🔅 Why Denzel Washington is a Controversial Cast for Hannibal
Plus: Osimhen Named African Footballer Of The Year, Sanlé Sory's Iconic Portraits, & Battery Recycling Turns Toxic in Africa
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São Tomé and PrÃncipe
Money Matters
🟢 Nigerian SE: 71,669.91 (+0.18%)
🟢 Johannesburg SE: 73,892.30 (+0.14%)
— Ghana SE: 3,130.60 (+0.00%)
🔴 Nairobi SE: 93.86 (-0.09%)
🟢 US S&P 500: 4,619.55 (+0.33%)
🟢 Shanghai Composite: 2,991.44 (+0.74%)
*Data accurate as of the close of markets across the continent
Brief & Bright: Africa's Top Five
The Controversy Over Hannibal's Skin Tone: A Netflix Drama
Netflix's decision to cast Denzel Washington as Hannibal, the ancient Carthaginian general, has sparked a heated debate in Tunisia, Hannibal's birthplace. Some are accusing the streaming giant of promoting "woke culture," while others are calling for the film to be cancelled. The issue of race has been a hot topic in Tunisia lately, with President Kais Saied claiming, without evidence, that sub-Saharan migrants are trying to make the country "purely African." In parliament, MP Yassine Mami questioned the culture minister about the project. Meanwhile, Netflix has stayed quiet on the controversy. This isn't the first time race has been a factor in casting for a historical figure—earlier this year, the Egyptian antiquities ministry claimed that Cleopatra was white, causing a stir when Netflix cast a mixed-race actor for the role.
And the Award for African Footballer of the Year Goes to... Victor Osimhen!
Move over Mohamed Salah, there's a new African football star in town. Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen took home the coveted title of African Footballer of the Year at a ceremony in Marrakech on Monday, thanks to his impressive 26 goals for Napoli last season. Osimhen is the first Nigerian to win the award since Nwankwo Kanu in 1999, and he didn't forget to thank all the Africans who helped him along the way. Salah and Morocco's Achraf Hakimi were also in the running, but Osimhen's stellar performance won him the top spot. In other categories, Morocco's national team and their coach, Walid Regragui, took home the titles of National Team and Coach of the Year.
The Iconic Portraits of Burkina Faso's Sanlé Sory: The Studio That Captured West Africa's Fashionable Youth
Sanlé Sory is a Burkina Faso photographer who opened his studio in 1960, just as his country gained independence from France. He went on to capture the vibrant youth culture of Bobo-Dioulasso in all its fashionable glory. And since a major Western gallery started showcasing his work in 2017, Sory has become famous worldwide. The Guardian has a little photo feature of his work.
A 72-Hour Ceasefire in Congo
In a rare moment of peace, Congo’s security forces and rebel groups have agreed to a 72-hour ceasefire near the border with Rwanda. This is a big deal, considering the region has been rife with conflict for decades as armed groups fight over resources and defend their communities. The US government is using its resources to monitor the situation. The ceasefire comes days before Congo’s presidential election, where incumbent Felix Tshisekedi is seeking reelection. He’s been pointing fingers at Rwanda for backing the rebels, but they deny it.
Battery Recycling in Africa: A Toxic Mess
A new investigation has found that Indian-operated battery recycling companies in African countries are releasing lead fumes and other toxic waste, causing health issues for nearby residents. It's not just a few isolated cases—this is happening in Congo Brazzaville, Cameroon, and Ghana. One company in particular, Metssa Trading, has been called out for their unsafe practices and disregard for the well-being of both people and the environment.
Food for Thought
“Crawling on your hands and knees has never prevented any person from walking upright."
— Kenyan Proverb