Celebrate the history of Africa via The Independents, a new MoCADA podcast produced by Mamoussa that explores the regional events that sparked revolutions, to the conversations, political speeches, and music that activated the pursuit for freedom. Tune in.
CURRENT EPISODE
Episode 5: Guinea
Independence Day: October 2, 1958
It’s October 2, 1958, and you’re in Conakry, Guinea listening to Afropop legends, Bembeya Jazz National. Captivated by their hypnotic electric guitar riffs, you lean in, diving deeper into the day’s events. You’re feeling a sense of pride because you’ve just witnessed Guinea publicly reject European colonization and demand independence from French colonial rule.
In this episode of The Independents podcast, producer Mamoussa reminds us that as much as things change, they’re always a mirror for what’s happening now on the continent. Listen in as Djibril Tasmir Niane sheds light on the political, economic, and social climate that led to Guinea’s sovereignty and the first few years of Sékou Touré’s presidency.
TRACKLIST (Track / Artist)
| # | Artist name | Track name |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Balla et ses Balladins | “Paulette” |
| 2 | Bembeya Jazz National | “Pétit Sekou” |
| 3 | Simandou-Jazz | “Bounika” |
| 4 | Horoya Band National | “Were Were” |
| 5 | Orchestre de la Paillote | “La Guinée Moussolou” |
| 6 | Kélétigui et ses Tambourinis | “Soundiata” |
| 7 | Bembeya Jazz National | Moussogbe” |
| 8 | Kebendo Jazz | “Soumba” |
| 9 | 22 Band | “Mousso la Tintani” |
| 10 | Syli Authentic | “Andrée” |
PAST EPISODES
Episode 4: The Ivory Coast
Independence Day: August 7th, 1960
Though we celebrate Côte d’Ivoire’s independence day on August 7, we must recognize that the road to liberation is not built in one day. Since 1960, Ivory Coast, which has become one of West Africa’s most prosperous countries, has navigated the terms of its freedom on the political stage. A country deeply invested in its presidential power, in this episode of The Independents, we hear from the first and former president, Félix Houphouët-Boigny aka Papa Houphouët or Le Vieux, former president Laurent Gbagbo, and former prime minister and current president Alassane Dramane Ouattara, who give context to the challenges faced by the rising nation over the last 60 years.
Episode 3: The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
Independence Day: June 30, 1960
June 30 is Independence Day for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). On this day in 1960, the people officially declared themselves free from Belgian colonial powers, thanks to the unapologetic push for freedom by Prime Minister Patrice Lumumba, Congolese politician and diplomat Sakombi Inongo, supported by large voices, like African-American boxer and activist, Muhammad Ali. Listen to episode 3 now.
Episode #2: CAMEROON
Independence Day: January 1st, 1960
West African country Cameroon declared its independence from France on January 1st, 1960 through the efforts of the Union des Populations Camerounaises (UPC). October 1st is also known as Cameroon’s Independence Day/Unification Day as they joined The Republic of Cameroon after dissolving their relationship with Great Britain on October 1st, 1961. Commemorating their first official independence of record, this episode features the voices of anti-colonialist political leader, Ruben Um Nyobe, former president of Cameroon, Ahmadou Ahidjo, historian Yves Monologue, and more.
Episode 1: GHANA
Independence Day: March 6, 1957
In the first episode of The Independents, we spotlight Ghana. Listen now to hear from former Ghanaian President Kwame Nkrumah, Human Rights Activist Malcolm X, former Secretary of State Dr. K. B. Asante, and more.
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