Pariah Nation
By Pariah Nation
This is a podcast that focuses on issues affecting the African youth on the continent and in the diaspora. Together, we hope to create a space that cultivates deep thought about African precolonial and postcolonial history as well as encouraging listeners to think about how we can apply the outcomes of our discussions to lead us to a greater future for the African continent.
Pariah NationMay 24, 2021
When Tiger Bay Roared: The Demise of Britannia Park
After a prolonged period of research and investigation of the controversy surrounding the building of a Military Medical Museum in Tiger Bay, Cardiff, we are excited to announce that the podcast ‘When Tiger Bay Roared’ has now finally released. Throughout the podcast, we managed to clear some of the thick smoke surrounding the events leading to the decision to build a Museum focused on showcasing Britain’s history of military medicine on Britannia Park, the last green space in the surrounding area. This fracturing decision by the Council was met with a vast array of negative reactions from different groups within the surrounding community, while others wholly supported it. By drawing on the views of senior officials working at the Museum as well as community leaders and other interested parties, we were able to bring together a host of contrasting opinions while critically analysing them in the historical context of the British military and the colonial expansion that took place in the late 19th century.
This podcast was made in collaboration with:
New Economy Law: https://www.neweconomylaw.org/
and was sponsored by:
The Art/Law Network: https://artlawnetwork.org/
Lead or Liberty EP.2: The Assassination of Felix Roland Moumie
In this episode, we talked about the assassination of Felix Roland Moumie, one of the key anti-colonial leaders in Cameroon's UPC party in Geneva, Switzerland in 1960. The French government took full responsibility for his murder just about 30 years ago, find out why they wanted him and his predecessor Ruben Um Nyobe dead.
Reference list
Brittain, V. (2006). They had to die: assassination against liberation. Race & Class, 48(1), pp.60–74.
Joseph, Richard.A. (1974). Ruben Um Nyobe and the “Kamerun” Rebellion. African Affairs, 73(293), pp.428–448.
S20EP1: The Dodo may be dead...but the racism sure isn't
In this episode, I discuss my experiences with subconscious racial bias at a hotel in one of Africa's most beautiful holiday destinations: Mauritius. Although my experience with most Mauritian citizens was largely positive, the response I received from the many of the White tourists I came across was less than welcoming...
For lack of confusion, at 18:00, this is a separate event that happened independently of the other incident I was describing.
Lead or Liberty? Episode 1: The Assassination of Patrice Lumumba
In this episode we look at the assassination of Patrice Lumumba. A widely influential figure in recent African history and many contend that his assassination still has implications in the modern and global political spheres. We will also be examining the extent to which the CIA, the Belgian government and other Congolese officials were involved in his murder.
*This episode is based on the research of Bruce Kuklik and Victoria Brittain. Both individuals have looked into this topic extensively, the former being a Historian and the latter, a Journalist.
Soundtrack- Interstellar OST by Slavik Karpiv (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ThNGBm3KsMw)
S19EP1: Are diasporan Africans speaking over continental Africans?
Due to the global power imbalance caused by the colonial project, the Global North has a de facto monopoly when it comes to telling Africa’s story. This dynamic also means that continental African’s have a secondary role in telling their own story, even with a strong and active diaspora. In this episode, Nuura and I take a look at how this impacts the relationship between Africans on the continent and in the diaspora.
* Disclaimer- this podcast, regrettably, wasn’t wholly representative of the views of Africans that have lived outside the continent for long periods of time, however, we will most likely follow this episode up with one that is more representative in due course.
S18EP2: A Black History Teaching Guide for Educators
In this episode we discuss the things that educators should avoid when teaching Black History. For example, many Black History classes will only focus on Slavery and Colonialism; although these are important topics, focusing exclusively on them waters down what is a more nuanced and expansive history. This is one of the many subjects I discussed in this podcast. Hope you enjoy!
S18EP1: Hot take- we don't need Black History Month
Yes... I said what I said. We don't need Black History Month. We don't need a month where PR vultures and major companies can scavenge on the works of Black activists to put on a façade of progress. We need honest, sustainable and long term solutions to what is and has always been a deeply engrained societal issue: the erasure of Black History and identity. Find out what I think the true solution is in this podcast.
S17EP4- Behind the scenes: The African Leadership Academy Ft. Dean Hatim Eltayeb
In this episode we took a deep dive into the philosophy, vision and mission of the African Leadership Academy. To some it's the most expensive school in Africa (although this is misleading), to others this is one of the few schools that is revolutionizing African education. Join us as we sit down with the Dean to discuss the curriculum, the impact of the school, its model and whether it's sustainable as well as the Americanization of African institutions and what the implications of that are.
S17EP3: Are Diasporan Africans Privileged?
In this episode we talked about the different privileges that diasporan Africans may have, specifically if they live in the West. One of the many topics we covered was access to the worlds of academia and art and how these forums have been made increasingly more accessible in the West compared to the African continent. Finally, we discussed the different ways that Africans indigenous to the continent and in the diaspora can work together to bridge this resource gap and create a future that is conducive for Africans of all backgrounds.
S17EP1: The African Iron Man
Meet Jesse Forrester, someone I'd like to term 'the African Iron Man' due to his innovative thinking and his effectiveness in implementing his ideas. He, along with his team of African avengers run Mazi Mobility, a company focusing on building sustainable public transport vehicles, specifically electric Tuk-Tuks and Motorbikes (the Nduth-e). We discussed the story behind the founding of the company as well as other contemporary tech issues affecting Africa today.
S16EP3: Africa's sixth region: are we ready for a returning diaspora?
This week we discuss the recent move by the African Union to recognise diasporan Africans as the "sixth region" . Djamil Ninsue and I discuss the implications of such a move and what it could mean if the African Union decided to allow the diaspora to move back to the continent and gain citizenship in any country of their choice. Hope you enjoy!
S16EP1: South Africa- A ticking time bomb?
In this episode, we discussed the recent riots that engulfed certain parts of South Africa this week. We look at the underlying causes of the violence and we further discuss the effects of apartheid on the modern day state of South Africa. Our guest this week is Dashen Naiker, an academic from Johannesburg, South Africa.
S15EP2: The next Trevor Noah?
Join us in this episode where we welcome the popular comedian @itsyaboimaina who has over 3 million followers on Tik Tok. we delve into his experience as an African comedian on the app, his life while schooling in China, his childhood and hilarious topics such as experiences with witchcraft around the continent.
S15EP1: 'Islam opposes blackness'- A response
Join us in this episode where we discussed the may claims laid against Islam and it's alleged 'racist' theology as well as a discussion about the Arab expansions, the Arab slave trade and the curse of Ham.
S14EP4: Why you should care about Palestine
In this episode we examined the intersectional links that Israeli settler colonialism has with previous systems of colonialism around the world. We also discussed the importance of propaganda in the media to Israel's strategy of placating and pacifying the public.
S14EP3: The DRC's curse: diamonds, rubber and cobalt Pt.II
Welcome to the second last episode of Pariah Nation for this season. We brought Yanga Malotana back to discuss the modern colonial project taking place in the DRC while examining the history that led to the state of the DRC today (this includes an in depth look into the asssassination of Patrice Lumbumba). Link to access on all platforms: https://linktr.ee/Adnanshafi
S14EP1: Oh... she's just an 'angry black woman'
Join us in this episode as we discuss Jessica's story. She has had to fight against racism within her son's former school administration, being subject to the stereotypes such as the 'angry black woman' trope while having to face social services and the threat of possibly losing her son after the school constructed false claims against her.
China: Friend or foe to Africa?
Join us in this podcast where we discussed the role of China in Africa's future and whether involvement with China will lead to neocolonialism or economic prosperity.
Link to YouTube Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6eptHTOJ8y0
African History: Fact and Fiction
In this podcast, we engaged with different views from the Afrocentric Historian Abu-Bakr Madden Shabazz. We discussed how a Eurocentric view of history can warp African history as well as how it can often whitewash African achievements.
Link to the YouTube Podcast: https://youtu.be/kfs_-uwiBQY
The DRC's curse: diamonds, rubber & cobalt
Listen into our discussion today as we find out the truth about the DRC and its long history of exploitation.
S12EP4: Blackness and Africa Through The Lens
In this episode, we sat down with the Pariah Nation all time favorite @douglabwoy to discuss Black representation in the media. We also looked at how media outlets can push narratives of colorism and racism.
S12EP3: The "dark" side of colorism
In this episode, we unpacked the pressing topic of colorism on the African continent and in the diaspora as well as how it affects self esteem, health and generational beauty standards.
Are you Black or Muslim?
We revisited the topic of anti-Black racism in the Muslim community as well as pointing out the nuances in the discourse surrounding it. Moreover, we looked at the different ways in which white reverts are favored over Black reverts mainly due to the recent events on Tik Tok. Hope you enjoy!
S11-EP3: The Pitfalls of African Leadership
What kind of leaders does Africa need? Are we satisfied with the current state of leadership on the continent with elections being rigged, terms being extended and a massive age gap between the people and their leaders? These are some of the questions we addressed in the podcast. Have a listen to find out more.
S11-EP2: Connecting the Colonial Experience-Native America Edition
In this episode, we connected the parallels African and Native American colonial experiences, exploring topics such as internalised racism, cultural appropriation, native beliefs about land and the importance of language in preserving cultural identity. This may be the last episode in the series depending on what we decide to do. ENJOY!
TimbukTuesday #3: 4 ways Africans contributed to history
In this episode we briefly went through ways in which Africa impacted World History through trade, prehistoric discoveries, participation in the World Wars and through political breakthroughs. Prepare to learn more about our motherland than you ever will in the classroom.
Mahomud Hassan & Racism in Wales
In this urgent episode we discussed what we know about the case of Mahomud Hassan, the controversial responses from the media and the lack of responses from institutions like the Cardiff University Student's Union as well as the university itself. Racism is alive and well in Cardiff and in this episode we sought to unpack the instances in which racism has shown its true face in the city. If you can, please donate to Mahomud's family and if not, share this podcast or any useful piece of information on this case so that we can get the truth out to the world.
S10-EP4: Connecting the Colonial Experience: An Indigenous Australian and African take
In what has to be one of my favorite podcasts of all time, I got the chance to talk with Darcy. An indigenous Australian that has had to deal with the struggles of losing native lands, fighting to preserve his culture, and guarding it from cultural appropriation while facing racism from the wider community. Together, we connected our post colonial experiences as I also shared my experience in the post colonial world as an African in relation to our conception of blackness, our educational systems and the topic of racism.
S10-EP3: Islam, Racism and....Tik Tok
S10-EP2"Don't worry. GenZ will save us!"
TimbukTuesday #2: 5 Pillars of Diaspora Wars
In this episode, I covered 5 main actions, ideas or dynamics that are keeping the African Diaspora in constant warfare with native Africans. This included the question of 'did black people sell their own into slavery?' and another investigation of the dynamics at play on social media between the groups. There are loads of memes, speeches from influential figures and more. Hope you'll enjoy!
S10-EP1 Mind, body and soul. Mental health: the African perspective PT II
This is Pariah Nation's 10th season and we are happy to be kicking off this season with the topic of mental health. We were happy to host the renowned within.n.without page co founder Pauline Gethi and Michelle Abiero, a mental health activist. Together, we discussed the issues of family structure, the attitude of the governments and other factors that contribute to the worsening of mental health on the continent.
TRIGGER WARNING: There may be discussion of suicide and other traumatic topics.
TimbukTuesday #1: Africa, Education and Political consciousness
Welcome to the first edition of TimbukTuesday! A day every week where we decide to look at Africa's present, take lessons from the past and apply them to our future for a better Africa! In this episode we discussed the topic of Education and how it links with Political Consciousness as well as how it can be used to deprive us of the latter. This is more than just a podcast, it is an audio experience! We hope you enjoy.
I can't be racist... I love Bilal (RA)!
This is an episode many of us have been waiting for and one that people aren't too ready to discuss. Hear from two black Muslims and their experiences with anti blackness in the Muslim community. Over time is has become manifestly clear that this issue stems more from culture and the effects of colonialism rather than Islam itself. We discussed how this racial prejudice leads to barriers in getting married, the use of the word Abeed (slave) to describe black Muslims and selective application of religious rules. We hope this episode will give the listeners something to reflect about regardless of background.
"We got beef with the Malis"
We already know that this episode will receive a lot of different responses from different groups. However, these difficult topics in relation to the navigation the world have to be tackled head on to achieve greater understanding within the community and perhaps help us find middle ground between us all. We discussed the nuances of blackness and how this affects the Somali community, the word 'jareer' and its uses as well as several other relevant topics. Enjoy!
You're Cancelled II
In the second edition of 'You're cancelled' we bring on a guest that has frequented the show on several occasions- Douglabwoy. We discuss the several issues with Cancel Culture, who it affects and why it has had such a major effect on this year. Additionally, we discussed the concept of cancelling historical figures and whether you can separate figures from their works. We hope you enjoy!
On Black and African identity
What does it mean to be African? Are Africans exclusively black? What does it mean to be black? These are just some of the questions that we asked in the course of this podcast with our special guest Fikemi Aiyepeku. We delved deeper into the idea of Black identity and how some groups openly reject it in favour of their ethnic identity. After exploring all these nuances, we came to the conclusion that identity is more dense and complex than its often spoken about. We hope you enjoy!
Black books. White pages. Red ink.
Education is an inherently political institution. Certain presumptions and norms are embedded within the system to reflect a certain reality. Unfortunately, Africa has been the victim of an imported colonial process of epistemicide that has subordinated forms of indigenous knowledge and African scholarly tradition. In this episode, we unpack how colonial education has affected the modern day African institution of education and the social implications of this colonial education.
Blood is thicker than water
Cultural appropriation, 'I'm sending you back to Africa', Black Panther. These are just some of the many topics that we discussed based on the relationship between native Africans and Africans of the diaspora as well as the descendants of slavery. We in turn decided that it is best that we dispel myths about each group and opt to unite as Africans all around the world and form better bonds between our communities. Our guests Maidiya and Djamil are two prominent Tik Tok creators from the diasporan community and have contributed heavily to this discourse. Hope you enjoy!
Africa Rising
In this episode we discussed the role of Africa's youth in impacting its future. With around 60% of Africa's population being under the age of 25, the youth undoubtedly play an important role in making decisions that will change the state of the continent. Additionally, the world is undergoing a new technological revolution with the invention of AI and blockchain. This has opened up a new dimension for African development and we examine how the African youth can take steps to ensure that we are not left behind.
"Too black to lead"
Meet Moriah Mensah, at the young age of 13 she is using her voice to advocate for black rights across the world. She is also an avid researcher of Black history and shares her findings through the articles she writes. In the next few months, she plans to launch her bid to become a youth MP in Camden, London. In this podcast we discussed the lack of black leadership in areas such as academics, politics, business and as influencers on social media. We also discussed how we can inspire more black people to vie for positions of power in various fields to secure a greater level of institutional power in order to empower other members of the black community and represent us in those fields.
Racism is more than skin deep
This episode explored the connections between racism, capitalism and the patriarchy through a multilevel analysis of the USA, Kenya and South Africa. Our guest is Sascha Wharton Hood who is a Black Lives Matter activist in Cape Town, South Africa and is fighting on a multidimensional level against all forms of inequality. Dive into this episode to learn more about how Racism can be perpetuated by classism and the patriarchy.
Light skin...dark sin
In this episode we unveiled the sinister nature of Colorism in Indo-Carribean, African and other black communities around the world. Our special guest all the way from Jamaica, gave us a wonderful insight into how media representation, history and social norms strengthen colorism. Towards the end of the podcast we also addressed the fetishisation of light skinned women and the disenfranchisement of darker skinned women.
Black.Lives.Matter.
In this exclusive episode, we interviewed Nicole Vessel, a protester on the front lines of the Minneapolis riots. Or more recently known to us as ground zero for what would be the start of a world movement against police brutality and the black struggle worldwide. Following the protests in Minneapolis, support for the Black Lives Matter movement grew around the world, causing protests in every major US city and 13 countries worldwide. It was interesting to see what it felt like to be on the front line of such a movement and also to have a truthful account of what happened in Minneapolis where protests have drawn controversy
Climate Change in Africa. Our generation's responsibility
In this episode, our guest Essey Mola gives us special insight into Climate Change and the fact that the African continent is actually going to be disproportionately affected by it. We discuss the many myths surrounding Climate Change including who can lead the charge talking about it. Towards the end Essay educates us on different ways in which we as individuals can be able to help fight climate change.
Police Brutality, Race and Social Programming
In this Podcast we discussed the widespread phenomenon of Police brutality all around the world mainly focusing on Kenya and the USA. We explore specific cases such as those of Samuel Maina in Kenya and the cases such as George Floyd, Breanna Taylor and Eric Garner in the USA. Additionally, we talk about how the system of Police brutality in Kenya is supplemented by the system of corruption and is heavily based around money. Whereas, in the USA, it is heavily race based and is supported by the system of racial programming that appears in the media and social life in general.
Justice for Ahmaud
This week on Pariah Nation we will be taking a look at the horrific case of the shooting of Ahmaud Arbery. Being a first year Law student with some knowledge of the Criminal Law system, I aim to take a look at the possible legal outcomes of the case. Moreover, I will also share some of the reflections that I derived from the racial nature of this case. I also argue that although there are points to be made for the acquittal of the McMicheals, that they should be guilty of at the minimum gross negligence manslaughter and that there is also a case that can be made for capital murder.
Mind, Body and Soul. Mental Health from the African Perspective
We sat down with Pauline Gethi over Skype to discuss the issue of mental health in the African Context and the culture surrounding it. From the stigma surrounding mental health, to the lack of facilities for mental health, we discuss how these factors affect culture and society as a whole. Moreover, we also attempt to provide solutions to the issues stated above through education, creating awareness of mental health and more.
You're cancelled
People screw up all the time. To the point where they by their whole reputation comes under societal review. Do they deserve a second chance? In this episode, we will take a look at what cancel culture is all about and if it is justified. We look specifically at the cases of Nessa Barret, Lacey May Jones and the case of French doctors wanting to use Africa as a testing ground for vaccines.
The Next Big African Comic?
During quarantine, I had a wonderful discussion with an up and coming Kenyan comic artist who is taking Tik Tok by storm through his animated shorts. We discussed the release of his newest edition of his comic as well as how he plans to use Tik Tok and social media in general to be able to boost his readership and spread his message worldwide. I hope you enjoy this one!