The World Cup notwithstanding, when was the last time we heard anything good about Africa? The problem is that this continent, riddled with poverty, disease, and violence is the only Africa that makes the newspapers. And while it is of course important to recognize the problems that plague Africa as a continent so that the world can help them solve these issues (genetically bred, malaria-resistant mosquitos, anyone?), it is also important to note that Africa is a land of many different cultures and beauty, nor should they be reduced to fleeting trends at Forever 21. That is where Pop'Africana comes in. Pop'Africana is a brand new art, fashion, and culture magazine based in New York City "dedicated to delivering a rejuvenated image of Africa and Africans in the Diaspora and a robust and educative guide documenting the endeavors and achievements of Africans, home and abroad." Or, in other words, this magazine aims to show Africa and Africans in a new light, while not ignoring Africa itself: as the website for the magazine says, it is "an antidote to global opinions of the African." Pop'Africana aren't the first to want to shed light on the other side of Africa and Africans: a popular blog The Real Africa aims to do just that, calling itself "The Africa they never show you." The lesson here: don't judge a continent by its problems.
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