CC™ VideoSpective
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Tuesday
Monday
The demonisation of the Orisas: Colonialism, religion and cultural misrepresentation
By Samira Bello
Throughout history, the Orisas (divine entities in the Yoruba spiritual system) have been misrepresented, demonised, and vilified, particularly in the wake of colonialism and the spread of Abrahamic religions. This distortion of indigenous African spirituality has had lasting effects on cultural identity, religious freedom, and the perception of traditional beliefs.
The Orisas are revered as intermediaries between humanity and Olodumare, the Supreme Creator in Yoruba cosmology. Each Orisa embodies specific natural and metaphysical forces. For example, Ogun is the Orisa of iron and war, Yemoja represents motherhood and the ocean, and Sango embodies thunder and justice. These deities govern aspects of existence and serve as guides for adherents of the Yoruba faith.
Unlike the binary worldview in some monotheistic traditions, Yoruba spirituality embraces duality and balance, acknowledging that divinity manifests in multiple ways. Worship of the Orisas is rooted in ancestral veneration, community cohesion, and a deep relationship with nature.
With the arrival of European colonisers in West Africa, indigenous spiritual systems came under attack. Missionaries and colonial administrators labelled traditional African religions as “paganism” or “witchcraft,” portraying them as primitive and diabolical. The Orisas, once revered, were systematically demonised as evil spirits. This was part of a broader colonial strategy to undermine African identity and establish religious dominance (I’ll speak more about this in future articles).
Forced conversions to Christianity and Islam led many Africans to abandon or conceal their traditional beliefs. Sacred groves, shrines, and spiritual practices were destroyed, and practitioners of Ifá and Orisa worship were often persecuted. This ideological warfare severed many from their ancestral spiritual heritage, leading to generational amnesia regarding the Orisas’ true nature.
Despite the violent suppression of their faith, enslaved Africans carried their spiritual traditions to the Americas, where they adapted them under new conditions. In Brazil (Candomblé), Cuba (Santería), Haiti (Vodou), and other parts of the diaspora, the worship of the Orisas persisted, often syncretised with Catholic saints to evade persecution.
For example, Sango was linked to Saint Barbara, while Yemoja was associated with the Virgin Mary. These adaptations ensured the survival of Orisa worship but also introduced misunderstandings that further complicated perceptions of these deities.
Modern media continues to reinforce negative stereotypes about African spirituality. Films, television shows, and literature often depict Orisa worship as dark, malevolent, or associated with sorcery and black magic. Characters who practice Yoruba spirituality are frequently portrayed as villains, reinforcing the colonial-era narrative of the Orisas as demonic beings.
Furthermore, some evangelical movements in Africa and the diaspora actively campaign against indigenous religions, spreading misinformation that frames Orisa worship as devil worship. This further alienates young Africans from their spiritual heritage, deepening the historical erasure of their traditions.
In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in Yoruba spirituality, both in Africa and the diaspora. Scholars, traditional priests (babalawos: ‘father of secrets’), and cultural advocates are working to reclaim the true essence of the Orisas, challenging centuries of misrepresentation. Social media, books, and academic discourse are helping to demystify these spiritual entities and educate people about their profound philosophical and ethical teachings.
Celebrities and public figures have also played a role in reviving Orisa worship, embracing traditional African spirituality as a source of empowerment. Artists, musicians, and writers are incorporating Orisa imagery into their work.
The demonisation of the Orisas is a direct result of colonialism, religious intolerance, and cultural imperialism. However, the enduring nature of Yoruba spirituality demonstrates its resilience and adaptability.
In an era of decolonisation and cultural revival, the truth about the Orisas must be restored. They are not demons or forces of evil but sacred beings who guide, protect, and enrich the lives of those who seek their wisdom. Understanding and respecting this rich spiritual tradition is a step toward healing the wounds of the past and embracing a future rooted in cultural authenticity and self-determination.
Business Day
Samira Bello is a young Nigerian writer exploring Yoruba history, African spiritual traditions and wellness. samiradbello@outlook.com
Sunday
Crypto is the next step toward a cashless society
CC™ Financial News
Julian Hosp
It will take some time for consumers to warm up to crypto, but education is the key to its mass adoption.
From QR code payments to mobile banking apps, consumers worldwide are increasingly reliant on digital payment solutions, especially as mobile technology becomes more ubiquitous. Government-led efforts in driving cashless economies have been a key factor, with countries such as Singapore or the Philippines seeing their central banks driving the adoption of contactless payments during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, usage rates for digital payments platforms have recorded promising growth, even as high as 5,000% in the Philippines alone.
This unprecedented rise in cashless payments is also paving the way for the broader adoption of crypto, with the number of crypto users worldwide hitting around 106 million in January. While this marks an impressive 15% month-on-month growth, it is still just a drop in the ocean when compared to the 4.7 billion people who have access to the internet.
But as crypto continues to command headlines, what will it take for mass adoption to happen?
A new model of financial accessibility
Today, billions of people worldwide are unable to access even the most basic financial services via traditional means, and thus are unable to save or manage their money securely. In times of economic devastation, such as this past year in which global economies have been staggered by the impact of COVID-19, the vast gap between rich and poor has become abundantly clear. The global pandemic has only perpetuated the absence of inclusive financial infrastructure, which has led to approximately one-third of the global population having no financial safety net to fall back on.
With crypto wallets, however, anyone can transfer their crypto internationally without needing to maintain a minimum balance in their account, as long as they have an internet connection. As crypto applications are built on decentralized blockchains, transactions are performed on a peer-to-peer basis in the absence of traditional intermediaries such as bankers or brokerage houses. This results in significant savings in transaction costs, as traditional cross-border remittance fees for small amounts can be as high as 7% after taking into account intermediaries’ fees on both the sender and recipient side. Meanwhile, the same fees for cryptocurrencies are often less than 1 percent — regardless of transaction amount.
Furthermore, highly decentralized platforms are permissionless, meaning that anyone with a crypto wallet and internet connection can lend, remit or trade their crypto without validation by a central authority or intermediary. Instead, transactions are executed by smart contracts, which automate them as long as pre-encoded conditions are met. Beyond the cost savings, consider the time savings as well. Remittance transactions can take several days to be processed, whereas cryptocurrencies can be transferred in mere minutes.
However, most crypto platforms still ask for some form of formal identification as part of their identity verification and Know Your Customer (KYC) process. This can range from a phone number to photo ID to proof of residential address. Some platforms adopt a multi-tier approach in which the more information that users provide, the more services they can access. While necessary for KYC and Anti-Money Laundering compliance, this poses barriers to users who do not own any formal identification documents.
Having said that, some decentralized exchanges, or DEXs, still honour the principles of anonymity and trustless working by not enforcing KYC on their users. The elimination of account verification and waiting time for approval has drawn many towards these types of DEXs — such as PancakeSwap, Uniswap and DeFiChain’s DEX — and has made finance truly accessible and inclusive for all.
Beyond simple transactions, recent innovations in the crypto space promise a much more equitable financial system where the unbanked and underbanked can access more means to build wealth. While DeFi products, such as token holding and staking on a DEX, might be a little too advanced for this group of users at the moment, simplified centralized decentralized finance (CeDeFi) services and improvements in financial literacy over time will help to open the door to these inclusive wealth creation opportunities.
Education is key to crypto adoption at scale
Widespread adoption of digital payment technologies, such as QR codes and biometrics, is definitely a promising sign that consumers have become more digitally savvy than ever before. In the Asia Pacific, more than 90% of surveyed respondents said they would consider at least one new payment method in the next year.
In addition to new payment technologies, the proliferation of retail investing has led to a paradigm shift in the investment landscape, with trading activities doubling over the past year. User-friendly platforms such as Robinhood and their well-known crypto counterparts — such as Coinbase — have made investing much more accessible to non-institutional investors.
This historic rise in cashless payments and retail investing saw the public gain more exposure to different asset types. However, in the United States, a staggering 84% of adults are either uninterested in cryptocurrencies or have never heard of them. While this could be attributable to the seemingly intimidating technicalities involved, we are now in a good place to gradually transition towards a more crypto-forward society.
For now, there’s much more to be done to help mainstream consumers gain a better understanding of crypto. Crypto projects, for one, would do well to invest more resources towards creating educational content to bridge the knowledge gap — whether through guides or detailed explainers. Meanwhile, taking on a more transparency-focused approach that looks to debunk misconceptions and ensure that users are aware of the risks associated with crypto, will enable those users to navigate their entry into the space with greater ease and confidence.
Crypto is the MVP in the cashless drive
As conversations on cryptocurrencies evolve, governments are taking note. While cash will not be eliminated any time soon, as many as 86% of central banks around the world are looking into central bank digital currencies in their quest to go cashless. The world’s first central bank digital currency (CBDC) — the Sand Dollar — was announced by the Central Bank of the Bahamas way back in 2018 and officially launched in October last year. The technology team behind this project was led by U-Zyn Chua, who went on to co-found DeFiChain.
Although CBDCs will be regulated by a central authority, their adoption will send a profound message to market participants on the legitimacy of digital currencies. The introduction of CBDCs is thus a much-needed springboard to catalyze large-scale crypto adoption.
In the short term, crypto is not going to replace the existing financial system, but will instead carve out its own ecosystem that is fit for a new generation of digital-first, financially savvy users. While it will take some time for consumers to warm up to crypto, the nascent technology will prove its worth in due time by offering cheaper, safer and more inclusive financial services for all.
Julian Hosp is the CEO and a co-founder of Cake DeFi, a platform dedicated to providing access to decentralized financial services and applications. He is also the chairman of DeFiChain, a DeFi platform built on the Bitcoin network. Julian is an active speaker for the Washington Speakers Bureau and an adviser for the EU’s blockchain groups. Julian graduated from Medizinische Universitat Innsbruck with a Doctor of Medicine in human medicine.
COINTELEGRAPH
Saturday
Trump refutes own job numbers and fires Labor Statistics head with a view to cooking future numbers
The U.S. posted the worst jobs report in half-a-decade and what did Donald Trump do? He fired the Bureau of Labor Statistics commissioner, Erika McEntarfer, claiming falsely (as he always does when things don’t go his way), that the report was ‘rigged to make him and the Republicans look bad.’
According to the jobs report released by the Department of Labor, U.S. employers only added 73,000 jobs in July amid Trump’s sweeping tariffs, his gestapo-like immigration crackdown and massive federal layoffs.
Even worse was the report that 260,000 fewer jobs were added in May and June, than previously believed, as the unemployment rate also shot up from 4.1 to 4.2 percent.
This is classic Trump and typifies the now-all-too-familiar template of institutionalized corruption he has always sought to employ, with the acquiescence of the rubber stamp Republican Congress.
There can be no gaslighting here by Trump, as these are his own job numbers published by his own Labor Department.
Friday
Professor Ama Ata Aidoo: “We are not doing enough for our own survival”
CC™ VideoScope
CREDITS - BWBH
Thursday
Trump’s govt threatens sanctions on ‘corrupt’ judges in other countries
By Staff
President Donald Trump’s administration has issued a stern warning to so-called ‘corrupt’ judges in various countries of the world.
The warning comes after Trump’s government sanctioned Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes for alleged abuse of power.
This was made known in a post on X on Wednesday by the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, threatening similar punitive actions to other countries.
Rubio announced that Justice Moraes was sanctioned under the Global Magnitsky Act for serious human rights abuses, including arbitrary detentions and violations of free speech.
He said: “@POTUS and @USTreasury have sanctioned Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes under the Global Magnitsky sanctions program for serious human rights abuses. Let this be a warning to those who would trample on the fundamental rights of their countrymen—judicial robes cannot protect you.”
The Global Magnitsky sanctions involve financial restrictions and travel bans targeting individuals found guilty of gross human rights violations.
The law is named after Sergei Magnitsky, a Russian lawyer who exposed corruption, was imprisoned, and died under suspicious circumstances in 2009.
Wednesday
US President Donald Trump (a convicted felon) declares Venezuelan President Maduro wanted for drug trafficking with $25m bounty
By Staff
The United States government has declared Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro and two of his close allies, Diosdado Cabello Rondón and Vladimir Padrino López, wanted for drug trafficking.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the U.S. Department of State announced a combined reward of $65 million for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the three Venezuelan officials.
A reward of $25 million was placed on President Maduro, while Cabello and Padrino carry rewards of $25 million and $15 million, respectively.
The U.S. authorities accused the trio of being leaders of the Cartel de los Soles, which was recently designated a terrorist organisation by the U.S. Treasury Department.
According to the Department of State, the cartel is responsible for trafficking drugs into the United States.
“@USTreasury just sanctioned Cartel de los Soles as a terrorist group. Run by the corrupt and contemptible Nicolás Maduro, it is responsible for trafficking drugs into the U.S.,” said the department.
It added, “Help us take down Maduro and his cronies Diosdado Cabello Rondón & Vladimir Padrino López!”
A wanted poster issued by the U.S. describes President Maduro as a “designated global terrorist cartel de los soles leader”, and outlines charges including narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, and conspiracy to use and carry machine guns and destructive devices in furtherance of a drug crime.
The announcement comes just one day after Maduro marked the one-year anniversary of his re-election—a vote the U.S. and its allies have described as fraudulent.
The United States has long refused to recognise Maduro’s government and has imposed multiple sanctions targeting Venezuela’s political and economic leadership.
Tuesday
Frailties of a compromised leader as Trump tells Putin, “You have 10 or 12 days to end war with Ukraine”
By Staff
US President, Donald Trump has issued a new ultimatum to Russian President Vladimir Putin, giving him 10 to 12 days to make progress toward ending the war in Ukraine.
Speaking during meetings in Scotland on Monday, Trump revealed he was abandoning a previous 50-day timeline he had set, citing mounting frustration with Russia’s inaction.
“I was going to give them 50 days,” Trump said. “But I’m not happy with the pace. Now I’m telling them they have 10 to 12 days to move forward.”
The president did not detail the consequences if Russia fails to meet the new deadline but emphasized his growing impatience.
“Enough is enough,” he added. “Putin knows where I stand”, Trump said.
Trump’s comments come as diplomatic pressure continues to build on the Kremlin, with Western allies demanding a resolution to the prolonged conflict in Ukraine.
“I was going to give them 50 days,” Trump said. “But I’m not happy with the pace. Now I’m telling them they have 10 to 12 days to move forward.”
The president did not detail the consequences if Russia fails to meet the new deadline but emphasized his growing impatience.
“Enough is enough,” he added. “Putin knows where I stand”, Trump said.
Trump’s comments come as diplomatic pressure continues to build on the Kremlin, with Western allies demanding a resolution to the prolonged conflict in Ukraine.
Monday
First global streaming platform dedicated to Nollywood ‘KAVA’ debuts in Nigeria
By Ifeoma Okeke-Korieocha
In a landmark moment for African entertainment, the world’s first dedicated Nollywood streaming platform was unveiled on Thursday, ushering in a bold era for Nigeria’s film industry and for African creators everywhere.
Nollywood is the second-largest film industry in the world, yet its stories have long been underrepresented on global platforms. As demand for authentic African content continues to rise, especially among diaspora audiences, KAVA was born from a shared mission: to amplify African storytelling and create a permanent, global home for content that reflects the culture, identity, and lived experiences of its people. By combining cutting-edge technology with a powerful purpose, it offers more than entertainment—it offers recognition, connection, and a platform where African stories are seen, celebrated, and preserved.
Powered by two industry titans – Inkblot Studios, one of Nigeria’s leading studios and the first to secure landmark streaming deals with Amazon Prime and Netflix in Africa, and Filmhouse Group, home to West Africa’s largest cinema chain (Filmhouse Cinemas), its leading distribution arm (FilmOne Entertainment), and production powerhouse (FilmOne Studios) – Kava is built on a foundation of deep expertise in cinema exhibition, content production, and global distribution. Together, these forces are united by a shared mission and a united vision for Nollywood’s future.
Launching with over 30 premium Nollywood titles, in partnership with creators across Nigeria and the diaspora, including exclusive post-theatrical releases, and a handpicked selection of Nigeria’s most iconic and compelling stories. New content will be added weekly, offering viewers a consistent stream of fresh, cinema-quality entertainment.
Viewers will find films across every genre: drama, romance, comedy, epic, thriller and more, reflecting the rich range of African storytelling and spotlighting creators across Nigeria and the diaspora.
Chinaza Onuzo, CEO of KAVA said: “KAVA is where cutting-edge technology meets cultural storytelling. We’ve built a world-class digital platform tailored to showcase the richness of Nollywood. For creators, it’s a new economy. One that truly champions and reflects who we are – as Africans, as artists, and as a people with stories that matter.”
Kene Okwuosa, CEO of KAVA said: “This is more than a platform – it’s an ecosystem for African content, focusing on underserved global demand. KAVA exists to serve audiences and also represents both a cultural leap and a commercial opportunity. We’re not just streaming films – we’re building the digital infrastructure for the future of African cinema. We want our audiences to feel the joy of seeing their language, their humour, their struggles and triumphs on screen. To feel seen, and like they’re part of something bigger”
KAVA will be available for subscription globally late August 2025. The service will be accessible on mobiles, tablets, and Smart TVs. Viewers can sign up for additional information and access to the platform at launch in August. Early sign ups will benefit from launch day discounts.
KAVA is a global streaming platform dedicated to celebrating Nollywood and African storytelling. With a curated selection of films, original content, and interactive features, KAVA connects African cinema to global audiences while empowering creators through transparency, access, and fair revenue models.
Sunday
Naira bonds beat EM peers as Tinubu reforms get noticed
President Bola Tinubu‘s reforms are sparking the biggest bond rally in emerging markets as the West African nation’s two-digit carry yields are backed by increasing government revenue, slowing inflation and a stable currency.
Naira-denominated bonds of Africa’s largest crude producer have extended their 2025 rally with an 8.6% total return in July, the best performance among the 23 countries in the Bloomberg EM Local Currency Government Universal Index both for the month and the year.
Since coming to power in May 2023, Tinubu has eliminated fuel subsidies weighing on the government’s budget. He followed it up with a tax overhaul, while the central bank has allowed the naira to trade more freely. The measures have helped to reduce the fiscal deficit, boost reserves and keep the current account in surplus. And investors are just beginning to back the reforms, after staying on the sidelines for most of 2024.
“The optics have been constructive this year for Nigeria,” said Matthew Reed, head of trading at the Bank of Africa UK Plc in London. “The currency has stabilized after a volatile 2024 and this removes a notable hurdle for many international accounts looking to invest in the local bond market.”
Government revenues increased 43% in the first half compared to the prior period, and recent tax changes are seen boosting revenue collections further. A rebasing that increased Nigeria’s gross domestic product by 30% has improved debt ratios and opened the room for better ratings and fresh borrowing
The lower inflation, expectation of rate cuts and a more stable naira have made Nigeria a more attractive investment case, said Joseph Cuthbertson, a sovereign analyst at PineBridge Investments in London. Nigeria is on a “positive macroeconomic trajectory following its reform efforts,” leaving local debt attractive, he said.
The July rally in naira bonds extends year-to-date gains to 26%, compared with an emerging-market average of 7.1%. That partially recoups a 40% loss suffered by investors last year.
A credit upgrade this year by Moody’s has also helped, said Patience Oniha, the head of Nigeria’s debt management office. The ratings company raised Nigeria from Caa1 to B3 citing “significant improvements in the country’s external balance and fiscal position.” That placed it on the cusp of “re-entering the broader pool of emerging markets considered investable by institutional debt investors,” Moody’s said.
Despite recent gains, Nigeria’s local bonds are “still attractive,” said Aurelie Martin, a fixed-income analyst at Ninety One. The naira has found some stability “reaping the benefits of the tough monetary and fiscal reforms of the past couple of years,” while slowing inflation will enable the central bank to cut rates supporting naira notes further.
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