Idris Elba in the August cover of Ebony Magazine

There is so much to talk about on all things Africa, from serious (terrorism in Uganda) to the not-so-serious (naked pics of Wande Coal? Eek!). Here’s what we’re keeping out eyes on:

ENTERTAINMENT:

  • British actor Idris Elba (who is really Sierra Leonan and Ghanaian) covers the August issue of Ebony Magazine. Yum is a verb, right? >>AfriPOP! read it here<<
  • Pictures of a very nekkid (naked, for the proper folks) of Nigerian artist Wande Coal made him a trending on Twitter last week. His record company, Mo Hits, denies it was him. >>AfriPOP! read it here<<
  • A new season of Big Brother Africa started this weekend on M-Net (South Africa). This time it’s called “Big Brother All-Stars” and it features contestants from 14 countries, including Ghana, Malawi, Namibia and Ethiopia. >>AfriPOP! watches it here.<<

CULTURE AROUND THE “INNANET”

  • Clutch Magazine ponders hair politics in post-apartheid South Africa. “The craving to have straight silky hair is one that African women have experienced with the advent of colonialism and slavery,” writes Luso Mnthali. “Looking at our cousins across the Atlantic, it also seemed fashionable to have the silkiest, most European-looking tresses.” >>AfriPOP! read it here.<<
  • Victory Entertainment, a New York-based “hiplife” band brings the sounds of West Africa to the boogie-down Bronx. The New York Daily News calls it “an uptempo sound that echoes Ghana’s jazzy highlife music and American hip hop.” >>AfriPOP! read it here.<<

NEWS:

  • 20 people have been arrested in connection with recent terrorist attacks in Uganda. The attacks, which were conducted during the World Cup Finals, left 76 dead. Captured suspects include Ethiopians and Somalians. >>AfriPOP! read it here.<<
  • Refugees from Rwanda living in Uganda were allegedly tricked by Ugandan officials who wanted to return them home. Refugee rights groups are calling the Uganda government’s tactic a violation of international law. >>AfriPOP! read it here.<<
  • Fifteen-year-old Chris Mahlangu, a suspect in the killing of South African white supremacist Eugene Terreblance, has been released on R500 ($65) bail. Police say they will have to protect him from white supremacists who may be looking to get revenge. >>AfriPOP! read it here.<<