Breaking News

Kahli Abdu

Produced by Kahli Abdu

November 21, 2024
‘Make the Hood Smile’: A Bronx motivational speaker uses creativity to uplift his community

In the Bronx, a New York City neighborhood commonly associated with violence and poverty, one man is working tirelessly to spread positivity. ‘Make the Hood Smile,’ also known as the Microwave Man for his attention-grabbing headwear, has a simple mission — to spread joy in his community through motivational speeches and creative street performances. With a unique approach that combines humor and heartfelt messages, his aim is to inspire change, one smile at a time. VOA's Kahli Abdu reports.
November 21, 2024
Nigérienne singer Fadi talks culture, music and life in New York

In New York, the vibrant city that draws people from all over the world, artists find unique ways to blend their roots with their present realities. One such artist is Fadi, a singer-songwriter from Niger. Her journey is marked by music, challenges and the pursuit of two distinct passions. VOA’s Kahli Abdu reports.
October 08, 2024
Maryland-based gallery showcases African art, promotes culture

Ini Gallery, a Maryland-based art gallery is making global headlines for their work and mission to promote African culture through visual art, performances, literature and fashion. VOA’s Kahli Abdu has more.
September 24, 2024
Nigeria documentary explores diaspora experience in the US

The Nigeria Center, a U.S.—based nonprofit focused on helping Nigerians in Washington, is among several organizations that are supporting the launch a new documentary entitled “The Nigerian Narrative,” a film focused on educating people on the identity and culture of the West African nation. For more, VOA’s Kahli Abdu spoke with Gbenga Ogunjimi, the CEO of The Nigerian Center.
August 17, 2024
Cameroonian filmmaker raises awareness on impacts of deforestation

Laura Onyama, a Cameroonian actress and filmmaker is using her new film titled “A Cry from the Forest” to raise awareness on how deforestation is impacting Africa’s cultural heritage and traditional medicine. VOA’s Kahli Abdu has more.
May 18, 2024
Exploring the impact of Chinese investments on African entertainment

As African markets expand, Chinese investments are increasingly finding a foothold, particularly in the vibrant entertainment industry. VOA’s Kahli Abdu explores how these financial inflows are restructuring African music, film and digital content creation, amidst global economic shifts.
April 30, 2024
Leaders Convene at GW to Discuss Economic Strategies for Africa

George Washington University recently assembled global leaders to discuss innovative economic strategies aimed at accelerating Africa’s development. The event highlighted critical themes such as sustainable development, technological innovation and international partnerships. VOA’s Kahli Abdu and Simms Lumami bring us the highlights from this gathering.
April 12, 2024
African Entrepreneurs in Baltimore

In the heart of Baltimore, African entrepreneurs navigate a vibrant yet challenging landscape, from cultural adaptation to economic resilience. Amid recent challenges like a bridge collapse, these business owners’ stories of coping and thriving shine a light on the spirit of innovation and community. VOA’s Simms Lumami and Kahli Abdu bring us closer to their experiences.
April 05, 2024
Tourists and Locals Gather in Washington DC for Cherry Blossoms

Tourists and environmental experts say Washington is experiencing the impact of climate change as the city this year has witnessed fewer blooms of cherry blossoms than usual. Nonetheless, the U.S. capital remains vibrant with visitors. For Red Carpet, VOA reporters Kahli Abdu and Simms Lumami filed this report which details more.
April 02, 2024
Celebrating Cherry Blossoms, Spring in Washington, D.C.

Springtime in Washington D.C. usually promises a spectacular display of cherry blossoms. However, this year’s scene has taken an unexpected twist with fewer blooms than anticipated - a reminder of the growing impact of climate change. Despite this, the capital remains vibrant with visitors and locals alike, all drawn by the season’s spirit and D.C.’s rich offerings. Here' VOA’s Kahli Abdu and Simms Lumami report.
February 26, 2024
Founder Melissa Walker Reflects on the Journey of nonprofit JAZZ HOUSE KiDS

In the heart of Montclair, New Jersey, JAZZ HOUSE KiDS, a non-profit founded by Melissa Walker and eight-time GRAMMY-winning bassist Christian McBride, has been shaping lives through the transformative language of jazz for two decades. From 'Give an Instrument, Build a Musician' in under-resourced schools to the empowering 'CHICA POWER RESIDENCY,' JAZZ HOUSE KiDS orchestrates not just music education but life-changing experiences. In this exclusive interview with VOA’s Kahli Abdu, Melissa Walker shares the inspiring story of JAZZ HOUSE KiDS and its impact on the community.
February 14, 2024
Did Nigeria’s William Troost-Ekong Deserve to Win AFCON Player of the Tournament?

African football fans are divided over the awards that were given at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, especially the Player of the Tournament category that was won by William Troost-Ekong, the standout player for Nigeria’s Super Eagles who continuously scored penalty kicks throughout the tournament. The debate flared after the West African player won the award, despite Nigeria losing to Ivory Coast in the final of the tournament. Some fans say an Ivorian player should have been crowned best player. Among the candidates mentioned were Simon Adingra and Franck Kessié.
February 13, 2024
Experts Compare Sebastian Haller to Victor Osimhen, Ivory Coast Completes AFCON Redemption Story

Pundits that watched the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations tournament say Ivorian forward Sebastien Haller outplayed his Nigerian rival, the CAF Footballer of the Year and Italy’s Serie A’s leading goal scorer, Victor Osimhen. Haller scored two goals at AFCON that helped Ivory Coast. His first led to the West African nation defeating the Leopards of the Democratic Republic of Congo 1-0 in the semifinals. His second was the winning goal for his team in the final where they beat Nigeria 2-1 — included in the starting line-up was Osimhen.
February 13, 2024
Kick It AFCON: Ivory Coast Lifts AFCON Trophy, Sebastien Haller Outplays Victor Osimhen and More

On Episode Five of Kick It AFCON, hosts Mike Hove, Kahli Abdu, Sonny Young and Muqbil Yabarow are joined in studio by Sam Sasu, a Ghanaian football analyst and coach based in the Washington area. They discuss Ivory Coast's win of the just-concluded Africa Cup of Nations, comparisons between Ivorian forward Sebastien Haller and Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen, and more.
February 10, 2024
Osimhen Legacy After AFCON, African Players Moving to European Leagues

Pundits say Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen stands to solidify his legacy as among the greatest players to represent the Super Eagles — a variable dependent on how he plays in the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations where the West African team will play against the host nation, the Elephants of Ivory Coast.
February 10, 2024
Ivory Coast Determined to Make AFCON Redemption Story Reality

The turn-around performance by the host of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Ivory Coast, has left African football fans excited for the final of the tournament where they will be playing against Nigeria’s Super Eagles. Pundits say should the Ivorians win the trophy, they will become the first host nation to win the tournament since Egypt in 2006. They will also be applauded by fans of African football for the way the team redeemed itself and turned the tide in its favor.
February 09, 2024
Football Experts, Fans Applaud South Africa for AFCON Performance

African Football fans, coaches and experts have applauded South Africa’s Bafana Bafana for their performance at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, despite losing to the Super Eagles of Nigeria in a thrilling semifinal that was decided by a penalty shootout. Pundits say the southern African team is the perfect example of how investing in local leagues can benefit a nation and add that should Bafana Bafana maintain their form, they stand a good chance of winning their third place playoff against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
February 09, 2024
Kick It AFCON: Ivory Coast, Nigeria Set for AFCON Finals and More

On episode four of Kick It AFCON, VOA’s Mike Hove, Sonny Young, Kahli Abdu and Muqbil Yabarow are joined in studio by Sam Sasu, a Ghanaian who coaches football near Washington . They discuss the semifinals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations where fans enjoyed entertaining and strategic football, especially in the game between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and South Africa’s Bafana Bafana, a rivalry that was settled with a penalty shootout won by the West African team.
February 01, 2024
Kick It AFCON: AFCON Favorites Crash Out, Ivory Coast, South Africa in Quarterfinals and More

On the third episode of Kick It AFCON, VOA’s Mike Hove, Sonny Young, Kahli Abdu and Muqbil Yabarow are joined in studio by Samuel Sasu, a Ghanaian football analyst and coach based in Washington. The discussion was focused on the Round of 16 matches that resulted in football giants and favorites winning the trophy, Senegal’s Lions of Teranga and Morocco’s Atlas Lions, exiting the tournament. The Lions of Teranga were defeated by the host nation, the Elephants of Ivory Coast. The Atlas Lions were defeated by South Africa’s Bafana Bafana.
January 25, 2024
Kick It AFCON: Ivory Coast Qualifies for Round of 16, Fires Coach, Ghana Eliminated and More

On the second episode of Kick It AFCON, VOA’s Sonny Young, Mike Hove, and Kahli Abdu unpack the latest updates from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations tournament held in Ivory Coast. The hosts discuss Ivory Coast and Ghana firing their coaches for poor results at the tournament, the impressive performances by smaller nations that qualified for the round of 16, and more. The VOA trio are also joined by Blessing Agbomadzi, a player for Ghana’s women’s national football team, popularly known as the Black Queens. They discuss the standards of African football, her experience as a player and more.

XS

SM

MD

LG