dusty & Stone’s country tunes to death metal from Botswanan band Overthrust and Morena Leraba's remixes of traditional Sesotho music, take your ears on the road less traveled as CNN hears from artists showcasing the continent’s diverse tastes.

🎟️ Booking: The All-Nigerian Pub Quiz. A witty educational tool that aims to showcase Nigerian history and culture in a fun and engaging way. Through our quizzes, we provide a unique platform for the diaspora to learn about Nigeria and connect with their heritage.

👀 Eyeing: Labrum London's SS25 Collection. SS25 continues the “Designed by an Immigrant” narrative, celebrating the triumphs born from struggle and the beauty shaped by pain. In the world of LABRUM, every immigrant is a hero.

👏 That's a wrap!

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Trivia Answer: C) Theodore S. Clerk
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