93 episodes

Combing Africa for stories about the unseen forces that bind us together and tear us apart. A single story, every week. Hosted by Kim Chakanetsa. #thecomb

The Comb BBC World Service

    • Society & Culture
    • 4.9 • 18 Ratings

Combing Africa for stories about the unseen forces that bind us together and tear us apart. A single story, every week. Hosted by Kim Chakanetsa. #thecomb

    Striking gold

    Striking gold

    “This is a diamond!”: In 2017, two young miners, Komba and Saffea, struck gold. They uncovered a huge 709 carat diamond - the ‘Peace Diamond’ - worth millions of dollars, in Sierra Leone. It was a dream come true for them both. They were rich beyond their wildest dreams. And then, their dream began to unravel.
    Thanks for listening. Let us know what you think.
    #TheComb
    Get in touch: thecomb@bbc.com
    Produced by Mary Goodhart

    • 31 min
    Am I in a cult?

    Am I in a cult?

    “I was losing myself”: When Mbali was introduced to a new church through a bible study group she was excited at the prospect of finding a new religious community. But as she became more involved with the church, she began questioning some of their unusual teachings and approaches. It left her asking the question ‘Am I in a cult?’
    Thanks for listening. Let us know what you think.
    #TheComb
    Get in touch: thecomb@bbc.com

    • 33 min
    Not guilty

    Not guilty

    Accusations, imprisonment, and vindication: The lie that changed Ishmail's life, taking away his freedom, and breaking up his family in Malawi. Nearly 20 years later, Ishmail reflects on the painful reality of being falsely accused.
    Thanks for listening. Let us know what you think.
    #TheComb
    Get in touch: thecomb@bbc.com
    Produced by Mary Goodhart

    • 30 min
    Parenting and punishment

    Parenting and punishment

    “My dad beat me.” How the physical punishment of a child changed the lives of a Nigerian family forever. Behaviour which was the norm for a mother who grew up in Nigeria was treated as assault in the UK.
    Thanks for listening. Let us know what you think.
    #TheComb
    Get in touch: thecomb@bbc.com

    • 29 min
    Lives in limbo

    Lives in limbo

    ‘Dadaab is a prison’: Making a life in Africa’s largest refugee camp. When Anab and Mark came to Dadaab as refugees fleeing conflict, they thought the camp would be a temporary shelter. Three decades on, they are now both raising their families in the camp with no hope of relocation and no home to return to.
    Thanks for listening. Let us know what you think.
    #TheComb
    Get in touch: thecomb@bbc.com
    Produced by Aisha Afrah

    • 27 min
    Finding Humanism

    Finding Humanism

    A different kind of faith: Navigating life as a non-believer in a highly religious society can be deeply lonely. Leo and Balm both found community and belonging in Humanism - a form of atheism which strives for a life of meaning and purpose anchored in the strength of humankind.
    Thanks for listening. Let us know what you think.
    #TheComb
    Get in touch: thecomb@bbc.com
    Produced by Mary Goodhart

    • 28 min

Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5
18 Ratings

18 Ratings

NicoletteJa ,

Yes!

Love this

Takwachi ,

Fascinating

Well researched programme with lots of interesting topics and interviews covered. A really good listen in the car on the way to work. It would be great if you could diversify the stories & interviews to include people beyond Kenya and Nigeria, so we hear from a broader spectrum of African voices across the contingent. We want to hear from South Sudan, Morocco, Congo, Egypt etc. Keep up the good work.

Grace pat ,

Insightful Snapshots

Diverse, interesting topics and voices makes this a delight to listen to- I can’t wait to listen to further eps!

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