Filipe Samba, a bioethics lecturer born and living in Monte Café, emphasizes the importance of appealing to ancestors for guarantees and compensation for the future. He asserts that 'the wound of pain is not healed, and suffering is not cured by words, but by concrete actions.'
According to Samba, the slave culture established by the Portuguese shaped the memory and architectural heritage associated with six plantations (four in São Tomé and two in Príncipe). These plantations supported the business of producing coffee and cocoa, as well as the traditions of Africans from Angola and Mozambique, among others who were brought to São Tomé and Príncipe. Furthermore, Cape Verdeans also arrived there as hired workers.
Starting Sunday and until July 29, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Committee will convene in South Korea. A decision will be made in Busan regarding the inclusion of the São Tomé plantations in the UNESCO World Heritage List. São Tomé and Príncipe participates in the Cultural Sites category with the application 'São Tomé and Príncipe Plantations: Colonial Agricultural System and Forced Migration.'
The leader of the Monte Café community stated in an interview with Lusa that UNESCO registration is important because it strengthens their commitment to preserving this historical monument. It offers hope that future generations will be able to learn about this history. He also noted that such recognition will lead to the creation of new jobs, mobilization of resources, and increased synergy in employment for the local population. He added that despite a feeling of partial oblivion, the infrastructure of these sites enhances the image and identity of the community.
The return to Monte Café, where about five thousand people live, after being in the Soviet Union was marked by community work. Now, the horizon of hope extends to the end of the current month: 'This is a moment of great significance for our community because thanks to this stimulus, UNESCO recognizes this memory not only from a memorial but also from an economic point of view.' Currently, the World Heritage Committee has included 1248 sites from 170 countries. According to UNESCO, classification as World Heritage allows for the recognition and protection of sites of outstanding universal value, whether natural, cultural, or mixed, and obligates member states to preserve these landmarks.
South African singer Tyla and the company Bratz have officially collaborated, making her the latest celebrity to receive a collectible doll inspired by her iconic fashion moments.
This announcement concludes a long discussion among fans. In 2024, Tyla shared a fan-made Bratz-style image on social media, expressing hope of having her own doll. This prediction has now become reality.
The collectible version features two outfits directly taken from her most recognizable looks. One is based on the Balmain 'Sands of Time' sculptural dress she wore at her first Met Gala in 2024, along with a miniature clock-shaped handbag that accompanied this look.
The second look reflects her stage style, combining a sequined mini-skirt, crop top, and a gold belt with a Bratz charm. The doll also replicates Tyla's braided bob, a look closely associated with the Grammy-winning artist.
This launch occurs during a very busy period in her career. Tyla's second studio album, 'A*Pop', is scheduled for release on July 24th and contains 14 tracks. The album includes previously released songs such as 'Is It', 'She Did It Again', and 'Chanel'.
The Bratz x Tyla collectible doll will first be publicly available at the Bratz pop-up store inside FAO Schwarz at Rockefeller Plaza in New York on July 24, 2026, coinciding with the release date of the 'A*Pop' album.
For Tyla herself, this collaboration is more than just a commercial deal. It places her alongside a growing list of global stars reimagined as Bratz dolls, reflecting how much her fashion image has become part of her international appeal. What started as a fan concept has become an official collectible item, arriving at a crucial moment in the singer's rise on the global pop scene.
The dalma dish, a hearty combination of legumes and vegetables, is deeply rooted in the culture of Odisha and the traditions of Lord Jagannath. This dish is considered an integral part of the Rath Yatra festival.
In the second episode of the project 'Lost Recipes of India,' travelers went to Odisha to revive dalma prepared using local vegetables that are gradually disappearing from kitchens. Among these vanishing ingredients are manjha (banana stem) and palua (arrowroot rhizome).
India loses hundreds of traditional recipes every year. The 'Lost Recipes of India' project is dedicated to documenting, preserving, and popularizing these forgotten culinary treasures by traveling across the country.
Together with food narrator Bishwajit, the authors prepare dalma using local vegetables. This process aims to preserve authentic Odia recipes and the traditions associated with the food of the Jagannath temple.
Theatre on the Square in Sandton has announced its musical concert program for the winter period of 2026. This series features performances by renowned musicians from South Africa, presenting classical, jazz, and contemporary music.
Weekly concerts are scheduled for every Friday at 13:00, running from May 29th to August 28th. Ticket prices are 100 Rand, but the price is reduced to 60 Rand for theatre members. Seats are not reserved for the concerts, and tickets can be purchased at the theatre box office one hour before the event.
The series began with the performance of 'Flute, Finesse & A Little Fru-Fru' by flautist Isabelle Bradley and pianist John Warner. This was followed by the performance of 'Sax After Noon,' featuring saxophonist Phil Holder, vocalist Tula Ekhart, guitarist Luke van der Merwe, and pianist Jonathan Biring.
The program will also present both emerging and experienced performers. Among them are pianist Daniel de Wet, guitarist Rainier Prins, Amanda Blankfield-Kosseff, Evelyn Green, musicians Malcolm Nay and Zanta Hofmeyr, as well as baritone Dr. Jean du Plessis with pianist Sonya van Zill.
Attendees can enjoy songs and opera in French performed by mezzo-soprano Megan Napier and pianist Annalien Ball. There will also be a performance of 'Fabulous Flutes,' where young flautists Jesse Jardine, Talita Pinaar, and Gabriella Klassen will perform with renowned pianist Eugene Jobert and flautist Dr. Kobus du Toit.
The program further includes performances by mezzo-soprano Auxe Trinkunas, cellist Gerrit Korsten, and pianist Paul Ferreira, as well as beloved operatic numbers from Sass Yende in the production 'Arias of the Heart.'
Theatre on the Square will also host the Welsh Male Choir led by Neil Bennett. Following this, Nlankhla Dube and the group The Music Moves Band, violinist Jonathan Mayer with violist Lynn Rudolph, and pianist Laura Pauna will perform. The final concert on August 28th will feature Pauna performing Beethoven's '32 Variations' and Schumann's 'Sonata No. 2.'
The theatre stated that the goal of this concert series is to showcase musical diversity and provide the public with the opportunity to experience live performance in an intimate setting. The concerts take place at Theatre on the Square, Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton.
