Voice of America

Coronavirus in U.S. and South Africa, Vaccine, Tuskegee Experiment  - Shaka: Extra Time

Shaka Ssali and Paul Ndiho talk about the COVID-19 pandemic and the need for effective leadership to fight it. 500,000 people in the United States have lost their life because of the pandemic. Shaka says that “being vaccinated is not only in your own personal interest” but also in the interest of one’s family and community. He announces that he will get the first dose of the vaccine this week.

U.S. Politics - Impeachment Trial - Shaka: Extra Time

Dominic Ongwen Conviction - ICC- Uganda - Shaka: Extra Time

There is a perception that the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands, is biased towards Africa, but the truth is that founding signatories are a lot of African countries, says Shaka while  discussing ICC’s  conviction of  former Ugandan warlord Dominic Ongwen of war crimes and crimes against humanity.  ICC is a complimentary court, he adds , you go to that court when you cannot internally try those types of crimes. The ICC requires cooperation of the government of the c...

The Complex Legacy of JJ Rawlings - Shaka: Extra Time

J.J. Rawlings “brought democracy to Ghana,” says Shaka as he discusses the Ghanaian leader’s political legacy with Paul Ndiho. He used to say to me, says Shaka, that “if you want to be a leader you have to be willing to fail greatly so you can in the end succeed enormously.” Jerry John Rawlings was a Ghanaian military officer and politician who led the country from 1981 to 2001. He led a military junta until 1992, and then served two terms as the democratically elected President of Ghana. He ...

Larry King’s Legacy, Advice to Young People, U.S. Inauguration - Shaka: Extra Time

Larry King was “the best listener” says Shaka Ssali “he knew how to open the microphone for the guests in a manner that was sophisticated” and strived to give a platform to the people he was interviewing.  Shaka says that for him an interview is a vehicle for the newsmaker to interact with his audience in a manner that is “journalistically filtered.” Paul Ndiho, who hosts the show,  and Shaka also talk about the U.S. inauguration and discuss lessons learned.  Shaka says building strong instit...

Elections in Uganda, Museveni, Bobi Wine - Shaka: Extra Time

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni was reelected to a sixth term in office with 58.64 percent of the vote. His closest challenger  Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine), won 34.83%.  Shaka says in Uganda  every five years people run for elections but they do not have to opportunity to compete fairly and adds that the “political playing field has never been level since 1986.”  We, he says, are interested in “an election where the people are the primary stakeholders.”Paul Ndiho challenges some of Shaka’...

COVID-19 in Africa, Vaccine,  Elections in Uganda - Shaka: Extra Time

“I am hopelessly romantic” and optimistic about the future says Shaka as he and Paul Ndiho talk about 2021. They explore the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the vaccine and the elections in Uganda. 

COVID Vaccine, Wealth & Poverty, United States of Africa - Shaka: Extra Time

“We still remain in the tunnel” of the coronavirus pandemic says Shaka “even though now we have a vaccine.” “We need to all be generous,” he continues, with the vaccine and make it available it to everybody.” Shaka and Paul talk about poverty in Africa and socio-economic justice. 

Impact of COVID-19 on Africa, Elections in Tanzania - Shaka: Extra TimeShaka: Extra Time

Many initially thought that COVID-19 was not an “African type of virus” says Vincent Makori while discussing the coronavirus pandemic with Paul Ndiho.  Vincent is sitting in for Shaka Ssali. A lot of African leaders reacted immediately, he says, and even though some measures were considered draconian by western standards they did contribute in saving lives. Vincent also mentions that now “we have Covid-19 millionaires.” 

Ghana & COVID-19, Pandemic in Africa & Vaccines - Shaka: Extra Time

Paul Ndiho and Peter Clottey, host of VOA’s Nightline Africa, who is sitting in for Shaka, discuss the recent elections in Ghana and how the country is dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Elections won and contested in Ghana - Shaka: Extra Time

Join Paul Ndiho in a  discussion with VOA’s Peter Clottey who is covering the elections in Ghana. Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo won a second four-year term in office, following a tightly contested vote that was tainted by violence in which five people died. Opposition leaderJohn Dramani Mahama  accused the election commission of manipulating results in favor of his opponent and asked for an independent inquiry to be conducted into the election process. Peter is sitting in for Shaka Ssali.

Elections in Ghana - Shaka: Extra Time

“In Ghana there is a commitment by the people to maintain  peace,” says Peter Clottey who is sitting in for Shaka Ssali. Ghana embraced constitutional rule in 1992 and  since then the transfer of power has been smooth. Peter is in Ghana covering the elections and gives Shaka: Extra Time host Paul Ndiho an indepth look at the politics at play, how the elections are carried out and talks about issues of transparency and the aspirations of Ghanaians.  The race for President is expected to be  ti...

Bobi Wine, Politics in Uganda, Stability and Democracy - Shaka: Extra Time

The coronavirus lockdown in Uganda “seems to be selective, not everyone is affected the same way,”  says Shaka, when addressing the arrest of Ugandan opposition leader and presidential contender Bobi Wine for violating coronavirus safety guidelines for political campaigns. Paul Ndiho and Shaka Ssali talk about the notion of stability and democracy and what that means in a number of African countries. Shaka also talks about term limits and uses the United States as an example for the peaceful ...

Bobi Wine Released, Unrest in Uganda, Stability and Democracy - Shaka: Extra Time

he coronavirus lockdown in Uganda “seems to be selective, not everyone is affected the same way,”  says Shaka when addressing the arrest of Ugandan opposition leader and presidential contender Bobi Wine for violating coronavirus safety guidelines for political campaigns. Paul Ndiho and Shaka Ssali talk about the notion of stability and democracy and what that means in a number of African countries. Shaka also talks about term limits and uses the United States as an example of the peaceful tra...

Jerry Rawlings Remembered, Unrest in Ethiopia, Africa needs Presidents not Monarchs - Shaka: Extra Time

Jerry Rawlings “was an interesting but challenging newsmaker” says Shaka about Ghana’s former president who just died and adds that he was “a man with a revolutionary spirit.” Shaka and Paul talk about the Ghanaian statesman’s  legacy and also discuss the latest developments in Ethiopia. 

20 years of Straight Talk Africa, Elections in Tanzania and more - Shaka: Extra Time

“I see myself in my audience,” says Shaka referring to the success of Straight Talk Africa and Shaka Extra Time. Straight Talk Africa  just celebrated 20 years on air and Shaka: Extra Time has been on air for 8 years. Shaka talks about what success means to him. Paul Ndiho brings comments from his fans from different parts of the world while  talking about his contributions. “I have been overwhelmed by the reactions of my audience,” says Shaka.

8 years of Extra Time, 20 years of Straight Talk Africa, Elections in Tanzania - Shaka: Extra Time

I see myself in my audience,” says Shaka referring to the success of Straight Talk Africa and Shaka Extra Time. Straight Talk Africa  just celebrated 20 years on air and Shaka: Extra Time has been on air for 8 years. Shaka talks about what success means to him. Paul Ndiho brings comments from his fans from different parts of the world while  talking about his contributions. “I have been overwhelmed by the reactions of my audience,” says Shaka. Shaka: Extra Time is a weekly show (every Tuesda...

SARS Protests in Nigeria, Elections In Seychelles - Shaka: Extra Time

Join Shaka Ssali and Paul Ndiho as they discuss how SARS protests have changed Nigeria and how the opposition won the Seychelles election for the first time in 40 years. Shaka also answers questions by his social media fans. 

Elections in Guinea, Sudan's Al Bashir Charged by ICC - Shaka: Extra Time

Shaka Ssali and Paul Ndiho discuss elections in Guinea and the ICC's delegation arrival in Sudan to discuss the prosecution of former President Omar al-Bashir. Shaka also answers questions from his social media followers. Join their conversation.

Protests at the Ivory Coast, Nigerian Police, Third Terms & more - Shaka: Extra Time

In this edition of Shaka: Extra Time Paul and Shaka talk about the recent protests at the Ivory Coast against President Alassane Ouattara's plan to seek a third term in the October 31st presidential election.” What is happening in the Ivory Coast is both a bad and good thing,” says Shaka. 

Mali, Coups Attempts in Africa & more - Shaka: Extra Time

Join Shaka Ssali and Paul Ndiho as they discuss interim Malian President Bah Ndaw, coup attempts in Africa and more.

The Legacy of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Rusesabagina in Rwanda & more - Shaka: Extra Time

"Ruth Bader Ginsburg looked at the world through principles," says Shaka discussing with Paul Ndiho the legacy of the associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States who died recently at the age of 87. She served from 1993 until her death in 2020. Ginsburg spent much of her career advocating for gender equality and women's rights. Paul and Shaka also discuss Paul Rusesabagina's return to Rwanda and arrest on terror related offenses.

Shaka: Extra Time

Shaka Ssali tells Paul Ndhio the U.S. presidential election is "really heating up" despite the challenges of campaigning  during the coronavirus pandemic.  Shaka and Paul also talk about what's at stake in the Uganda-Tanzania oil pipeline deal.

Shaka: Extra Time

The upcoming U.S. presidential election, NRM primary elections in Uganda & more-Shaka: Extra Time

Compared to the 2016 U.S. presidential elections, this year is "a totally different ballgame," says Shaka in his conversation with Paul Ndiho about what's at stake in the upcoming elections. They also discuss NRM primary elections in Uganda, and Paul Rusesabinga.

Republican Convention In U.S., Coup in Mali & more: Shaka: Extra Time

Paul Ndiho and Shaka Ssali discuss politics on the African continent and beyond. Today they talk about the  upcoming elections in the United States, the Republican National Convention and how some feel that these elections are an attempt for Americans to define their "soul". They also talk about the coup in Mali and Shaka answers questions from his social media followers.

Shaka: Extra Time

Term Limits in Africa - Shaka: Extra Time

Join Shaka Ssali and Paul Ndiho in a discussion about the significance of term limits and controversial third terms in a number of African countries.

Elections in the U.S. and Uganda - Shaka: Extra Time

Join Shaka and Paul in this edition of Shaka: Extra Time as the discuss the upcoming elections in the United States and in Uganda.

Shaka: Extra Time

Shaka: Extra Time

Shaka: Extra Time

Shaka: Extra Time

Elections in Malawi are of “historic significance” - Shaka: Extra Time

The elections in Malawi are of “historic significance for Africa and the world,” says Shaka. The new President Lazarus Chakwera was sworn in Sunday in the capital Lilongwe, after he defeated two candidates, including former President Peter Mutharika, in the tightly contested presidential election rerun held last week.  Shaka: Extra Time is a weekly show (every Tuesday at 16:30 UTC) on the Straight Talk Africa Facebook page, where viewers and social media followers ask the popular Straight Ta...

Individual & Institutional Racism, When Shaka Got Arrested - Shaka: Extra Time Shaka: Extra Time

“The United States is not the most racist country on earth but the single most racially conscious society,” says Shaka when we talks about protests in cities all over the U.S.  demanding racial equality.  Shaka: Extra Time is a weekly show (every Tuesday at 16:30 UTC) on the Straight Talk Africa Facebook page, where viewers and social media followers ask the popular Straight Talk Africa host, Shaka Ssali, questions about politics in Africa. Paul Ndiho hosts the show.

Civil Rights Movement US & Europe - Pandemic Challenges - Shaka: Extra Time

“Society is not static, it is dynamic,” says Shaka when talking about the worldwide protests for racial equality that started in the United States and spread to different parts of the world. He also says that the United States is the most “racially conscious country in the world,”  and not the most racist country, as some of his social media followers characterize it.  Shaka: Extra Time is a weekly show (every Tuesday at 16:30 UTC) on the Straight Talk Africa Facebook page, where viewers and...

Race, Inequality, Protests - Shaka: Extra Time

“Africans should be part of what is going on in the United States,” says Shaka referring to the protests all over the country to fight racial inequality. "Africans should stand in solidarity with African-Americans," he adds as he discusses the political history of the civil rights movement in the U.S. and answers questions from social media followers.

Protests, Being Black in America, Racism & Inequality -Shaka: Extra Time

In the midst of protests spreading in the  United States and at different parts of the world Shaka remembers and recites Martin Luther King’s saying “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.”  “This still remains a dream,” adds Shaka and discusses with Paul Ndiho what it means to be black in the U.S.  The protests were sparked by the death of African-American Georg...

Shaka: Extra Time

Fighting the Coronavirus, Ugandan Elections, Tanzania's Reaction - Shaka: Extra Time

"Fighting the coronavirus pandemic is "a race with time and humanity "will win the fight with the virus," says Shaka, as he and Paul Ndiho talk about what is going on in Africa. Africans need to stay away from “the strongmen syndrome” and instead focus on creating strong institutions. In order to fight the pandemic, say the Straight Talk Africa host,   leaders have to rely on data, science and facts.  Shaka: Extra Time is a weekly show (every Tuesday at 16:30 UTC) on the Straight Talk Africa...

Massive Testing to Fight the Coronavirus - Shaka: Extra Time

Africans and the Coronavirus, What Can be Done Now - Shaka: Extra Time

“Someday we will find a magic bullet and go back to living a life that somehow resembles this one,’’ says Shaka when discussing life during the coronavirus pandemic. He goes on to talk about the AIDS epidemic  and how new drugs were developed.  Shaka: Extra Time is a weekly show (every Tuesday at 16:30 UTC) on the Straight Talk Africa Facebook page, where viewers and social media followers ask the popular Straight Talk Africa host, Shaka Ssali, questions about politics in Africa. Paul Ndiho ...

Coronavirus - Virus of Starvation - Shaka: Extra Time

“This is a virus that does not require a visa to go anywhere,” says Shaka about the coronavirus pandemic. This is also a time “to put politics aside” and take care of each other, because “when it comes to this virus we are all on the same side.” Shaka together with host Paul Ndiho talk about the threat of hunger that ensues from the spread of the pandemic to various communities on the continent and call on african leaders to do everything possible to help the people in need. Shaka: Extra Tim...

Coronavirus and Africa - Shaka: Extra Time

In this edition of Extra Time, Straight Talk Africa host Shaka Ssali talks with Paul Ndiho about the coronavirus and the challenges it poses for the continent and the world. Shaka: Extra Time is a weekly show (every Tuesday at 16:30 UTC) on the Straight Talk Africa Facebook page, where viewers and social media followers ask the popular Straight Talk Africa host, Shaka Ssali, questions about politics in Africa. Paul Ndiho hosts the show. 

Shaka: Extra Time

Shaka: Extra Time

Shaka: Extra Time

Shaka: Extra Time

Shaka: Extra Time

Shaka: Extra Time