Twenty years ago, a young artist named Simphiwe Dana released her debut album Zandisile, forever changing the landscape of South African music. Today, the celebrated performer, activist, and songwriter finds herself reflecting on a career that has consistently challenged conventions while touching the souls of countless listeners. “Being consistent with anything for 20 years is…

Beauty, for many African women, is a complicated conversation—often shaped by cultural ideals, inherited narratives, and modern pressures. While there is growing visibility of diverse skin textures and tones, the reality is far from universal acceptance. In many spaces, lighter skin is still idealized, and skin bleaching remains a common and complex phenomenon. To pretend…