Mitchell Hamline School of Law in St. Paul, Minnesota on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024 announced Camille Davidson as its next president and dean. She is the first Black woman to serve in the role. Photo: Courtesy Mitchell Hamline School of Law
Mitchell Hamline School of Law in St. Paul, Minnesota on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024 announced Camille Davidson as its next president and dean. She is the first Black woman to serve in the role. Photo: Courtesy Mitchell Hamline School of Law
Long time educator Camille Davidson is the new president and dean of Mitchell Hamline School of Law, becoming the first Black woman to serve in this role at the institution.
She is set to begin her work on July 1, leaving her current role as dean at Southern Illinois University (SIUS) School of Law and replacing Interim president and dean Jim Hilbert.
“Camille emerged as a standout candidate early on in a pool of highly qualified individuals,” said former trustee Jim Jacobson, who led the search for this appointment.
Davidson holds a bachelor’s in business administration from Millsaps College in Mississippi and a J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, DC. Before becoming a dean of SIU and serving as a professor at North Carolina’s Wake Forest and Charlotte School of Law, she was an assistant counsel in the US House of Representatives. She also worked as a judicial hearing officer and in health law in North Carolina.
The dean-to-be expressed enthusiasm about her upcoming role.
“I am thrilled to be leading Mitchell Hamline,” said Davidson in a statement. “Mitchell Hamline’s record of innovation and adaptability . . . speaks to its independence and forward-looking approach.”
Davidson began her tenure at SIU Law in July 2020 and recently secured their largest-everdonation of $10 million. Her stewardship led to SIU Law upticks in applications, diversity, and post-graduation employment rates. She says she is excited to bring her talents to Minnesota, jokingly adding that she already bought two winter coats.
“I have a long history of both practicing law and teaching law in various environments and I look forward to bringing my wealth of experience to this region,” Davidson said.
The departure area of Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport which this week was named the most on-time in the world by the aviation analytics company Cirium. Photo: Courtesy Metropolitan Airports Commission
The departure area of Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport which this week was named the most on-time in the world by the aviation analytics company Cirium. Photo: Courtesy Metropolitan Airports Commission
Minnesota’s flagship airport, Minneapolis-St. Paul International, was presented on Tuesday with the prestigious On-Time Award. The award, presented by leading aviation analytics company Cirium, recognizes airport performance and reliability each year.
This marks only the second time a U.S. airport has received this honor, as announced by the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC). The first time a U.S. airport scooped the award was in 2011 when Seattle-Tacoma International Airport got the global recognition.
“These awards affirm the trust and expectations that MSP has earned over many years in helping millions of people travel easily and efficiently across the globe to strengthen regional business connections and support personal and leisure travel,” said Rick King, chairman of MAC, in a news release.
MSP achieved an 84.44 percent on-time departure rate across its 289,817 flights in 2023, despite a difficult flight season. Last year’s snowfall proved to be a challenge forthe airport, as it saw 13.4 inches of snow, the second-largest February snowstorm on record, according to Minnesota’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Still, MSP’s performance prevailed over four runner-up airports: India’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD), India’s Kempegowda International Airport (BLR), Colombia’s El Dorado International Airport (BOG), and Utah’s Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), respectively.
“Last winter challenged our region with heavy and frequent snowstorms, yet our teams showed their dedication keeping equipment, facilities and the MSP airfield in prime condition to achieve the best possible operational capabilities that contributed to achieving this rare industry honor,” said Brian Ryks, CEO of MAC.
MSP also announced plans for the construction of two additional gates at Terminal 2. This $240 million project, slated to begin in mid-2024 and conclude by 2026, aims to enhance the airport’s capacity to accommodate more flights.
Julius Nyerere immortalized with life-size statue at African Union headquarters
The founding father of Tanzania and one of Africa’s most iconic figures, former President Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere was honored Sunday with a statue outside the headquarters of the African Union (AU) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
“The legacy of this remarkable leader encapsulates the essence of Pan Africanism, profound wisdom, and service to Africa,” said Mr. Moussa Faki Mahamat, the chair of the African Union Commission at the unveiling ceremony in a livestream of the event monitored by Mshale.
African Union Commission chair, Mr. Moussa Faki Mahamat, third left, is joined by President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania, second right, and other African leaders for a group photo following the unveiling of a statue honoring the founding father of Tanzania, Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024 in Addis Ababa. Nyerere joins Kwame Nkrumah and Haile Selassie as the only African leaders with statues in their honor outside the African Union headquarters. Photo: Courtesy African Union
Mr. Mahamat made the remarks in the presence of numerous African presidents that were attending the 37th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the Heads of State and Government of the African Union. Among those present was President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania.
“To him, Africa’s wellbeing came first, before popular approval, personal fortune or country wellbeing,” President Hassan said of the former leader of her country.
Known as Mwalimu – the Swahili word for teacher – the late president, a teacher before joining the independence movement, led Tanzania from independence in 1961 to 1985, among the very first of African presidents that left power voluntarily during that time.
He was among the founders of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), the predecessor to the current African Union.
He was 77 when died on Oct. 14, 1999 at a London hospital while receiving treatment for leukemia after also suffering a stroke.
The life-size bronze statue outside the grounds of the African Union, is the third of its kind to be unveiled in honor of an African leader. The other two are of the late Pan-Africanist president of Ghana, Kwame Nkrumah and Ethiopia’s emperor Haile Selassie.
Rais Ruto nchini Ethiopia:
Rais ahudhuria uzinduzi wa sanamu la Julius Nyerere. Mchongo wa Nyerere wawekwa afisi za umoja wa Afrika.
Mr. Mahamat noted that during his time as president of Tanzania, Mr. Nyerere made the country a sanctuary for liberation movements across the continent, including those that were fighting to end Apartheid in South Africa. He later expanded his commitments to allow the Palestine Liberation Organization, as well as liberation movements from Latin America to operate from Tanzania.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania and African Union Commission chair, Mr. Moussa Faki Mahamat lead other African leaders in the ribbon-cutting during unveiling of a statue honoring the founding father of Tanzania, Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024 in Addis Ababa. Nyerere joins Kwame Nkrumah and Haile Selassie as the only African leaders with statues in their honor outside the African Union headquarters. Photo: Courtesy African Union
“May the spirit of Mwalimu’s wisdom and humility guide the work of this building that he now stands as its protector,” said Mr. Mahamat.
Ms. Kendra Lee is joining Congresswoman Ilhan Omar's reelection team as the campaign manager. She was the training manager in the U.S. Senate runoff in Georgia for Sen. Jon Ossoff that gave Democrats control of the U.S. Senate. Photo: Courtesy of Ilhan Omar Campaign
Ms. Kendra Lee is joining Congresswoman Ilhan Omar's reelection team as the campaign manager. She was the training manager in the U.S. Senate runoff in Georgia for Sen. Jon Ossoff that gave Democrats control of the U.S. Senate. Photo: Courtesy of Ilhan Omar Campaign
Congresswoman Ilhan Omar has hired a key member of the 2021 Jon Ossoff U.S. Senate runoff campaign in Georgia that gave Democrats control of the U.S. Senate to be her campaign manager, as she readies for a rematch against former Minneapolis City Council member Don Samuels.
Mr. Samuels announced in November that he will run against her again in the Democratic primary.
Ms. Kendra Lee, a lawyer by training, was Senator Ossoff’s training manager in the crucial 2021 Senate runoff. She said in a statement to Mshale that she was going to work for the Minneapolis congresswoman because “I have dedicated my professional career to ensuring that underrepresented and underserved communities have a seat at the table and Rep. Omar has fought for those communities since being elected to public office in 2016.”
Ms. Lee is a seasoned Democratic operative and her hiring suggests Rep. Omar is very much aware of the threat of another close race, as was the case in her 2022 reelection bid when she defeated Mr. Samuels by just two percentage points in the Democratic primary.
A former elections commissioner at Shelby County – Tennessee’s largest county – Ms. Lee has worked on a number of campaigns, including Elizabeth Warren’s presidential campaign where she was a community organizer. She was the statewide voter protection director for the Tennessee Democratic Party, a necessary job in a state known as “The Worst State in the Country for Voting Rights.”
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison’s former organizing director Mr. Brayden Sorenson is also coming on board as the campaign’s organizing director. As campaign manager for current Saint Paul City Council president Mitra Jalali, Mr. Sorenson coordinated the campaigns of the other six women that ultimately became the history making all-female Saint Paul City Council last month.
“All of the issues and rights my constituents and I care about most are under attack, and I will not back down in protecting them,” said Rep. Omar. “I am an organizer who believes that organized people will always beat organized money, and I am excited to announce a talented and experienced team that will lead our organizing efforts this year.”
Ms. Lee said she expects outside Republican money to pour into the district to unseat Rep. Omar as in previous races, but stressed the congresswoman’s grassroots organizing ethos should see her prevail.
“Our campaign is energized and excited to engage with our voters on the issues they care about most,” she said.
Rep. Ilhan Omar speaks to canvassers as they get ready to knock on doors at the University of Minnesota Minneapolis campus during a doorknocking exercise her campaign organized on Sept. 18, 2022. Mshale Staff Photo by Panashe Matemba-Mutasa
In a release Thursday announcing the staffing of her reelection campaign team, Rep. Omar, who is the only African-born member in Congress, touted her legislative achievements including the over 60 bills passed in the House and over 1,200 cosponsored bills; $4 billion in federal grant money for Minnesotans; almost 100 town halls and roundtables.
“I am honored to serve Minnesota’s Fifth District in Congress and I am excited for the opportunity to earn my constituents’ vote for a fourth term,” said Rep. Omar. “Since being elected to Congress, I am proud of the work I have done to defend and advocate for women’s rights, address the climate crisis, center human rights in our foreign policy, and protect our democracy and voting rights. My team has helped thousands of constituents restore Social Security benefits, expedite passports, reunite families, restore health insurance, and so much more.
Others rounding up the campaign leadership team are;
Rep. Mohamud Noor of Minneapolis speaks on 2024 legislative session as lawmakers convene
Rep. Mohamud Noor who represents District 60B in the Minnesota House speaks on the issues the House Human Services Finance Committee that he chairs may work on in 2024. The Minnesota Legislature’s 2024 session convened on Monday.
Kelvin Kiptum of Kenya celebrates his Chicago Marathon world record victory in Chicago's Grant Park on Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023. According to a fellow athlete, Kiptum died in a car crash in Kenya late Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024. He was 24. Photo: Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune via AP
NAIROBI — Marathon world record-holder Kelvin Kiptum, who was set to be a superstar of long-distance running and was a top contender for gold at the Olympics in Paris this year, was killed along with his coach in a car crash in Kenya.
Their vehicle was the only one involved in the crash late Sunday and Kiptum was driving when it veered off a road and into a ditch before hitting a tree, police said.
Kenya’s Kiptum was 24 and one of the most exciting prospects to emerge in road running in years, having broken the world record in only his third appearance in an elite marathon. His record, set at last year’s Chicago Marathon, was ratified by international track federation World Athletics just last week.
His death reverberated through Kenya, where runners are the biggest sports stars. Kenyans have also gotten used to tragic tales involving their top athletes after a number have died in road crashes, other accidents and domestic violence cases.
“He was only 24,” Kenyan President William Ruto said in a statement offering his condolences. “Kiptum was our future.”
Kiptum and his Rwandan coach, Gervais Hakizimana, were killed in the crash at around 11 p.m., police said. It happened near the town of Kaptagat in western Kenya, in the heart of the high-altitude region that’s renowned as a training base for the best distance runners from Kenya and across the world.
Kiptum was born and raised in the area.
The wreckage of the vehicle in which world marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum and his Rwandese coach, Garvais Hakizimana, were traveling in before they were involved Sunday night in a fatal road crash, is brought at Kaptabat police station, near Eldoret, Kenya, Monday, Feb. 12, 2024. According to Kenyan police, Kiptum was driving the sedan when he lost control and crashed along a road in Uasin Gishu county on their way to his training camp in Kapsabet, western Kenya, killing him and Hakizimana on the spot. Photo: AP
A third person, a 24-year-old woman, was also in the car and was taken to a hospital with serious injuries, police said. Kiptum and Hakizimana died at the scene.
Athletes and family members, including Kiptum’s father, gathered at the hospital mortuary where the bodies of Kiptum and his coach were taken. One of the athletes, former women’s steeplechase world champion Milcah Chemos, struggled to speak while breaking down in tears.
“I have no words to explain the loss of Kelvin,” she said.
Kenneth Kimaiyo, a friend of Kiptum, said he arrived at the crash scene soon after it happened and Kiptum had been thrown out of the car. Photos showed the silver car with a badly mangled roof and the windshield crushed flat.
Kiptum was the first man to run the marathon in under 2 hours, 1 minute in an official race when he set the world record of 2:00.35 in Chicago in October, beating the mark of fellow Kenyan and marathon great Eliud Kipchoge, who is the reigning two-time Olympic champion.
Men’s race winner Kelvin Kiptum of Kenya holds a trophy together with women’s race winner Sifan Hassan, unseen, of the Netherlands after the London Marathon in London on April 23, 2023. Kiptum was killed along with his coach in a car crash in Kenya late Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024. Photo: Alberto Pezzali/AP File
Kiptum and Kipchoge were expected to provide an enticing all-Kenyan battle for marathon gold in Paris and Kiptum was due to start his season at the Rotterdam Marathon in April, which would have been his first event since breaking the world record.
“An athlete who had a whole life ahead of him to achieve incredible greatness,” Kipchoge said in a message paying tribute.
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe was one of the first to offer his condolences in a statement on X, formerly Twitter.
“We are shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the devastating loss of Kelvin Kiptum and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana,” Coe wrote.
“It was only earlier this week in Chicago, the place where Kelvin set his extraordinary marathon World Record, that I was able to officially ratify his historic time. An incredible athlete leaving an incredible legacy, we will miss him dearly.”
Ivory Coast's Max-Alain Gradel lifts the trophy after winning the African Cup of Nations final soccer match between Nigeria and Ivory Coast, at the Olympic Stadium of Ebimpe in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024. Photo: Sunday Alamba/AP
Sébastien Haller scored late to lead host nation Ivory Coast to a remarkable Africa Cup of Nations title with a 2-1 victory over Nigeria in the final on Sunday.
Haller fired in from close range in the 81st minute to complete the turnaround after Franck Kessié drew the Elephants level in the 62nd.
Veteran Ivory Coast midfielder Max Gradel, now 36, was part of the 2015 championship team.
Representing the national team is everything, and to have brought joy to all Ivorians with what I’ve done is even more incredible,” Gradel said Sunday. “Perhaps I don’t realize everything that happened today yet, there are too many things in my head, but I think I’ll take some time to realize it.
“The most important thing is that Ivorians are proud of the team and I think they are that tonight. Winning the Africa Cup this evening, there is nothing better, nothing better.”
Haller’s second goal in as many games after recovering from an ankle injury that kept him out of the group stage completed a personal triumph for the player, just over a year since he returned from cancer treatment.
Nigeria captain William Troost-Ekong had scored in the 38th against the run of play with a header to a corner. The Super Eagles had been outplayed in the first half and really only threatened again in a desperate attempt to equalize after Haller’s goal.
Troost-Ekong also scored when the teams last met in the group stage for Nigeria’s 1-0 win. That match had been just the start of the Elephants’ troubles as Ivory Coast was almost eliminated in its next game. It fired its coach but recorded late comeback wins over defending champion Senegal and Mali in the knockout stage, before Haller fired the team into the final with the winning goal against Congo in the semifinals.
Ivory Coast’s unlikely progression through the knockout stage as it overcame setback after setback convinced many devout Ivorians that God was on the team’s side.
“It was an extraordinary tournament,” said interim coach Emerse Faé, the previous assistant who took over on his 40th birthday.
Nigeria conceded as many goals in the final as it had in all its previous games in the tournament. Coach José Peseiro had banked on a mean defense to earn what would have been the Super Eagles’ fourth title.
“We played a fantastic tournament, but today Côte d’Ivoire was better,” Peseiro said. The Portuguese coach said the pressure got to his players and commended the home team for showing none.
In the final, Ivory Coast’s pressure finally paid off when Kessié’s header to Adingra’s corner set off a tumult of joy in the 60,000-capacity Alassane Ouattara Stadium. Kessié ran to the corner and raised his hand to his forehead in salute as the sea of orange-clad fans rippled in delight.
A small pocket of green-and-white clad Nigeria fans behind one of the goals had struggled to make an impact.
Haller’s winner set off celebrations that will last long through the night in Abidjan and in the rest of the country of 27.5 million people.
Excitement had been building for days with streets turned into viewing areas with plastic tables and chairs set in front of TV screens in the district of Adjamé, and fan zones around the city also showed the game.
Traffic was brought to a crawl for miles around the stadium hours before kickoff, providing street vendors with a captive customer base to sell chilled bottles of water, fruit, snacks, Ivory Coast flags, hats, wigs and towels, replica jerseys for both teams, and more.
But it caused problems for the Nigeria team bus getting to the game. Armed soldiers frantically urged motorists stuck in gridlock outside the stadium to pull over for the bus and security detail to make it through.
Fans had to abandon stationary commuter buses to walk to the match.
The two will play Sunday at the 60,000 capacity Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan. Kickoff time is 2:00 p.m. American Central Standard Time (CST) just hours before the Super Bowl that starts at 5:30 p.m. CST.
Broadcasting rights for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in the United States are held by beIN Sports for both the English and Spanish broadcasts. If your cable package does not have it or you are a cord cutter, FuboTV might be the way to go as it has a free seven-day trial that will allow you to stream it. beIN Sports also broadcasts other African soccer competitions such as the CAF Champions League, CAF Confederation Cup, the Super Cup and the Women’s Champions League.
The third-place playoff between DR Congo and South Africa will be on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. CST, also on beIN Sports.
Here is your Mshale guide to 2024 Black History Month events in the Twin Cities.
Here is your Mshale guide to 2024 Black History Month events in the Twin Cities.
February is Black History Month and various institutions in the Twin Cities and around the state are hosting events to celebrate one of America’s oldest organized history celebrations. Here is a non-exhaustive list of free events Mshale staff has put together.
You can read more about the origins of Black history Month at this link.
When: Feb. 10, 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Where: Harvest Best Academy, 1300 Olson Memorial Highway, Minneapolis, MN 55411
This is a free hands-on STEM event where K-8th grade students will learn about health science and inventions through hands-on activities. Free lunch will be provided as well as raffles and awards.
When: Feb. 10, 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Where: The Case Building, 767 North Eustis Street Minneapolis, MN 55114
This is a monthly market on the second Saturday of each month that highlights Black businesses, food & culture. People may sell and purchase goods, learn about services, connect with community, enjoy live entertainment, and, taste a multitude of foods from around the cities.
When: Feb. 9,10, 16, 17, 23, 24 7:30 p.m.
Where: Friday screenings @ St. Paul Student Center Theater, 2017 Buford Ave, St Paul, MN 55108 and Saturday screenings @ Coffman Memorial Union Theater, 300 Washington Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455
Presented in partnership with the University of Minnesota’s Black Student Union, screenings will include:
When: Feb. 8, 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Where: Minneapolis Institute of Arts, 2400 Third Avenue South, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55404
Celebrate Black History Month at Mia with music, art-making, and more. This event is free and open to the public; food and drink from Agra Culture is available for purchase. Self Guided Tour of work by African American artists and Art-Making Zines with BakiBakiBaki. While at MIA, check out this free Exhibition: American Gothic: Gordon Parks and Ella Watson.
When: Feb. 22, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Where: Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery, 1256 Penn Avenue N.
Minneapolis, MN 55411
In this free workshop, Mica L. Anders, a professional genealogist, lecturer, and oral historian with over 15 years of experience will unlock the stories of your African American ancestors. She will introduce the tools you need to begin your family history journey, highlight uniquely African American sources, and help you uncover your family’s stories to honor their legacy.
When: Feb. 24, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Where: Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery, 1256 Penn Avenue N.
Minneapolis, MN 55411
A zine (short for magazine) is a small, diy-created book about any topic you can think of. In this workshop, you will create your own zine while learning about the history of African Americans in Minnesota and how the art form of self-publication is being used as a form of protest. You will be encouraged to draw, write, and/or collage to create your zines.
When: Feb. 24, Noon. – 3:00 p.m.
Where: Pimento Jamaican Chicken, 354 Wabasha St N, St Paul, MN 55102
St. Paul City Council members Cheniqua Jackson and Anika Bowie are one of the seven history making women elected to an all-female city council in November. This event is meant to be a fun way to celebrate Black History Month, celebrate Black Herstory Makers, a fundraiser for the two councilmembers and support a Black owned business.
Join local authors and historians for an evening celebrating Black History in the Twin Cities. From internationally-reaching events to local family histories, Shannon Gibney, Carolyn Holbrook, Ebony J. Davis, and David Mura will discuss their work and present on fascinating local topics. Followed by Q&A and book signing. Event is free but registration is required.
When: Feb. 24, 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Where: Brooklyn Park Library, 8500 W. Broadway Avenue Brooklyn Park, MN 55445
Celebrate Black History Month by meeting Minnesota Black Authors Expo’s (MBAE) authors. Stop by anytime to learn from local Black authors. MBAE authors will read from their books and engage with participants.
When: Feb. 25, 5 p.m.
Where: The Capri Theatre, 2027 W. Broadway Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55411
Organized by the Office of the Minnesota Senate President Bobby Joe Champion, Twin Cities phenom, Kennadi Hurst, a singer, actress, writer and resident worship leader at High Praise Ministries will perform the works of late American gospel singer Mahalia Jackson whose career spanned 40 years. Hurst will be accompanied by Sam Reeves.
DR Congo's Samuel Moutoussamy, left and Ivory Coast's Jean-Thierry Lazare Amani battle for the ball during the African Cup of Nations semifinal soccer match between Ivory Coast and DR Congo, at the Olympic Stadium of Ebimpe in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024. Photo: Sunday Alamba/AP
DR Congo's Samuel Moutoussamy, left and Ivory Coast's Jean-Thierry Lazare Amani battle for the ball during the African Cup of Nations semifinal soccer match between Ivory Coast and DR Congo, at the Olympic Stadium of Ebimpe in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024. Photo: Sunday Alamba/AP
ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast — Sébastien Haller fired host nation Ivory Coast into an Africa Cup of Nations final against old foe Nigeria with a 1-0 win over Congo on Wednesday.
Haller scored when his volley from Max Gradel’s cross bounced before going in under the crossbar in the 65th minute, setting off wild celebrations in the 60,000-capacity Alassane Ouattara Stadium.
Haller was making his first start of the tournament after recovering fully from an ankle injury, further good news for Ivorians who were already convinced God is helping the Elephants to their third Africa Cup title.
Progress seemed unlikely after a 4-0 loss to Equatorial Guinea left the team on the verge of a group-stage exit. But Ivory Coast has bounced back since firing its coach by overcoming one setback after another.
“It’s like a dream,” said interim coach Emerse Faé, who had to do without four players who were suspended for the semifinal following the dramatic quarterfinal win over Mali.
Kelechi Iheanacho scored the winning penalty earlier to send Nigeria to the final with a 4-2 shootout victory over South Africa after their semifinal ended 1-1 after extra time.
Nigeria’s players celebrate winning the penalty shootout during the African Cup of Nations semifinal soccer match between Nigeria and South Africa, at the Peace of Bouake stadium in Bouake Bouake, Ivory Coast, Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024. Photo: Themba Hadebe/AP
“It has been with me since growing up, I need to win something with the Super Eagles,” Nigeria star Victor Osimhen said.
Congo had made a good start against the home team. Cédric Bakambu thought he’d put the Leopards ahead but his celebrations were cut short and the goal ruled out as goalkeeper Yahia Fofana was deemed to have had the ball.
“It could have been another match,” Congo coach Sébastien Desabre said of the disallowed goal. “But we can’t re-write history. It is how it is.”
Simon Adingra headed a good chance wide and Franck Kessié struck the post for Ivory Coast, while Yoane Wissa had an big chance saved by Fofana at the other end.
Fan favorite Haller headed the best chance of the first half wide in the 41st and went on to miss other good chances. All were forgiven when he scored the winner.
Congo’s players and Desabre protested by holding their right hands in front of their mouths and two fingers to their temples during the country’s anthem to spotlight the armed violence taking part in the east of the country. The players also wore black armbands for the game.
South Africa’s players are dejected after losing the penalty shootout during the African Cup of Nations semifinal soccer match between Nigeria and South Africa, at the Peace of Bouake stadium in Bouake Bouake, Ivory Coast, Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024. Photo: Themba Hadebe/AP
SUPER EAGLES PREVAIL
There were no heroics this time in the penalty shootout from South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, who saved four in the quarterfinal win over Cape Verde.
Nigeria counterpart Stanley Nwabali made two penalty saves to deny the Bafana Bafana a place in the final — diving to the bottom left corner to thwart Teboho Mokoena, then Evidence Makgopa’s centrally placed effort.
The game in Bouaké had barely started when Osimhen doubled over in apparent pain. Osimhen was an injury worry before the game because of abdominal pain, but he was able to resume after a brief pause.
Nwabali was busy early on as South Africa dominated possession and created more chances in the first half.
Nigeria got its break midway through the second when Mothobi Mvala conceded a penalty for a foul on Osimhen.
Ivory Coast’s Sebastien Haller celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the African Cup of Nations semifinal soccer match between Ivory Coast and DR Congo, at the Olympic Stadium of Ebimpe in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024. Photo: Sunday Alamba/AP
Nigeria captain William Troost-Ekong coolly fired the spot kick to the center of the goal in the 67th, though Williams almost stopped it with his legs.
Osimhen thought he’d sealed the win in the 85th, only to have the goal ruled out after a VAR check found Alhassan Yusuf had fouled Percy Tau in the area. South Africa was duly awarded a penalty.
Mokoena made no mistake with the spot kick to equalize in the 90th minute and Khuliso Mudau went on to miss a great chance to seal a South African win in stoppage time.
Tyla performs during the Times Square New Year’s Eve celebration on Dec. 31, 2023, in New York. Photo: Andy Kropa/Invision/AP File
Tyla performs during the Times Square New Year’s Eve celebration on Dec. 31, 2023, in New York. Photo: Andy Kropa/Invision/AP File
ABUJA, Nigeria — From an electrifying and colorful musical performance at the FIFA World Cup to a new Grammy Awards category, African music genres and talents are reaching audiences and dance floors across the globe in a breakthrough for an industry that has long endured structural challenges.
With performances on the world’s biggest stages and record numbers on global music charts, African acts are charting a new course for music produced on the continent, taking advantage of high-profile international collaborations, a boost from the internet and streaming platforms, and new investment opportunities.
A new Grammy — best African music performance — will be awarded Sunday, highlighting regional musical traditions and recognizing “recordings that utilize unique local expressions from across the African continent.”
“For a musician, the Grammy is a worldwide nod for your accomplishment and hard work — that we hear you and we see you on the world stage,” says LeriQ, a Nigerian producer and force behind Burna Boy’s Grammy-winning “Twice As Tall.”
FROM AFROBEATS TO AMAPIANO
Sub-Saharan Africa was the fastest-growing region for recorded music revenues in 2022, according to the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry’s Global Music Report 2023.
At the center of that growth are newer genres of Afrobeats — the renowned blend of distinct West African music styles – and amapiano, which fuses South African kwaito with African jazz, house music and soulful vocals.
Rema and Selena Gomez accept the award for best Afrobeats for “Calm Down” during the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards.Photo: Charles Sykes/Invision/AP File
There is also Afrobeat — different from Afrobeats — a blend of jazz, funk and traditional West African rhythms popularized by Nigerian musical icon and political agitator Fela Kuti in the 1970s. Then there’s Afropop, a rich variety of contemporary styles. The traditional soukous dance music out of Congo and other parts of Central Africa. The rhythmical and heavily vocal shaabi and chaabi heard on the streets of North Africa. Kenya’s benga and Tanzania’s bongo flava reverberate across dance floors in East Africa, just as fuji and high life do in West Africa.
Streaming platforms are helping push the genres across borders and continents. On Spotify alone, Afrobeats streaming has grown by more than 500% since 2017, according to the platform.
Nigerian artist Rema’s “Calm Down,” featuring Selena Gomez, is not calming down. The 2022 track became the first led by an African artist to hit 1 billion Spotify streams and has the record for the most weeks — 64 — spent on Billboard’s Pop Airplay chart.
One key factor in how “Calm Down” and other such Afrobeats songs have grown lies in how they mirror daily lives through a mix of Pidgin and local languages, melodies, drum patterns, heavy rhythms and poetic style, says Joey Akan, founder of Afrobeats Intelligence newsletter.
“And so now we’re having people dancing and screaming things like, “I need ‘igbo’ and ‘shayo,’ — that is, ‘I need marijuana and alcohol,’” Akan says, referring to the chorus of Burna Boy’s 2022 hit “Last Last.” “That’s what it is. ‘I need marijuana and alcohol because I’m having a heartbreak.’”
Angélique Kidjo arrives at the presentation of the 2023 Gershwin Prize in Washington Photo: Amanda Andrade-Rhoades/AP File
South African sensation Tyla’s “Water” cemented the ascendance of amapiano, making the artist the highest-charting African female solo act of all time after peaking at No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100.
And some tracks meld the genres under the African music umbrella.
“If you listen to the song ‘Unavailable’ by Davido (from Nigeria) and Musa Keys (from South Africa), which has been nominated for a Grammy, it is possibly an example of a perfect Afrobeats and amapiano cross-border collaboration,” said South African club and radio DJ Nafy Dread.
AFRICAN CULTURE AND EXPERIENCES ON THE GLOBAL STAGE
In the last year, soccer’s biggest stages have featured African stars, from Burna Boy, who thrilled Istanbul’s Atatürk Olympic Stadium during the UEFA Champions League final, to Rema, who entertained the world’s greatest players at FIFA’s Ballon d’Or event, to Davido, who was on the official FIFA World Cup soundtrack.
“A lot of the music we love today that’s outside of Africa originated or had a root in African music,” says Tina Davis, president of Empire, a digital media distribution company that works closely with Grammy nominee Olamide’s YBNL record label.
Five-time Grammy winner Angélique Kidjo is one of the continent’s greatest exports, with 16 albums to her name.
“The new generation of artists coming from Africa are going to take you by storm, and the time has come,” the Beninese singer said in 2020, upon winning the best world music album Grammy (a category since renamed).
Burna Boy performs at the 2023 Coachella Music and Arts Festival. Photo: Amy Harris/Invision/AP File
That storm also comes with the strength of Africa’s numbers.
The continent’s young and culture-savvy 1.3 billion people will make up a quarter of the world’s population by 2050. Nearly half of Africans who migrated from their countries of origin live in a different region, according to Pew Research, each taking African melodies and tunes along.
That reach is particularly interesting considering that African music is produced for its people, embodying all aspects of their lives from their culture and experiences to their struggles, LeriQ says.
When they are not blasting through speakers at clubs and bars, the songs have become the megaphones blaring against repressive governments and unjust societies.
Hip-hop artist Nay wa Mitego used his 2023 single “Amkeni” to tackle alleged corruption and bad governance in Tanzania. Burna Boy’s “20:10:20” told the chilling story of how security forces opened fire on Nigerian youths protesting police brutality, just as Folarin Falana’s “This Is Nigeria” mirrors a society whose citizens are growing poorer amid vast mineral resources and oil wealth.
“With the kind of society we are in, you can understand why music is not just for entertainment but serves other interests depending on your condition and needs,” says Chika Anene, a designer living in Abuja, Nigeria, who says she can’t live without music.
STILL A LONG JOURNEY AHEAD
Amid increasing global appeal, institutions and individuals are more willing to commit resources to the development of local talents and infrastructure, industry insiders say, with increasing attention from major record labels.
The internet has also played a key role in growth and can continue to do so if properly utilized, analysts say. The continent leads mobile device web traffic in the world, according to the U.S. International Trade Administration, translating to more market opportunities for artists.
For one, the internet has democratized African music by removing the concentration of power from the hands of gatekeepers who wanted music from the continent to “sound a particular way” and enabled artists to put out what they want and audiences to seek what they want, says Kenyan musician Eric Wainaina, who sings benga-influenced social justice songs.
Still, it remains an uphill task to produce music on the continent, owing to challenges like limited funding and infrastructure that sometimes require reliance on foreign companies for development and promotion, says G’bemi Ereku, a Lagos-based entertainment and media executive.
“Our global appeal is not at its peak yet because of structural problems, in the sense that no tree can grow bigger than its environment,” says Ereku.
The continent’s population notwithstanding, there is still limited purchasing power — its projected music streaming revenue this year is around $410.7 million — less than 4% of the United States’ expected $12 billion, according to the market research firm Statista.
Nigeria — seen as the bastion of Afrobeats — does not have a music arena with a capacity above 6,000, reportedly one of the reasons for last year’s cancellation of the Afro Nation Festival, the world’s biggest Afrobeats festival, that was to be held in Lagos.
Even fast-rising talents like Nigerian artist Jhello find it difficult to break into the highly competitive industry with little institutional support.
“There is a lot of talent on the streets but what sets you apart from the others is branding, which currently takes a lot of effort and resources,” says Jhello.
Still, the music is finding resonance with people around the world.
“The world has discovered that there’s a new way to approach music … that hits you, gives you a new emotion, gives you new feelings, gives you a new experience,” says Akan of Afrobeats Intelligence. “And they like that experience.”
A beginner’s playlist of the global hits from Africa
2024 best African music performance Grammy nominees:
Chinedu Asadu reported from Abuja, Carlos Mureithi reported from Nairobi, and Mogomotsi Magome reported from Johannesburg. AP Music Writer Maria Sherman contributed reporting from Los Angeles.
