If you want to know what’s trending in news, health, sports and lifestyle, then tune in to Africa 54. Airing Monday through Friday, this 30-minute program takes a closer look at the stories Africans are talking about, with reports from VOA correspondents, and interviews with top experts and analysts. Africa 54 also serves viewers with timely information about health, education, business and technology. And for the young and young at heart, Africa 54 provides a daily dose of pop culture, including music, fashion and entertainment.
On our Programs:
Watch for more political, health, sports, and feature stories on YouTube.
Meet the Team:
Esther Githui-Ewart, Anchor of Africa 54
Esther Githui-Ewart is the Lead Anchor of VOA ‘s Africa 54 daily television news program for sub-Saharan Africa. Esther started her career in Kenya with the National Broadcaster KBC as Television Presenter, before coming to the U.S. to work for the Voice of America’s Swahili Service. She is one of the first VOA reporters to interview U.S. President Barack Obama in 2004. Esther reports daily on political developments in Africa and also follows closely the initiatives of the African diaspora. A veteran journalist of VOA English TV to Africa, Esther also served as the host of VOA’s “Africa Journal,” a weekly television call-in program and Anchored “Special Report Africa,” a weekly lifestyle television magazine program sharing human interest stories of the African the continent and the diaspora.
On Mondays: Sports with Sunday Shomari
Sunday Shomari hails from Tanzania. Since 2008, Sunday has served as an International Broadcaster with VOA’s Swahili Service working on entertainment, youth and news programs. He joined the VOA English show to Africa service as the host of "Let’s Talk." Sunday’s hobbies include reading books, watching movies and playing soccer.
On Tuesdays: Health with Linord Moudou
Linord Moudou is the producer & host of the Africa Health Network on Africa 54. She also produces and hosts Health Chat on the Voice of America radio, a live call-in program that addresses health issues of interest to Africa. Linord Moudou was born and raised in Côte d’Ivoire. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism and media productions from George Mason University, and a certificate in television and radio productions from the Columbia School of Broadcasting. The veteran broadcaster is fluent in French, English and conversational in Spanish and Creole.
On Wednesdays: Technology with Paul Ndiho
Paul Ndiho is an award-winning Multimedia Ugandan – American video journalist, host of Shaka Extra Time and Africa Technology on Africa 54. Paul has traveled extensively to more than 30 Africa countries, reporting on African politics, different economies, the diverse cultures, and the people with a particular interest in entrepreneurship, innovation, and technology. He is passionate about mentorship and developing the next generation of African entrepreneurs. Email:pndiho@voanews.com, Facebook: Paul Ndiho and Twitter: @pndiho
On Fridays: Music with Heather Maxwell
Heather Maxwell is an American ethnomusicologist and singer/songwriter and composer. She has worked in Africa for over 30 years, published academic and musical works, and speaks French and Bambara, in addition to her native English. Maxwell Hosts and produces the legacy, music radio program Music Time in Africa (MTIA) which was founded by the late Leo Sarkisian in 1965. MTIA is dedicated to pan-African music, music news, and interviews with artists from across the continent and the diaspora. Maxwell also hosts Music Makers, a weekly TV feature of African music for VOA’s Africa 54. Since taking the helm of MTIA in 2012, she has built a dynamic, social media and YouTube community around the radio program, adding millions of new fans.
Facebook: Music Time in Africa – MTIA
Twitter @musictimeafrica
Insta: @mtiamaxwell
Vincent Makori, Managing Editor of Africa 54
Vincent Makori is the Managing Editor of Africa 54, Voice of America’s daily TV program for Africa. He also serves as a producer and writer and Anchor for Africa 54. Vincent is a versatile journalist with 20 years of experience, working in Africa, Europe and the U.S. He has been at VOA for more than 11 years.
Vincent has covered a wide range of stories including the Africa Union Summit in Lusaka, Zambia, The U.N. General Assembly in New York, International Trade and Technology Fairs in Berlin and Hanover Germany. The International AIDS Conference, in Mexico City, Mexico, and the G-20 Summit in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
He has interviewed people of all walks of life, including high ranking officials and presidents, among them, former U.S. President George W. Bush, President Bingu wa Mutharika of Malawi, former President of Ghana John Kufuor, President Ifikepunye Pohamba of Namibia ; Noble Laureate Wangari Maathai and academic luminaries like Professor Ali Mazrui.
He holds a post-graduate degree in mass communication from the School of Journalism of the University of Nairobi and a Bachelor of Arts Degree, majoring in English Literature from Moi University, Kenya. He has attended numerous training programs in journalism, in Kenya, Germany and the U.S.
Africa News Tonight is a 30-minute news magazine program that airs twice each evening Monday through Friday, at 1600 and 1800 UTC/GMT.
Africa News Tonight brings you the latest news from our correspondents on the continent, as well as interviews with African officials, opposition leaders, NGOs, human rights activists and government officials.
The show also examines developments in science and technology, the environment, development issues, the African diaspora, business, lifestyle and culture.
African Beat showcases the latest and the greatest of contemporary African music and conversation. From Benga to Juju, Hip Life to Bongo Flava, Bubu to Soukous and more, host David Vandy has his finger on the pulse of the hottest African music and related issues today.
The latest news, information, guidelines, and outlook for the COVID-19 pandemic that's killed thousands of people and sickened millions of others around the world.
Each day, Daybreak Africa looks at the latest developments on the continent, starting with headline news and providing in-depth interviews, reports from VOA correspondents, sports news and a selection of listeners' letters.
Daybreak Africa is paired with the 30-minute World News Now program at 0330, 0430, 0530 and 0630 UTC to provide a seamless hour of comprehensive news coverage.
To leave a message for the program staff, call +1.202.205.9942. After you hear the VOA identification, press 25 and then leave your message after the tone. Speak clearly and provide your name and location. We might use your comments in our program!
Postal Mail
Voice of America
Room 1613
330 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20237
USA
Join host Carol Castiel each week as she and two advocates from the world of politics, culture, public policy, or academia debate and discuss a critical issue in the news. This program brings depth, perspective, and insight to the world around us. Issues that affect our lives and global stability are debated and discussed in a free-wheeling, unscripted discussion of fact and opinion.
Encounter is broadcast on Saturdays and Sundays. You can also listen to us via affiliate stations in your area. Check your local radio station guide for more information.
Saturdays: 0330 0930 1430 1800 and 2330 UTC
Sundays: 0530 1230 1730 1930 UTC
About Your Host
Carol Castiel moderates and produces not only Encounter but Press Conference USA as well. She also oversees the production of Issues in the News, VOA’s roundup of the week’s top stories by distinguished Washington journalists.
Before joining the Voice of America, Carol was a consultant/freelance journalist specializing in the promotion of trade and investment between the United States and Africa. She was also a contributing editor to the London-based West Africa Magazine. Carol is fluent in Portuguese, French, and Spanish. She holds an M.A. degree in International Affairs from the University of Pittsburgh.
Winners and almost winners tell you how they played each week as we gather in the VOA Game Room. We share the fun, record achievements and look ahead to the big sports events always around the corner. Our season never ends in the VOA Game Room!
Health Chat is a live call-in program that addresses health issues of interest to Africa. The show puts listeners directly in touch with guest medical professionals. It includes a weekly feature spot, health news and comments from listeners on health issues. The program is hosted by veteran health reporter Linord Moudou.
Broadcast time: Tuesday 1730-1800 UTC/GMT
Frequencies: 6080, 13635, 15580, 17895
This week's topic: Water and Sanitation
Join the conversation live during the show at + 1 202 619 3111. Please ask your questions or send your comments to: HealthChat@voanews.com
Linord Moudou was born and raised in Côte d’Ivoire. She currently serves as health correspondent for VOA’s daily TV show Africa54. She started her career at VOA as producer & host of Healthy Living, a weekly health magazine program covering African health issues.
Before joining VOA, Linord worked as an independent broadcast and print journalist, traveling between Africa, Europe and the United States.
She holds a Bachelor in journalism and media productions from George Mason University, and a certificate in television and radio productions from the Columbia School of Broadcasting.
The senior broadcaster is fluent in French, English and conversational in Spanish and Creole.
Healthy Living is a 15-minute weekly TV show about African health with an emphasis on prevention and practical solutions for Africans including good health during pregnancy, easy hygiene practices, fitness and healthy eating habits. Healthy Living also informs viewers about the latest healthcare breakthroughs from HIV prevention and treatment, overcoming food and water-borne diseases, reducing malaria rates to treating cancer.
About Linord Moudou
Linord Moudou is the writer and host of the VOA Africa TV program Healthy Living, designed to give viewers in Africa and around the world, practical solutions to keep their families and themselves healthy and thriving. She also writes and hosts Carnet de Santé, the French Health TV program.
She also produces and hosts VOA Africa’s Health Chat, a live, radio call-in program that addresses health issues of interest to Africa. In addition, she is the producer, reporter and host for the Africa 54 health segment, VOA Africa's daily news TV broadcast.
Over the years she has covered a wide range of topics including malaria, HIV/AIDS, autism, endometriosis, cancer, and the Millennium and Sustainable Development Goals. She has interviewed leaders and newsmakers such as Bill and Melinda Gates, President of Namibia Hage Geingob; UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon; Singer and UN Goodwill Ambassador Yvonne Chaka and Dr. Bennet Omalu who discovered CTE in American Football.
Linord studied journalism and media productions at George Mason University and TV and Radio broadcasting at Columbia School of Broadcasting.
Quick, informative, fun. VOA’s International Edition brings the world together with U.S. perspectives. Experts, analysts, social media views and newsmakers themselves help tell today’s stories everyone wants to hear. Brighten your day with VOA’s International Edition.
Washington journalists from print, wire services, and broadcast media discuss the top news stories of the week.
Drawing on their contacts and sources at the White House, Capitol Hill and elsewhere, our panel of journalists provide unique insights and analysis that go beyond the headlines and give listeners the "inside" story on what they see and hear in the news.
Issues in the News is broadcast on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. You can also listen to us via affiliate stations in your area. Check your local radio station guide for more information.
Friday: 2330 UTC
Saturday: 1530 & 2230 UTC
Sunday: 0130, 0430, 0930, 1130, 1530 & 2130 UTC
Meet our Moderators and Panelists
David Rennie: Washington Bureau Chief, The Economist
Tom DeFrank: Contributing Editor, The National Journal
Linda Feldmann: Washington Bureau Chief, Christian Science Monitor
Michael Williams: Contributor, CBS Radio News
Dan Raviv: National Correspondent, Israeli-based channel i24News
Let's Talk is an interactive discussion program about lifestyle issues. Sunday Shomari examines everything from African cuisine to cellphones. Sunday collects audience questions and comments via social media, and speaks with guests on the programs who share their experiences and opinions.
Host Sunday Shomari hails from Tanzania. He was actively involved in theater and youth programs during his high school years. His journalism career started with stints at the independent Television and Radio One and the Tanzania School of Journalism in Dar es Salaam. Since 2008, Sunday has served as an International Broadcaster with VOA’s Swahili Service working on entertainment, youth and news programs. He joined the English to Africa service this year as the host of "Let’s Talk." Sunday’s hobbies include reading books, watching movies and playing soccer.
Telephone
+To leave a message for the program staff, call +1.202.205.9942. After you hear the VOA identification, press 40 and then leave your message after the tone. Speak clearly and provide your name and location. We might use your message in our program!
Postal Mail
Voice of America
Suite 1613
330 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20237
USA
Music Time in Africa is VOA’s longest running English language program. Since 1965, this award-winning program has featured pan African music that spans all genres and generations. Ethnomusicologist and Host Heather Maxwell keeps you up to date on what’s happening in African music with exclusive interviews, cultural information, and of course, great music -- including a weekly vintage recording from our digital Music Time in Africa Archive (MTIA Archive).
Heather Maxwell is an ethnomusicologist and experienced music professional specializing in African music. Dr. Maxwell has published academic works on Malian music and the West African balafon. She is also a singer songwriter and has published recorded albums in Mali, Cote d’Ivoire, and the US. In addition to her regular weekend radio broadcasts, Heather curates the Music Time in Africa Facebook Page, YouTube Channel and blog. Explore these platforms to engage with MTIA audiences and learn more about African music through exciting live performances, interviews with artists, in-depth reviews of music festivals, rare recordings and more.
Nightline Africa highlights the latest issues and developments on the continent.
Join host Pete Clottey and correspondents from Washington and across Africa as they offer in-depth interviews, reports analysis and features. Nightline also brings you African arts and culture, country profiles, sports, music and commentary by top African experts.
Broadcast Schedule
Saturday & Sunday
1600 UTC/GMT with a repeat at 1800 GMT/UTC
Welcome to “Our Voices”. This is where African women bring the continent’s most pressing issues to the table. Hosted by Hayde Adams FitzPatrick, Ayen Bior and Auriane Itangishaka, we'll ask questions, share ideas, discuss solutions, and most importantly, bring voices - Our Voices - to the conversation.
We’re bringing women’s voices to the conversation and, more than that, we’re building a community of inclusion and empowerment. We know you want to talk about the important issues of our time. And this is the place to do it. Your voice matters – every voice matters so join us in this conversation. Together, we can start transformational conversations online, in our living rooms, our communities, in our lives.
Artists. Public servants. Scientists. Immigrants. Innovators. Celebrities.
“People in America” (PIA) profiles their amazing stories and showcases the diversity and individuality of American people.
The series allows you to experience their journey through their voice. It captures the visual, sounds and textures that celebrate who they are and what they do best.
Stories that personify democracy, self-sufficiency, expression and community.
PIA will introduce people in America whose contributions enhance the fabric of America.Find out more about People in America.
Plugged in with Greta Van Susteren examines various aspects of United States policy by interviewing policy makers and having discussions with opinion shapers. After hosting news programs for CNN, Fox News and MSNBC, Greta Van Susteren brings her interviewing skills and curiosity to VOA for a weekly 30 minute dive into America’s international relationships.
Join host Carol Castiel for this 30-minute weekly newsmaker program that provides listeners around the globe with information and insights on a wide range of topics spanning U.S. politics, foreign policy, global health, science and culture.
About Press Conference USA
Carol Castiel hosts this 30-minute weekly newsmaker program that provides listeners around the globe with information and insights on a wide range of topics spanning U.S. politics, foreign policy, global health, science and culture.
Press Conference USA is broadcast on Saturdays and Sundays. You can also listen to us via affiliate stations in your area. Check your local radio station guide for more information.
Saturdays: 0430 1130 1230 1730 1930 2130 UTC
Sundays: 0330 1430 1800 UTC
About Your Host
Carol Castiel moderates and produces not only Press Conference USA but Encounter as well. She also oversees the production of Issues in the News, VOA’s roundup of the week’s top stories by distinguished Washington journalists.
Before joining the Voice of America, Carol was a consultant/freelance journalist specializing in the promotion of trade and investment between the United States and Africa. She was also a contributing editor to the London-based West Africa Magazine. Carol is fluent in Portuguese, French, and Spanish. She holds an M.A. degree in International Affairs from the University of Pittsburgh.
On Reporters' Roundtable join host and journalist Douglas Mpuga, along with a lively panel of journalists, who analyze the week’s major developments in Africa.
Ugandan-born journalist Douglas Mpuga heads a panel of journalists as it examines important issues and developments in Africa the past week.
Listen to an in-depth analysis of the trends emerging across the continent. The discussion is lively, informative and thought-provoking.
Douglas Mpuga joined VOA in 2001. Before joining VOA, he worked in Uganda for the national broadcaster, Radio Uganda.
To leave a message for the program staff, call +1.202.205.9942. After you hear the VOA identification, press 55 and then leave your message after the tone. Speak clearly and provide
your name and location. We might use your comments in our program!
Postal Mail
Voice of America
Reporters' Roundtable
Room 1613
330 Independence Avenue,SW
Washington, DC 20237
USA
"Shaka: Extra Time" is a weekly show that appears live on the Straight Talk Africa Facebook page every Tuesday at 1730 UTC. In Extra Time veteran journalist Shaka Ssali answers questions from his social media followers about politics in Africa. VOA reporter Paul Ndiho hosts "Shaka: Extra Time."
Sonny Side of Sports is an energetic and action-packed look at both world and African sports. Since the show's creation in 1999, host Sonny Young has delighted listeners with a lively presentation that combines humor, props, sound effects and correspondent reports from Africa and all over the globe.
Sonny Side of Sports is broadcast Monday through Friday at 1630 and 1830 UTC/GMT.
» Become a fan on Facebook: Chat with Sonny and meet fellow sports fans from around the world
To leave a message for the program staff, call +1.202.205.9942. After you hear the VOA identification, press 60 and then leave your message after the tone. Speak clearly and provide your name and location. We might use your comments in our program!
Postal Mail
Voice of America
Room 1613
330 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20237
USA
To leave a message for the program staff, call +1.202.205.9942. After you hear the VOA identification, press 97 and then leave your message after the tone. Speak clearly and provide your name and location. We might use your comments in our program!
Shortwave Frequencies
9675, 11655, 13800
Affiliate Stations
Liberty 88.7 FM (Juba)
Liberty 90.0 FM (Yei)
Maridi 89.0 FM (Maridi)
Yambio 90.0 FM (Yambio)
V.O.P 97.0 FM (Juba)
Radio Jonglei 95.9 FM (Bor)
Bentiu FM 99.0/ MW 558 Kilohertz
Radio Malakal FM 105 (Malakal)
Radio Wau MW/AM 271 (Wau)
Join us every Wednesday as Shaka and his guests discuss topics of special interest to Africans, including politics, economic development, press freedom, health, social issues and conflict resolution.
Broadcast Schedule
Straight Talk Africa is broadcast live every Wednesday from 1830-1930 UTC/GMT simultaneously on radio, television and the Internet.
Postal Mail
Voice of America
TV to Africa - Suite 1613
330 Independence Avenue, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20237
USA
Internship Opportunities
In the competitive and changing television industry, nothing is more valuable for job-seekers than "real world" experience. The Straight Talk Africa internship program offers motivated and outstanding students exciting opportunities to experience practical journalism. In addition to helping to get our weekly studio programs on-the-air, interns also produce a final project for their portfolios. Projects include writing and producing promos, stories, and even full-length documentary or magazine shows.
Join veteran journalist Shaka Ssali on Straight Talk Africa every Wednesday as he and his guests discuss topics of special interest to Africans, including politics, economic development, press freedom, health, social issues and conflict resolution.
VOA Asia presents the best and most interesting stories from our veteran reporters covering Asia. VOA Asia tells what U.S.-Asian relationships might mean in your daily life, and what Asians think about life in the United States.
Give us 5 minutes, and we'll give you the world. Around the clock, the Voice of America keeps you in touch with the latest news. We bring you reports from our correspondents and interviews with newsmakers from across the world.
Tune in at the top of every hour, every day of the week, for the 5-minute VOA Newscast. VOA -- your trusted source for news and information.
Broadcast Schedule
At the top of the hour - 24 hours a day
