Platform introduces a new dimension to African sexuality through storytelling

The Star

3 days ago

HOLAAfrica, a digital platform fiercely dedicated to exploring contemporary narratives of African sexuality , has launched a new collection of albums titled Kivuli & Nuru: The Afrodisiacs Collection .
This digital platform, renowned for its commitment to engaging with African narratives surrounding sex and pleasure, aims to foster community and create safe spaces through the power of storytelling.
It is explained that the albums, available on various digital platforms, feature a rich tapestry of erotic stories that explore the intricate world of desire, intimacy, and identity.
Founders Tiffany Kagure Mugo and Siphumeze Khundayi have taken their voices far beyond South Africa, sharing their vision on global TED Talk stages and garnering international attention.
Mugo and Khundayi describe the essence of the albums as a celebration of LGBTQ+ intimacies, presented in the storytellers' own words, allowing for authentic connections and engagement with listeners.
The pair highlight that each narrative uniquely reflects the diverse contexts and living conditions across the continent, making the collection a holistic representation of African eroticism.
' The stories were sourced from around the continent to make sure we caught a bunch of different contexts and ways of living and loving. The stories are as diverse as the countries they are from. From Cape to Cairo and Lagos to Nairobi, the stories show a spectrum of sexual experiences. People should listen to the stories because they are sensual, hot, intimate and gorgeous. Another reason people should listen is because we adore knowing about the fantasies, desires and sex lives of others. We are fascinated by it, ' Khundayi explained.
Khundayi explains the titles of the albums, Kivuli and Nuru , translate to ' shadow ' and ' light ' in Kiswahili, aptly illustrating the duality of human sexuality. Many stories explore both the hidden aspects, the ' shadows ' of sexuality where many feel unable to express themselves, and the ' light ' that signifies empowerment and the acceptance of desire.
Mugo elaborated on the inspiration driving this collection, citing a ' need for more sexiness, more sensuality, more deliciousness when it comes to African sexuality ' .
' The idea for this collection of stories came from a need for more sexiness, more sensuality, more deliciousness when it comes to African sexuality. There is something so sexy about having erotica read to you, and we wanted to harness that – the feeling of a lover whispering in your ear. The collection also wanted to collate and bring together African sexual stories, literally in their own words (most people voiced their work), and add African voices to the erotic landscape. We wanted to expand the way people saw and understood African sexuality in a way that was tempting and engaging. '
Emphasising the importance of audio storytelling, she likened the experience to that of a lover whispering intimate secrets in one's ear. ' We aimed to expand the understanding of African sexuality in a way that is tempting and engaging, ' she added.
The pair further explains how these stories educate, stating, ' Stories have always been the biggest way to teach people about things, and in terms of sex and sexuality, these will do that. The stories will bring you into a world of sexuality that informs you through storytelling. '
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Saturday Star