News Brief
Damola Durosomo
Jul. 30, 2018 10:51AM EST

Zimbabweans Remain Optimistic as They Vote In Historic Election

Zimbabweans are hoping for change after 37 years under the rule of Mugabe.

All eyes are on Zimbabwe, as the country heads to the poll to vote in a historic election: the first since the ousting of Robert Mugabe who ruled the country or 37 years.

The race is between incumbent President and Mugabe successor, Emmerson Mnangagwa and 40 year-old lawyer and pastor Nelson Chaimsa, who hopes to become the country's youngest leader in history. There are 21 other candidates on the ballot as well.

The youth will play a crucial role in determining the outcome of this election, as many first-time voters under the age of 35 will cast ballots today.

READ: 'Seems it's Always a Farce': Zimbabweans in the Diaspora on Trying to Participate in the Upcoming Elections"

On Sunday, the country's former president Robert Mugabe held a surprise press conference to announce his plans to vote against the Mnangagwa and the Zanu-PF—the political party which he founded—and called Chaimsa, the direct opposition candidate "the only viable candidate."

This election could signify a new turn for the Southern African nation, where about 5.5 million citizens are registered to vote, reports BBC Africa. There appears to be an air of optimism surrounding many Zimbabweans online as they see a major opportunity for change. So far, voter turnout has been notably high.

Read some of what people are saying about the election below.










Music
Photo courtesy of AYLØ.

Interview: AYLØ Bridges His Music & Universe In the 'Clairsentience' EP

The Nigerian artist talks about trusting your gut feelings, remedying imposter syndrome and why our identity is best rooted in who we are, rather than what we do.

AYLØ's evolution as an artist has led him to view sensitivity as a gift. As the alté soundscape in the Nigerian scene gains significant traction, his laser focus cuts through the tempting smokescreen of commercial success. AYLØ doesn't make music out of need or habit. It all boils down to the power of feeling. "I know how I can inspire people when I make music, and how music inspires me. Now it's more about the message."

Clairsentience, the title of the Nigerian artist's latest EP, is simply defined as the ability to perceive things clearly. A clairsentient person perceives the world through their emotions. Contrary to popular belief, clairsentience isn't a paranormal sixth sense reserved for the chosen few, our inner child reveals that it's an innate faculty that lives within us before the world told us who to be.

Born in 1994 in Benin City, Nigeria, AYLØ knew he wanted to be a musician since he was six-years-old. Raised against the colorful backdrop of his dad's jazz records and the echoes of church choirs from his mother's vast gospel collections, making music isn't something anyone pushed him towards, it organically came to be. By revisiting his past to reconcile his promising future, he shares that, "Music is about your experiences. You have to live to write shit. Everything adds up to the music."

Our conversation emphasized the importance of trusting your gut feelings, how to remedy imposter syndrome and why our identity is best rooted in who we are, rather than what we do,

This interview has been edited for purposes of brevity and clarity.

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(Photo by Luke Dray/Getty Images)

Bobi Wine and His Wife Released from House Arrest

Ugandan politician Bobi Wine and his wife Barbara Itungo Kyagulanyi have been released from a near two-week military house arrest following a recent ruling from a Ugandan court.

Bobi Wine and his wife Barbara Itungo Kyagulanyi have reportedly been released from house arrest after the military surrounded their residence almost two weeks ago, Al Jazeera reports. The house arrest began shortly after the highly contested national elections of January 14th which saw the 76-year-old Yoweri Museveni winning a sixth term as president of the country. However, a Ugandan court recently found the opposition figure's house arrest to be "unlawful" which subsequently led to the withdrawal of security forces from his residence, according to The Africa Report.
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Yanga Chief Takes The Lead With His Debut Album ‘Pop Star’

In his debut album 'Pop Star', Yanga Chief caters to various moods through diverse subject matter and culturally relevant songs.

Following up on his award-winning EP, Becoming a Popstar, Yanga Chief is not letting the game rest. His latest project Pop Star is a true reflection of what he has transformed into; a chief leading the Mzansi hip-hop scene.

Chiefs are supposed to hear and give commentary on all aspects of the village. Yanga Chief does exactly that by raising awareness on the good and bad of the village of South Africa—from partying to corruption. A trait that the greatest pop stars have been widely praised for. Think of early examples like Michael Jackson's political "They Don't Care About Us" and his upbeat real-life-based story of "Billie Jean".

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John Boyega & Robert De Niro Team Up for Netflix's 'The Formula'

John Boyega and Robert De Niro are set to star in Netflix's epic car race drama, 'The Formula'.