🔅 "Go Back To Africa!" & What's in the 'Zombie Drug' of Sierra Leone?
Plus, Rema's Global Smash Hit & EVs Invite Human Rights Violations
Photo of the day
Ghana
Markets:
🟢 Nigerian SE: 67,378.88 (+0.93%)
🔴 Johannesburg SE: 74,086.62 (-1.49%)
🟢 Ghana SE: 3,113.79 (+0.09%)
🔴 Nairobi SE: 98.27 (-0.08%)
🟢 US S&P 500: 4,475.00 (+0.29%)
🔴 Shanghai Composite: 3,123.07 (-0.45%)
*Data accurate as of the close of markets across the continent
Brief & Bright: Africa's Top Five
Go Back To Africa? NFL Reporter's Discrimination Suit Alleges Some Pretty Shocking Remarks
The NFL’s “End Racism” block letters in the endzones may not be as meaningful as you thought. A discrimination suit filed by NFL reporter Jim Trotter alleges that Buffalo Bills owner Terry Pegula and Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones have both made some pretty shocking statements in his presence. According to Trotter’s suit, Pegula once said, in response to player protests against racial injustice, that if Black players don’t like it in the NFL, they should “go back to Africa and see how bad it is”. Jones, meanwhile, reportedly responded to a question about the lack of Black professionals in decision-making positions by suggesting they “buy their own team and hire who they want to hire”. Pegula has denied the accusations. The Buffalo Bills are one of 32 teams in the National Football League (NFL), and American football is the most popular sport in the US, bringing in over 100 million annual television viewers.
What's In the 'Zombie Drug' of Sierra Leone?
Have you ever heard of Kush? It’s a mysterious “zombie drug” that’s popular in Sierra Leone. The stuff’s so prevalent that it’s hard to avoid, even for 18-year-old Abdullah, who’s trying to get sober at the City of Rest Rehabilitation Centre. But here’s the kicker—no one’s sure what’s in it. Theories abound, from fentanyl and tramadol to shoe polish and even crushed human bones. Yeah, that’s right—some whisper that grave diggers obtain human bones just to put in the drug. This is not a drill. Kush can be found all over the place in Freetown, and even police are said to be involved in the trade. While the rehab centre offers help, resources are limited, and the government isn’t providing much assistance. The Guardian has an interesting expose on it.
Rema Reaches a Billion: How Nigeria Created a Global Smash Hit
Nigerian artist Rema has just made history—he’s the first African artist to achieve 1 billion Spotify streams with his chart-topping single “Calm Down” featuring Selena Gomez. The song is a perfect example of how cross-cultural musical fusion can make something truly special. The track blends infectious Afrobeats rhythms with Afro-fusion melodies, Rema’s soulful vocals, and Selena Gomez’s surprise appearance in an Afrobeats anthem. The production artfully melds modern and traditional elements, and it was featured on over a million Spotify playlists. On YouTube, the music video holds the record for the most-viewed Afrobeats video of all time, with 628 million views. Talk about a global smash hit! What's more, Rema and Selena Gomez won top honours at the MTV Video Music Awards earlier this week. Way to go, Rema!
Is William Ruto a Friend or Foe? Depends On Who You Ask
Exactly one year into William Ruto's presidency, the Kenyan leader is both a friend and a foe. Western diplomats love him—he's voted against Russia at the UN, pushed through IMF economic policies at home, and even offered to send 1,000 police officers to help restore order all the way across the world in Haiti. He's also travelled frequently to Europe and the US, while making sure he hasn't cosied up to China like his predecessor, Uhuru Kenyatta. As one diplomat gushed, Ruto is “indispensable in pretty much every area.” But at home, his people are less impressed. His promise to champion the poor has not been kept—inflation has slowed, but maize meal and electricity prices have gone up, and a recent opinion poll suggests only 15% of Kenyans think the country is heading in the right direction. The cost-of-living crisis has even given Mr Ruto's defeated presidential challenger, Raila Odinga, a boost. In July, the president had to call on the security forces to quell violent protests, and rights groups say at least 27 people were killed. Some democrats and activists have compared his tactics to those of his former mentor, Daniel Arap Moi, who ruthlessly quashed dissent. Mr Ruto is trying to win back the public’s support with an affordable housing scheme, but as things stand, it looks like he'll be finding his friends abroad, and his enemies at home.
Electric Vehicle Batteries & Human Rights Violations Go Hand In Hand
If you think your electric vehicle is the epitome of green living, think again. Mining the minerals used in electric vehicle batteries and other green technologies in Congo has led to human rights abuses, according to a new report from Amnesty International and a local rights group. This includes forced evictions and physical assault. Congo is the world’s largest producer of cobalt, a mineral used to make lithium-ion batteries, and it’s Africa’s top producer of copper, used in EVs, renewable energy systems and more. The report details how people have been forced out of their homes and farmland, often without compensation or adequate resettlement. In one case, Congolese soldiers burned down a settlement to make way for cobalt and copper mining, beating those who tried to stop them. One child was left with life-altering scars. Following protests, the company agreed to pay $1.5 million, but some victims received as little as $50-$300—an undervaluation of their properties. The report compiled user accounts, as well as satellite images
Food for Thought
“Counsel and advice him, if he refuses to listen, then let adversity teach him.”
— Ethiopian Proverb.
Are we hitting the mark?
Enjoying Baobab's updates? Spread the joy and share us with friends and colleagues — we'd be thrilled to have them join!
Feedback or thoughts? Just hit reply. We're all ears!