Some African economies have continued to grow rapidly even during the global downturn. But long before then,Nigerians have been known for their love for glamour and big spending. It's not unheard of for a champagne bottle to cost an unbelievable amount. So just what is it about Nigerians and luxury brands?

In February 1952, Princess Elizabeth was enjoying a short break in Kenya with Prince Philip, her husband of five years. It was a brief respite from their royal duties.
And it was here on 6 February, that the princess became Queen, after George VI passed away in his sleep.
Now Queen Elizabeth II is the UK's longest-reining monarch.

Oliver Mutukudzi with a song called Kupokana - a warning to be careful about the words that come out of your mouth.

As the BBC's Connected Africa Day focuses on Africa's new broadband connectivity, Network Africa sessions step in to provide you with the opportunity to really test the new technology by watching the great Zimbabwean singer and guitarist, Oliver "Tuku" Mtukudzi performing two tracks live in our Bush House studios.

Ghanaian cardinal Peter Turkson was considered Africa's main candidate for Pope.

In his country, however, many believe that Catholicism is under threat from the growing appeal of Pentecostal churches.

BBC Africa's Akwasi Sarpong sent this report from Accra.

Seun Kuti on his dad Fela Kuti, afrobeat and african art... with BBC Africa's Peter Okwoche. FULL INTERVIEW

As the African Union prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary the BBC's Peter Okwoche asks his colleagues at the BBC Africa what Pan-Africanism means to them.

Kenyans and Nigerians have been engaged in a Twitter battle following reports that Kenya's national football team the Harambee Stars had been denied a proper training ground. The Kenyans also complained about their hotel accommodation. The Nigerian Super Eagles are the reigning African champions.