5 Best Podcasts for learning about African History in 2023
If you want to learn about African history, there are many great podcasts that cover a wide range of topics, from ancient civilizations to modern-day politics. These podcasts can be a great way to learn about the rich and complex history of Africa. They can also help you to understand the current challenges and opportunities facing the continent.
The list below is made of personal favorites, because as an African, I find them extremely relevant and valuable. Here is my list of the 5 best podcasts for learning about African history in 2023 plus a bonus one:
1. Africa’s Untold Stories
This podcast is great for people eager to learn about pre-colonial Africa but wouldn’t enjoy taking normal history classes or listening to a long monologue straight out of a history book. In each episode, the co-hosts discuss stories of kingdoms, empires and legends and share lessons that come with that significant aspect of the continent's history. These episodes are fun, relatable, and they’ll leave a lasting impression.
Listen to Africa's Untold Stories.
2. Those Who Came Before Us
Hosted by David Ibanda, who describes himself as a passionate student of African history who likes corny jokes, Those Who Came Before Us is an interesting approach to telling Africa’s history. What I love about this podcast is the quality of the storytelling, the dramatic sound effects, and the variety of topics covered.
Listen to Those Who Came Before Us.
3. The History of the Congo
Hosted by Peter Teddington, this podcast narrates the history of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) from prehistoric times to the present day. The show details key historical events and contexts, focusing on the Congolese people to help us understand the situation in the DRC today.
Listen to The History of the Congo.
4. It’s a Continent
It's a Continent is a podcast that educates and entertains listeners worldwide about key historical moments in Africa. The co-hosts, Chinny and Astrid, who are also co-authors of “It’s a Continent” the book that was born from this podcast, use an easily digestible, satirical, and shady format to present the information. Africa's history is often ignored or oversimplified, and this podcast provides a more nuanced view of African history, focusing on the unique identities of each nation.
Listen to It's a Continent.
5. History of Africa Podcast
This podcast is described as the first dedicated podcast on Pre-Colonial African history, where you will learn about the fascinating civilizations and stories of Africa, from Aksum to Zimbabwe and Casablanca to Cape Town in a slightly formalized way but all the more engaging. If you listen on their website, you will have access to detailed show notes and some illustrations, which would enhance your understanding of key information.
Listen to the History of Africa Podcast.
6. Bonus: Moments in South African History
This podcast by SABC Radio News tells the stories of the people, events, and places that have shaped South African history. These are brief episodes in the style of news reports that take you all the way back in time with recordings of historical events and figures broadcasted, which makes it an immersive experience.
Listen to Moments in South African History.
That's all for my list of best podcasts for learning about African history. I encourage you to explore them and learn more about this fascinating and widely misunderstood continent. If you have questions or suggestions, please feel free to let me know by dropping a message on this contact form. I would be happy to help you find other podcasts that you might enjoy.
About the author:
Priscille B. Fatuma is a writer and marketer, who specializes in content and social media marketing, as well as writing short and long form content. Her mission is to create memorable experiences to help connect brands and their audiences through purpose-driven storytelling. You can connect with Priscille on Instagram and LinkedIn, or by subscribing to her bi-weekly newsletter, The PPS Club.
