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A Producer’s Mission to Preserve Rwanda's Precolonial Folkloric Music Bugingo Ndanga Patrick has been a driving force in shaping Rwanda’s contemporary music scene, producing some of the biggest hits that have kept clubs buzzing. But in recent years, he’s taken a step back from the mainstream spotlight to focus on something deeper—reviving Rwanda’s rich musical...

Remembering Roberta Flack: a legendary voice in music 🎶

The world is mourning the loss of legendary pop and R&B vocalist Roberta Flack, who passed away peacefully on February 24, 2025, at the age of 88.

Known for her iconic hits “Killing Me Softly With His Song” and “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” Flack’s career spanned decades, earning her multiple Grammy Awards and a place in music history.

“We are heartbroken that the glorious Roberta Flack passed away this morning,” her family said in a statement. “She died peacefully surrounded by her family.”

Flack was the first artist to win the Grammy for Record of the Year in consecutive years, a testament to her groundbreaking talent. Her collaborations with Donny Hathaway, including “Where Is the Love” and “The Closer I Get to You,” remain timeless classics.

Despite being diagnosed with ALS in 2022, Flack continued to inspire through her music and advocacy. In 2023, she published The Green Piano: How Little Me Found Music, a children’s book reflecting on her early life and love for music.

“Music means everything to me,” Flack once said, a sentiment that resonates with fans worldwide as they celebrate her extraordinary legacy.

Beyond her music, she was celebrated for her dedication to education and advocacy, founding the Roberta Flack School of Music in the Bronx. Fans around the world mourn the loss of a true legend.

African cinema pioneer Souleymane Cissé dies at 84

Souleymane Cissé, a trailblazer of African cinema and one of Mali’s most celebrated filmmakers, has died at 84 in Bamako. His daughter, Mariam Cissé, confirmed the news, mourning the loss of a man who devoted his life to film and art.

Born in Bamako and raised partly in Senegal, Mr. Cissé studied filmmaking in Moscow before embarking on a career that spanned over five decades.

His 1987 film Yeelen (The Light), a mythic tale inspired by Bambara culture, won the Jury Prize at Cannes, making him the first Black African filmmaker to receive such an honor. Known for his deep humanism and political engagement, Mr. Cissé’s work explored themes of tradition, power, and resistance.

In 2023, he was honored with the Carrosse d’Or at Cannes for his lifetime contributions to cinema.

Tributes have poured in from across the globe, celebrating his enduring legacy as a pioneer of African storytelling and an inspiration for generations of filmmakers.

Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo reclaims half marathon world record in historic run 🇺🇬

Jacob Kiplimo made history again! The 24-year-old Ugandan shattered the half marathon world record with a time of 56:41 at the Barcelona Half Marathon, becoming the first person to break the 57-minute barrier.

Kiplimo, a two-time world cross-country champion, previously held the record from 2021 to 2024 before losing it to Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha last year. On Sunday, he reclaimed his title by slashing an incredible 49 seconds off Kejelcha’s mark of 57:30, marking the greatest single improvement on the men’s record, according to World Athletics.

“It has been the perfect race,” Kiplimo said. “Ideal temperature, no wind at all, fantastic circuit—everything went better than expected.”

Kiplimo also set a world-best time of 39:47 for 15km during his record-breaking run. His achievement cements his legacy as one of the greatest long-distance runners of all time.

Senegal Makes History: Refining locally produced oil for the first Time 🇸🇳

Senegal has taken a significant step toward energy independence by refining its own crude oil for the first time. The African Refinery Company (SAR), located near Dakar and established in 1961, had previously processed only imported crude.

“SAR is proud to announce that it has successfully refined the first crude oil produced in Senegal, the Sangomar,” the company said in a statement. This milestone was achieved using oil from the Sangomar offshore field, marking a new chapter in Senegal’s energy sector.

The move is expected to reduce reliance on fuel imports, boost domestic energy production, and position Senegal as an emerging player in Africa’s energy market.

Nairobi florists celebrate Valentine’s Day with stunning rose displays

In Nairobi, Kenya’s bustling capital, florists marked Valentine’s Day on Friday, February 14, 2025, with vibrant displays of roses and bouquets. The city’s flower markets were filled with an array of colors and arrangements, reflecting the global tradition of celebrating love and romance on this special day.

Valentine’s Day has grown into a meaningful occasion worldwide, bringing people together to express affection through thoughtful gestures. In Nairobi, the day also highlights Kenya’s role as one of the world’s largest exporters of roses, showcasing the country’s floral expertise and artistry.

From classic red roses to creative mixed bouquets, the offerings in Nairobi cater to every expression of love.

How are you celebrating Valentine’s Day? Share your stories or photos below.