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Oriire spotlights mythology and history from different African Cultures and across the diaspora.

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History

Kente Cloth of the Ashanti

Explore the rich history of Kente cloth, the intricate art of weaving by the Ashantis of Ghana, and the cultural significance, taboos, and traditions that surround this iconic textile.

History

The Drum Language of the Ashanti

The Ashanti Drum Language is an intricate communication system using drumming to convey messages across villages in parts of Ghana. Learn how drums speak through tonal rhythms and the cultural significance behind them.

Myth

Justice from the Beyond: The Alekwu Tradition of the Idoma Tribe

Before the advent of modern law enforcement and judiciary systems, the Idoma tribe of Nigeria sought justice and guidance from their ancestral spirit, Alekwu, who is believed to ensure justice, peace, fairness, and prosperity. The Alekwu tradition is deeply rooted in their culture and is celebrated annually during the Eje-Alekwu festival, to honour the ancestral spirit.

Popular episodes

Jinns in Northern Nigeria

In this episode, we speak to Fatima about jinns in Northern Nigeria.

Cultural Preservation and How Far It Should Go

Listen to Sesi and Haleemah discuss the extent to which culture should be preserved.

Anansi: The Trickster god

Anansi the trickster is a West African God. He often takes the shape of a spider and is considered to be the god of all knowledge of stories.

The Story of Kintu and Other Common Threads in African Mythology

Kintu is a mythological figure who appears in a creation myth of the Baganda people of Buganda, Uganda. According to this legend, Kintu was the first person on earth and the first man to wander the plains of Uganda alone.

South African Food and Cuisines

In this episode, Sesi and Haleemah speak to Mamokone about South African food.

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