24 hours in pictures, 22 July 2025
Through the lens: The Citizen's Picture Editors select the best news photographs from South Africa and around the world.
Details of Sarah Niles' attire upon her arrival at Marvel Studios 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps' world premiere at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles, CA, USA, 21 July 2025. Picture: EPA/ALLISON DINNER
Tourists watch the sunset at the Uyuni salt flat, in Uyuni, Bolivia, 21 July 2025. The Uyuni salt flat is the largest in the world with an extension of more than 10,000 square kilometers and holds large reserves of lithium. Picture: EPA/Esteban Biba The peleton in action during the 16th stage of the Tour de France cycling race over 171.5km from Montpellier to Mont Ventoux, France, 22 July 2025. Picture: EPA/CHRISTOPHE PETIT TESSON Rescue workers retrieve a submerged car from a flooded stream as onlookers gather during heavy monsoon rains in Islamabad, Pakistan, 21 July 2025. At least 216 people, including 101 children and 40 women, have died in rain-related incidents across Pakistan since 26 June as a new monsoon spell is starting up, authorities from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said. Picture: EPA/SOHAIL SHAHZAD Dennis Manyisa warms himself at a fire, 22 July 2025, after being evicted from the Wolwespruit informal settlement, in the East of Pretoria. The evictions took place on 13 July and some members of the community are now living alongside Solomon Mahlangu Drive while they wait to be relocated. Picture: Michel Bega/The Citizen Firefighters work to extinguish a blaze that broke out at a recycling facility in Mytilene, Lesbos island, Greece, 22 July 2025. The fire burned large quantities of recyclable materials, making the efforts of the firefighting crews particularly difficult. Picture: EPA/ELIAS MARCOU Kawaria, or Lord Shiva devotees, carry Lord Shiva statues on their shoulders in New Delhi, India, 22 July 2025. Every year, thousands of Shiva devotees collect holy water called ganga jal from the Ganges. During the month of Shravan in July, they trek barefoot or by other means, carrying the water over their shoulders to various Shiva temples in Delhi and neighboring states. Picture: EPA/RAJAT GUPTA People play in the surf near the remains of a dead humpback whale on Sao Conrado beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 21 July 2025. According to biologists and fishermen, the remains are a calf that may have been separated from its mother during the migration as dozens of humpback whales pass along the Brazilian coast. Picture: EPA/ANDRE COELHO African elephant calf Kaja in its enclosure at the Opel Zoo in Kronberg, Germany, 22 July 2025. Kaja was born on 27 May 2025. Picture: EPA/RONALD WITTEK Belgian F-16 fighter planes fly by as the Royal Family of Belgium attends the National Day Parade in Brussels, Belgium, 21 July 2025. Belgium marks its National Day on 21 July, commemorating the swearing-in of the first king of the Belgians, Leopold I, in 1831. Picture: EPA/OLIVIER MATTHYS
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IOL News
5 hours ago
- IOL News
Esperanza Spalding set to mesmerise Johannesburg jazz lovers at Joy of Jazz festival
Five-time Grammy award-winning jazz singer, bassist, songwriter, and composer, Esperanza Emily Spalding, set to wow Standardbank Joy of Jazz crowd with her music Image: X Five-time Grammy award-winning jazz singer, bassist, songwriter, and composer, Esperanza Emily Spalding, known to music fans as simply Esperanza Spalding, is poised to grace the stage at the 26th edition of the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz festival. This much-anticipated event will take place at the Sandton Convention Centre, showcasing over 50 acts over three days and celebrating a spirit of jazz that resonates deeply in South Africa. Spalding, whose latest collaboration with Brazilian musician Milton Nascimento, titled Milton + esperanza, embodies the essence of friendship, is particularly excited about immersing herself in the vibrant Johannesburg music scene. "I have some dear friends and the arts community in Johannesburg. I have heard some beautiful things about the people of Johannesburg and their spirit of community," the artist remarked. "Coming to Johannesburg for the Joy of Jazz is like coming to meet a community that I do not know yet. For me, it is about sharing and creating beauty through our art form, and I am excited." Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Having previously performed for the Cape Town crowd in her last visit to South Africa, just over ten years ago, the 38-year-old muso says she cannot wait to meet a new community of music lovers in Johannesburg. "I have some dear friends and the arts community in Johannesburg. I have heard some beautiful things about the people of Johannesburg, about their spirit of community. So, coming to Johannesburg for the Joy of Jazz is like coming to meet a community that I do not know yet. For me, it is about sharing and creating the beauty through our art form, and I am excited," she said. Having won five Grammys since the start of her career, Spalding says, like her music, her life has also grown, which is something she looks forward to sharing with her new community of jazz fans when she takes to the Joy of Jazz stage later this year. "Even though Joburg is a different city from Cape Town, I look forward to sharing my music, which has grown over the past 15 years. I am excited to share what I have been building and what I have to offer. I am open and ready to meet Johannesburg and its people because you do not know a place until you get there and meet its people. The 11-time Grammy nominee has previously released eight full-length albums and, in addition to working with her heroes, including Nascimento and Shorter. She has also collaborated with Q-Tip, Janelle Monae, Robert Glasper, Terri Lyne Carrington, and many others. As a composer, her credits include writing the libretto for the opera Iphigenia with Wayne Shorter, which premiered in 2021, among many others. Having been born in Portland, Spalding reflects on her time growing up in a musical family and a deeply cultural neighbourhood, which gave her first shot at music through a communal and community-driven mentorship, allowing her to blossom early in her now illustrious career as a professional musician and teacher. "Growing up in Portland, the community realised that there was this gap, and learning about jazz music or contraband music, as it was called. There were music classes, and other elderly women ran a low-cost tuition for a string orchestra. It was a very big cultural mentorship program. Music was the first thing I knew growing up, and there was this association, and learning music became a thing that you could do at an early age, because grown-up people did and taught music to children, and my mother was also instrumental in teaching me,' she said.
The South African
7 hours ago
- The South African
Ciara honoured with Beninese citizenship in historic ceremony
West African nation Benin officially awarded American singer and dancer Ciara Wilson citizenship on Saturday, 26 July. The Grammy-winning star, known simply as Ciara, traced her roots to Benin, a country rich with history and culture. The citizenship ceremony marked a heartfelt homecoming for Ciara and attracted attention across Africa, including South Africa. Ciara arrived in Benin earlier that week and immediately began exploring the nation's cultural and historical landmarks, according to Kaya 959 She visited Ouidah, a city deeply linked to the transatlantic slave trade. There, she walked the Slave Route and stood at the Gate of No Return. The moment was powerful. Speaking about the experience, Ciara said, 'Standing at the Gate of No Return was deeply moving. It reminded me of my ancestors' strength. I felt grounded, connected, and honoured.' The citizenship ceremony itself took place in a vibrant event attended by top government officials. Among them were Minister of Justice and Legislation Babalola Jean-Michel H. Abimbola, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Arts Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Each official expressed pride in welcoming Ciara as a new citizen. Minister Abimbola remarked, 'Ciara represents the living link between Africa and the diaspora. Granting her citizenship celebrates our shared history and inspires the next generation.' Minister Bakari added, 'Culture and identity matter. Ciara's visit brings awareness to Benin's heritage and strengthens our global connections.' On social media, Ciara shared videos and photos from the event. One clip showed her chanting in a local Beninese language, a touching gesture symbolising her embrace of the culture. The ceremony highlighted not only Ciara's journey but also the broader story of African identity and reclaiming roots for people of the diaspora. CIARA AND AFRICA'S RICH HISTORY South African audiences have taken a special interest in Ciara's citizenship. Many see it as part of a growing movement of the African diaspora reconnecting with the continent. South Africa, with its diverse population and rich cultural history, can relate to this sense of rediscovery and celebration of heritage. Ciara's journey emphasises the importance of acknowledging African history and culture. Her willingness to publicly honour her ancestry encourages others across the globe. As the world grows more interconnected, such acts build bridges and deepen understanding. In terms of value, the ceremony symbolises more than a legal status. It marks a historic moment, creating shared pride and hope. The symbolic weight of this event resonates far beyond Benin's borders. For African fans and global followers alike, Ciara's citizenship represents progress and unity. Ciara Wilson's citizenship grant from Benin is a milestone worth celebrating. It brings history to life and honours the past while shaping future connections. It reminds Africans, including South Africans, that the continent's heritage is alive and open to all who choose to embrace it. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Daily Maverick
9 hours ago
- Daily Maverick
Book launch as a cultural event — Adichie's novel homecoming
The Nigerian author's first book in more than a decade was published locally, and Lagos celebrated in true African style. When the announcement of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's latest novel, Dream Count, was made, it was regarded as a major event in African literature. The internationally celebrated Nigerian writer had not published a novel in the past 12 years, and her long-awaited return stirred both anticipation and speculation. In the post-Covid context in which the book comes, so much has changed in the world. The first leg of her three-city homecoming book tour coincided with my stay in Lagos as a curatorial fellow at Guest Artist Space Foundation, dedicated to facilitating cultural exchange and supporting creative practices. After Lagos, Chimamanda took the tour to Nigeria's capital city, Abuja, and finally Enugu, where she was born and grew up. As a scholar of African literature, I arrived here in search of literary Lagos. But my attachment to the city may also just be romantic, a nostalgia born out of years of reading about it in fiction. No doubt, Lagos is a city of imagination and creativity. Chimamanda's book event was a reminder that literary celebrity, when it happens in Africa, can exist on its own terms. It's rooted in a popular imaginary that embraces both the writer and the spectacle. Lagos superstar The launch in Lagos took place at a conference centre on the evening of 27 June. The Muson is a multipurpose civic auditorium located in the centre of Lagos Island which can accommodate up to 1,000 guests. And on this night, the auditorium was packed. When I arrived, the scene outside was buzzing. A crowd gathered in front of a large canvas banner bearing a radiant image of the author. It was more than just decoration; it was a backdrop. It was an occasion for a selfie, a digital marker that you were there. There was even a hashtag for this: #dreamcountlagos. People took turns posing in front of it, curating their presence in the frame of Chimamanda's aura. The atmosphere was festive, electric. And yet beneath the surface shimmer was something more urgent: a hunger for story, for presence, for return. Perhaps that explains why people came not just to witness, but to be counted. Inside the lobby, piles of Chimamanda's books were neatly arranged on long tables. People were not just buying a copy. They were buying several, in the hope that the author would autograph them. The sight was striking, almost surreal. In many parts of the continent, a book launch is often a quiet affair. Writers are lucky to sell a handful of copies. But this was something else entirely. This was not just a book launch, it was nothing short of a cultural moment. It would have been easy to mistake the event for a political townhall. There was a VIP section reserved for the who's who of Lagos, but those class distinctions dissolved into the collective energy of the room. The auditorium was filled with enthusiasm. Even after a delay of more than an hour, when Chimamanda finally walked in, she was met with rapturous applause. She wore a bright yellow dress, an Instagrammable outfit, suited for the many fans who rushed forward to take selfies with her. Chimamanda, no doubt, is as much a fashion icon as she is a literary figure. On stage, she was joined by media personality Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, widely known as the host of the reality TV show Big Brother Africa. But here, he was also something more intimate: the author's friend. Chimamanda even credited him with being a 'great reader'. This is a rare compliment in a literary world that often separates celebrity from any real critical engagement. Their conversation was relaxed and full of laughter, offering the audience both intimacy and insight. Chimamanda addressed the question that had lingered for years: her decade-long silence. She spoke candidly of writer's block, of the grief that came with losing both her parents in quick succession, and how that loss eventually reignited her desire to write. Dream Count, she explained, is shaped by that rupture. It is one of the major post-Covid novels from Africa, and centres on the lives of four women. It is a book about love, friendship and independence. Africans do read When she spoke about her characters on stage, it was as though she was talking about relatives that the audience recognised. They responded by shouting out the characters' names, to the delight of the author. When I asked people about the launch afterwards, many said that it was a very Nigerian event – big, colourful, exuberant, festive. It was indeed a celebration that felt communal, even joyous. It was also a public demonstration of how literature can still command space and attention, not just in private reading rooms or crammed bookstores, but on a civic scale. This was a remarkable event because it defied the tired cliché that Africans do not read. People, mostly young, came out in their hundreds. They bought books, they took selfies with their 'favourite' author, they screamed the names of fictional characters as though greeting friends. But more significant was Chimamanda's choice to work with a local publisher, Narrative Landscape Press, which produced the Nigerian edition of Dream Count that is now available and accessible locally, at the same time as its release in Europe and North America. That alone is a radical act. In returning to Nigeria to launch her book, Chimamanda also disrupts the assumption that African literary prestige must only be validated abroad. Even though she belongs to a cohort of African writers shaped by the diaspora, she actively insists on presence – on homecoming – not as simply nostalgia, but as active engagement. Of course, Chimamanda is an exception. Her stature as a global literary figure, combined with her deep connection to home, allows her to move between worlds with remarkable ease. Few writers command the kind of multigenerational, cross-class attention she does. I found myself wishing, though, that more book launches could carry this same sense of occasion, of meaning, of return. That they could gather people in such numbers, not just to celebrate the writer, but to affirm the African book as something still worth gathering for. And perhaps that is what made this book launch unforgettable: not just the celebrity or the spectacle, but the sense that literature still matters here, and that it belongs to the people. DM
