{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/65dcf4036f94120016614f14/677012fe8183a8a36ab58e05?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Some Lighter moments of 2024","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/65dcf4036f94120016614f14/1735401472597-7db9ea65-7e51-4e67-b103-91b46815878c.jpeg?height=200","description":"<p>In this special year ender, as we round off season 3 of Africa Here and NOW, we look back at some of the moments that made us smile.</p><p><br></p><p>The former Nigerian Super Eagle, footballer EFAN EKOKU, made us laugh with his cheeky bet on the winning team in the Africa Cup of Nations.</p><p>Then Ghanaian football pundit, GARY AL SMITH, encouraged DONU into revealing what really lays behind the infamous rivalry between Nigeria and South Africa!</p><p><br></p><p>Former Nigerian President OLUSEGUN OBASANJO  explained how close Niger and Nigeria are in an intriguing way. That was at a time when the West Africa bloc ECOWAS, led by Nigeria, was threatening military action against the military junta who'd carried out a coup. </p><p><br></p><p>Political analyst, MOELETSI MBEKI, younger brother to the former South African president, THABO MBEKI, gave us a rare glimpse into Mbeki family life.</p><p><br></p><p>Zeinab Badawi talked about her new book, An African History of Africa and also told us a little bit more about herself.</p><p>Renowned Zimbabwean journalist and activist, HOPEWELL CHIN'ONO turned to rap to get young Zimbabweans to register to vote. </p><p><br></p><p>We asked about AI and how it was going down with the people of Malawi, especially as they'd been so hesitant to embrace the double decker bus! </p><p>We found out about a new craze sweeping Somalia: naming children Istanbul, after the Turkish city. It's apparently in recognition of Turkey's support for Somalia through thick and thin.</p><p>The Zambian Anglican Bishop TREVOR MWAMBA, bemoaned the state of our humanity and compassion in 2024 and suggested that if Jesus were a refugee at the time of the former UK Conservative government, he'd have been put on a plane to Rwanda.</p><p><br></p><p>KEMI BADENOCH, who became the first black woman to lead a British political party - the Tories - created a lot of buzz particularly among her fellow Nigerians who were dismayed at her negative portrayal of Nigeria. DONU offered her some advice, from one Nigerian woman to another.</p><p><br></p><p>Botswana's election yielded a seismic result with the ruling party voted out in a landslide. It presented us with a golden opportunity to talk to former President IAN KHAMA about his country's political shift, his plans for the future and his dance moves.</p><p><br></p><p>PATRICK and DONU rounded off this bonus episode in characteristic form! </p><p><br></p><p>We hope you enjoy it. Please subscribe and share with your friends. </p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>","author_name":"Martine Dennis"}