The culture of Africa is varied and manifold, consisting of a mixture of countries with various peoples depicting their unique characteristic and trait from the continent of Africa. It is a product of the diverse populations that inhabit the continent of Africa and the African diaspora. Generally, culture can be defined as a collective mass of distinctive qualities belonging to a certain group of people. These qualities include laws, morals, beliefs, knowledge, art, customs, and any other attributes belonging to a member of that society. Culture is the way of life of a group of people.
Africa has numerous ethnic nationalities all with varying qualities such as language, dishes, greetings, dressing, dances and music. However, each of the regions of Africa share a series of dominant cultural traits which distinguish various African regional cultures from each other and the rest of the world. For example, social values, religion, morals, political values, economics, and aesthetic values all contribute to various African cultures. Expressions of culture are abundant within Africa, with large amounts of cultural diversity being found not only across different countries but also within single countries.
Even though within various regions, the cultures are widely diverse, they are also, when closely studied, seen to have many similarities; for example, the morals they uphold, their love and respect for their culture, as well as the strong respect they hold for the aged and the important, i.e. Africa has influenced and been influenced by other continents. This can be portrayed in the willingness to adapt to the ever-changing modern world rather than staying rooted in their static culture. The Westernized few, persuaded by American culture and Christianity, first denied African traditional culture, but with the increase of African nationalism, a cultural recovery occurred.
Africa is divided into a great number of ethnic cultures. The continent's cultural regeneration has also been an integral aspect of post-independence nation-building on the continent, with a recognition of the need to harness the cultural resources of Africa to enrich the process of education, requiring the creation of an enabling environment in several ways. In recent times, the call for a much greater emphasis on the cultural dimension in all aspects of development has become increasingly vocal.
During colonialism in Africa, Europeans possessed attitudes of superiority and a sense of mission. The French accepted an African as French if that person gave up their African culture and adopted French ways. Kenyan social commentator Mwiti Mugambi argues that the future of Africa can only be forged from accepting and mending the sociocultural present. For Mugambi, colonial cultural hangovers, pervasive Western cultural inundation, and aid-giving arm-twisting donors are, he argues, here to stay and no amount of looking into Africa's past will make them go away.
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Our culture provides us with an ethos we must honor in both thought and practice. By ethos, we mean a people's self-understanding as well as its self-presentation in the world through its thought and practice in the other six areas of culture. It is, above all, a cultural challenge. Africa has a rich tradition of arts and crafts. African arts and crafts find expression in a variety of woodcarvings, brass and leather artworks.
African arts and crafts also include sculpture, paintings, pottery, ceremonial and religious headgear and dress. Maulana Karenga states that in African art, the object was not as important as the soul force behind the creation of the object. He also states that All art must be revolutionary, and in being revolutionary, it must be collective, committing, and functional. The meaning behind what he said can simply be interpreted as black art serving an actual purpose in the direction of a revolutionary change.
Certain African cultures have always emphasized personal appearance, and jewelry has remained an important personal accessory. Many pieces of such jewelry are made of cowry shells and similar materials. In many traditional arts and craft traditions in Africa, certain themes significant to those particular cultures recur, including a couple, a woman with a child, a male with a weapon or animal, and an outsider or a stranger.
Like all human cultures, African folklore and religion represents a variety of social facets of the various cultures in Africa. Like almost all civilizations and cultures, flood myths have been circulating in different parts of Africa. Culture and religion share space and are deeply intertwined in African cultures. Folktales also play an important role in many African cultures. Stories reflect a group's cultural identity, and preserving the stories of Africa will help preserve an entire culture. Storytelling affirms pride and identity in a culture.
In Africa, stories are created by and for the ethnic group telling them. Different ethnic groups in Africa have different rituals or ceremonies for storytelling, which creates a sense of belonging to a cultural group. To outsiders hearing an ethnic group's stories, it provides an introspection and insight into the beliefs, views, and customs of the community. For people within the community, it allows them to encompass their group's uniqueness. They show the human desires and fears of a group, such as love, marriage, and death. Folktales are also seen as a tool for education and entertainment.
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Folklore provides the wisdom to understand certain moments from different perspectives and it also showcases that all of our problems and successes happen in every culture and throughout different periods of history. They provide a way for children to understand the material and social environment. Every story has a moral to teach people, such as goodwill prevail over evil. For entertainment, stories are set in fantastic, non-human worlds. Often, the main character of the story would be a talking animal, or something unnatural would happen to a human character.
There are different types of African stories: animal tales and day-to-day tales. Animal tales are more oriented towards entertainment but still have morals and lessons to them. Animal tales are normally divided into trickster tales and ogre tales. In animal tales, a certain animal would always have the same character or role in each story, so the audience does not have to worry about characterization. The popular roles for some animals are as follows; The Hare was always the trickster, clever and cunning, while the Hyena was always tricked by the Hare. Ogres are always cruel, greedy monsters. The messengers in all the stories were the Birds.
Day-to-Day tales are the most serious tales, never including humor, that explained the everyday life and struggles of an African community. African stories all have a certain structure to them. Villagers would gather around a common meeting place at the end of the day to listen and tell their stories. Storytellers had certain commands to start and end the stories, "Ugai Itha" to get the audience's attention and begin the story, and "Rukirika" to signal the end of a tale. Each scene of a story is depicted with two characters at a time, so the audience does not get overwhelmed. In each story, victims can overcome their predators and take justice out on the culprit.
Certain tools were used in African folktales. For example, idiophones, such as drums, were used to make the sounds of different animals. Women's traditional clothes in Ethiopia are made from cloth called schema and are used to make habesha kemis. This all white outfit can be said to be the national costume for the Ethiopian as a result of it being commonly accepted and it's wild spread use but there exists much more variations to this outfit for example the Oromo people of Bale wear more of a leather garment and the Afaris wear brightly colored wraps made of cotton.
The latter garment (habesha kemis) is basically cotton cloth, about 90 cm wide, woven in long strips which are then sewn together. Sometimes shiny threads are woven into the fabric for an elegant effect. Men wear pants and a knee-length shirt with a white collar, and perhaps a sweater. Men often wear knee-high socks, while women might not wear socks at all. Zulus wear a variety of attire, both traditional for ceremonial or culturally celebratory occasions. Traditional male clothing is usually light, consisting of a two-part apron (similar to a loincloth) used to cover the genitals and buttocks.
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The front piece is called the umutsha (pronounced Zulu pronunciation: [umtifash]) and is usually made of springbok or other animal hide twisted into different bands which cover the genitals. The rear piece, called the Ibheshu [ibeËÊu], is made of a single piece of springbok or cattle hide, and its length is usually used as an indicator of age and social position; longer amabheshu (plural of ibheshu) are worn by older men. Married men will usually also wear a headband, called the umqhele [umÇÊ°Éle], which is usually also made of springbok hide, or leopard hide by men of higher social status, such as chiefs.
In the Muslim parts of Africa, daily attire also often reflects Islamic tradition. The traditional attire for the Muslim men usually covers a minimum of the head and the range between the waist of the man and the knees, while the dress code for the islamic women is made to conceal and cover the hair and the body from the neck down to the ankles. There are some Muslim women who also conceal their face.
The various cuisines of Africa use a combination of locally available fruits, cereal grains and vegetables, as well as milk and meat products. In some parts of the continent, the traditional diet features a preponderance of milk, curd and whey products. In much of tropical Africa, however, cow's milk is rare and cannot be produced locally (owing to various diseases that affect livestock). In Central Africa, the basic ingredients are plantains and cassava. Fufu-starchy foods (usually made from fermented cassava roots) are served with grilled meat and sauces.
Many local ingredients are used while preparing other dishes like spinach stew, cooked with tomato, peppers, chillis, onions, and peanut butter. Cassava plants are also consumed as cooked greens. Groundnut (peanut) stew is also prepared, containing chicken, okra, ginger, and other spices. Another favorite is Bambara, a porridge of rice, peanut butter, and sugar. The cuisine of the African Great Lakes region varies from area to area. In the inland savannah, the traditional cuisine of cattle-keeping people is distinctive in that meat products are generally absent.
Cattle, sheep and goats were regarded as a form of currency and a store of wealth and are not generally consumed as food. In some areas, traditional people consume the milk and blood of cattle, but rarely the meat. Elsewhere, other peoples are farmers who grow a variety of grains and vegetables. Maize (corn) is the basis of ugali, the East African version of West Africa's fufu. Ugali is a starch dish eaten with meats or stews. In the Horn of Africa, the main traditional dishes in Ethiopian cuisine and Eritrean cuisine are tsebhis (stews) served with injera (flatbread made from teff, wheat, or sorghum), and hilbet (paste made from legumes, mainly lentil, faba beans).
Eritrean and Ethiopian cuisine (especially in the northern half) are very similar, given the shared history of the two countries. The related Somali cuisine consists of an exotic fusion of diverse culinary influences. Varieties of bariis (rice), the most popular probably being basmati, usually serve as the main dish. Xalwo (halwo) or halva is a popular confection served during special occasions such as Eid celebrations or wedding receptions. After meals, homes are traditionally perfumed using frankincense (lubaan) or incense (cuunsi), which is prepared inside an incense burner referred to as a dabqaad.
The roots of North African cuisine can be traced back to the ancient empires of North Africa, particularly in Egypt, where many of the country's dishes and culinary traditions date back to ancient Egypt. Over several centuries traders, travelers, invaders, migrants and immigrants all have influenced the cuisine of North Africa. Most of the North African countries today have several similar dishes, sometimes almost the same dish with a different name (the Moroccan tangia and the Tunisian coach are both essentially the same dish: a meat stew prepared in an urn and cooked overnight in a public oven), sometimes with a slight change in ingredients and cooking style. To add to the confusion, two completely different dishes may also share the same name (for example, a "tajine" dish is a slow-cooked stew in Morocco...
A Moroccan Tajine dish.
The holiday season is a time for family, community, and celebration, but for Black families, the traditions that have been passed down through generations are particularly meaningful.
Kwanzaa: Celebrating African Culture
Symbols of Kwanzaa.
Kwanzaa, an annual celebration of African culture, takes place from December 26 to January 1, is one example. The annual holiday was created in 1966 during the height of the Black Freedom Movement. Founded by Dr. Maulana Karenga, an activist and distinguished professor of Africana Studies at California State University, Long Beach, Kwanzaa is deeply rooted in the harvest festivals of Africa. The holiday holds profound cultural significance for many African Americans and communities within the African diaspora.
Kwanzaaâs symbolism is expressed through its colors and practices. The holidayâs colorsâred, green, and blackârepresent the core values of unity and the shared history of Africans worldwide. The black candle, placed in the center of the kinara (candleholder), symbolizes the African diaspora.
Each day during Kwanzaa, families light one of the seven candles, known as mishumaa saba, on the kinara. These candles represent the Nguzo Saba, or the Seven Principles, which form the foundation of the holiday. As each candle is lit, families gather to reflect on the dayâs principle, discussing its meaning and how it can be applied in everyday life. This daily practice fosters a deeper understanding of African heritage, encourages personal growth, and strengthens the bonds of community.
The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa (Nguzo Saba)
Each of the seven days of Kwanzaa is dedicated to one of the following principles:
- Umoja (Unity)
- Kujichagulia (Self-determination)
- Ujima (Collective Responsibility)
- Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)
- Nia (Purpose)
- Kuumba (Creativity)
- Imani (Faith)
There are very particular guidelines to celebrating Kwanzaa. First, those participating should do so with a profound respect for its values, symbols and practices, and do nothing to violate its integrity, beauty and expansive meaning. Second, they should not mix the Kwanzaa holiday or its symbols, values and practice with any other culture. Finally, they should choose the best and most beautiful items to celebrate Kwanzaa, and they should use the colors of the flag in decorations that include traditional African items.
Gifts are given during this time as well, but mainly to children. These gifts must always include a book and a heritage symbol. The book is to emphasize the African value and tradition of learning stressed since ancient Egypt. Kwanzaa is a cultural holiday and not a religious one.
Christmas Traditions Across Africa
As we usher in the joyous holiday season, join us on an exploration of unique Christmas traditions across the landscapes of Africa. While Okoa is located in East Africa, we want to share some of the Christmas traditions youâll see all across the continent.
In many Christian nations in Africa, Christmas and Christmas Eve are days spent in church. These services are usually filled with songs, performances, communion, and even sometimes Christmas parades! In some countries, the spirit of giving is strong during service, and people will bring gifts to leave on the communion table.
While not all African countries believe in Santa Claus, some do share the tale of Jolly St. Nick with their little ones. But it may not be the story youâre used to. Some countries have different holiday figures altogether. For example, in Liberia, their Christmas figure is Old Man Bayka or Old Man Beggar. Rather than a large, jolly man who brings gifts to children around the world, Old Man Bayka is a fabled monster children must avoid lest he ask them for their gifts, earning his beggar name.
If thereâs one thing that always brings families and friends together, itâs a shared meal. From puddings to goat stew, there are many items to be enjoyed during an African Christmas. Rather than having a Christmas ham or turkey, many families have fish, curries, and stews for their traditional meal.
The giving spirit of Christmas is present in African communities. One of the most common gifts on this day is handmade clothes. Young children and adults alike get to appreciate brand-new shirts, skirts, and dresses, knowing it was made with love. In large African cities, Christmas markets are a popular destination for families looking for gifts.
Ethiopia has a deep Christian history, and this can be felt if you ever get to make the trip there around Christmas time. Unlike many other countries, Ethiopia celebrates Christmas on January 7th, following the traditional Julian calendar. Genna is filled with church services, traditional processions, and a feast. The religious leaders of Ethiopia will fast for over 40 days in preparation for this day.
Families in African countries like to decorate for Christmas just like we do. However, instead of the American tradition of using pine trees, theyâll decorate the native tree found in their backyard. This includes palm trees, mango and other fruit trees, as well as cypress trees adorned with Christmas ornaments!
Children and church members share the holiday cheer by caroling around their communities. Many churches choose to celebrate the birth of Christ by putting on a nativity performance or scene for their congregation. While many African countries celebrate Christmas, you may not hear the word Christmas if you ever are visiting during the holidays. Many countries have their own name for the holiday.
The north of Africa is predominantly Muslim, and many Christians face persecution for practicing their faith and holidays. At our Child Rescue Center in Uganda, our workers and children love the Christmas season! Some of our team at the center told us Christmas in Uganda is always better in the villages. At the Center, we make sure itâs a special day for the resident children as well! We start the day with church to help the children understand the true meaning of Christmas.
Travel, at its most meaningful, isnât just about seeing new places; itâs about connecting with the cultures that breathe life into those places. Africa, with its vast landscapes and myriad traditions, offers unparalleled opportunities for explorers who yearn for authentic experiences.
Exploring African Festivals and Traditions
SOUTH AFRICA HERITAGE DAY || LESEDI VILLAGE || AFRICAN DANCE
Below, you will find 5 of our favorite festivals and traditions you can experience while traveling in Africa. These traditions, each in their way, offer a window into the rich culture that has shaped communities for generations. Whether you find yourself in the deserts of Niger during Bianou, the highlands of Ethiopia for Timket, or a small village in Togo watching a fire dance, these experiences will leave you with a deeper understanding of the world and a lasting respect for the diversity and resilience of its people.
- The Bianou Festival (Niger): The Bianou Festival is not just a celebration; it is the living heartbeat of the Tuareg culture in the ancient city of Agadez, Niger. With origins that stretch back through the centuries, Bianou represents a time when the Tuareg people come together to reaffirm their unity and cultural identity.
- The Gerewol Festival (Chad): Deep in the Sahel desert, where the vastness of the landscape mirrors the richness of its cultural traditions, the Wodaabe people of Chad host the Gerewol Festivalâa unique and captivating celebration of beauty, love, and community. Unlike typical beauty contests, Gerewolâs criteria are deeply rooted in Wodaabe cultural ideals.
- Timket (Ethiopia): In the highlands of Ethiopia, where the air is crisp and the landscape is dotted with ancient churches and monasteries, TimketâEthiopiaâs Orthodox Christian celebration of Epiphanyâtakes place each January. Timket, which commemorates the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River, is one of the most important religious events in Ethiopia, drawing thousands of believers from across the country.
- Fire Dance (Togo): In the small Ewe villages of Togo, there is a tradition that defies the ordinaryâa fire dance that is as much a spiritual ritual as it is a physical feat. The fire dancing tradition, performed by a select group of initiates, is a demonstration of faith, endurance, and the belief in the power of the spiritual world.
- Zangbeto Festival (Togo): In the coastal regions of Togo, the Zangbeto festival offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of the supernatural as it is understood by the local communities. Zangbeto are traditional guardians of the night, believed to have the power to ward off evil spirits and protect the village from harm.
There are quite a handful of pre-colonial festivals in Africa countries which are still practised to date. Though history in Africa was told through oral methods it was accompanied with songs and dance. These festivals were usually used as a way of educating and entertaining people. While most of these festivals are educative, others served as a means to honour their gods.
- Ouidah Voodoo (Republic of Benin): This celebration takes place every 10th of January in the Republic of Benin. During this time, different delegates across voodoo communities come to pay their respects to the most powerful wizards. Afterwards, sacrifices of chicken and goats are made to pay homage to the deities.
- Gbagaba Festival (Togo): Gbagaba Festival is one of those non-educational celebrations that occur regularly in August in Togo. Every year, people from different sub-communities in Togo come together to sing, chant and celebrate for 2-3 days.
- Gule Wamkulu (Malawi, Zambia, Mozambique): This is a secret cult involving a ritual dance practised in Malawi, Zambia and Mozambique. It celebrates the initiation of young men into adulthood. In addition, it is a perfect harmony of rituals, rhythms and dance with specific facial expressions.
- Mombasa Carnival (Kenya): Mombasa is the second-largest city in Kenya with rich multicultural diversity! The Mombasa carnival takes place every November and lasts for three days. Stalls with different local delicacies and local drinks will open, townsfolks dressed in traditional clothes will dance to the bands pumping the atmosphere with energetic music.
- The Guerewol (Niger, Chad): This is a traditional ritual that lasts a week and occurs every September by the Fulani people of Niger, Chad. These young men would dress elaborately with ornaments and made to sing and dance a special dance (called Yaake) for the seven days in a bid to win the hearts of the young women. The suitor's had their strength determined by various forms of competitions.
The pre-colonial Africa functioning society had their folktales, rituals and celebrations well-rooted in orality and dramatic expression. To understand the diversity and deeper meaning that these pre-colonial festivals are, viewers must open their minds to the context of these pre-colonial festivals. The African people found little to no reasons to constantly celebrate life in grand ways.
