‘Kivuli & Nuru: The Afrodisiacs Collection’ Unveiled on Africa Day by HOLAAfrica!
In African culture, the reverence for elders and community members often makes discussing topics related to sex and sexuality a taboo subject. This stigma is even more pronounced for individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) in African societies.
Tiffany Mugo and Siphumeze Khundayi, co-founders of HOLAAfrica, a Pan-African digital platform focusing on sex and sexuality, are working to change the narrative around LGBTQ+ issues on the continent. They believe that the experiences of queer individuals in Africa are both challenging and empowering.
On Africa Day, HOLAAfrica! launched ‘Kivuli & Nuru: The Afrodisiacs Collection’, a series of African erotic stories that explore the diverse realms of desire and intimacy within the LGBTQ+ community. The collection aims to celebrate LGBTQ+ intimacies through authentic storytelling.
The first episode of the collection, ‘A Prayer for Good Sex’, opened with a powerful prayer by Mpho Andrea Tutu van Furth, daughter of Archbishop Desmond Tutu. The prayer reflects on the significance of good sex in various aspects of life.
Complexities of LGBTQ+ in Africa
Mugo acknowledges the complexities faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in Africa, highlighting the blend of hardships and moments of joy within the community. She emphasizes the importance of portraying a holistic view of LGBTQ+ life on the continent, beyond stereotypes and misconceptions.
While progress has been made in LGBTQ+ rights, Mugo acknowledges that there is still a long journey ahead. She emphasizes the need to challenge negative narratives surrounding queer sexuality and to recognize the beauty and diversity within the community.
‘Kivuli’ and ‘Nuru’, meaning ‘shadow’ and ‘light’ in Kiswahili, symbolize the contrasting aspects of sexuality and intimacy in Africa. Mugo explains that the collection aims to bring hidden desires into the light and celebrate the journey towards self-expression and acceptance.
The Episodes
The ‘Kivuli & Nuru’ collection features 30 episodes that explore a wide range of themes related to love, lust, and intimacy within the LGBTQ+ community. The stories span from Lagos to Nairobi, capturing the diverse experiences of queer individuals across the continent.
One episode, ‘Why is There Never Foreplay in the Public Bathrooms’, written by Ghanaian author Kobby Ben Ben, provides a glimpse into an intimate encounter between lovers in a public lavatory in Ghana. The raw and authentic portrayal of pleasure and desire in the stories immerses listeners in a world of sensuality and vulnerability.
While the stories in the collection delve into taboo topics such as threesomes and public sex, Mugo emphasizes that the core of the narratives is rooted in education and empowerment. By sharing these stories, HOLAAfrica aims to educate and enlighten listeners on the diverse expressions of sexuality and desire.
‘Kivuli & Nuru: The Afrodisiacs Collection’ serves as a testament to the resilience and creativity of LGBTQ+ individuals in Africa. Through storytelling, the collection challenges societal norms and celebrates the beauty of queer intimacy.
