It’s that time of year: Valentine’s Day! So many different types of love to celebrate—but we thought you could use a moment to put all the gift buying on pause, and appreciate love itself! Here are some African examples of adoration from an incredible continent that knows a thing or two about love and beauty.
On our bookshelves… African Love Stories: An Anthology
(Photo credit: Amazon and Ayebia Clarke Publishing)
Nothing encapsulates the rich complexities of love like this collection of stories from 21 African female writers, with a variety of national and cultural backgrounds. Classic tales of teenage crushes and lifelong romances catch your attention, but the stories about the labors and loss of love will capture your heart.
On our movie screens… When Love Happens
Everyone loves a good rom-com. Coming out of Nigeria’s film industry, nicknamed Nollywood, When Love Happens is a witty and surprising take on finding love that delights all audiences.
On our walls… photographer Malick Sidibé
Malick Sidibé’s studio in Bamako, Mali. (Photo credit: Robin Taylor/Wikimedia Commons)
A photographer from Mali, Malick Sidibé captured a tangible love of life in the late 1950s and early 1960s spreading through Bamako, a major Malian metropolis. Hopping from party to party, he portrayed joy and intimacy in an innovative way.
“We were entering a new era, and people wanted to dance,” Sidibé said in an interview with The Guardian.
“Music freed us. Suddenly, young men could get close to young women, hold them in their hands… And everyone wanted to be photographed dancing up close. They had to see it!”
On our playlists… “Repete” by Blackmagic
Whether you’re dancing with someone or all on your own, this single by Nigerian-born artist BlackMagic, will have you on your feet. Efemena Mukoro has been making moves since 2010, influenced by a mix of hip hop, afrobeat, and soul that’s refreshing to hear.
In our hearts… Electrify Africa!
We here at ONE are bursting with love for our members! This month, the House of Representatives passed the bipartisan Electrify Africa Act and President Obama signed it into law. … And we couldn’t have done it without you. When hundreds of thousands of our members take action… it’s a true labor of love.
