Archive: Africa

A congregational 'healing' in the Niger Delta

From the communities working for peace in the troubled Niger Delta, to the indomitably lively music scene in the Democratic Republic of Congo: reports from around the continent since 1998.

Mali (2 March 2000)

Producer Ruth Evans describes how methods as diverse as weaving projects and musical theatre are fighting the practice of female genital mutilation in Mali. Plus, a trip down the Niger, and a visit to a praise-singing griot.

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Congo (11 November 1999)

Producer John Murphy reports on how despite war and economic chaos, Kinshasa's thriving music industry still unites the country. Plus, how businesses manage to survive in a state of near anarchy.

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Zambia (21 October 1999)

Presenter Olenka Frenkiel reports on how one of Africa's worst-affected countries is coping with a generation of children orphaned by AIDS. Plus, a look at the musical heritage of Zambia's once-rich Copper Belt.

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Tanzania (22 July 1999)

Presenter Max Easterman reports on a shaky truce on Zanzibar, where politics are a local passion. Plus, we meet a guardian of the secrets of womanhood, and how traditional Tanzanian music is being revived.

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Nigeria (22 April 1999)

John Egan reports from the community of Akassa in the Niger Delta. In one of the poorest and most restive regions of Nigeria, have local people developed a new formula for social and environmental harmony?

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Feature: The Akassa approach

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Eritrea (3 December 1998)

Julian Pettifer visits Africa's youngest nation, finds out how the country's women are fighting for their rights on the home front, and explores its little-known Italian heritage.

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Top feature: No easy walk to freedom

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Zimbabwe (13 August 1998)

Rosie Goldsmith examines the pitfalls of progress in Zimbabwe - a once-tolerant country whose government is now denouncing gays. Plus, mbira music, and author Chenjerai Hove on the land issue.

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• Top feature: Homosexual and hated