Taigue Ahmed uses his dance workshops to develop Chad refugees' confidence and education.
Taigue Ahmed talks to African Voices about how dance saved his life and how he can help the victims of war in Chad
It's graduation day and professor Jonathan Jansen strolls around the campus of the University of the Free State. Every now and then he stops to greet his gown-clad students, standing out amid a crowd of beaming parents and proudly grinning teachers.
Professor Jonathan Jansen is the first black dean of education at a formerly all-white university in South Africa.
Professor Jonathan Jansen believes in the power of knowledge and teaching "reconciliation over retribution"
Professor Jonathan Jansen talks to CNN about his pride in his students and the political change at the university.
Baby showers herald the transition to motherhood. Roses, greeting cards and invitations to lunch, celebrate mothers every May -- well at least in most parts of the world. In Africa by and large the story isn't so rosy.
He is lauded as one of Africa's most unique voices, with a fanbase stretching across the world, but South African singing sensation Vusi Mahlasela remains faithful to his roots.
For over twenty years, Vusi Mahlasela has been celebrated globally for his powerful vocals and message of freedom.
World-renowned singer-songwriter and musician, Vusi Mahlasela talks to CNN about creating music and touring.
World-renowned singer-songwriter and musician, Vusi Mahlasela tells CNN that he still gets nervous before going on stage
When I think of the story of African women, I immediately think of my mother and I want to use her story as a frame of reference in how African leaders can improve the lives of women.
Kenyan radio presenter Caroline Mutoko talks to CNN about her career at Radio Africa Group.
An outspoken personality on one of the hottest radio stations in Nairobi, Caroline Mutoko is known as a firebrand.
Kenyan radio presenter Caroline Mutoko talks to CNN about covering the conflict surrounding the 2007 Kenyan elections.
His name means "traveler" and Somali-born poet, rapper and musician K'naan has certainly come a long way.
Somali hip-hop sensation Abdi Warsame, better known as K'Naan, has been compared to Eminem and Bob Marley.
K'Naan talks to CNN about his socially conscious lyrics stemming from life as a refugee and memories of civil war.
Isha Sesay sits down with K'Naan. He shares a private performance and his journey for poetic justice.
Deep inside the South African Bushveld, a thunderous lion roar pierces the air as a parade of elephants ambles quietly through the flat terrain. Somewhere in the distance, a herd of leopards lurk in a dense riverine flora, while a group of giraffes stretch their long necks to munch on tree leaves.
African Voices travels to the Londolozi Game Reserve to track leopards in the bush.
Game tracker Renias Mhlongo talks to CNN's Robyn Curnow about his personal connection to the Londolozi Game Reserve.
Alex van den Heever and Renias Mhlongo travel the world sharing their connection to South Africa's wilderness
From scavenging for food through garbage and sleeping in the streets, to becoming an international fashion model and a Hollywood A-lister, Djimon Hounsou's journey to stardom has been an astonishing one.
Hollywood actor Djimon Hounsou talks to CNN about his upbringing in Benin and his passion for telling African stories.
Actor Djimon Hounsou's journey to Hollywood began in Paris where he slept on the streets while working as a model.
Actor Djimon Hounsou talks to CNN about his off-screen home life and charity work with Oxfam.
John Meletse is deaf, gay and HIV positive, but is finding new ways to communicate with text messaging and social media.
Deaf activist John Meletse discusses his personal experiences and struggles, and his desire to help others.
Humanitarian Paul Rusesabagina describes life before the Rwandan genocide and before the film Hotel Rwanda.
Beninese actor Djimon Hounsou gives CNN's African Voices a personal interview about his rise to fame.
It's been 11 years since John Meletse, a deaf, gay South African man, first learned he was HIV positive.
John Meletse is deaf, gay and HIV positive. He's is inspiring the deaf community to communicate openly about sex.
Having to guard NBA stars like LeBron James and Paul Pierce can be the most daunting task for many basketball players.
NBA star Luc Richard Mbah a Moute opens his doors and talks about his life on the courts of both continents
NBA star Luc Richard Mbah a Moute is using his success to give back to his county by helping "Basketball without Borders"
The news that Charlize Theron adopted an African American baby has fired up a debate regularly stoked by the likes of A-listers Madonna, Angelina Jolie and Sandra Bullock. All have adopted transracially. And everyone has an opinion.
Can buskers from around the world inspire an international peace movement?
What began as an idea to inspire and bring peace to the world through music has become a multimedia movement.
The "Playing for Change" foundation has millions of followers and more than 150 musicians from 25 countries.
The "Playing for Change" foundation raises money to builds schools for music education in Africa.
The majestic Kongou Falls has some of the most spectacular cataracts in Africa, which are located in the heart of Gabon's Ivindo National Park.
Let's give praise where praise is due. Invisible Children's Kony 2012 viral video campaign has done what no other advocacy organization has been able to do until now: capture 29 minutes worth of attention from over 50 million people worldwide.
Environmentalist, Marc Ona Essangui talks to CNN about preserving the Congo Basin rainforests.
Marc Ona Essangui's organisation "Brainforest" monitors logging activities in the Gabon's Congo Basin rainforest.
Wheelchair bound environmentalist, Marc Ona Essangui advocates for disabled people in Gabon.
Sierra Leone and Liberia have some of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world, with 15-24 year olds accounting for 40% of such deaths) and two years ago, agencies IPPF and FORWARD listened to hundreds of African voices talking about sexual and reproductive health and rights.
With their soulful voices and traditional Zulu dance moves, South African acappella singing sensation Ladysmith Black Mambazo have been blending vocal harmonies to take audiences on a musical journey for nearly half a century.
For more than 45 years Ladysmith Black Mambazo have been taking South Africans on a musical journey.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo talks to CNN about their song for Nelson Mandela "A long way to freedom."
Ladysmith Black Mambazo are a family of musicians carrying a message of peace across generations.
When Nelson Mandela was admitted to hospital, South Africans took a deep breath and prepared themselves for the worst. Despite the government issuing statements telling concerned citizens not to panic, they did. Mandela holds such a special place in South African's hearts that they fortify themselves with the inevitable day when he takes his last breath.
What happens to the bar of soap you barely used the last time you checked into a hotel room? Most certainly it's gone to waste at the end of each day.
Derreck Kayongo, is saving and improving the quality of lives in the developing world, one bar of soap at a time.
Derreck Kayongo talks about expanding his Global Soap Project beyond his apartment business.
Global Soap Project founder Derreck Kayongo talks about the impact of his CNN Heroes recognition.
From shaking up Nigeria's fashion scene to striking it rich in the oil business, Nigerian billionaire Folorunso Alakija has tasted success in all walks of life.
Folorunsho Alakija is a banking executive turned fashion designer who also became a Nigerian billionaire from oil interests.
Nigerian billionaire Folorunsho Alakija talks about her upbringing and how those early days shaped her future.
Nigerian billionaire Folorunsho Alakija's The rose of sharon foundation helps Nigerian widows and orphans.
Comedians Nik Rabinowitz and Tats Nkonzo talk to CNN's African voices about their journey into comedy.
In a country struggling to overcome a racist past two stand-up comedians take the stage in Cape Town.
Comedians Nik Rabinowitz and Tats Nkonzo tell CNN's African Voices that their wives don't find their jokes funny.
As Kenya's leading psychiatrist, Frank Njenga has been championing the cause of better mental health care on the east African country and the continent for more than three decades.
Kenyan psychiatrist Frank Njenga believes that children must be educated about mental heath care.
Kenyan psychiatrist Frank Njenga talks to CNN about his journey into mental heath care.
Frank Njenga has spent the last 30 years championing the cause of better mental health care on the continent.
Known by many as Africa's "father of technology," software pioneer Herman Chinery-Hesse has been spawning innovations for two decades, helping to break down tech barriers between the continent and the rest of the world.
Software pioneer Herman Chinery-Hesse explains how he become what many call the "The Bill Gates of Africa."
Ghanaian software pioneer Herman Chinery-Hesse talks innovations that have helped his company break down trade barriers.
Herman Chinery-Hesse is campaigning to implement technology that will help small African businesses compete globally.
Each week African Voices brings you inspiring and compelling profiles of Africans across the continent and around the world. Now, we want to hear from you. Let us know which African you most admire, and why. Your comments could end up on a future episode of African Voices.
When techno-whiz Seth Owusu left Ghana for the United States in 1991, he had never used a computer before.
If North Korea is the crying capital of the world, Nigeria holds the aces when it comes to smiling and laughing. It's not simply anecdotal evidence.
EVCO founder Seth Owusu uses his skills in computer restoration to help educate children in Ghana.
Entire Village Computers Organization founder Seth Owusu talks to CNN about his technology revolution.
EVCO founder Seth Owusu provides reconditioned computers to schools in the developing word.
He might be one of Egypt's most recognizable faces but in Cairo's Tahrir Square last January, when it became the focal point for anti-regime sentiment, actor Khaled Abol Naga was proud to be just one of the crowd.
Africa to represent Africans, a glorious dream. But that is what it has been for all this while, just a dream. Over time, as years have rolled into decades, Africans have become more and more subjugated to the decisions and policies that our former colonial masters propose, and with the aid of visionless leaders, they tell us that it's the best thing for the people.
African Voices he talks to actor and activist Khaled Abol Naga about his award winning film "Microphone"
African Voices he talks to actor and activist Khaled Abol Naga about the impact his family have on his work and beliefs.
African Voices he talks to actor and activist Khaled Abol Naga about the momentous period in his country's history.
Whether it's through music, dancing or his art, Nigerian Jimi Solanke is a master of telling local folk stories.
Whether it's through music, dancing or his art, Nigerian Jimi Solanke has a story to tell.
Yoruba culture is the inspiration for the tales and art of Nigerian Jimi Solanke.
With their magnificent puppets, Basil Jones and Adrian Kohler have been pushing theatergoers' experiences to new heights, casting a spell on audiences across the world.
Meet the men behind the magnificent life-sized horse puppets gracing the stage of the Tony winning play "War Horse."
Journey with the Handspring Puppet Company as they prepare to unleash their puppets on a global stage.
How the Handspring Puppet company is cashing on success with the much acclaimed production of "War Horse."
Like his long-time hero Stevie Wonder, Nigerian music pioneer Cobhams Asuquo was born visually-impaired. And again, like the American R&B legend, the lack of sight was never enough to stop Asuquo from realizing his ambitions.
Blind singer/songwriter Cobhams Asuquo searches for Nigeria's next big music star.
Blind singer/songwriter Cobhams Asuquo is responsible for helping to find and produce Nigeria's new sound.
Blind singer/songwriter Cobhams Asuquo tells CNN that his sense of hearing helps him to concentrate on his music.
Two-time Olympic gold medalist Kipchoge Keino has opened a training center in Kenya to inspire future generations.
Gold mining might have become a booming industry in resource-rich Ghana, raking in billions of dollars every year, but that wealth has failed to trickle down to many of the country's rural poor who live on the land where the gold is mined from.
Ghanaian activist Daniel Owusu Koranteng talks to CNN about the support and help his family gives him.
Owusu Koranteng founded the advocacy group WACAM to educate, energize and unlock the power of the people.
Ghanaian activist Daniel Owusu Koranteng has spent his life as a spokesperson for the poor in a country rich in gold.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy and German Chancellor Angela Merkel discuss the new EU treaty proposal.
MOBO founder Kanya King tells CNN what motivated her to start the awards.
MOBO founder Kanya King talks to CNN about inspiring black musicians and recognizing talent.
MOBO founder Kanya King talks to CNN about her Ghanaian roots and her upbringing.
It is important to first understand that no gay Nigerian, as far as anyone knows, is seeking marriage -- in Nigeria.
She may be a fully-fledged pop star with a growing global appeal but Nigerian singer, Asa, is determined to remain true to her African roots.
Asa, the highly-distinctive Nigerian singer is rapidly becoming a household name around the world.
Nigerian musician Asa talks to CNN about her new music video and life on tour.
Andile Ndlovu is one of South Africa's most prominent young ballet dancers, an international performer and award winner both at home and overseas.
A young South African is dancing his way into the U.S, bringing the vibrancy of his African heritage to his performance.
African Voices gets a personal look into the home life of South African ballet dancer Andile Ndlovu.
South African ballet dancer Andile Ndlovu returns to his hometown to perform on stage.
Two-time Olympic gold medalist Kipchoge Keino takes African Voices to his training academy where he trains young people.
Kenyan Olympic champion Kipchoge Keino has used his success on the track to help the less privileged in Kenya.
It was during the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City that Kipchoge Keino announced his arrival on the world stage.
Last week the world welcomed its 7 billionth inhabitant. But behind the headlines is a complicated demographic picture -- and one that masks huge disparities. The current rate of growth means that there are 78 million more people every year. Nearly all of that growth -- 97 out of every 100 people - is occurring in less developed countries.
Architect David Adjaye tells CNN's African Voices about his journey into art and architecture.
Architect David Adjaye talks to CNN's Atika Shubert about the changing shape of his profession.
Born in Tanzania to Ghanaian parents, architect David Adjaye talks about his West Africa heritage inspiring his work.
David Adjaye is one of the world's most highly acclaimed and sought after architects.
Prize-winning architect David Adjaye talks to CNN's Atika Shubert about his favorite buildings.
Gwen Lister founded The Namibian newspaper at the height of the apartheid era to give a "voice to the voiceless."
Founder of The Namibian, Gwen Lister on steered the African newspaper through testing times and handing over the editorial reigns
Founder of The Namibian, Gwen Lister tells African Voices how her passion for journalism made her a target in Namibia.
A teenager who set up a school to educate children in a refugee camp, a youth who built a windmill to generate power for the houses in his community with no access to electricity and a 17-year-old with HIV who founded a charity to help others infected with the virus.
"Best leaders are not the smartest people." The African Leadership Academy believes in educating young children.
Mentoring and teaching begins from home to the classroom, thus building a network of leaders.
The African Leadership Academy teaches teens about leadership, trust and instinct. But how do you choose a leader?
I have chosen 10 films which, I feel, begin to tell our stories in our own words and belong in the annals of international cinema. Some are classics, some are audience favorites, some reconnect us to our past, some reflect deep societal trends.
New York African Film Festival founder Mahen Bonetti is passionate about bringing the beauty of African to the big screen
When Mahen Bonetti started her own film festival showing African films some called her a dreamer. Now her dream is a reality.
New York African Film Festival founder Mahen Bonetti looks at the evolution of filmmakers in Africa.
Sudanese billionaire and communications mogul Mo Ibrahim has issued a warning to African leaders clinging to power, saying people are no longer prepared to put up with bad governance on the continent.
Billionaire African businessman Mo Ibrahim has warned leaders clinging to power that people will no longer accept bad leadership.
A week after a powerful 7.0 tremor ripped through Haiti in January 2010, time was running out for Ena Zizi. The 64-year-old woman was trapped, without food and water, eight meters under the rubble of Port-au-Prince's ruined cathedral.
African Voices, Nkepile Mabuse travels with aid worker Doctor Imtiaz Sooliman to see his work first hand.
Aid worker Doctor Imtiaz Sooliman has to make a difficult decision and stretch his resources in Somalia.
Aid worker Doctor Imtiaz Sooliman shows CNN?s Nkepile Mabuse how his aid organisation plans for future crisis.
For years, all Hannah Pool knew was that her biological parents had died shortly after her birth.
A mother who had never set her eyes on her baby, a poor villager who hadn't worked for years, an old man who had never seen his pension money -- these are just some of the thousands of blind Namibians whose lives have genuinely been transformed by the treatment of a woman who they call their "miracle doctor."
When scores of disgruntled Tunisians took to the streets in January to demand the ouster of their country's president, actor Dhafer L'Abidine was watching from afar.
As coach of Namibia's national women's football team, Jacqui Shipanga is credited with changing attitudes to the sport.
Now goalkeeper for the New York Red Bulls, as a child growing up in Senegal, Bouna Coundoul could only dream of being a professional footballer.
Walking on the white sands of Durban beach, with South Africa's powerful waves towering in front of him, surfing icon Shaun Tomson feels right at home.
Dubbed "Ghana's Bob Marley," reggae sensation Rocky Dawuni is known not only for bringing his upbeat vibe to audiences across the world, but also for promoting social issues through his extensive humanitarian work.
With ash applied to their bodies and determination glinting in their eyes, two young tribal wrestlers stride onto a large field under the hot South Sudanese sun.
Armed with a silky-smooth voice and an uncompromising spirit, Nigerian singer/songwriter Ola Onabulé has won admirers around the world.
How to make money from movies online is a question vexing studio executives the world over. But a Nigerian tech entrepreneur claims to have the answer -- for his country's burgeoning film industry at least.
South Africa risks witnessing mass uprisings if it doesn't act urgently to deal with rampant youth unemployment, the leader of the country's trade union movement has warned.
Merging magazine cutouts, painted objects and even motorbike parts, Kenyan artist Wangechi Mutu creates layered images of fantastical figures, transforming the female form into something both powerful and primal.
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