logo
episode-header-image
May 2024
55m 43s

Zeinab Badawi: Setting the record straig...

GLOBAL
About this episode

Zeinab Badawi is an award-winning broadcaster, journalist and the President of SOAS University of London. Born in Sudan, she has worked in the British media for several decades. She has recently published her first book which promises to reshape our understanding of Africa. Zeinab tells James what led her to write her instant Sunday Times bestseller, An African History of Africa.

Up next
Yesterday
Charlie Higson: Before The Fast Show, I was someone else entirely
When Charlie Higson was 18, his mother died, his father moved to Hawaii and he decided to become someone else entirely. He dyed his hair, renamed himself Switch and threw himself into the punk scene in Norwich, where a chance friendship with Paul Whitehouse would eventually help ... Show More
1h 4m
Oct 2
John Robins: Why Alcohol Was Never the Real Problem
This episode includes discussion of sensitive topics, including addiction and alcoholism, that some listeners may find distressing. Please take care while listening, and feel free to pause or step away if you need to.John Robins has spent much of his life making people laugh. But ... Show More
1h 4m
Sep 25
Eric Idle: “Cheer up. You’re gonna die”
Eric Idle has spent a lifetime finding the funny side of almost everything. Long before he became one of the defining voices of British comedy, he was a boy shaped by loss, separation and a brutal education. His father died when Eric was just two years old, and at seven he was se ... Show More
1h 3m
Recommended Episodes
Oct 2024
Who gets to write African History? with Zainab Badawi
<p>Joining us in our book-filled studio is broadcaster and author Zeinab Badawi, who shares her journey chronicling Africa's spectacular history through the voices of African historians, archaeologists, and local storytellers. Plus, we put your reading requests to award-winning a ... Show More
29m 29s
Aug 2025
An African History of Africa, with Zeinab Badawi (Part Two)
Use code SQUARED at the link below to get an exclusive 60% off an annual Incogni plan:https://incogni.com/squared ----- ‘Everyone is originally from Africa, and this book is therefore for everyone.’ – Zeinab Badawi Too often historians have told the history of Africa through the ... Show More
35m 24s
Apr 2024
An African perspective on the history of Africa
Africa's story has long been presented in western narratives as one that only 'began' with the arrival of non-Africans – yet modern science has revealed that the African continent was, in fact, the cradle of humanity itself. Zeinab Badawi speaks to Danny Bird about her new book t ... Show More
37m 42s
May 2024
Zeinab Badawi on an African History of Africa, Part Two
This is the second instalment of a three-part conversation. Too often historians have told the history of Africa through the prism of colonialism. But what picture of the continent emerges when we do away with making the story of Africa so anchored in European colonialism? Award- ... Show More
37m 42s
Jan 2025
EP31 Kushite Conversations
Dan talks with writer, broadcaster and journalist Zeinab Badawi about the ancient African kingdom of Kush and her book on African history. 
1h 11m
May 2023
Salma El-Wardany
I’m joined this week by poet, author and radio host, Salma El-Wardany. Salma is the author of These Impossible Things, a best-selling novel that that breaks down barriers by looking at how a group of muslim girlfriends navigate love, friendship & sex. She also currently hosts The ... Show More
47m 18s
Dec 2024
The 12 Books of Christmas | Zeinab Badawi on an African History of Africa
To celebrate 2024, we’re taking a look backwards, and diving into the standout thinkers who have taken to the Intelligence Squared stage in the past 12 months. You might still be on the hunt for that perfect gift for the avid reader in your life, or perhaps you’re after some food ... Show More
1h 2m
Dec 2015
Leila Aboulela - Minaret
This month World Book Club talks to Sudanese writer Leila Aboulela about her award-winning novel Minaret. This poignant and lyrical tale traces the journey of a young woman, Najwa, who is forced to flee her native Khartoum in Sudan, amidst conflict and political turmoil and excha ... Show More
49m 55s