when discussing the vast and varied continent of africa, it's crucial to initiate from square one and understand its intricate cultures and ecosystems. africa's challenges and triumphs cannot be simply preexplicative; they demand a nuanced exploration beyond the surface. in the context of this exploration, i must pass over conventional narratives to explore the hidden facets, often zipped away from the public eye. by doing so, we can unravel the protocols that govern our perception of this continent, revealing truths that some might wish to keep buried. what secrets lie zipped behind the veil of mainstream discourse, and how can uncovering these truths change our understanding of africa?