Month: March 2022

Music

Nigerians dominate Billboard US Afrobeats Songs chart

By Gabriel Myers Hansen | Music Africa

Nigerian singer CKay is leading the Billboard US Afrobeats Songs chart, which debuted on 29 March. The chart was launched through a partnership between Afrobeats festival brand Afro Nation and music and entertainment magazine Billboard. Afro Nation was also responsible for initiating the weekly Official Afrobeats Chart on BBC Radio 1Xtra in 2020.

The Billboard US Afrobeats Songs chart, which was fuelled by the genre’s growing global demand, ranks the top 50 Afrobeats songs in the US based on official streaming data from leading audio and video music services, as well as download sales from top music retailers.

Continue reading “Nigerians dominate Billboard US Afrobeats Songs chart” →
Uncategorized

Francis Odhiambo Otieno | The Kenyan-born philanthropist who runs a Swahili Radio Station in Arizona

By BRIAN KIMANI | Kenyans.co.ke

Francis Odhiambo Otieno, a US-based Kenyan artist, who sought to be a game-changer in society by helping the needy. Odhiambo, who goes by the moniker, Msanii Foreman, is also deep into charitable programs that focus on helping people from humble backgrounds.

His desire to champion change led him to seek an audience that can rally behind him his philanthropic pursuits and this birthed the idea of Arizona Swahili Radio. Founded on May 15, 2021, the station has grown to become one of the most talked-about stations within the state of Arizona.

Continue reading “Francis Odhiambo Otieno | The Kenyan-born philanthropist who runs a Swahili Radio Station in Arizona” →
Sports

Nigerians and Ghanaians among Immigrants who Helped Canada Qualify For FIFA World Cup

A winger born in a refugee camp in Buduburam, Ghana, to parents fleeing the civil war in Liberia in 1999. A goalkeeper who escaped the Croatian war of independence at the age of seven. A forward born in New York and raised in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

A left-back and a striker, born to Nigerian families in England.

Continue reading “Nigerians and Ghanaians among Immigrants who Helped Canada Qualify For FIFA World Cup” →
Communities

The University of Minnesota is conducting research to increase cervical cancer screenings among Somali women


By Ava Kian | MinnPost

Screening rates for cervical cancer are low for first-generation American Somali women in Minnesota, with only about 25 percent to 30 percent of Somali patients participating in cervical cancer screenings in most urban clinics. That’s significantly lower than the national average of 79.9 percent. 

These low human papillomavirus (HPV) screening rates make Somali women at high risk for cervical cancer. Rebekah Pratt, an assistant professor in the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health at the University of Minnesota, is working on an HPV self-sampling method to address the low rates. She is collaborating with certified nursing midwife Nimo Ahmed. 

Continue reading “The University of Minnesota is conducting research to increase cervical cancer screenings among Somali women” →
Music

Meet 3 top Ghanaian musicians in America | TeePhlow, Nana NYC and Ohenentow

By Promoter Koolic | Modern Ghana

Over the years we have seen a lot of great musicians from Ghana doing so well but who relocated to stay permanently in America. Some were not able to stay relevant after they moved and have dropped out of the music scene after they left Ghana for the United States, an example being ASEM.

We’ve also seen some few others who after leaving, are still doing their best and are releasing songs as if they are still here with us in Ghana.

Continue reading “Meet 3 top Ghanaian musicians in America | TeePhlow, Nana NYC and Ohenentow” →
African Food

Celebrating the African Influences in African American Cuisine

By Taiwo Balogun | Okay Africa

Africans have been instrumental in shaping the cuisine of America and the rest of the world for centuries — from the slaves who were forced across the Atlantic and brought with them unique foods, culinary traditions, and technologies, to the later African American chefs, farmers, innovators, and businesses who have profoundly impacted the way we eat and think about food. The Africa Center’s exhibition, titled African/American: Making the Nation’s Table, curated by Dr. Jessica Harris, a leading expert on the culinary culture of the African diaspora, seeks to honor those individuals and their legacy.

Continue reading “Celebrating the African Influences in African American Cuisine” →
Communities

Galls’ English classes give Congolese refugees confidence on the job

By Evelyn Schultz | Lex18

Inside a conference room sit 12 employees who collectively speak many languages fluently, including French, Lingala, Swahili, and Portuguese.

Now, they’re adding English to that list through new language classes offered as a partnership with Bluegrass Community and Technical College. The classes, which started in February, run for an hour each week until May, and are funded through a grant from the Kentucky Workforce Development Agency.

Continue reading “Galls’ English classes give Congolese refugees confidence on the job” →
Uncategorized

Lawrence Udeigwe uses elegant math to understand complex systems of the brain

By Leah Campbell | MIT News

It’s a tale familiar to many first-generation students: Neither of Lawrence Udeigwe’s parents had more than a sixth-grade education, and yet they were willing to sacrifice everything to educate their children.

“My dad,” Udeigwe says, “would tell us, ‘I’m ready to sell everything for you guys to go to school.’”

Udeigwe recounts that in Nigeria at the time, achieving the sort of success and stability his parents hoped for meant studying something practical and working for the government. So, he moved to the United States, enrolled at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, and majored in computer science.

Continue reading “Lawrence Udeigwe uses elegant math to understand complex systems of the brain” →
Uncategorized

Nigerian-Born Toyin Tofade Becomes First Black Female President Of U.S. College

By Adejayan Gbenga Gsong | Within Nigeria

Nigeria’s Toyin Tofade has been appointed as the first black female president of the Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (ACPHS) founded in 1881. According to a press release by the college, Ms Tofade was selected to become the 10th president of the college, following a comprehensive search.

“Dr Tofade is the first Black woman to serve as president of Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in the college’s 141-year history. She begins her term on July 1, 2022,” the release said.

Continue reading “Nigerian-Born Toyin Tofade Becomes First Black Female President Of U.S. College” →
Music

Interview With Nigerian-Canadian Artist Stanley

By Jonathan Engel | Epic Music 

Transporting the listener on a wonderfully picturesque story of love, betrayal, and all the human spectrum of feelings, Stanley’s new album Resurrection sees the artist generously pour his emotionality while singing magnificently over a graceful pop, r&b, EDM and Afro music sonic fusion. We’ve had the chance to chat with him about his new album, what it represents for him, as well as his career and upcoming projects. 

Continue reading “Interview With Nigerian-Canadian Artist Stanley” →
Politics

Nigerian, Agboola, appointed into senior leadership committee in Canada’s Conservative Party

By Ripples Nigeria

A Nigerian, Shola Agboola has been appointed by the Canadian Conservative Party to the Leadership Election Organizing Committee (LEOC). The LEOC is an important organ of the party that organises the process that leads to the emergence of party leaders at the national level.

Agboola is to represent Manitoba in the committee which consists of 21 members, including past and present members of parliament.

Continue reading “Nigerian, Agboola, appointed into senior leadership committee in Canada’s Conservative Party” →
Movies

Sudanese-American artists focus of film, community conversation

BY THE BETHEL CITIZEN 

PORTLAND — On Mon. April 4, Revolution from Afar will be available to stream virtually on the WORLD Channel, and will broadcast on Maine Public Television Thurs., April 7 at 9 p.m. and Sat., April 9 at 2 p.m.

The program partners will then host a free community conversation virtually on Mon. April 11 at  8 p.m. with the film’s director, Bentley Brown, artist Khadega Mohammed and Portland-based poet, Nyamuon “Moon” Nguany Machar. Moderator Hana Baba, of NPR’s KALW, will engage the panel with questions of identity, art, activism, and the work of individual and communal efficacy.

Continue reading “Sudanese-American artists focus of film, community conversation” →
Music

Somi pays homage to African icon Miriam Makeba with stage play, album

By Matthew Allen  |  The Grio

African music icon Miriam Makeba’s life was defined by duality. She was a proud South African who embraced both her heritage and Black American culture but didn’t feel completely accepted in either place. Like so many people of the diaspora, she lived between two worlds while feeling alienated from both. Known best for “The Click Song” and “Pata Pata,” the woman dubbed Mama Africa left a rich musical legacy only eclipsed by her activism against apartheid and Jim Crow. 

Like Makeba, Somi’s life follows a similar polarity. She’s the daughter of African immigrants but has called America home for most of her life.

Continue reading “Somi pays homage to African icon Miriam Makeba with stage play, album” →
Africans in America's Media

Why Kenyans Want An Apology From New York Times

By BRUHAN MAKONG | Capital News

A section of Kenyans now want the New York Times to apologize over its report of the Jan 5, 2020 Al-Shabaab attack on Manda Bay which said that Kenyan forces “hid in the grass” during the assault on the camp which hosted both Kenyan and US troops.

Kenyans on different social media platforms including Facebook and Twitter, say that a recently released review on the attack, led by the United States Africa Command released by Pentagon is a clear testimony that Kenyan troops were more involved towards pacifying the situation.

Continue reading “Why Kenyans Want An Apology From New York Times” →
Business

Meaningful Gigs raises $6M seed to link designers in Africa with remote jobs from US companies

By Annie Njanja | Techcrunch

The gig economy has been on an upward trajectory, more so since 2020, when it experienced a huge spurt accelerated by the pandemic. And it is not showing signs of a slowdown the world over, with the sector’s growth now expected to reach $455 billion in 2023, double the value in 2018 and a 17% CAGR. Meanwhile, as gig opportunities increase, so do the platforms linking workers with remote opportunities.

Meaningful Gigs is one such platform, fashioning itself as the go-to marketplace for freelance designers in Africa looking to eke a living by taking on assignments from multinationals in the U.S. like Coca-Cola, Audi, Vans and IDEO.

Continue reading “Meaningful Gigs raises $6M seed to link designers in Africa with remote jobs from US companies” →
Awards

Brampton artist Falana among honourees of SOCAN’s Black Canadian Music Awards

By Krystle Hewitt | Brampton Guardian

Nigerian-Canadian singer-songwriter, Falana, is fresh from the success of her sophomore EP ‘Rising’ and she’s being recognized for her music by the SOCAN Foundation. She’s among five recipients of this year’s SiriusXM Black Canadian Music Awards.

She’s grateful to be recognized for a project that she says solidified her voice as a songwriter.

Continue reading “Brampton artist Falana among honourees of SOCAN’s Black Canadian Music Awards” →
African Politics, Opinion

Ethiopia’s national dialogue can bring hope to the American Ethiopian community

by WASSY TESFA | New York Amsterdam News

Ever since the conflict in Northern Ethiopia began in November 2020, the American Ethiopian community has felt perplexed and frustrated. We had to watch the conflict unfold with a sense of helplessness at not being able to save our friends and family. Our repeated attempts to clarify the situation and secure attention and support from political leaders in the United States have fallen on deaf ears.

Continue reading “Ethiopia’s national dialogue can bring hope to the American Ethiopian community” →
People

Richest African immigrants in America 2022

By Ebimo Amungo

The African immigrant continues to consolidate as a growing economic force in America. Long known for their contributions to healthcare, academia, sports and the military, African immigrants are growing as an entrepreneurial class in a manner that benefits America and their home countries in Africa. Nevertheless, immigrants who were born in Africa and their offsprings have the least economic clout compared to other immigrant groups, but their influence has grown in the two years since our last survey of the Richest African immigrants in America. Since 2020, Elon Musk, born in South Africa, has gone on to become the richest man in the world and also the single largest taxpayer in American history. Patrick Soon Shiong has put some of his vast wealth to the benefit of his home country by building a Covid-19 vaccine manufacturing plant in South Africa and a slew of tech entrepreneurs have created startups that are facilitating payment systems for Africans.

Continue reading “Richest African immigrants in America 2022” →
Uncategorized

How this Ghanaian rose from a cleaner in U.S. to the White House and now set to be a neurosurgeon

By Mildred Europa Taylor | Face 2 Face Africa

Kwadwo Sarpong arrived in the United States from Ghana in 2009. He had won a green card to come to the U.S. and was already a first-year university student in Ghana. So, his idea was to transfer to a four-year school in the U.S. straight away.

But things didn’t go as planned for the Ghanaian student. Upon his arrival in the U.S., Sarpong realized that transferring to a four-year institution in the U.S. was virtually impossible. Meanwhile, he needed to take care of himself and his family back home in Ghana, so for his first three years in the U.S., he cleaned hospital floors and worked at Walmart.

Continue reading “How this Ghanaian rose from a cleaner in U.S. to the White House and now set to be a neurosurgeon” →
Arts

‘BROOKLYN IS AFRICA’ EXHIBIT DISPLAYED AT BROOKLYN BOROUGH HALL THROUGH MARCH 21

By Kirstyn Brendlen | Brooklyn Paper

A new cultural and historical exhibition, “Brooklyn is Africa,” opened to the public at Brooklyn Borough Hall last week, and is on display through next Monday to honor the African diaspora in Brooklyn.

“As home to the largest population of Africans in the United States, it is Brooklyn’s pride and obligation to celebrate this rich and diverse history that’s still omnipresent in our communities,” said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso in a release.

Continue reading “‘BROOKLYN IS AFRICA’ EXHIBIT DISPLAYED AT BROOKLYN BOROUGH HALL THROUGH MARCH 21” →
Communities

Rwandan community in US celebrate Women’s Day

By Bertrand Byishimo | The New Times

Hundreds of Rwandans and friends of Rwanda convened in Dallas, Texas on Saturday, March 12 for the celebration of the International Women’s Day which is marked globally on March 8.

The event was organised to celebrate efforts made by women in every sector of the society including governance, business, science and technology among others.

Continue reading “Rwandan community in US celebrate Women’s Day” →
Uncategorized

Ghanaians celebrate 65th Independence Anniversary in Washington DC

By George Kwasi Bright |Modern Ghana

Ghanaians in the United States marked Ghana’s 65th Independence Anniversary in Washington DC. H.E Hajia Alima Mahama, the Ambassador hosted a reception at the Chancery of the Embassy of Ghana on Monday, 7th March 2022.

The theme for this year’s celebration was “Working Together, Bouncing Back Better”.

Continue reading “Ghanaians celebrate 65th Independence Anniversary in Washington DC” →
Military

US Army Celebrates Kenyan Who Became Combat Medic in Just 4 Months

By BRIAN KIMANI | Kenyans.co.ke

Joining the military, especially in the United States, demands more than physical fitness as recruits undergo vigorous tests and screening to ascertain their eligibility. 

Joshua Omwenga’s aspirations of joining the army were but a distant dream until they came to fruition. Omwenga, a Kenyan, is currently serving as a combat medic with the 444th Minimal Care Detachment unit in the US military. 

Continue reading “US Army Celebrates Kenyan Who Became Combat Medic in Just 4 Months” →
Uncategorized

St. Lawrence University Announces $500,000 gift to fund the Ken Okoth Black American Music Project

By St. Lawrence University

St. Lawrence University President Kathryn A. Morris announced that an anonymous Laurentian has made a gift of $500,000 to create the Ken Okoth ’01 Black American Music Project.

The gift is made in support of the St. Lawrence University Black Laurentian Initiative to promote a greater understanding and celebration of Black Americans.

Continue reading “St. Lawrence University Announces $500,000 gift to fund the Ken Okoth Black American Music Project” →
Education

Bias and discrimination alleged as reasons behind high Canadian visa rejection rates among Africans

BY STUDY INTERNATIONAL STAFF

Nigerian students eager to study in Canada might need a Plan B to fall back on. Quoting a recent study from Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), an academic told online portal THISDAY that a study commissioned by the Department for Immigration Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) identified bias and discrimination as the primary reason behind high visa rejection rates among Nigerians and other African nationals: only 12% reportedly managed to get applications approved.

Continue reading “Bias and discrimination alleged as reasons behind high Canadian visa rejection rates among Africans” →
Appointments

Lewiston pharmacist to be first Somali American on Maine Board of Pharmacy


BY JOAQUIN CONTRERAS | SUN JOURNAL

LEWISTON — Inspired in part by his time in a refugee camp in Kenya, a Lewiston man last month was the first Somali American appointed to the Maine Board of Pharmacy.

Abdifatah Ahmed, a pharmacist who works in Gardiner and is co-founder of Lewiston-based Maine Community Integration, was appointed to the board Feb. 23 and will be formally inducted April 1.

Continue reading “Lewiston pharmacist to be first Somali American on Maine Board of Pharmacy” →
African Politics, African Politics

Rochester man running for president of Somalia

By Megan Zemple | KTTC

ROCHESTER, Minn. A Rochester man has decided to run for president of Somalia.

Abdi Maahaay came to Rochester over 20 years ago as a Somali refugee. He received a bachelor’s degree is psychology, got married and raised a family. He has dedicated much of his life to helping others. He worked as a behavioral health case manager, and as a humanitarian.

Continue reading “Rochester man running for president of Somalia” →
Achievements

African immigrants on the 2022 Forbes under 30 list

 By Michelle Ezenduka | nairametrics

The 2022 Forbes under 30 list features successful people in the world under the age of 30, who are of African origin and have gone to do well for themselves. In this list, we see Africans as young as 21 years, who have made great impact in their chosen fields and are being recognized for their efforts.

Continue reading “African immigrants on the 2022 Forbes under 30 list” →
Business, News

US-based Ghanaian surgeon begins $50m plant to produce affordable drugs

By Ghanian Times

A US-based Ghanaian Surgeon, Dr Michael K. Obeng, has started the construction of a pharmaceutical plant in Ghana to manufacture affordable, effective and quality medications.The 50 million dollar plant, located at Akwamu in the Eastern Region, would enable the country to produce medications that meet international standards for the management of high blood pressure, diabetes, and treatment of malaria and other pains.

Continue reading “US-based Ghanaian surgeon begins $50m plant to produce affordable drugs” →
Awards, News

U.S. State Department bestows Courage Awards on Three African Women

By Carol Guensburg | VOA

These three Africans are among a dozen women being honored by the U.S. State Department with its 2022 International Women of Courage Awards for demonstrating “exceptional courage, strength and leadership in advocating for peace, justice, human rights, gender equity and equality … often at great personal risk and sacrifice,” according to a press statement.

Continue reading “U.S. State Department bestows Courage Awards on Three African Women” →