Compiled by Elva Nziza, for AJENda and Afromedia.network
We present a short selection of publications of interest to the African communications and media studies research community.
Authors: Mary Elizabeth Lange and Ruth Teer-Tomaselli
“Telling Stories of Pain and Hope: Museums in South Africa and Ireland” by Mary Elizabeth Lange and Ruth Teer-Tomaselli is an insightful book that explores how museums in both South Africa and Ireland serve as vital spaces for storytelling and processing historical traumas. Through a comparative analysis, the book examines the tumultuous histories of colonialism, political repression, and sectarian violence in both countries and discusses the ongoing efforts toward healing and reconciliation.
The book emphasizes the role of museums in fostering catharsis and mutual understanding, highlighting the personal narratives and the shared histories of individuals involved. It also explores the autoethnographic methodologies used by the authors, intertwining their personal backgrounds and experiences with the larger narrative of conflict and recovery in both regions. Museums are portrayed not just as repositories of history but as active agents in promoting social healing and community engagement.
This work is particularly valuable for those interested in museum studies, heritage management, and the role of cultural institutions in societal healing.
Editors: Yamikani Ndasauka
“COVID-19 and Psychological Distress in Africa: Communitarian Perspectives” edited by Yamikani Ndasauka is a comprehensive examination of how African communitarian values have influenced the region’s mental health responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. The book delves into various aspects of psychological distress and mental health within the context of African communalism, critiquing the role of media and misinformation in shaping mental health outcomes during the pandemic. It emphasizes the importance of localizing mental health systems to address the specific needs and cultural contexts of African communities, arguing for a balance between collective solidarity and individual well-being to enhance overall mental health resilience.
The work is structured into multiple chapters, each tackling different facets of the pandemic’s impact—from the sociodemographic correlates of depression to the psychological effects of crisis communication and misinformation. The book serves as a resource for scholars, postgraduate students, and researchers in fields such as psychology, public health policy, cultural studies, and the sociology of pandemics.
Editors: Winston Mano and Viola C. Milton
Published in 2021, this handbook critically examines media dynamics on the continent through a variety of lenses, including theoretical frameworks like Afrokology, and the influence of prominent figures such as Frantz Fanon on African media studies. It addresses the decolonization of media, the role of digital platforms in disseminating African stories, and the impact of community media on societal issues. With contributions from various experts, this volume provides a comprehensive overview of the current landscape of media and communication in Africa, making it an essential resource for those studying media, communications, and African studies.
Editors: Meron Zeleke and Lahra Smith
“African Perspectives on South–South Migration,” delves into the often overlooked topic of South-South migration, particularly within Africa. The book highlights the agency of African migrants, exploring their innovative strategies for navigating intra-continental routes. It focuses on the dynamics of resource flows—including people, money, skills, and knowledge—across the continent, providing a critical examination of the migrants’ experiences through detailed case studies. This scholarly work challenges traditional narratives centered on South-North migration and offers new insights into the complexities of migration within the Global South, making it a valuable resource for those studying migration, inequalities, and development related to African contexts.
Author: Nelson Okorie
“Media and Communication Theory in Africa” by Nelson Okorie is an insightful volume that delves into the unique aspects of media and communication within African contexts. Published by Springer International Publishing, the book offers a comprehensive look at socio-cultural issues prevalent in modern African societies through the lens of media and communication theories. It provides both conceptual and empirical frameworks to understand and apply these theories effectively in Africa, making it an essential resource for scholars and students interested in the interplay between media structures and societal dynamics in African settings.