Elite Africa Roundup - 24 November 2023

Dafe Oputu

Liberian President George Weah has conceded defeat to his opponent in the second round of Liberia’s presidential election. Joseph Boakai, formerly vice-president from 2006-2018, is set to be sworn in as Liberia’s new president in January. ECOWAS has issued a statement of congratulations for the election, which marks the second peaceful transfer of power in 70 years, and the first concession from an incumbent president since 1869.

Billboard Music Awards gave the prize for “Top Afrobeats Artist '' to Burna Boy and “Afrobeats Song of the Year” to “Calm Down” by Rema featuring Selena Gomez. This is the first year the BMAs are recognizing Afrobeats as a genre. Meanwhile in The Continent, Wilfred Okiche wonders if Burna Boy’s personality isn’t getting in the way of his musical career.

  • NPR covers the 8th annual Art X Festival in Lagos, including an interview with ArtX founder Tokini Peterside-Schwebig.
  • Following controversial parliamentary elections earlier this month, pro-democracy activists in Eswatini continue to criticize the monarchy’s grip over all aspects of national politics.
  • A real estate company that administers land on behalf of the Zulu Monarchy has dropped its appeal in a long-running court case on the ownership of customary land. [Paywall with Trial]

Image: Incoming Liberian President Joseph Boakai with the Obamas at the White House. 5 August 2014. Photo credit: Amanda Lucidon, Office of the White House.

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