In this thought-provoking episode, we delve into the intricate relationship between media, memory, and identity in contemporary Africa. Inspired by Octavia Butler’s seminal 1993 work, The Parable of the Sower, the title of this episode reflects both the visionary nature of Butler’s writing and the biblical connotations of the sower—planting seeds of understanding and reflection.

As Africa, like the rest of the globe, has embraced the transformative power of telephones, television, radio, and the internet, we are living in an era of unprecedented access to information. However, despite these advancements, the continent continues to grapple with reclaiming and reshaping its own narratives. This episode explores how modern media has both expanded and complicated our perceptions of Africa.

We pay homage to the profound insights of the late Binyavanga Wainaina, whose influential essay How to Write About Africa remains a powerful critique of Western stereotypes and a call for authentic representation. Through his words and reflections, we examine how contemporary media shapes and sometimes distorts African stories and identities.

Join us as we navigate the complexities of media influence and cultural representation, seeking to understand. This episode is a journey through the seeds of narrative and memory, planting hope for a future where Africa’s stories are told with depth, respect, and accuracy.