AfricaNow! January 11, 2023 DRC—Regional Framework of On-Going Conflict, & 2023 Elections

Topics and Guest: Today the show features a conversation with Kambale Musavuli in which he contextualizes the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as not just an internal issue but one that is essentially a continental regional one.  Kambale Musavuli highlights the continuous struggle of Congolese for liberation.  The conversation explores the role of the U.S. and other western powers and their allied regional players and multinational corporations today.  Also discussed are the challenges people in the DRC face as they prepare for the general elections in December 2023.  Kambale Musavuli, Analyst, Center for Research on the Congo-Kinshasa, and former National Spokesperson for the Friends of the Congo.  He is a human rights advocate and is one of the leading political and cultural Congolese voices.  

MUSIC ON THE SHOW: intro--“ALL AFRICA (INSTR.)” BY MAX ROACH commemorating the renowned ancestor jazz drummer and composer Max Roach’s birthday which was January 10 (January 10, 1924 – August 16, 2007); during break--“YOU DON’T SAY” BY MELBA LISTON commemorating ancestor jazz trombonist, arranger, and composer Melba Liston’s birthday which is January 13 (January 13, 1926–April 23, 1999); during sign-off message--“KURIMA” BY CHIWONISO MARAIRE; closing song is--“HAKI (JUSTICE)” BY YOLE! ALL AFRICA STARS.

Support AfricaNow! and your community station WPFW.  Donate online visit https://pledge.wpfwfm.org/index.php and then on Step 1: Contribution scroll down to AfricaNow! to make your donation to the show. Or on our CashApp, which is $WPFW write it is for AfricaNow! and include your email address. Thank you.

Originally broadcast on WPFW 89.3FM, Washington, DC. Tune into AfricaNow! live on WPFW 89.3 FM in the Washington, DC Metropolitan area or visit www.wpfwfm.org on Wednesdays from 1:00 to 2:00PM (U.S. Eastern).

Map: UN Map of the DRC 2004

AfricaNow! Jan. 11, 2023 DRC—Regional Framework of On-Going Conflict, & 2023 Elections

Dr. Bruce Kuklick, Co Author of Book regarding the Life and Death of Patrice Lumumba, joined the show on this 62nd Anniversary of his assasstion to help us clarify the circumstances leading the result of his execution.

Evening WURDS 1.17.23 - Dr. Bruce Koklick

AfricaNow! May 31, 2023 Kumina Queen, Survivors of Genocide & Obi Egbuna, Jr. on African Liberation Day (ALD)

Topics and Guests: We begin the show today with Delphine Yandamutso and Claude Gatebuke two co-authors of the book "Survivors Uncensored: 100 + Testimonies of Resilience and Humanity."  "Survivors Uncensored" is a powerful collection of testimonies from survivors of the Rwandan genocide in 1994 as well as pre and post genocide atrocities including in the Democratic Republic of Congo and about the role of the U.S. and the West. The book offers poignant insights into their experiences and showcases stories of resilience and humanity.

Obi Egbuna, Jr. discusses the importance of liberation and Pan-Africanism in the context of African Liberation Day (ALD) (May 25) and how art can be used to transmit the message across generations.  Obi Egbuna, Jr. is a Founding Member and Executive Director of Mass Emphasis Children’s History and Theater Company (2012).  Obi Egbuna, Jr. is a journalist, African/a history teacher and playwright and is correspondent to The Herald, Zimbabwe’s national newspaper.

A new documentary by Nyasha Laing, "Kumina Queen", highlights the work by Imogene “Queenie” Kennedy a contemporary priestess in post-colonial Jamaica who catapulted her African spiritual practice into renown.  The film looks at questions such as what remains of the dance between the living and the dead after centuries of erasure? As noted in the description of "Kumina Queen": “Seeking understanding, artists and practitioners navigate a mysterious spirit world that offers a pathway to freedom, healing, and transformation - to those who choose it.”  The show features a conversation Nyasha Laing had with James Pope of Africa World Now Project collective and AfricaNow!’s Executive Producer and Co-Host a few months which we aired before. The discussion focused on African spiritual knowledge through the drum, dance, and nature in Jamaica and beyond. Nyasha Laing is a documentarian, researcher, writer, and lawyer. Her previous documentary was "Punta Soul" (2008) prior to Kumina Queen in the Wild. Nyasha Laing has served as a producer for award-winning PBS films including "Tell Them We Are Rising" (2017), "All Kinfolk Ain’t Skinfolk" (2018), "Belly of the Beas"t (2020), and "Into Dust" (2021). (Information of "Kumina Queen in the Wild": www.kuminaqueen.net) "Kumina Queen" will be featured at the DC Caribbean FilmFest on June 10 at AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center, 8633 Colesville Road, Silver Spring MD and Nyasha Laing will be there at the post-screening discussion.  The 21st edition of the DC Caribbean FilmFest which takes place from June 8-14, 2023 in recognition of Caribbean American Heritage Month in June is presented by CAWI, CPN, ICS, AFI and Africa World Now Project. For more information visit https://afisilver.afi.com/. 

MUSIC ON THE SHOW: intro--“AFRICAN PEOPLE” BY CHRISTINE KAMAU; intro of sgment with Obi Egbuna, Jr. & sign-off--“KURIMA” BY CHIWONISO MARAIRE; intro to segment Nyasha Laing--“SUN GODDESS” commemorating Ramsey Lewis’ birthday which was on May 27; closing--“MILESTONES” BY MILES DAVIS commemorating his birthday which was on May 26.

Support AfricaNow! and your community station WPFW.  Donate online visit https://pledge.wpfwfm.org/index.php and then on Step 1: Contribution scroll down to AfricaNow! to make your donation to the show. Or on our CashApp, which is $WPFW write it is for AfricaNow! and include your email address. Thank you.

Originally broadcast on WPFW 89.3FM, Washington, DC. Tune into AfricaNow! live on WPFW 89.3 FM in the Washington, DC Metropolitan area or visit www.wpfwfm.org on Wednesdays from 1:00 to 2:00PM (U.S. Eastern).

AfricaNow! May 31, 2023 Kumina Queen, Survivors of Genocide & O. Egbuna, Jr. on ALD

AfricaNow! October 11, 2023 DRC—Upcoming Election, Neocolonialism & More

Topics and Guests: Since colonization until the present-day multinational corporations have exploited the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s (DRC) vast mineral wealth at the expense of Congolese lives.  A new report by DRC-based organization IBGDH, or Initiative pour la Bonne Gouvernance et les Droits Humains (Initiative for Good Governance and Human Rights) and Amnesty International details human rights abuses exacerbated by the expansion of mining companies extracting cobalt and copper for the booming rechargeable battery industry.  The report—Powering Change or Business as Usual? —also documents forced evictions of people from their lands to make way for these mining companies. (Mining of cobalt, copper in DRC leading to human rights abuses: Report, Al Jazeera, September 12, 2023 https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/9/12/mining-of-cobalt-copper-in-drc-leading-to-human-rights-abuses-report) Meanwhile the eastern part of DRC continues to suffer from impact of conflict waged by various armed groups.

These and other major topics will feature prominently in the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections on December 20, 2023.  Last week on October 2 popular 2018 Nobel Peace recipient Dr. Denis Mukwege entered the presidential race to try to unseat President Felix Tshisekedi.  Many are excited and anxious to see what the entry into the political arena of Dr. Denis Mukwege will mean for the DRC.

Today we present a recent conversation on the DRC with Kambale Musavuli, Analyst, Center for Research on the Congo-Kinshasa, and former National Spokesperson for the Friends of the Congo. He is a human rights advocate and is one of the leading political and cultural Congolese voices. Also in the discussion is Maurice Carney, Executive Director of Friends of the Congo.  The conversation is focusing on the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections in December, the continued exploitation of the country’s resources by multinational corporations, the population’s negative sentiment of the UN and more.   

Congo Week (Breaking The Silence) October 15 – 23, 2023
Contact information:  https://congoweek.org/calendar-of-events.html
Friends of the Congo: https://friendsofthecongo.org/ 

MUSIC ON THE SHOW: intro--“FEAR NOT FOR MAN” BY FELA KUTI commemorating his birthday on October 15 (October 15, 1938—August 2, 1997); sign-off and closing song--“AFRICAN MARKETPLACE” BY ABDULLAH IBRAHIM commemorating his birthday on October 9 (October 9, 1934—).

Next week we begin our Fall Membership Drive.  Support AfricaNow! and your community station WPFW.  Donate online visit https://pledge.wpfwfm.org/index.php and then on Step 1: Contribution scroll down to AfricaNow! to make your donation to the show. Or on our CashApp, which is $WPFW write it is for AfricaNow! and include your email address. Thank you.

Originally broadcast on WPFW 89.3FM, Washington, DC. Tune into AfricaNow! live on WPFW 89.3 FM in the Washington, DC Metropolitan area or visit www.wpfwfm.org on Wednesdays from 1:00 to 2:00PM (U.S. Eastern).

Photo: DRC UN Map from https://www.un.org/geospatial/content/democratic-republic-congo

AfricaNow! Oct. 11, 2023 DRC- -Upcoming Election, Neocolonialism and More

On this episode, your host Lem Malabuyo will introduce you to three of MAF’s newest missionaries: Josh and Emi True, and Ryan Vinall. You’ll hear how God worked in their lives to lead them to this point where they’ve just gone through the acceptance process at MAF headquarters. You’ll also learn about the commitment it takes to become missionary pilot/mechanics, like Josh and Ryan. And you’ll hear from Emi, about her heart for missions and how she’s looking forward to jumping into ministry opportunities in Bunia, DR Congo.

Episode 9 with Josh and Emi True, and Ryan Vinall

AfricaNow! October 16, 2024 DRC—The Power of Community Organizations

Topic and Guests: In the spirit of WPFW’s Fall Pledge Drive theme—The Circle Unbroken: 47 Years of Being in Community—AfricaNow! focuses on the knowledge, resilience and commitment of community organizations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).  These organizations work with the community on frontlines of conflict, mining extractive industry, rainforest, and more.  We begin the show with a presentation by Samuel Yagase of Group of Village Organizations for Autonomous Development (GOVA) and filmmaker Petna Ndaliko of Yole Africa.  Both are members of Basandja Coalition which is touring the U.S.  The presentation a few weeks ago was sponsored by General Board of Church and Society of the United Methodist Church and Friends of the Congo.  Maurice Carney Executive Director and a founder of Friends of the Congo joins the show to discuss the power of local, grassroots organizations in the DRC making a difference. 
 
MUSIC ON THE SHOW: intro--“INDEPENDENCE CHA CHA” BY GRAND KALLE.
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Support AfricaNow! and your community station WPFW during our Fall Pledge Drive October 14 to November 3.  Donate online visit https://pledge.wpfwfm.org/index.php and then on Step 1: Contribution scroll down to AfricaNow! to make your donation to the show. Or on our CashApp, which is $WPFWFM write it is for AfricaNow! and include your email address. Thank you.

Originally broadcast on WPFW 89.3FM, Washington, DC. Tune into AfricaNow! live on WPFW 89.3 FM in the Washington, DC Metropolitan area or visit www.wpfwfm.org on Wednesdays from 1:00 to 2:00PM (U.S. Eastern).

AfricaNow! Oct. 16, 2024 DRC—The Power of Community Organizations

AfricaNow! January 29, 2025 Reflections on Autonomy, Direct Democracy & Marronage with Modibo Kadalie Pt. IV & Update on the Situation in Goma, DRC

Topics and Guests: The show begins with an update on the attack on the city of Goma in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) by Rwandan-backed M23 rebels.  Featured in the conversation is   Congolese journalist Akilimali Chomachoma and Nils Kinuani, Board Director, and Immigration Coordinator for the Congolese Community of Washington Metropolitan (CCWM).

Following up from our show last week, today, we will listen to Pt. IV of a four-part series where we explore direct democracy, autonomy, marronage, Black anarchism, and atheism with Modibo Kadalie. 

Dr. Modibo Kadalie is a social ecologist, academic and lifelong radical activist within the Civil Rights, Black Power and Pan-Africanist movements and the Founding Convener of the Autonomous Research Institute for Direct Democracy and Social Ecology (ARIDDSE). He is the author of Pan-African Social Ecology: Speeches, Conversations and Essays (2019); Internationalism, Pan-Africanism and the Struggle of Social Classes; Intimate Direct Democracy: Fort Mose, the Great Dismal Swamp, and the Human Quest for Freedom (2022) and a number of other articles.  

MUSIC ON THE SHOW: intro--“TRÈS IMPOLI” BY FRANCO & T.P.O.K. JAZZ; intro segment two--“ELMINA” BY KOFI; break--“KURIMA” BY CHIWONISO MARAIRE;  sign-off--“JARABI” BY SONA JOBARTEH; closing--“FOUR” BY SONNY STITT remembering his birthday which February 2 (February 2, 1924–July 22, 1982).

Support AfricaNow! and your community station WPFW.  Donate online: visit https://pledge.wpfwfm.org/index.php and then on Step 1: Contribution scroll down to AfricaNow! to make your donation to the show. Or on our CashApp, which is $WPFWFM write it is for AfricaNow! and include your email address. Thank you.

Originally broadcast on WPFW 89.3FM, Washington, DC. Tune into AfricaNow! live on WPFW 89.3 FM in the Washington, DC Metropolitan area or visit www.wpfwfm.org on Wednesdays from 1:00 to 2:00PM (U.S. Eastern).


AfricaNow! Jan. 29, 2025 Reflections on Autonomy, Direct Democracy & Marronage with Modibo Kadalie Pt. IV, & Update on the Situation in Goma, DRC

AfricaNow! February 5, 2025 Current & Continuous Aggression against DRC Contextualized

Topic and Guests: The show continues to focus and contextualizes the constant aggression against the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The conversations featured dissect the current situation Goma, DRC dealing with M23 takeover and Rwanda’s involvement; Uganda’s involvement; the continued external destabilization by the U.S. and other western countries; the continued neo-colonial role of multinational corporations and western nations who are exploiting the DRC’s vast resources; the massive loss of life and the plight of internally displaced people and more.  Guests include Akilimali Chomachoma, journalist in Goma, DRC, and Claude Gatebuke, Co-founder, Executive Director, African Great Lakes Action Network.  Also featured are diaspora Congolese voices amplifying demands from the people.  The diaspora Congolese voices were part of a recent demonstration at the Embassy of Rwanda presented by the Congolese Community of Washington Metropolitan (CCWM), Friends of Congo and others.  You will now hear portions of speeches by  Nils Kinuani, Board Director, and Immigration Coordinator for the Congolese Community of Washington Metropolitan (CCWM), and Elvi of the Future of Congo organization. 

MUSIC ON THE SHOW: intro--“WHO THE CAP FIT” BY BOB MARLEY & THE WAILERS remembering Bob Marley’s birthday on February 6 he would have turned 80 on that day this year (February 6, 1945–May 11, 1981); intro segment two--“TRÈS IMPOLI” BY FRANCO & T.P.O.K. JAZZ; break--“KURIMA” BY CHIWONISO MARAIRE; background to segment three with diaspora Congolese voices--“GET UP STAND UP” BY BOB MARLEY & THE WAILERS remembering Bob Marley’s birthday on February 6 he would have turned 80 on that day this year (February 6, 1945–May 11, 1981); sign-off--“1865 (96 DEGREES IN THE SHADE)” BY THIRD WORLD remembering the lead singer of Third World Bunny Rugs’s birthday (February 6, 1948–February 2, 2014); closing--“UHAKI (JUSTICE)” BY ALL STARS OF GOMA NORTH KIVU DRC.

Support AfricaNow! and your community station WPFW during our Winter Pledge Drive February 9-22, 2025.  Donate online: visit https://pledge.wpfwfm.org/index.php and then on Step 1: Contribution scroll down to AfricaNow! to make your donation to the show. Or on our CashApp, which is $WPFWFM write it is for AfricaNow! and include your email address. Thank you.

Originally broadcast on WPFW 89.3FM, Washington, DC. Tune into AfricaNow! live on WPFW 89.3 FM in the Washington, DC Metropolitan area or visit www.wpfwfm.org on Wednesdays from 1:00 to 2:00PM (U.S. Eastern).

Photo by AfricaNow! of protest at Rwanda Embassy in Washington, DC Feb. 1, 2025.


AfricaNow! Feb. 5, 2025 Current & Continuous Aggression against DRC Contextualized

AfricaNow! February 26, 2025 Update on Current Aggression Against the DRC

Topic and Guest: The show today continues to focus on and contextualize the constant aggression against the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The conversation dissects the current situation in the DRC dealing with M23 takeover of Bukavu and Goma; Rwanda’s involvement; Uganda’s involvement; the continued external destabilization by the U.S. and other western countries; the continued neo-colonial role of multinational corporations and western nations who are exploiting the DRC’s vast resources; the massive loss of life and the plight of internally displaced people and more.  Joining the to discuss this issue is Claude Gatebuke, Co-founder, Executive Director, African Great Lakes Action Network.  

MUSIC ON THE SHOW: intro--“INDEPENDANCE CHA CHA” BY GRAND KALLE; break--“FIGHT THE POWER” BY ISLEY BROTHERS as we remember Chris Jasper (December 30, 1951–February 23, 2025) member of the Isley Brothers who joined the ancestors a few days ago on February 23; sign-off--“CONFIRMATION” BY DEXTER GORDON remembering his birthday (February 27, 1923–April 25, 1990); closing--“COMPARED TO WHAT” BY ROBERTA FLACK remember Roberta Flack who joined the ancestors two days ago on February 24 (February 10, 1937–February 24, 2025).

Support AfricaNow! and your community station WPFW.  Donate online: visit https://pledge.wpfwfm.org/index.php and then on Step 1: Contribution scroll down to AfricaNow! to make your donation to the show. Or on our CashApp, which is $WPFWFM write it is for AfricaNow! and include your email address. Thank you.

Originally broadcast on WPFW 89.3FM, Washington, DC. Tune into AfricaNow! live on WPFW 89.3 FM in the Washington, DC Metropolitan area or visit www.wpfwfm.org on Wednesdays from 1:00 to 2:00PM (U.S. Eastern).

Photos by AfricaNow! of protest at Rwanda Embassy in Washington, DC Feb. 1, 2025. Map of DRC provinces from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Provinces_o…lic_of_the_Congo.

AfricaNow! Feb. 26, 2025 Update on Current Aggression Against the DRC

AfricaNow! March 12, 2025 Voices in Solidarity with Congolese Women

Topic and Guests: As we commemorate Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day on March 8 today the show focuses on violence against women during the M23 takeover of Bukavu and Goma in Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).   The show features voices of Congolese diaspora women and others we recorded from the recent March in Solidarity with Congolese Women on International Women’s Day.  The march began at the Rwanda Embassy to the White House.  The event was organized by various organizations from the Congolese diaspora and beyond: such as African Diaspora Connection, Congolese Community of Washington Metropolitan,the Future of Congo organization, Genocongo, Friends of the Congo and others.   The speakers highlighted the disproportional high rate of violence against women during the continuous aggression against DRC; M23 takeover of Bukavu and Goma; Rwanda’s involvement; the continued external destabilization by western countries; the continued neo-colonial role of multinational corporations and western nations who are exploiting the DRC’s vast resources; the massive loss of life and the plight of internally displaced people and more.

In the first segment you hear Sylvia Rubuye a Panzi Youth Ambassador, Jessica Ngambi founder of African Diaspora Connection, Amina Bukasa, Paul Pamphrey of Friends of the Congo, and Sylvia Rubuye a Panzi Foundation Youth Ambassador and a tech worker representing No Tech for Apartheid.  

Then in the second segment you will hear Camille Mbayo, Sarafina Nuritibu, Jessica Ngambi founder of African Diaspora Connection, Yejide Orunmila President of the African National Women’s Organization, and D. Bahati.  AfricaNow! also features Elvie Banda of the Future of Congo from the February 1, 2025 demonstration at the Rwanda Embassy.

MUSIC ON THE SHOW: intro--“LEKELA MUADI” BY TSHALA MUANA; break--“MAI” BY CHIWONISO MARAIRE remembering her birthday (March 5, 1976–July 24, 2013) also commemorating Women’s History Month; sign-off--“AFRICA AT THE CENTER OF THE WORLD” BY FELA KUTI & ROY AYERS remembering Roy Ayers who joined the ancestors on March 4, 2025 (September 10, 1940–March 4, 2025); closing--“MY PEOPLE” BY ANGIE STONE remembering Angie Stone who joined the ancestors on March 1, 2025 (December 18, 1961–March 1, 2025).

Support AfricaNow! and your community station WPFW.  Donate online: visit https://pledge.wpfwfm.org/index.php and then on Step 1: Contribution scroll down to AfricaNow! to make your donation to the show. Or on our CashApp, which is $WPFWFM write it is for AfricaNow! and include your email address. Thank you.

Originally broadcast on WPFW 89.3FM, Washington, DC. Tune into AfricaNow! live on WPFW 89.3 FM in the Washington, DC Metropolitan area or visit www.wpfwfm.org on Wednesdays from 1:00 to 2:00PM (U.S. Eastern).

Photos by AfricaNow! of protest at Rwanda Embassy in Washington, DC Mar. 8, 2025.

AfricaNow! Mar. 12, 2025 Voices in Solidarity with Congolese Women

We are doing one more episode featuring the Flight Follow podcast!

This month, we'll listen to two episodes from the second season, originally released in 2019. The first segment interviews our maintenance specialists at HQ in Idaho. Then, in the segment segment, you'll hear about Stephen Hale, MAF pilot in Western Democratic Republic of the Congo, and his mother Renée Hale taking a special flight together.

We hope you enjoy these episodes from Flight Follow! We will get back to our normal From the Hangar episodes in May. Thanks everyone!

Episode 24, two more episodes from Flight Follow!

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a missionary pilot overseas? Or have you been curious about what it’s like to raise a family in a different culture? Or have you ever thought about how you could use your skills, talents, and abilities to serve the Lord, wherever you are? Then you’re in the right place. On From the Hangar, your host Lem sits down with a variety of staff serving at MAF, both on the field and at HQ. We’ll talk about what led them to MAF, what it’s like serving in the roles they’re in, what their life is like outside of the cockpit or office, and more. Welcome to From the Hangar!

WURD Radio is the only African-American owned and operated talk radio station in Pennsylvania, and one of few in the country. Taking a multimedia approach – on-air, online and in the community – WURD is widely recognized as the pulse of the African-American community locally, regionally, and nationally. From mayoral races to presidential elections, from the street corner to the corner suite, WURD has tackled the hard issues as an influential, respected and powerful voice in the marketplace.

New tracks tagged #Democratic Republic of the Congo