In this episode of African Voices Playmakers, CNN’s Larry Madowo spotlights standout athletes including Mali’s Sira Thienou, Congo’s L’or Mputu and Egypt’s Jana Sallman — all navigating sacrifice, culture shifts and competition at the highest level of college basketball. | CNN

African players shine in NCAA women’s basketball, inspiring the next generation

Lauren Lee

Larry Madowo

By Lauren Lee, Larry Madowo, Lamide Akintobi and Alima Williams, CNN

Updated 8:56 AM EDT, Sat March 21, 2026

University of South Florida basketball player L'or Mputu.

African players shine in NCAA women’s basketball, inspiring the next generation

In this episode of African Voices Playmakers, CNN’s Larry Madowo spotlights standout athletes, including Mali’s Sira Thienou, Congo’s L’or Mputu, and Egypt’s Jana Sallman — all navigating sacrifice, culture shifts, and competition at the highest level of college basketball.

23:06 • Source: CNN

African Voices 15 videos

University of South Florida basketball player L'or Mputu.

African players shine in NCAA women’s basketball, inspiring the next generation

23:06

Now playing

• Source: CNN

Rick Ross on Afrobeats, African collaborations and his legacy in hip-hop

05:12

Now playing

• Source: CNN

nomzamo 2.jpg

How Nomzamo Mbatha is using global fame to help others

23:02

Now playing

• Source: CNN

Pheelz at the Rolling Stone Future of Music as part of SXSW 2024 Conference and Festivals held at Austin City Limits Live at the Moody Theater on March 14, 2024 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Stephen Olker/SXSW Conference & Festivals via Getty Images)

From the pew to the playlist: Pheelz on Afrobeats, faith and finding his voice

23:08

Now playing

• Source: CNN

thumb_22080485_3161317.736_thumb.jpg

Chef Marcus Samuelsson on food, identity and building bridges from Africa to America

23:05

Now playing

• Source: CNN

Nigerian musician Fela Kuti (1938 - 1997) is honored with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, a posthumous recognition of the Nigerian pioneer whose fearless Afrobeat sound — and unflinching political voice — reshaped global music and inspired generations long after his death.

‘Music is a weapon’: How Fela Kuti’s legacy earned a historic Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award

1:45

Now playing

• Source: CNN

ckay and larry .jpg

How carving his own path helped Emo-Afrobeats star CKay shatter global records

23:05

Now playing

• Source: CNN

larry themba smiling.jpg

Themba Gorimbo's long journey to becoming a UFC fighter

23:02

Now playing

• Source: CNN

My Drive Spyro

4:46

Now playing

• Source: CNN

Hi-way 89 Entertainment co-founders Ikenna Nwagboso and Camillo Doregos sit for an interview with CNN's Larry Madowo

How Nigerian music executives are turning Canada into Africa's next global gateway

22:57

Now playing

• Source: CNN

<p>World-renowned contemporary visual artist Julie Mehretu is known<strong> </strong>for her large-scale abstract works exploring themes of history and globalism. In an interview with CNN’s Larry Madowo in Nairobi, Kenya<strong>, </strong>Mehretu discusses her mission to help African creatives thrive.</p>

How Ethiopian-born abstract artist Julie Mehretu is helping African artists

23:03

Now playing

• Source: CNN

Ebuka Obi-Uchendu’s rise from Big Brother housemate to Africa’s most famous host

23:05

Now playing

• Source: CNN

<p>Nigerian musician Falana calls her music a faithful old car — full of memories, emotion and heart. CNN’s Lamide Akintobi rides along as Falana shares the inspiration that keeps her going.</p>

My Drive with Falana

03:55

Now playing

• Source: CNN

How two of Africa's top female fighters are using their platform for change

23:02

Now playing

• Source: CNN

<p>From defying her strict upbringing to breaking barriers in the cage, Juliet Ukah has fought her way into history. She’s now the first African woman signed to the Professional Fighters League (PFL), proving that dreams can survive even the toughest odds. Larry Madowo sat down with her to hear how she did it for African Voices Playmakers.</p>

African Voices Playmakers: Nigeria's Juliet Ukah fighting for change

2:44

Now playing

• Source: CNN