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Lost-wax cast bronze, Nigeria, late 15th-middle 16th century. Height: 31 cm (12 inches). Located in Musee du Louvre, Paris, France.

Scottish University Set to Return Looted Nigerian Artefact

The University of Aberdeen in Scotland has announced that it will fully repatriate a Benin Bronze sculpture to Nigeria due to the 'extremely immoral' acquisition of the artefact.

The University of Aberdeen in Scotland has announced that it is in the process of returning a stolen Nigerian artefact. This comes after the unending calls for the repatriation of artefacts taken during colonisation from African countries. The university's senior management has heeded this call and a Benin Bronze belonging to Nigeria will be returned to the country within the next coming weeks.


Read: French Government Votes in Favour of Returning Looted African Artefacts

The university is one of many Western institutions that received thousands of looted bronze sculptures by British soldiers in Benin City (modern day Nigeria) in 1897, this according to BBC. The Benin Bronze that is to be returned is of an Oba (king) of Benin and was reportedly acquired by the university in 1957 at an auction. The senior management of the university found thr "extremely immoral" manner in which the artefact came into the university's possession a problem and decided to fully repatriate the Benin Bronze. According to EWN, the the vice-chancellor, George Boyne, admitted that it would not be right for the university to have "retained an item of such great cultural importance that was acquired in such reprehensible circumstances."

Last year, the French government voted in favour of returning hundreds of thousands of looted African artefacts. However, the process of repatriation is arduous and admittedly unfair. The host country has to prove that the artefact indeed was stolen and belongs to them. Such is the case with a 600-year-old Nigerian artefact that was smuggled into the Netherlands where the Nigerian government went through months of appeals for its return. The University of Aberdeen is reportedly the first university to fully repatriate the Benin Bronze which has put pressure on the British Museum to follow suit.

Nigeria is not the only country that will see the return of highly valued cultural artefacts. The University of Aberdeen has previously agreed to repatriate sacred items and ancestral remains to Canada, Australia and New Zealand. The return of all looted artefacts from indigenous cultures around the world is admittedly overdue. It is a painful reminder of the prevailing injustice of Western institutions that hold hostage cultural knowledge from around the world.

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Burna Boy Shares New Single ‘Sittin' On Top Of The World’

The African Giant samples Brandy and Ma$e in his new summertime-ready single.

Odogwu is back and sitting on top of the world!

Burna Boy has graced the airwaves once again with his latest single called "Sittin’ On Top Of The World," marking his highly anticipated solo debut in 2023.

The distinguished Nigerian artist, who is currently on tour, has shared this track as a delightful auditory treat for his dedicated fans. The song seamlessly incorporates elements from Brandy and M a$e’ss 1998 hit "Top Of The World.”

Notably, the composition of the song captivates listeners with its summer-ready sample, also showcasing Burna Boy's remarkable vocal range and effortlessly smooth delivery.

Earlier this year, Burna Boy featured on the single "Mera Na," a heartfelt production by the late Indian hip-hop luminary Sidhu Moose Wala, who passed away last year. “Sittin’ On Top Of The World” is yet another demonstration of Burna’s versatility and global appeal as he continues to solidify his position as an influential force in the music world. The single also shows Burna Boy’s ability to bring the signature “Burna vibe” to any record.

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The Best Afrobeats Songs Right Now

Featuring tracks from Joeboy, Amaarae, Odumodublvck, Wande Coal, Wizkid, Ckay, and more.

Afrobeats is one of the biggest cultural movements in the world. Influencing everything from fashion to sports, the music acts as the adhesive, catching on to listeners of all demographics and shaping the scene in Africa with great potential. With the growing number of new Afrobeats releases every month, it becomes necessary to round up the best of the bunch. From singles to new music videos, the continent’s vast expanse will be covered in our "Best Afrobeats Songs Out Right Now" column. Get started below.

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ISAAC KASAMANI/AFP via Getty Images

Uganda's President Will "Go To War" Over New Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill

President Museveni is defending the world's harshest anti-human rights bill, threatening death for being gay.

Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni has declared that he will go to war to protect the country's anti-LGBTQ+ bill passed this week. "The NRM (National Resistance Movement) has never had two languages," he said in a statement released by his office on Wednesday, "What we tell you in the day is what we shall say to you at night. The signing of the Anti-Homosexuality Bill is finished; nobody will move us, and we should be ready for a war. Remember, war is not for the soft." Museveni made an onslaught of chaotic comments when he met with lawmakers from his ruling party this week, as he continues to defend signing one of the world's harshest anti-LGBTQ+ bills to date.

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The Best South African Songs Right Now

Featuring new South African music from Inkabi Zezwe, Nomfundo Moh, Tyla, K.O, A-Reece and more.

Here are the South African songs and music videos that caught our attention this month.

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