African culture — stories, traditions and modern life

More than 2,000 languages and countless traditions shape daily life across Africa. This tag page collects reporting that shows how culture influences politics, business, courts, and community life — not just art and festivals. If you want grounded stories that explain why a tradition matters or how a cultural shift changes power, you’re in the right place.

What you'll find here

Expect a mix of local reporting, profiles, and explainers. Read about new traditional leaders like Prince Abimbola Owoade being confirmed as Alaafin of Oyo — a story about lineage, politics, and community expectations. See how citizen journalism is changing how people tell cultural stories, from protests to everyday rituals. You’ll also find pieces that show culture meeting modern life: business moves with cultural impact, court cases framed by social norms, and how sports and music reflect identity.

Stories are chosen to be specific and useful. Want context on a royal selection? We list the steps, the key players, and what the change means for local institutions. Curious how grassroots reporting spreads cultural news? Our piece on citizen journalism breaks down real examples and what to watch for when judging reliability.

Featured stories to start with

Begin with the Alaafin of Oyo report to see how tradition and state power interact in modern Nigeria. Then read the citizen journalism feature to understand how everyday people now report culture and events. Look at the Zenith Bank Paris branch story for a practical example of how cultural ties affect trade and diplomacy between Africa and Europe. If you follow law and workplace culture, check the Judge Mbenenge tribunal coverage for how cultural context appears in legal proceedings.

Each article includes practical details: dates, names, and on-the-ground reactions. We avoid vague generalities and give you concrete facts and quotes from people involved. That makes it easier to form your own view or use the pieces as background for research, teaching, or discussion.

Want to find stories quickly? Use the filter at the top of the page to sort by country, date, or topic. If a headline grabs you, open the article and scroll to the subheadings — we flag key moments and cultural takeaways so you can scan fast. For deeper reading, look for linked background pieces inside each article.

Have a tip or a local story idea? Send it to our newsroom — local voices help us cover culture with respect and accuracy. Share pieces on social media or in community groups, but include a note about context when culture is complex or contested. That helps conversations stay informed and fair.

Browse the list below and pick a region, theme or story. Whether you’re curious about royal transitions, shifting media habits, cultural impacts on business, or how traditions shape modern courts, these articles aim to explain what’s happening and why it matters to people across Africa.