James O'Brien meets Zeinab Badawi | LBC 

I am from South Africa and growing up during apartheid I was aware of the fact that we were taught as little as possible about African history. The BBC series on the history of Africa, hosted by Zeinab, was one of the best history series I have seen, presented by an extraordinary woman.

Her series on ancient African civilisation kept me mesmerised while at the same time furious, furious by the fact that the lie of Africans not having any form of ancient civilisation, which is unfortunately perpetuated in African schools, including the one I went to, was being told confidently and is still being told. I am thrilled to see the narrative changing through people like her and many others before her on a factual basis, not mere fables. Well done! Also, well done, James, for being bold enough to acknowledge that you had to unlearn quite a few falsehoods you have learned in the past, which is the mark of integrity!

James O’Brien has a very big heart , kind man and what a beautiful brilliant interview , thank you

James O’Brien thanks for inviting the honorable journalist Zaineb Badawi into your show,I respect you both.

Thank you for this! As an African American, I believe we must be a global people and understanding our history pre-colonialism is the way

Zenaib Bedawi is a complete role model for many of us Africans. As a Ghanaian-British I am so proud of her

Repatriate the artefacts not only from Western Museums but from Western Families who also have obtained African artefacts by nefarious means.

As a Sudanese British American lol, a someone with hyphenated cultures, I love Zeinab’s book, and how important Africa’s history is to the world. Some of the scholars she mentioned, I used for my thesis during my master’s degree’s studies in the US and now my doctoral studies, too. The world is really ‘missing out’ on our history and the great civilizations we had in Africa that predates colonialism in the continent.

Zainab’s BBC history of Africa series was absolute amazing! It’s here on YT for anyone interested

Great conversation. I am a Jamaican and I truly appreciate the fact that Africa is more than slaves .Africa was a real rich colony but was never challenged,because Britain and all are forced to see themselves as the real cannibals of our oppressed countries

Such a lovely moment when O'Brien tells her not to take the negative review to heart. He's really such a kind hearted person.

This is the book ive been waiting for....thank you Zeinab Bdawi ❤

Well done Zaineb and James from 🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲

What an amazing interview James! Thank you so much for brining Zainab Badawi, my children and I are eager to read your book.

When an hour flies by quickly without noticing, you know that's a great interview.

Brilliant interview. Being of a similar background/disposition Anglo/African I have always admired Ms. Badawi. Met her in my African neck of the woods, i.e. Gambia during our recent transnational period after dictatorship. The way is paved and she is one who has taken a huge step in the way. Inspirational in many ways since C4 news when we had only seen Moira Stewart. More to come from her I'm sure. All positive. Thanks you Ms. Badawi its all noticed and very appreciated from the African community in the UK.

As an African Caribbean/ 😅 British citizen, I am very proud of this author, for this reason; we were formerly known as an oral people. That was because many could not interpret our art work. Well done my daughter.

Wonderful to hear someone as intelligent and respectful as Zeinab Badawi representing the voice of Sudanese 🇸🇩 who like the Palestinians, Congolese etc, also deserve to know the world is aware of their suffering and that by exposing more their circumstances, something could be done urgently with the support of people marching in the name of those who are hand tide or voiceless.

A million THANKS Zeinab Badawi for your immense contribution through this brilliant project and thank you tremendously James O’Brian for your generous accessibility to this incredible information on your platform! Bravo to both of You!

This is such a wonderful interview, I must buy this book not just for myself but for the benefit of my grand daughter.

Thanks Mr O’Brian for inviting this Arab African treasure. Was very happy that she touched on Western narratives on “ our” women are not educated and also that Africa has no history !!!! Thank you Zaineb ! Felt vey proud of you. Greetings to you and James from a Yemeni 🇾🇪 brother

Lady meets my expectations by reeling off a long list of African scientists and explorers.

I come from Eritrea at the age of 16 in late 80 's. & to see zeineb on TV was fascinating. I watch her African travel, after a very very long time, (as I don't watch TV anymore!) I even think I knew her more & I loved her down to earth approach. I can't wait to read her book. BTW she still looks fantastic after all this years

Thank you James. What a wonderful discussion

Wow! What a wonderful way to spend a hour (he says 45 minutes into the interview). Lightbulb moment: there is a her-story, beyond & equal to history.

The pandemic introduced me to this accomplished woman.The Africa series enthralled and educated me.

Fascinating conversation, I think the book should be introduced in Africa schools because we don't know much about our history, just heard some things from her for the first time .

I have been a massive fan of Zeinab since I first saw her doing interviews in the early 1990's on Channel 4. Human life started in Africa 150,000 [roughly] years ago. The Europeans dominated Africa for the last 500 years. This is a blink of an eye in terms of African history.

Thank you for the insightful interview. I have always wondered what happened to the enormous chapter that is the history of Africa. I hate how much our colonial heritage has limited our view on fascinating histories and cultures.

I’ll definitely read your book. Thanks James for who you are. Hand to hand for a better world.

Africa had history so rich and so phenomenal that they don’t want to talk about it.

It's incredible since Africa is the cradle of civilization that Europeans have written thousands of books stating it's the "Dark Continent." People worldwide have been propagandized, miseducated and lied to about the history and greatness of Africa and Africans. The foregone conclusion is that it was Africans who laid the foundation for the civilization of the world. The first Greek philosopher, Thales, when to Africa for his education. He and other Greek philosophers encouraged their students to go to Africa for education. Those are facts that cannot be refuted by anyone worthy of the name.

Thank you James for this intelligent interview!

Thank you Zeinab for your great contribution to African history. Indeed, the world should know that the foundations of Ancient Egypt is Black Africa. The lies and revisionist history must now be corrected and the truth be told ...

When Zainab speaks you better listen to what she has to say. Much respect ❤

She’s a revolutionary to me! Thank you for hosting her.

This book is a must read for me. Thanks for this interview

The fabulous Zeinsb Badawi - used to watch her on C4 news years ago but wasn’t aware of her full story - such a polymath !

Zeinab, we Eritreans are proud of you. Thank you James for the wonderful interview!

Thank you Zeinab for the amazing historical journey. I watched the series and also read the book...it has really given me a lot of historical facts I did not even think about in Africa.🙏

I loved this! Thank you so much for bringing this to the forefront!

In 2024 here in America, school children are taught that African history began with slavery. Not only did it “save” us from our pagan ways it also benefited us because it taught us useful skills. I know better, I have been a student of African/African-American history for decades. I do my best to educate others.

I will be buying this book for my granddaughter & she's 3 years old - obviously to be read when suitably of age.

And here's the very best thing ... Zeinab Badawi is such a wonderful example of a cultured, classy lady born in a vibrant and amazing continent, who will make all peoples sit up and take notice of a history of Africa with new interest.

As a Sudanese, I'm so proud of Zeinab. She is firmly grounded in both science and ethics. But much more impressive is how she can masterfully embrace both African and European identities and maintain a beautiful balance. I hope she can inspire young people of all creeds to follow her fine example. I'm not a scholar, but as a Sudanese who lived in the US and the UK, what she professes resonates so much with some of my own observations. I wish I get an opportunity to discuss with her someday.

Thank you both for this most educational program.

An advocate for Black women of the world Zeineb 👌🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽You are our future 🙌🏽🙏🙌🏽🙏🙌🏽🙏🙏🏿🙏🏿

Zeinab is a brilliant Historian. loved her documentaries and looking to read her book.

Zainab is an inspiration.

Absolutely brilliant interview James . Well done to my Sudanese sister we are proud of you ..

Thanks for this incredible interview...

She is such a remarkable and well accomplished journalist.

A VERY inspiring piece 🙏🏽

This is so wonderful ❤

Elegant, eloquent lady ❤

Great interview with an amazing lady. Thanks, Zeinab. I can’t wait to read your book. I’m getting copies for my nieces and nephews. Blessings!

Europeans judged African civilization as well Indigenous ones by their standards and decided they were superior. They never tried to understand the culture and the people.

She is a legend role models women 🎉❤

Thank you for a great podcast I learned so much. I will have get this book. Thanks James.

I have always admired her broadcast journalism and plan to read the book!

"Africa is the repository of knowledge and yet the material knowledge, some 95% of this, is held outside of the continent." - Zeinab Badawi

James, thank you for inviting Zienab. Her finding of African history is eye opening. I never taken face value of western historians about Africa.

Great job Zeinab! Thank you for making us proud. You have always been my favourite news presenter. Will buy and read your book.

I’ve got to wait for the audio version. I’m losing my eyesight but I can’t wait.

Great interview. Thank you!

Looking forward to reading. Thank you.

Another top-notch interview. Thank you both.

Am here for Zeinab Badawi ❤😊

Such an informative and clear and interesting interview .i love it

Rock on James. T & T's Fan

Another excellent British female journalist born in Africa. Reminds me of another who was recently on LBC. What happened to her?...

Thanks for posting

Among other things, setting people straight on educated Muslim women. Reading all of the histories of Africa is enriching. Want to read her book and see the series, and widen my knowledge base as a Black American with African, Native Indigenous, and European ancestors.

We are buying the book today for our own little family of 4! Thanyou Zeinab!

Fantastic interview. Thank you so, so much. Peace and love

This was nice, loved the series, I met her in London and she’s absolutely brilliant. Thanks dude!

This was one of the most intelligent and insightful interviews that I’ve ever had the pleasure to watch. I was riveted from beginning to end. Prior to this interview, I’ve never had the pleasure of knowing this gentleman. However, I’m now an enormous fan. He left a huge impression on me to say the least. The way he guided Mrs. Badawi throughout the interview with thoughtful care and due respect was a true masterclass. Job well done. I can’t tell you how much I’m looking forward to going through the vault of his previous interviews to find other gems such as this one. I know for certain that I’ll not be disappointed. In closing, Mrs. Badawi’s BBC mini-series on Africa was nothing short of brilliant. I learned a tremendous amount from each and every episode. I’m very much looking forward to purchasing Mrs. Badawi’s much needed book. Kudos to everyone involved for producing such quality work. Your efforts are greatly appreciated. Blessings! 🙏🏾

Zainab is a living image of Queen Tiye, grand mother of Tutankhamun. The original north East African phenotype of the Queens and Pharaohs of Kemet and Kush. Now however, the same detractors who claim Africans are rewritting history, are simultaniously writing Africans out of History. Despite the faces on the great Sphinx and Royals who commissioned the Pyramid resembling indigenous Africans. They denied Africans had the mental capacity to construct the Pyramids. They denied Africans constructed great Zimbabwe and claimed the Ile Ife bronzes of Nigeria were apparently of Greek origin. And now anything to do with Africa and Africans is censored as Afrocentrist.

A number of the African American authors were actually from the Caribbean or wider Commonwealth . For example, George G. M. James - Guyana, JA Rogers was from Jamaica and Ivan Van Sertima who was from Guyana. I would also refer to Cheik Anta Diop and his student Theophile Obenga.

I have pre-ordered your book. A wonderful conversation. Thank you. Best wishes.

Proud of you from Ghana

Great interview. What a remarkable lady…inspirational ❤

I'm a big fan of Ambassador Zeinab Badawi....Can't wait for new history finds of African history...Queen of the Nile (nickname)

Thank you for this interview guys

This is a great conversation. I feel that in addition to Afrians knowledge of history, African Americans need to have knowledge also.

Amazing woman well done

What a wonderful interview.

Dr. Badawi is the most brilliant voice of all. She is part of the annals of history, along with Dr. John Hendrick Clark, Dr. Amos Wilson, and even Ivan Van Sertimer.

Great interview. Subscribed & looking forward to more. Zeinab's book just shot up to the top of my must-read list.

I watched a few of your BBC documentaries and ruled you out! Nevertheless, in this interview, I seem to have fallen in LOVE with your intellect. I must read your book. Thank you Zeinab🙏🏿

Wonderful interview. Especially noted how James encouraged Zeinab to ignore petty book reviews. Inspired to explore African history!

First time here, great interview, Mr O' Brien was great, well researched and asked great questions, you will always feel like you learnt something when Aunty Zeinab speaks

Im glad this ended up on my feed. Excellent interview, amazing questions and I have learned a lot more about Zambia, and Africa through this. I plan to get her book and already have tabs open with the names dropped. Much appreciated. You gained a new follower.

Thank you LBC and Zeinab for this treasure of information. I will be in touch with Zeinab for further information.

Well done,brilliant ,thank you to both of you.I’m Eritrean.

Brilliant woman. Thanks for having her on James.

Do you agree that its about the time to rename british museum with Africans heritage and cultural museum because there's nothing about british in there. Without prejudice

@Nigeria, beautifully written. Exposing our history in his true form is very admiring especially by an African. Some critics graduated from the school of self hating. If you are concern about her identity for you to authenticate her book, you are lost as an African. What has been your individual contribution to Africa as a critic, nothing.

Africa had a history before Europeans.

The best experts on African history are those who don't live in Africa.