New Books in African Studies

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This podcast is a channel on the New Books Network. The New Books Network is an academic audio library dedicated to public education. In each episode you will hear scholars discuss their recently published research with another expert in their field. Discover our 150+ channels and browse our 28,000+ episodes on our website: newbooksnetwork.com Subscribe to our free weekly Substack newsletter to ge... more

95 ratings

Publishes	Daily	Episodes	837	Founded	15 years ago
Number of Listeners		Categories	Society & CulturePlaces & Travel

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Latest Episodes

Rachel Jean-Baptiste, "Multiracial Identities in Colonial French Africa: Race, Childhood, and Citizenship" (Cambridge UP, 2023)

Despite increasingly hardened visions of racial difference in colonial governance in French Africa after World War I, interracial sexual relationships persisted, resulting in the births of thousands of children. These children, mostly born to African... more

10 Dec 2025 • 56 min

Jibola Fagbamiye and Conor McCreery, "Fela: Music Is the Weapon" (Amistad Press, 2025)

A spectacular graphic novel about the life and times of the legendary Fela Kuti—the Pan-African frontman, multi-instrumentalist, sociopolitical powerhouse, and father of Afrobeat.

In Fela: Music Is the Weapon (Amistad, 2025), artist Jibola Fagbamiye... more

9 Dec 2025 • 1 hr 25 min

Peace A. Medie, "Global Norms and Local Action: The Campaigns to End Violence Against Women in Africa" (Oxford UP, 2020)

In Global Norms and Local Action: The Campaigns to End Violence against Women in Africa (Oxford UP, 2020), Peace A. Medie studies the domestic implementation of international norms by examining how and why two post-conflict states in Africa, Liberia ... more

8 Dec 2025 • 1 hr 2 min

Philip Janzen, "An Unformed Map: Geographies of Belonging Between Africa and the Caribbean" (Duke UP, 2025)

In An Unformed Map: Geographies of Belonging Between Africa and the Caribbean (Duke UP, 2025), Philip Janzen traces the intellectual trajectories of Caribbean people who joined the British and French colonial administrations in Africa between 1890 a... more

6 Dec 2025 • 55 min

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Recent Guests

Dr. Rachel Jean-Baptiste

Historian of intimacy and scholar of the French-speaking Atlantic world

Cambridge University Press

Episode: Rachel Jean-Baptiste, "Multiracial Identities in Colonial French Africa: Race, Childhood, and Citizenship" (Cambridge UP, 2023)

Peace Medie

Associate Professor in Politics at University of Bristol, author of Global Norms and Local Actions.

University of Bristol

Episode: Peace A. Medie, "Global Norms and Local Action: The Campaigns to End Violence Against Women in Africa" (Oxford UP, 2020)

Dr. Marc Sommers

Researcher, writer, diplomat, teacher, and photographer

University of Georgia Press

Episode: Marc Sommers, "We the Young Fighters: Pop Culture, Terror, and War in Sierra Leone" (U Georgia Press, 2023)

Minna Salami

Writer, social critic, and thought leader on feminism

Episode: Can Feminism be African?: A Conversation with Minna Salami

Dr. Jessica Reuther

Associate Professor of History and Teaching Affiliate in the African American Studies program

Ball State University

Episode: Jessica Catherine Reuther, "The Bonds of Kinship in Dahomey: Portraits of West African Girlhood, 1720–1940" (Indiana UP, 2025)

Eric H. Cline

Professor of classics and anthropology at George Washington University, author of several books on ancient history

George Washington University

Episode: Eric H. Cline, "Love, War, and Diplomacy: The Discovery of the Amarna Letters and the Bronze Age World They Revealed" (Princeton UP, 2025)

Dr. Adeoye Akinola

Associate Professor of Politics and International Relations

University of Johannesburg

Episode: Two Decades On: The African Union, Power, and Africa’s Democratic Future

Martha Biondi

Professor of Black Studies and History at Northwestern University

Northwestern University

Episode: Martha Biondi, "We Are Internationalists: Prexy Nesbitt and the Fight for African Liberation" (U California Press, 2025)

Loic De Canniere

Economist and author focused on demographics and labor markets in Africa

Anthem Press

Episode: Loic De Canniere, "The Future of Employment in Africa: Demography, Labour Markets and Welfare" (Anthem, 2025)

Host

Lamis Abdelaaty

Host of New Books and Political Science

Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars from 95 ratings

Colonial, White Perspective
Just listened to the podcast episode called “The Future of Africa: a Discussion with James A Robinson” and it was the most colonial, white-supremist perspective I’ve ever heard of. James A Robinson needs to read “How Europe Underdeveloped Africa” by Walter Rodney and stop acting like it’s Africa’s fault for not having technological and societal advancements in the same way Europe & Asia did. Any “advancement”Europe had was not just happenstance, but entirely because of the domination and extract... more
Apple Podcasts
1
Keahileo
United States2 years ago
Great listening
👍🏻
Apple Podcasts
5
BurtonR
Australia3 years ago
Max Siollun’s book interview!
Max Siollun carried the interview, he was both enthusiastic and current. I can’t wait to read his latest book “What Britain did to Nigeria.”
Apple Podcasts
5
T Drinker
United States4 years ago
Reviewer’s tone
I especially enjoy the reviews given pre-2019. The hosts were better public speakers in the beginning of this series. Any interview conducted by Host Nicholas Walton was a great!
Apple Podcasts
4
T Drinker
United States5 years ago
Excellent podcast
This is an excellent podcast. Always interesting book topics and insightful q
Apple Podcasts
5
JasonByrne film
United States5 years ago

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Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners appreciate the insightful discussions and expertise of guests, finding the information relevant and educational.

Some criticisms exist regarding specific episodes being more difficult to engage with due to audio quality or presentation styles, but overall feedback remains positive.

The podcast is often praised for its thought-provoking topics and organization, offering listeners a deep understanding of African studies.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts	#195	Germany/Society & Culture/Places & Travel
Apple Podcasts	#200	Italy/Society & Culture/Places & Travel
Apple Podcasts	#203	France/Society & Culture/Places & Travel
Apple Podcasts	#12	Colombia/Society & Culture/Places & Travel
Apple Podcasts	#30	United Arab Emirates/Society & Culture/Places & Travel
Apple Podcasts	#39	South Africa/Society & Culture/Places & Travel

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Ali Anooshahr, "Slavery in the Early Mughal World: The Life and Thoughts of Jawhar Aftabachi (1520s–1580s)" (Oxford UP, 2025)

Q: How does placing Jawhar alongside figures like Bayezid Bayat help us understand the importance of marginalized voices in the rise of the Mughal state?

It reflects a broader evolution from kinship-based polities to merit-based systems in the Mughal Empire, showcasing that marginalized narratives are critical for understanding individual experiences within this historical transition.

Ali Anooshahr, "Slavery in the Early Mughal World: The Life and Thoughts of Jawhar Aftabachi (1520s–1580s)" (Oxford UP, 2025)

Q: What is your perspective on the concept of Persian hospitality that Jawhar writes about?

It represents a personal bond of obligation between individuals rather than between nations, highlighting a cultural character characterized by mutual dependence and family-like connections.

Ali Anooshahr, "Slavery in the Early Mughal World: The Life and Thoughts of Jawhar Aftabachi (1520s–1580s)" (Oxford UP, 2025)

Q: Can you tell us what, how, from this approach, what does it tell us about the history of slavery in a way that, you know, macro-history misses?

When you focus on a single enslaved court servant, Johar Aftabachi, you uncover connections and insights that macro-history overlooks, revealing a transitional phase in the Mughal Empire regarding the importance of slaves.

Rachel Jean-Baptiste, "Multiracial Identities in Colonial French Africa: Race, Childhood, and Citizenship" (Cambridge UP, 2023)

Q: What of these legacies do we still have from the organizing amongst the Métis?

The story of Métis identity continues to resonate today, inspiring individuals to trace their historical roots and advocate for their rights and recognition in contemporary society.

Rachel Jean-Baptiste, "Multiracial Identities in Colonial French Africa: Race, Childhood, and Citizenship" (Cambridge UP, 2023)

Q: What does this citizenship for Métis mean after World War II?

Métis people argued for full citizenship alongside societal inequalities and discrimination, leading to ongoing debates about their rights within the context of changing French laws.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About New Books in African Studies

What is New Books in African Studies about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This podcast provides a unique platform for scholars to delve into their recent research related to African studies. Each episode typically features an in-depth conversation between experts, focusing on a wide range of topics such as politics, history, gender issues, and cultural dynamics across different African contexts. Noteworthy discussions include analyses of societal changes, historical narratives, and the impact of international relations on local communities. The format not only promotes the latest academic findings but also aims to ignite discussions around critical contemporary issues in Africa, making it an engaging resource for both academic and general audiences interested in African affairs and scholarship.

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Which podcasts are similar to New Books in African Studies?

These podcasts share a similar audience with New Books in African Studies:

1. Jacobin Radio
2. New Books in Critical Theory
3. The Dig
4. Focus on Africa
5. Hold Your Fire!

How many episodes of New Books in African Studies are there?

New Books in African Studies launched 15 years ago and published 837 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on New Books in African Studies?

Recent guests on New Books in African Studies include:

1. Dr. Rachel Jean-Baptiste
2. Peace Medie
3. Dr. Marc Sommers
4. Minna Salami
5. Dr. Jessica Reuther
6. Eric H. Cline
7. Dr. Adeoye Akinola
8. Martha Biondi

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