No Longer At Ease - History Of Africa with Zeinab Badawi [Episode 15]

In this episode, Zeinab Badawi provides an overview of how Africans lived before the arrival of Europeans. We see traditional religion in practice in Kenya, we meet a traditional medicine practitioner in Congo, and in Uganda, we witness traditional justice in action as community elders adjudicate in a matrimonial dispute.
We hear from one local king who reminisces about how compassionate and ordered life was under the old ways and a local chief and his family in Zambia provide insights of traditional village life before the disruptive influence of Europeans.
The title describes a people who were becoming 'no longer at ease’ in the run up to one of the ugliest chapters in human history: the trans Atlantic slave trade. The late acclaimed Nigerian author Chinua Achebe wrote a book with the same title.
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[@proverbalizer]

When the missionaries came to Africa they had the Bible and we had the land. They said "Let us pray." We closed our eyes. When we opened them, we had the Bible and they had the land

[@outtaafricafros]

Same with the Muslims!

[@louise-yo7kz]

Dayum

[@SorceressWitch]

@@outtaafricafros Not really. The history of islam in africa is much more complex. There was arab conquests but they never ruled over the entire continent. They conquered the northern africa. There was the city states in swahili coast that traded through the indian ocean and so they brought in outside influences. Islam was already at thing there but the cities were independent until portuguese took control and then oman took over after that. Still this is much different from what's been explained above. The religion did spread into sub-sahara but there was no loss of land through conversion, so it's incorrect to say it's the same. Ghana empire converted and the same people ruled the empire. Kanem empire also converted and the same people ruled the land so to say it's the same is false. The africans who converted still controlled the land. European colonialism wasn't like this. Europeans took the lands for themselves and ruled them. The borders that you see in Africa today we're created by europeans.

[@outtaafricafros]

@@SorceressWitch I disagree. they might not rule the whole Africa but those that were converted into Islam spread it through violence. I'm a Fulani Black African in the Americas. Religion is the primary cause of war in Africa. you believe in queens and witches. i don't see the connection.

[@outtaafricafros]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gWmueXV9jKqdi9U&si=EnSIkaIECMiOmarE

[@engagepeople5100]

We'll always be Africans and Practice our ways... Oh God, am super proud to be from the motherland... We were created special..

[@mog7501]

I couldn't think of a better person to be doing this series. Badawi's respect, yet inquisitive and charming nature makes the interactions great. I have been absolutely loving it! Keep it up BBC Africa, love from US/Senegal.

[@outtaafricafros]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gWmueXV9jKqdi9U&si=EnSIkaIECMiOmarE

[@kes2016]

I am Ugandan, I have been watching attentively since Episode 1, was ready to file my complaint why my country was not included in this rich series...behold! the wait has paid off😀

[@imadaughterofzion5115]

I’m so addicted!!!!! I felt the same way with Dr Henry Louis Gates and his “Black in Latin America “ series. Long live Africa

[@alickmomo7625]

awww. i love how we Bantu speaking people are diverse and still alike. i could understand and few words in the case that was presented in the Uganda case and i am from Zambia

[@engagepeople5100]

So true.. Am Ugandan from the Bantu clan, and i have Zambian friends who speak and i pick most words... Am so happy that you feel the same.

[@davidnyirenda1367]

Culture and religion or spiritualism is the back bone of a society, its time we become proud of ourselves

[@lf1496]

Proud Afro Cuban, Yoruba descendant 😄

[@zat0076]

la mulata linda Martinez the Yoruba boast of a colorful and interesting culture

[@noisycomment1990]

Well in that case, please find your source elsewhere not this corrupted version that this lady is offering.

[@watchingthehawks355]

One of the best culture still preserve despite religious influence from western and Arab religion,I advice you to visit and get connected with the Yoruba culture before it goes into oblivion.

[@watchingthehawks355]

@@noisycomment1990 how that consign you.

[@OyaRevolutionary]

@@zat0076 actually, we dost boast, we actually have a culture that when researched has major contributions to world civilizations. Don't trust me, do the research.

[@stanleydeans7815]

Hello Ms. Badawi, I just wanted to say, I'm an Afrikan, not by nationality, but by race and by that feeling that burns in me. I greatly love your focus on Afrika, I love all your programs, which highlights my Afrikan culture. MAY GOD BLESS YOU GREATLY for shedding such light on my continent. I LOVE WHAT YOU DO. I love Afrika....

[@do-it-nita4real]

This series is so amazing how women were a special prize and the men had to earn a good woman. So different to the western world where it is based on material things and appearance to others for validation.. that’s why as humans we are moved by people who are exceptional at what they do, through willpower , determination ,focus gratitude & respect which ultimately leads to genuine success!!!

[@marttiereeds3494]

Thats why African men paid dowry for a wife in Africa as opposed to a womans family paying dowry to the man like some western countries do.

[@bitwodeddagnew3945]

Thank You. Zeinab B. Great episodes...

[@mutetimunyambu]

Sister Dominic is such a well of wisdom! The idea of grouping and developing African languages... I hope someone is working on that.

[@mikhailmaimoonahoward]

Proud African American who is of Nigerian, Ghanaian, and Congolese origin

[@amanidzoro1952]

Hey Zainab, thank you for this eye-opening piece of work. However let me add a little information. On the part of traditional worship you covered, I am from this community. Our tribe is called the Midzichenda( The word "chenda" means "nine" or "kenda" in Swahili, because our tribe has nine dialects across the Kenyan Coast. This community which I belong to that you covered is called the Rabai, then we worship in the traditional shrines called Kaya. (The Kaya you visited is about 400 metres from my village and two of those elders are my grandfathers, with Daniel being my friend whom I nickname "Pastor" since he leads prayers at the shrines. He speaks good English too since he attended the missionary school nearby for formal education unlike his peers). Cheers!

[@daudatholley9810]

It's good to know more about african traditions,culture and way of life before pre-colonial era👍👍👍

[@prof.tarekeldomiaty5069]

Dear Mrs. Zeinab.... you have made a respectable landmark to the History of Africa documenting a great civilization being the cradle of humanity. The history will always remember your documentary being as great as the African civilization.

[@Kasia.PL85]

I agree 💯👍😊 she is amazing and very well done documentary, I love it

[@thegreatleo2493]

Thankyou very much Zeinab Badawi for the amazing episodes on the real History of Africa 🔥💯 you deserve a Nobel prize for this. ❤️🇸🇸🇸🇩

[@ems7623]

Not sure about a Nobel, but it's a positive step

[@burundishallsmile1day109]

African way is best for Africans👍🏾

[@watchingthehawks355]

It can't unless we go back to our ancestral believe and reconnect, Africa is under attack on both side from foreign religion,economic and socially,we can't connect to our identity unless we go back to our root of cultures and tradition.

[@saidibuyera6217]

Thank you, Zeinab. This is making African rich culture be known beyond the home. A lot is less known and your efforts (with BBC) brings out knowledge.

[@watchingthehawks355]

Africa needs to know because many of us are still blind and confused, proliferation of foreign religion has devastated Africans and many had beginning to ask questions about their origin some claims to be Arab if you're forcefully converted to Islam while many believe they're Jews because of Western missionaries whom change their names and indoctrinate them.

[@tulusaku7929]

There was no starving kids, no starving old people.

[@plainsaw3771]

And no jail

[@FM-ej6kt]

Who civilised who? The Europeans were very poor, hungry, sick and lawless. They found African civilisations blossoming

[@grahamt5924]

Not in Zambia. Slavery was still rampant in the 1860s in Zambia.

[@shaamilli3934]

@Joepie De poepie There has been nothing but a complication of life and lies. They brought sickness and disease masked as medication and "help" in order to gain control, resources, and debt. Even the way you communicate proves the evilness in your empty spirit. Non-achiever, yet you sit using your precious energy saying nothing that helps anyone. You speak of "we stop giving medication" as if you are producing them yourself. You must be Chinese because most nations are consuming and are in debt to them. You can step off your pedestal of delusion now.

[@shaamilli3934]

Joepie De poepie Lol you cannot kill a people and expect the world not to look down on you. But you can conquer them and make them sick just like what happened to aboriginal natives. What are you trying to prove and who are you speaking for? “White supremacy?” It is all an illusion and there will always be someone better than you no matter what skin color and origin.

[@enoharrey79]

@Joepie De poepie when u creat viruses then bring a vaccine, those that make u smart? Nope. U preach hygiene to prevent diseases but u creat diseases? #UR#NAME##IS#HYPOCRITE

[@kosiakude4947]

@Joepie De poepie your,sad

[@assanediaw3908]

Zeina i can joust stop to watch you from eny ducumenterr you have don I really enjoy both of your ducumenterr god beless Africa

[@seniduteklu4935]

No Doubt Zeinab is the best Journalist in BBC Africa from the entire personal working for BBC Africa......I love her professionalism and respect she gives........

[@alexyona4043]

Dear Zeinab, this is one of your extraordinary achievement series of GHA narration. We are eagerly awaiting the next episode. We hope to see UNESCO to fully sponsor and cover upcoming episodes.

[@frankewanmale4067]

i recognized my Kawata cultural village from Lusaka, Zambia. I also see my neighboring tribe of the Toga. This series is awesome

[@fekeh2450]

Worth watching about African ethnography! You work hard Zeinab, Zambia to Uganda, Congo to Kenya, it is amazing. You dig deep. Your intro is sweet. Your voice is extra flavor for the film and the instrument that you used for as background and transition absolutely stunning. Good bless you!

[@herexcelencyebba6123]

Am proud to be African

[@kwabenayeboah4712]

Babiara wo hy3 hc, lol.

[@wisecub182]

Me 2 .😆.

[@plainsaw3771]

I hope that in the future we all come back to our culture , the culture that GOD gave us(I am not talking about religion) from the beginning. We use to be the teacher of the rest of world and now they look down on us.

[@isiomaamma9869]

Of course Africa used to feed itself before Europeans came !!!

[@luckymotlatla8956]

Precisely, We are feeding Europe today

[@isiomaamma9869]

@@luckymotlatla8956 oh yeh !

[@HavanaSyndrome69]

Free food and clothing has absolutely destroyed the economies of many african nations. The basis of all economies is food and textiles. When locals need to comete with FREE, they obviously cannot compete. They either need to grow something not offered (something other than grain/flour) or clothing they can't get from a store receiving "donated" clothing which is actually sold relatively cheaply. It's not actually given as charity (this isn't a bad thing. They'd never be able to pay for their operation without money. Where do you think the money for collecting/shipping/salaries comes from?)

[@rudoplatinument1963]

Let's forgive ourselves first before we forgive European's

[@Heru_Iluvatar]

Word!

[@musawenkosikefilwemohammed9004]

Marhaban this is Rinad from Sudan and I am proud to be the same as Zeinab badawi

[@yankhofreemansomanje6433]

You have done all Africans good turn with this series. Thank you very much for restoring our sense of self worth

[@RASNOMORE]

Dem, just after all This that we had saw from Africa history, and only from now on that the Europeans will start to know We African! Yes, we ,Africa, we are historical since the beginning of the world, since the beginning of mankind. One love to mother Africa ❤️💛💚

[@HavanaSyndrome69]

I love the narrators wicked posh accent haha It's very soothing to listen to.

[@busuulwaemmanuel163]

Thanks alot Badawi. These series are really teaching alot about the history of my continent

[@SuperKwame1]

Great journalisms Here, great effort went into this video! There you have it. The only reason which I think would make any human being to Fight and even enslaves, and Kills another Human is greed.

[@biixishabcaan8049]

Zainab Badawi is an African icon working hard for her continent. I watched fifteen episodes of your document. Born in former Britain protectrate of Somaliland to which Zainab once travelled to report on, My africanism is really damaged by claims made by my family that we belong to Arabic penninsula.

[@ailecdreifuss8627]

Actually many culture have the same believe "the dead are not dead", in other words, we all are energy and energy transforms. Great documentary. Of course they were no primitive, that was an excuse to explote them.

[@manoramasridhar9451]

Let this series took a book shape. It will be a great gift.

[@kimberlinsimpson4767]

Thank You Zeinab Badawi for an amazing History of Africa, this is interesting, absolutely!

[@brianabryant6497]

These traditions are very much hebrew from the Bible eye opening to see them in action

[@dominicsoore8967]

I love Africa I believe Africa will rediscover herself

[@CreamOfEcstast.]

25:00 - 25:10 am I my brothers keeper .... This is the African way of life with out the European influence .

[@kaneo3243]

That's the Africa I love. Truth matters and emphasis is on resolving problems, not winning.

[@gingerbadjie9670]

I’ve really appreciated this series while in CV19 lockdown. I have watched each episode in order. Seen aspects of other ethnicities and countries I have not yet had the opportunity to see. But I must say this. The emphasis on the Arab and Islamic influence is promoted along with Christianity and I got the impression the more traditional ways of life that still exist were not viewed or portrayed in the same positive way. It was more obvious in the eastern and northern episodes and the use of the word concubines instead of enslaved Africans emphasised this when compared the the body language and disdain for central and Western Africa cultures are portrayed with the presenters disdain. I’d love to see a second series exploring ethnic groups and led by local people do the same thing . One love. One Africa. One human race. 🌍❤️🙏🙌🏽❤️

[@MicroWATCHTV]

Africa has a rich culture

[@frankewanmale4067]

i love you Zambia + AFRICA!!!

[@thameswharf7560]

Proud of your understanding and analysis of the issues and problems of your people Prof Dipio

[@Tend714]

Luganda is so similar to my language Bemba from Zambia 🇿🇲 i can literally understand everything without interpreting

[@truthtellerlastonk.m.p4985]

Proud to be African 🇲🇼

[@alfredackah9103]

Thanksi

[@andregabrielbadji1373]

Zeina you are doing a remarkable job thanks so much

[@MrKabzy]

As a Ugandan muganda whose tribe was featured.. and have been following the series in this quarantine..... I wish to say..that.. our culture has served its purposes of maintaining our communities and please do realise there is a sustainable reason as why it happens as it is. The issue with the land has a lot do with a woman being married off to family and with that... family wealth is lost.. and realising women empowerment has not been so helpful in martial relationships. So the family unit has been kept in check and for a purpose.... other than the west funding its feminist agenda in Africa... I suggest they learn from our cultures that have kept us together despite being poor. Stop promoting the hidden agenda of equality outcome and influencing outcome... But equal opportunity is acceptable nonetheless it kills structure of the society. The amount of failed relationships and single motherhood in the West is something BBC should shine the light on.

[@queenoftenthousandmoons8864]

Yes and marrying mzungu

[@felixmakinda7689]

Visited Kampala recently and it was a dream come true for me. Now, I started reading about the challenges the Buganda Kingdom faced with the arrival of white people. It broke my heart. Reading about the many number of Kabakas that were deposed and killed in a short time broke my heart.

[@bisib1789]

THE WOMAN'S IN AFRICA ARE THE MOTHER OF THE HEALTH.

[@matthewmann8969]

Some of these traditional practices, testings, quizzes, etc still continue in modern times

[@SebOutdoors]

Now we only need episode 16-20, which are (based on their titles) probably some of the most important ones in the show. Please release those as soon as possible, I have no doubt that we are many waiting. Thank you.

[@marielaveau6362]

I love how that couple could sit down together with a council of elders who listened to their issues and gave them advice on how to solve the problem. It's like marriage counseling for free.

[@adamsarfo7523]

Nice documentary. Very educative.

[@luckysinclair7327]

This is an example that we Africans know how to care for their husbands, we were thought that we don't know how to love, now to hear the husband ask for his forgiveness from his wife, tells me otherwise, rise up my melanated race be strong as you are and press's on , keep our ancestors traditions intact cause that will be the only thing we can/ going to have to keep us

[@augustinechipulu3863]

Proud Zambian watching diligently.

[@NanaKNOwusu]

Africans are one people.

[@miragegrey4177]

Were Wole Soyinka and Morgan Freeman separated at birth? They even sound alike! Thank you to Ms. Badawi for this fascinating series. I can't wish I learned this knowledge sooner; it is beautifully presented.

[@adamsgaddaf9596]

I love africa my pride.

[@planetolusola]

Amazing documentary. Finally, African histories are being revealed through African epistemology. Excellent work Zeinab.

[@francisodhiambo4704]

Beautifully told but I wish something about the owner of the title 'No longer at Ease' and his perceptions about the fall of African traditions could have been mentioned even in the passing. Especially where scribes Wa Thiong'o and Soyinka gave their opinions on Africa and the fate of indigenous languages.

[@bmercyp]

This is in the heart of Lusaka

[@titsaa_]

watching this entire series the only thing consistent is that all the great African civilizations crumbled the moment they started letting christianity into their heads. no god worthy of our respect would ever wish such gruesome levels of evil and pain on people they love. We have to return to our roots and find out who we truly are. there is nothing wrong with my tradition and culture. If you dont understand it dont call it primitive.

[@ayookanlawon7364]

After watching this, resentment....

[@patriciabryant9663]

Go go africa ya have pretty country i love it

[@aroabmagir5367]

Mum Africa 🌍💖💖💖💖💖

[@sollymadeit]

Coming back to this changes my perspective entirely on traditional healing. There is a vast knowledge we forgot. But it was good to go through the male energies. Let us return to the female energies. Let us return to looking inward and healing people as a community.

[@natureboy9339]

Africa!!

[@chizitera1]

When is the next episode out? Please let us know

[@mhashi2011]

Africa is blessed in many ways. Unfortunately many factors resulted in the lack of development and more worse its not even been acknowledged by many of its top intellectuals,politicians and traditional leaders. Africans will one way or another face ultimate challenges in the coming years . It is up to the people to either remain in desperate situation or collectively face all sorts of challenges in brilliant manner.

[@legion1630]

Thanks for the show..am more proud and enlightened

[@raj1894]

I HAVE SEEN MAKERERE UNIVERSITY ONEOF THE WORLDS BEST FOR TROPICAL DIESEASES IN THE WORLD PROFESSORS LIVED WITH US IN ZAMBIA WHEN IDI AMIN TOOK OVER EXTREMELY SAD HOW AFRICAN DESTROY THEMSELVES BUT ZAMBIA MY BELOVED COUNTRY IS STILL THE GREAT IT HAS HOSTED SO MANY PEOPLE I HAVE LIVED OVER 55YRS AND I AM A PROUD ZAMBIAN VERY PEACE FULL HUMANISAM IS THERE THANK YOU

[@atomixdragon]

You guys can upload the last four parts and make the Atlantic slavery video public anytime 😁....

[@cikunjuguna1948]

Proud African 👸🏾

[@FM-ej6kt]

Zainab, Africa has existed thousands of years before Europe. Even the name Europe came about from an African princesses Europa! They saw riches beyond their dreams and our people were not GREEDY!! They came from caves. The moors thought Europe how to bath and hygiene and food

[@grahamt5924]

Bs

[@bensuniverse2755]

I hope y’all can open your eyes about the abrahamic religions

[@keithmburu8269]

where is Episode 16

[@farhanw6010]

Someone has been eaten

[@karenricks5630]

Love u

[@driziiD]

lol Arnold was exhibiting clownery in that justice meeting 😂

[@alickmomo7625]

please look up the books by the late great Zambian historian Dr Hantobolo.

[@luckymotlatla8956]

I want to go and discover Europe too..., i mean that's what they did too

[@tedrosmanna5465]

Next Episode?

[@MrCaseybarthell]

Thanks Zeinab. GOD ISREAL.

[@virgiliomelott2794]

hello from america

[@owenbeharry8478]

When is the next episode? BBC Africa I need you to step on the gas.

[@janemuthoni2034]

Yeah. I thought this was the last one, only for me to hear Zeinab say... In the next Ep..

[@owenbeharry8478]

Jane Muthoni yes. The next was the transatlantic slave trade.

[@MHaffiezMNazri]

I believe the USA has told someone at BBC to make that episode private, too harsh for the bitter reality!

[@goteamdefense]

I’m not sure how long they wait after they first air in on TV before they upload it to KZbin. I think episodes 16 through 20 have been broadcast, but I’m not sure. Hopefully by years end they will share the last 5 episodes.

[@owenbeharry8478]

Rex Racer I wonder if I could see it with a bbc subscription

[@godzidendera3027]

David Livingstone played a major role of informing slave hunters where African habitats where located especially on lake shores.His statue must bi destroyed at Mosi oa Tunya

[@ghostagee5232]

In less than 50 years, Swahili can replace English in all aspects, easily! And I am talking Kingozi not that arabised version on the coast!

[@jon-snow-GOT]

Where is kingozi spoken?

[@user-oz8bi9im4y]

How

[@user-oz8bi9im4y]

How? Does it have more speaking the language im from Ethiopia i would love to learn

[@chalewow]

Please advise when the next episode will be available...

[@barak_ahtha]

Episode 16 was deleted! Probably one of the most provocative episodes of the series! I imagine there was too much truth, being broadcast! How sad. How "one-sided" . How biased.

[@RHR199X]

It is still in the recommended section

[@faithfultoyeshua4576]

African languages are similar like i understand the language spoken in this episode but i am 1000 miles away

[@petermachuor5212]

That's really trued about african.we have of settled the troubles.see the chief first and the most give an equal rights.

[@sata4756]

Omg chiguru!

[@sundayibeneme4764]

Thats really Africans culture and very nice.

[@Ron23604]

Nice series, where can I watch the next episode16?

[@jamesmabugu7899]

Next episode?

[@Avishag_lili]

where is the next one?? how comfortable that this one is not there...... at all

[@felixmakinda7689]

Uncivilized Africa had no homeless people. We are now civilized, full of homeless people and slums. Teach me the ways of the civilized. Where everyone is for himself away from our uncivilized Ubuntu, where we cared for each other and ensured that elderly people were taken care of fully until they went to meet the ancestors in the afterlife.