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Books, music and kitchen picks

A few honest starting points for exploring African literature, music and food at home. Real titles and simple categories, linked to an Amazon search.

Affiliate disclosure: some links on this page are affiliate links. If you buy or book through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. We do not invent reviews or ratings, and it never changes what we recommend. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Read

Search on AmazonThings Fall Apart by Chinua AchebeOne of the most read African novels in the world. Search on AmazonThe Africa Cookbook by Jessica B. HarrisRecipes and food history from across the continent.

Play and cook

Search on AmazonA djembe drumRope-tuned drums with a goatskin head sound the most traditional. Sizes vary; 10 to 13 inch heads suit beginners. Search on AmazonA large Dutch oven or stockpotJollof, stews and soups for a crowd need a heavy pot that holds heat evenly.

How we pick

We list well-known books and simple, widely sold product types that fit what we cover. We have not been paid to include anything, we do not publish ratings or reviews we have not done, and prices change, so always check the seller's page. Store and booking pages are run by those companies, not by us.

Newsletter

One country, one story, every week

Each week we spotlight one African country: a place to know, a dish to cook, a song to play and a phrase to learn. You also get new pages and Shorts first.