Latest from Kingsley Charles
Buhari Is Dead, but the ‘Body Double’ Conspiracy Theory Lives On
The recent death of Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari recalled a long-running conspiracy theory that he had actually died in 2017 and been replaced by a Sudanese double. New Lines explores how that bizarre theory took root and what it reveals about public distrust in Nigeria.
Nigeria’s Returnees Are Not Always Welcome
A growing number of Nigerians are leaving their lives abroad and returning home, a trend known as “japada.” While their reasons range from burnout and lost family ties to a desire for purpose, many face harsh judgment both online and from family and friends.
‘Kin Cloth’ Brings People Together — and Sets Them Apart
At Nigerian weddings, it’s not just the bridesmaids who wear matching attire. Every guest sports a matching outfit to celebrate their unity with the bride and groom as part of the “aso ebi” custom. But “kin cloth” is more than just fabric. It’s a recipe for drama.
The Rise and Fall of Cryptocurrency in Nigeria
Amid Nigeria’s faltering currency and soaring inflation, ordinary Nigerians have been drawn to cryptocurrencies in a search for both stability and easy money. Yet investment scams have proliferated, and the government is now tightening regulations and trying to regain control.
The Rise of a Distinctly African Speculative Fiction
For all its acclaim, Afrofuturism has been perceived among many native Africans as primarily catering to the diasporic concerns of African Americans. Now, distinctly African forms of science fiction and fantasy are emerging across the continent and beyond.
How Pentecostal Preachers and Satanic Panic Helped Launch Nollywood
In its early days, Nigeria’s modern film industry was rife with depictions of cult rituals, satanic bargains for fast cash and redemption through born-again Christianity. Behind the plots lay broad cultural changes set in motion after the oil boom and bust in the 1980s and ’90s.
The Curious Phenomenon of Nigeria’s Disappearing Penises
The phenomenon of koro — disappearing genitals — is as much psychological as it is cultural. As the stressors, including economic uncertainty and societal pressure, that trigger penis-snatching panic attacks have increased across Nigeria, so have cases of reported missing members.