History is usually served as a stiff, dusty lecture, all rigid dates, dry treaties, and textbook pages that feel completely detached from the actual rhythm of human life, but Bar Afrique is actively proving that our history is also wildly outrageous, deeply dramatic, hilarious, and unapologetically human.
The critically acclaimed podcast is returning with 12 brand-new episodes, dropping weekly to take listeners on another unforgettable trip through Africa’s pathways to independence. Hosted by Zimbabwean documentary producer Sarah Masiyiwa and Cameroonian journalist Line Talla, the show has carved out a distinct lane in the audio space. They are flipping complex African history into compelling storytelling packed with sharp humor, intense curiosity, and deep cultural context.
The execution here is brilliant because each episode spotlights a specific African country through a lesser-known chapter of its decolonization journey. We are talking about infamous dictators, failed European spy missions, political betrayals, and resistance movements; the exact stories that rarely make it into mainstream curation. But the real twist, and where the culture truly meets the concept, is that every single story is told over a carefully selected African wine, spirit, or cocktail. It completely shifts the energy, turning what could be a rigid history lecture into an intimate, vibrant conversation between friends. The hosts put it perfectly: Bar Afrique is for anyone who wants their decolonization stories served with cocktails, coups, spies, and beautifully chaotic decisions. They are delivering historical rigour without ever sacrificing the entertainment value, anchoring the show in meticulous journalism while feeding a fresh millennial and Gen Z perspective. It makes decades-old history feel immediate, highly relatable, and incredibly fun.
The chemistry behind the show is entirely organic, born out of a genuine friendship that started over Thai food and cocktails in New York City. Sarah and Line realized that African decolonization history deserved to be shared the same way friends exchange mind-blowing stories at a bar. Now in its third season, the podcast stays true to its original spark, fusing thoughtful journalism with a sharp, pan-African perspective. Sometimes, the cleanest way to understand where we are heading is simply by raising a glass to where we’ve been.
Meet the Hosts
Sarah Masiyiwa is a Zimbabwean-born factual producer, investment professional and documentary storyteller based in London. A graduate of New York University, she began her career at CNN International before working on premium documentaries for Netflix, Peacock, Sky and PBS, including Heart of Invictus and We Dare to Dream. Named one of Broadcast Magazine’s Rising Stars in 2023, Sarah also advises documentary programming, invests in African startups and serves on the boards of leading African telecommunications companies. Through Bar Afrique, she explores questions of identity, history and power while championing nuanced African storytelling.
Line Talla is a Cameroonian journalist, communications professional and writer whose work explores African history, politics and culture. Having grown up across multiple countries as the child of a diplomat, Line brings a uniquely pan-African perspective to the podcast. 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. Her work consistently examines how history shapes African identity, memory and imagination.
Together, Masiyiwa and Talla have created a platform that speaks to a generation seeking thoughtful, entertaining and unapologetically African perspectives on history. As Bar Afrique returns for another season, listeners can expect stories that are stranger than fiction, richer than myth and more relevant than ever.
About Bar Afrique
Bar Afrique is a history podcast that serves African decolonisation stories over a drink. Each episode explores a different African country’s journey to independence through overlooked historical events, remarkable personalities and unexpected twists. Combining rigorous journalism with humour, cultural insight and conversation, Bar Afrique makes African history engaging, accessible and entertaining for audiences across the continent and the global diaspora.
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