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What Does Masculinity Mean to Young Africans?

September 24, 2021

What does it mean to be an African man? Secret initiations still mark the transition from boyhood to manhood. In our Street Debate, our panel of men share the pressures of living up to masculine ideals.

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The 77 Percent Magazin #80
Image: DW

The idea of 'masculinity' has become a contentious topic across cultures, ages and traditions. We asked young Africans on the streets of Accra, Ghana, what masculinity means to them in this day and age.

 

The 77 Percent Magazin #80
Image: DW

South Africa: Deadly initiation rites

Across Africa, many cultures mark the transition from boyhood to manhood with initiation rituals. In South Africa, the secretive initiation season results in the deaths of dozens of young boys every year and leaves hundreds more terribly injured. As well as learning traditional chants and fighting practices, initiates are also often beaten and humiliated on their path to becoming a man.

 

DW Sendung The 77 Percent | Masculinity
Image: DW

Street Debate: Modern masculinity

Being a modern man in Africa comes with all kinds of expectations and pressures. From being the main provider for their family to having few outlets to express their inner fears, Edith Kimani speaks with our panel of men in Nairobi about the struggles they face and what 'masculinity' means to them today.

 

The 77 Percent Magazin #80
Image: DW

DRC: Meet the sapeurs

The members of 'la Sape' – the society of entertainers and elegant people – are undoubtedly Africa’s most extravagant and stylish folk. They’re performance artists who live to uphold the culture that dates back to the 1930s. In Kinshasa, we meet designer and sapeur, Kadhitoza Gola.

 

The 77 Percent Magazin #80
Image: DW

The rise of roller skates in Nairobi

The streets of Nairobi aren't exactly the safest place for inline skaters to show off their skills. But the sport is rapidly growing in popularity among the youth, bringing all genders and communities together. In lieu of proper facilities, young skaters have found their own skating oasis.

 

DW Sendung The 77 Percent | Masculinity
Image: DW

The dropout cooking up a storm on Maputo's fine cuisine scene

Maputo-based chef Marcelino Dgedge is a master of his craft. But to reach the top of his profession, he had to defy convention and eschew a university education. Now, his determination to follow his dreams is paying off.

 

 

 

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