Blog

Posts tagged South Africa

Cultural Wear and Fabrics from Southern Africa

Cultural Wear and Fabrics from Southern Africa

From Shweshwe worn in Lesotho, Botswana and South Africa to Samacaca worn in Angola, we explore some of the fabrics and cultural wear worn in southern Africa.

Fashion, CultureOtto Gumaelius24 April 2020Angola, Botswana, eSwatini, Lesotho, Malwai, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Samakaka, Samaxaxa, Letoitse, Leteise, Lihiya, Sidvwaba, Sicolo, Lijobo, Sakila, Sidvxashi, Seanamarena, Chitenje, Kitenge, Chitenge, Capulana, Ndjiti, Xithango, Ximangelani, Ohorokova, Otjikaiva, Umbhaco, Incebetha, Iqhiya, Ixakatho, ingcawa, inxili, Retso, Shona, Jira re RetsoComment

Remembering Miriam Makeba

Today marks 10 years since Miriam Makeba’s untimely passing. She was a phenomenal South African singer, songwriter, actress, United Nations goodwill ambassador and civil-rights activist.

People, MusicOtto Gumaelius9 November 2018Miriam Makeba, Mama Africa, South Africa, Cuban Brothers, Manhattan Brothers, Skylarks, Come Back Africa, King Kong, Harry Belafonte, Pata Pata, The Click Song, Soweto BluesComment

Zackie Achmat

Abdurrazack Zackie Achmat is a South African activist and film director. He is a co-founder the Treatment Action Campaign and known worldwide for his activism on behalf of people living with HIV and AIDS in South Africa.

PeopleOtto Gumaelius9 October 2018South Africa, Zackie Achmat, HIV/AIDS, Simon Nkoli, ARV, TAC, Thabo Mbeki, Manto Tshabalala-Manto

Remembering Mama Winnie Madikizela-Mandela

Remembering Mama Winnie Madikizela-Mandela

Mama Winnie Madikizela-Mandela would have been 82 years old today.

PeopleOtto Gumaelius26 September 2018South Africa, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, Mandela, ApartheidComment

Traditional Chakalaka Recipe

London based South African foodie, Sandile Rahube, recently shared his delicious Chakalaka recipe with Taste of Southern Africa. Chakalaka is easy and quick to prepare, and the perfect relish to add to any meal.

RecipiesOtto Gumaelius10 April 2018South Africa, Cuisine, Botswana, Chakalaka, Relish, FoodComment

African Penguins of Boulders Beach

Nestled just outside Simon's Town is Boulder's Beach, home to an incredible colony of African Penguins, and the only place in the world where people can come so close to them.

Tourist AttractionsOtto Gumaelius11 March 2018South Africa, African Penguin, Boulders Beach, Flase Bay, Simon's Town, Cape PeninsulaComment

Umrhubhe

Introducing Umrhubhe, a traditional mouth bow played by the Xhosa people of the eastern cape of South Africa.

Culture, MusicOtto Gumaelius11 November 2017Umrhubhe, Madosini Manqina, Xhosa, South Africa, Eastern CapeComment

Launch of Taste of Southern Africa Festival UK

Launch of Taste of Southern Africa Festival UK

On October 21st in London, marimba percussionist Otto Gumaelius launched the Taste of Southern Africa Festival, a weekend of activities celebrating the cultural arts of southern Africa.

EventsOtto Gumaelius23 October 2017Taste of Southern Africa, Marimba, Mbira, Drumming, Singing, Dance, Mozambique, Botswana, Zimbabwe, South AfricaComment

Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika

South Africa, Tanzania and Zambia (and previously Namibia and Zimbabwe) all share the same national anthem, but does anyone know who actually composed the song?

HistoryOtto Gumaelius28 September 2017South Africa, Namibia, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika, Enoch Sontonga, ANC, African National Congress, Mungu Ibaraki Afrika, Ishe Komborera AfrikaComment