An African History of Africa

From the Dawn of Humanity to Independence

By: Zeinab Badawi

Narrated by: Zeinab Badawi

Brought to you by Penguin.

Everyone is originally from Africa, and this book is therefore for everyone.

For too long, Africa's history has been neglected. Dominated by western narratives of slavery and colonialism, its past has been fragmented, overlooked and denied its rightful place in our global story.

Now, Zeinab Badawi guides us through Africa's spectacular history, from the origins of humanity, through ancient civilisations and medieval empires with powerful queens and kings, to the miseries of conquest and the elation of independence.

Seeking out occluded histories from across the continent, meeting with countless historians, anthropologists, archaeologists and local storytellers, and travelling through more than thirty countries, Badawi weaves together a fascinating new account of Africa: an epic, sweeping history of the oldest inhabited continent on the planet, told through the voices of Africans themselves.

©2024 Zeinab Badawi (P)2024 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

Zeinab Badawi’s remarkable new book lives up to her dependable standards of excellence. It takes the reader on an up-close-and-personal journey across this unique continent, seemingly holding your hand while uncovering extraordinary gems of truth as she allows previously untold stories to be heard (Margaret Busby CBE)

A fascinating, thought-provoking and entertaining romp through several thousand years of history . . . This book is for everyone not only in the sense that we are all, ultimately, from Africa, but also because it is highly readable (Justin Marozzi)

A refreshing corrective to narratives imposed on the continent by others . . . Ambitious in scope . . . The very act of telling African history from an African perspective and by making this history accessible to a wide audience is an assertion of dignity and an invitation to learn more . . . As Badawi puts it: “I hope I have demonstrated that Africa has a history, that it is a fundamental part of our global story, and one that is worthy of greater attention and respect than it has so far received.” She most certainly has (Simukai Chigdu)

Authoritative and compelling (Sathnam Sanghera)

Both a tour d'horizon and a tour de force, marvellously readable and beautifully written. This is a book that should be read by anyone who is interested in Africa, by anyone who thinks they know all they need to know about Africa, and above all by anyone who has no interest in Africa at all. It will transform their views of the continent, its peoples and its histories. I cannot recommend it too strongly or praise it too highly (Professor Sir David Cannadine)

Epic, magnificent, brilliant. Zeinab Badawi's soaring African history is as majestic, thrilling and vibrant as the continent of Africa itself. A moving personal journey, an investigation into the earliest years of human life, a powerful manifesto for historical research and national memory, this genius book - bursting with stories of incredible courage and determination, from battling empires, colonial fightback, ending the slave trade and forming nations - is a tour de force and entirely unforgettable (Professor Kate Williams)

This is a book we have needed: a clear account of the fascinating history of Africa from an African perspective. I learned something on every page. It will leave everyone who reads it better informed and more thoughtful about the vast opportunity that can now be found in a continent we have often misunderstood (William Hague)

One of the greatest strengths of this wonderful African History of Africa and what makes it so engaging is the way Zeinab Badawi narrates the great sweep of this continent’s rich history as a personal voyage of discovery, and in doing so is able to portray her feelings of the experience, be it touching humanity’s most ancient bones or venturing into the dungeons of slave castles (Dr Kevin Shillington)

Deeply researched book

Loved the breadth and depth of the book, both in terms of (i) the period covered (before and post the common era) and (ii) the number of countries analysed. This is just an excellent and definitive book that focuses (thankfully) on praising the elements of African history that Africans should be proud of rather than blaming the current condition of the continent solely on its slavery and colonial past. Well done Zeinab. Very proud.

Educational and Inspiring

As a British African it was refreshing to hear about my ethnic history, and encouraging to optimistically look at my continents future.

great work

a concise yet comprehensive history of africa. very informative. great narration. strongly adviced as an introduction to the topic.

An interesting summary of Africa's history.

I can't say there is anything I didn't like about the book it gives a kaleidoscopic summary of Africa's many histories pointing the reader to any direction they wish to go. I loved it

Fabulous work, fantastic book, and engaging narration

As an African, I was always aware how little I knew about the history of the continent. After listening to this book, I realised that I knew less that 5% of the continent's history.
This book is a great overview,and an enjoyable read. I highly recommend it for Africans and Non-Africans.

DISSAPOINTING

Was this written for an USA readership? As someone who has lived in Africa most of my life, I was hoping for more from Zeinab. She gives long details and information (rather like all the biblical 'begat's) but seldom gets to the heart of what it means to be African. I was looking forward to an African female perspective, but perhaps Zeinab has been out of Africa too long.

sorry?ss version of an interesting piece ofhistory

very interesting history of Africa.
but far too much blame and sorry for the author.
Also a hole lot of "the sun was shining from a blue sky, when I walked dow. the .... to meet mr/ms/? so-and-so"
(boring and selfish)

I could not complete it as my bs filter overflowed.