Culture

Five Moroccan beaches among 15 ‘Top Shrinking Destinations’ by 2100— Study

Published

1 year ago

July 24, 2023

A recent study conducted by travel website, Hawaiian Islands, has revealed that five beaches in Morocco will likely be among Africa’s top 15 most vulnerable coastal shoreline shrinkages by the year 2100.

The report noted that “as the world grapples with the gloomy reality of the climate crisis, coastal erosion is forecasted to hit several beaches worldwide, including Morocco, which finds itself at the forefront of the coastal crisis.”

Ranking the beaches likely to be affected by the shrinkage, the website said Morocco’s Taghazout Beach was expected to witness a loss of 172.4 meters of its shoreline, while Essaouira Beach, which ranks seventh on the list, is projected to shrink by 135.4 meters, followed by Sidi Bouzid Beach which faces an estimated shrinkage of 113.8 meters.

“Tanger’s iconic beach comes in the 14th spot with the threat of losing 73.5 meters of its coastline, while Saidia beach, the last on the list, is at risk of losing 69.4 meters of its shoreline.”

Accordingly, the report warned that two-thirds of beaches in the North African country were in danger of erosion, notably Tangier, which is forecasted to lose 99.9% of its port infrastructure and 63% of its industrial zone by 2100.

The report also revealed that four Nigerian beaches were in line to shrink as they account for more than half of the African tourist beaches likely to be worst hit by rising sea levels.

“Four Nigerian beaches are featured in this list, with the country’s Landmark Beach estimated to suffer the most significant loss of shoreline in Africa and worldwide (918.3 meters),” the study reveals.

“The second spot on Africa’s list went to Mozambique’s Praia Da Costa Do Sol beach, which is expected to lose 453.4 meters of shoreline. Nigeria’s Elegushi Beach is the third most vulnerable African beach on the list, predicted to shrink by 338 meters.”

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Culture

South African DJ Black Coffee bags World’s Best DJ 2024

Published

11 hours ago

November 23, 2024

Isaac Dachen

South African disc jockey, DJ Black Coffee, has been named the World’s Best DJ 2024 at the Golden Moon Awards.

Reporting on the award, prominent South African tabloid, IOL, wrote:

“All hail Black Coffee from South Africa, winner of the Golden Moon award for the World’s Best DJ 2024! Black Coffee has taken the global stage by storm, blending his unique Afro-house sound with deep, soulful grooves that resonate with audiences worldwide.

“A pioneer, a visionary, and a cultural ambassador, Black Coffee continues to inspire millions, pushing boundaries and connecting the world through his music. A truly deserving icon of this prestigious honour!”

DJ Black Coffee whose real name is Nkosinathi Maphumulo, was not the only local South African entertainer who was recognised at the awards as rising star, Palesa Desiree Shilabje, popularly known as DESIREE, was also named the World’s Breakthrough Artist 2024.

On DESIREE, the tabloid said:

“DESIREE’s rise to prominence comes from her ability to craft electrifying DJ sets that seamlessly blend genres—African-inspired house, deep house, techno, and soulful rhythms.

“Her passion for diverse sounds has landed her on some of the world’s most respected stages, like DC-10, fabric, and Hï Ibiza, bringing her deep African influences to a global audience.

“Beyond her music, DESIREE proudly represents the intersex community, using her platform to inspire and educate about her experience. A truly groundbreaking artist, DESIREE is already leaving an unforgettable legacy.”

The Golden Moon Awards are held every year to select the best 100 clubs in the world and to award prizes in different categories to the major players in nightlife, individuals, clubs and associations.

Culture

DRC authorities arrest six over break-in at Lumumba’s Mausoleum

Published

2 days ago

November 21, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Police in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) say six people have been arrested over a break-in and vandalism at the mausoleum of the country’s assassinated independence leader, Patrice Lumumba, in Kinshasa, the country’s capital.

The police had announced the six arrests late Wednesday and said they were still looking for two more suspects.

Interior Minister, Jacquemin Shabani, said in a statement that during the break-in which occurred on Monday, a case containing a single gold-capped tooth, the only part of the former leader that remained after his assassination, was broken by the vandals.

“We assure that the relic is secure and it is protected,” the minister said, without offering more information.

The return of Lumumba’s tooth from former colonizer Belgium in 2022 had been celebrated around Congo, with the tooth taken around the vast country so people could pay their respects.

Lumumba is widely hailed as the nationalist activist who helped end colonial rule in the DRC and went on to become the country’s first prime minister and was seen as one of Africa’s most promising new leaders, but he was assassinated within a year in 1961.

His body was dismembered and dissolved with acid in an apparent effort to keep any grave from becoming a pilgrimage site.

For many in Congo, Lumumba is a symbol of the positive developments the country could have achieved after its independence but instead, it became mired in decades of dictatorship that drained its vast mineral riches.

A military coup toppled Lumumba, who was arrested, jailed and later killed. His assassination, blamed on separatists, cleared the way for the rise of Mobutu Sese Seko, who ruled the country he later renamed Zaire for decades with support from Western powers until his death in 1997.

His one remaining tooth was kept by the Belgian police commissioner who oversaw the destruction of his body.

The tooth was returned to Congo after the visit of Belgium’s King Philippe, who expressed regrets for his nation’s abuses in Congo when it was a Belgian colony.