One of the many reasons African nations have continued to wallow in painful underdevelopment is their inability to properly situate their identity. In the futile chase of ‘civilisation’ and globalist ideals, Africans have ignorantly relegated their cultural heritage and traditional inclinations, often referring to them as evil and demonic practices. What these Africans have failed to realise is that all over the world today, culture is the most important organ for existence which determines the politics, economy, religion, and education of a given people.
Culture and tradition are essentially what shape the existence of any society. The sad reality Africans must acknowledge is that as a people, they have been brainwashed into embracing the culture of others and the concomitant effect is that their lives now reflect the cultures of other people whom Africans want to be like.
For many years, Africans have complained about domination and subjugation. They have raised dust about unfair treatment and the absence of respect in their relations with people from other climes, but the truth remains that this is only natural. Rather than cherish their very unique cultural heritage, they have allowed the West the leverage to demonise them by brainwashing them to believe that everything about their past reeks of evil and atrocious iniquities that must be completely discarded if Africa wants to experience ‘civilisation’.
The truth remains that African culture and traditions have long been the subject of misconceptions, stereotypes, and even demonisation from predictable quarters. These misunderstandings stem from a lack of understanding and appreciation for the unique customs and practices that have been passed down from generation to generation by those who share nothing but disdain and a lack of regard for the continent. Africans must understand that if they must make any meaningful progress in the scheme of things as it stands in the world today, then it is time to dispel the myths and celebrate the diversity and richness of African cultures.
Contrary to popular belief in the West and widely held opinions among Africans themselves, African cultures are not rooted in demonic practices. Rather, they are based on a deep respect for nature, ancestors, and community. African traditions value the interconnectedness of all things and the importance of maintaining balance and harmony in the world. This is reflected in the various rituals, ceremonies, and festivals that are an integral part of African cultures.
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African culture and tradition are not demonic, rather there are very unique and special in many ways. A very good example that comes to mind is the Yoruba tradition of Ifa divination, which involves seeking guidance and wisdom from the spiritual realm through the interpretation of patterns created by palm nuts. In Igbo tradition, it is known as Afa. This practice is not demonic, but rather a way of seeking guidance and understanding of the world and one’s place in it.
Another example that comes to mind is the Zulu dance in South Africa, which is performed to celebrate various occasions such as weddings, births, and initiations. This dance is not demonic, evil or fetish as many erroneously believe, but rather a celebration of life and community.
The Masai tribe in Kenya and Tanzania is known for their unique customs, including the practice of drinking cow’s blood mixed with milk. This practice has earned them contempt and disdainful appraisals from the usual quarters. This practice is also not demonic, but rather a way of honouring and respecting their cattle, which are central to their livelihoods and culture.
It is high time Africans began to change the ugly narratives which have been weaved against them over unhealthy stereotypes. They must push and sustain the narrative that African culture is rich in art, music, and storytelling. The intricate patterns found in African textiles, masks, and sculptures reflect the importance placed on aesthetics and creativity. African music, with its unique rhythms and instruments, has influenced music around the world. African storytelling, with its rich oral traditions, has preserved history, culture, and knowledge for generations. These are factual realities and Africans must understand that until they change the narrative against them for the better, their problems are still far from being over.
African nations must begin to make deliberate efforts to make the world recognise that African cultures are not monolithic, but rather diverse and complex. Each culture has its unique customs, traditions, and practices that reflect its history, geography, and worldview. By celebrating and respecting these diverse traditions, they can get other nations to learn from one another and build bridges of understanding and appreciation.
It is high time African nations got to understand that although slavery has long ended, Africans are still slaves for as long as they allow the West to skew their thinking. The idea of God which Africans have continued to hold till date was passed down to them by another man. Their politics, education and economic decisions are not built on Africanism but ostensibly ruthless Western capitalism. These things have to change for Africa to be redeemed.
Many Africans do not know that demonising their cultures and traditions, and embracing that of others makes them unintended slaves. When one allows his or her language, culture, music, etc, to be appropriated and diluted to fit someone else’s agenda, then the only difference between them and actual slaves is physical chains.
Africans must begin to ask themselves why it is only them that have been programmed to believe that their ancestors are evil and that their lack of progress is a product of generational curses. It is a known fact that Arabs enslaved Africans for over 700 years just before Europeans arrived and enslaved Africans for another 400 years, before moving on to colonise and segregate them for another 100 years, yet it is African ancestors that were evil.
Take a look at Arabs. They don’t joke with their culture, tradition and everything that concern their past. The same things are obtainable in Israel, China and other free nations.
Africans must begin to ask themselves how they became so mentally defeated to accept that African festivals are demonic, yet still turn around to celebrate Ramadan and Easter. In fact, during these foreign celebrations, Africans declare public holidays and throw parties like their lives depend on them.
Africans must find time to ask themselves why they allowed someone who sailed from another continent to theirs, called them backwards, tagged their way of life primitive, christened their religion as pagan, demonised their culture and heritage, made them hate and ‘pray’ against their forefathers to control the narrative about them till date. The truth remains that if Africa does not purge herself of this anomaly, she may never see the light.
African culture and traditions are not demonic, but rather unique expressions of humanity’s rich cultural heritage. By recognising and embracing these traditions, Africans can begin to celebrate the diversity and richness of their world and build a more inclusive and equitable society. This is the only way up.
