Africans this week commemorated Africa Day, a day set aside to reflect and celebrate the continent’s unity and independence. It followed the formation of the African Union formerly Organisation of African Union.
The day, which usually takes a merrymaking format to celebrate gains and appreciate our identity as a people also gives room for various African players to reflect on the gains and what can be done to maintain the continent’s identity so that it is not eroded by foreign influences.
From music, language, marital rites, dressing, ways of worship and life in general, Africans have always been organised.
One of Africa’s form of identity that has been greatly eroded by foreign influence is the continent’s ways of worship. Though not uniform, Africans had their ways of worship and belief.
It is not uncommon to find children who can speak any vernacular language. Africa has people who have no idea about their traditional medicines, way of worship and spirituality, among others.
The coming in of Christianity, Islam and other religions attracted many Africans who abandoned their way of worship and embraced the new ways of worship.
Chief priest of Chipembedzo cha Makolo Achikuda Makolo Dziwapo said currently Africans are slowly abandoning their roots because many have internalised a fiercely negative perception of all things Africa.
“As a result, we do not preserve and promote our heritage because we are ashamed of it. It is something we would give anything to run away from. So, we don’t teach the young about the beauty of our land, our food, our dances and way of life,” he said.
Dziwapo said though many celebrated the Africa Day by wearing Ankara clothing, days later many will continue denigrating the culture, the folklore and mythology that define us as a people.
Commenting if it is possible to reclaim the African ways of worship or at least make them known to the younger generation, Dziwapo said they have taken advantage of social media consumers to put the word out there.
He said: “Many content creators have approached us for an African spirituality perspective on various issues; and we have also collaborated with other groups which want to see Africa not only preserve heritage, but want Africans to use her spiritual heritage for social cohesion, recovery of pride and as a basis through which we can embrace and manage modernity.”
Dziwapo added that it is sad to watch indigenous African faith becoming minority on its own continent while leaving those who came for commerce become the major faith of majority of Africans.
On his part, Lost History Foundation executive director Kamunkhwala Selenje said it is important for Africans to know that not every aspect of global culture can be directly applied within African societies.
“African values evolved within specific historical and social contexts and continue to hold relevance within African communities, just as foreign cultures are meaningful within their own societies and environments,” he said.
Selenje said Africans must understand that preserving and upholding their cultural identity is essential for meaningful recognition in the global community.
“It is through self-confidence that African cultural values can coexist peacefully and respectfully alongside other cultures of the world,” he said.
Academics also have a lot to say on Africa and its identity preservation.
University of Malawi Associate professor and head of Literary Studies Dr Wesley Macheso said people should understand that cultural aspects that identify a people are dynamic, meaning they cannot remain the same over time.
“We need to accept the fact that identity is always in a state of flux. As such, we have to be open minded and understand that what identified us 60 years ago, may not be the same today,” he said.
On her part, executive dean for Bingu School of Culture and Heritage (Bisch) at Malawi University of Science and Technology (Must) Dr Atikonda Akuzike Mtenje-Mkochi said Bisch urges commitment to umunthu ethics.
“By embracing unity, responsibility and vision, we build Africa we want today and for generations to come,” she said.
The Africa Day (May 25) was this year held under theme ’63 years of unity and integration and development: Let us celebrate together’.
