S2,EP 17: Zimbabwe's crystal meth problem, Cameroon's drum artisans & Benin rejoices return of looted art

This week, Africa Calling podcast brings you audio-rich stories and voices from the African continent with our African correspondents. In Zimbabwe, drug abuse, and using crystal meth in particular, has taken hold among the youth of Masvingo; drum-making artisans are trying to preserve their craft in Cameroon, and Benin is celebrating with theater and an exhibition as France returns royal treasures after more than a century.

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For this week’s podcast, Zimbabwe correspondent Kudzai Chimhangwa speaks to Masvingo city Mayor Collin Maboke, Ministry of Youth spokesperson, Jeff Warara, as well a number of crystal meth addicts and pushers.

From Cameroon, reporter Batata Boris Karloff speaks to musicologist Erick Nwenty and recording artist Mola Mongombe about the importance of drums in Cameroon's musical tradition. He also speaks to artisans George Tifungton, aka Pa Drummer, and his son Stanley Tita, aka Pikin Drummer.

Benin correspondent Foumilayo Assanvi sits down with Alain Godonou, the director of Benin’s Museums, and Carole Lokossou, artistic director of the evening performances created to celebrate the return of royal treasure from France.

The heartfelt music in this episode is sung by Zimbabwean songstress Feli Nandi.

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Africa Calling is produced by Radio France Internationale. Editor and host, Laura-Angela Bagnetto, sound editing by Erwan Rome and Nicolas Doreau.

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