History is often taught through dates, treaties and textbooks, but Bar Afrique has built a loyal following by proving it can also be witty, dramatic and deeply human.
The acclaimed podcast has returned for a third season, bringing listeners 12 new weekly episodes that explore Africa’s pathways to independence through overlooked stories, colourful personalities and unexpected twists. The new season, which premiered on 9 June, will continue releasing episodes through September.
Hosted by Zimbabwean documentary producer Sarah Masiyiwa and Cameroonian journalist and writer Line Talla, the podcast has carved out a distinctive niche by transforming complex historical events into engaging conversations that blend rigorous journalism with humour and cultural insight.
Each episode focuses on a different African country, uncovering lesser known moments from the continent’s decolonisation era. From failed espionage missions and political betrayals to resistance movements, controversial leaders and extraordinary historical figures, the series shines a light on stories often absent from mainstream history books.
What sets Bar Afrique apart is its unusual format. Every episode is built around a carefully selected African wine, spirit or cocktail, creating the atmosphere of friends sharing remarkable stories over drinks rather than delivering a conventional history lesson.
“Bar Afrique is for people who like their decolonisation stories with cocktails, humour, coups, betrayals, spies and bad decisions,” the hosts said. “Our goal has always been to make African history feel bizarre, entertaining and accessible without sacrificing historical rigour.”
The podcast combines meticulous research with an accessible storytelling style that resonates particularly with younger audiences seeking fresh perspectives on Africa’s past. Since its launch, Bar Afrique has attracted a growing audience across the continent and throughout the African diaspora.
The idea behind the podcast emerged while Masiyiwa and Talla were living in New York City. Over Thai food and cocktails, the pair began discussing whether African history could be told the same way friends naturally recount fascinating stories in a bar. Those conversations eventually evolved into Bar Afrique, which has remained faithful to that original concept of making history conversational without compromising on accuracy.
Masiyiwa brings extensive experience in documentary filmmaking and factual television. A graduate of New York University, she began her career at CNN International before producing documentaries for platforms including Netflix, Peacock, Sky and PBS. Her credits include Heart of Invictus and We Dare to Dream, and she was recognised as one of Broadcast magazine’s Rising Stars in 2023. Alongside her media career, she also advises documentary projects, invests in African startups and serves on the boards of leading African telecommunications companies.
Talla, who grew up across several countries as the daughter of a diplomat, offers a distinctly pan African perspective shaped by journalism and international affairs. Educated at New York University and Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, she has written for publications including Atlas Obscura, New Lines Magazine, The Republic, The Continent and Africa Is a Country, with much of her work exploring the relationship between history, identity and culture.
Together, the two have created a platform that challenges traditional approaches to historical storytelling while encouraging audiences to engage more deeply with Africa’s past.
As the new season unfolds, Bar Afrique promises another collection of stories that are often stranger than fiction, reminding listeners that understanding Africa’s future begins with a richer appreciation of its history.
