African Culture Research Articles

What’s In A Culture? A Critical Examination of Culture and Faith Through a Cinematic Lens of Son of Man (2006)

ABSTRACT In this paper, I explore the claim that the film Son of Man (2006) represents a story of “continuity between African culture and Christian faith”. While this statement implies a seamless connection between the two, I argue that the relationship is more complex and fluid. Rather than strict continuity, I propose that the film depicts a process of adaptation, where certain cultural elements are retained while others are discarded. Through analysis of cross-cultural audience responses to Son of Man, I investigate how faith meets with the South African landscape, considering historical and cultural contexts. This examination demonstrates that the film presents a complex relationship between culture and faith, challenging the notion of a straightforward continuity.

Ecumenical framework in Mbiti’s African theology

This study discusses the theological framework of John Mbiti’s African theology. It has identified Konrad Raiser’s “Ecumenical paradigm” as a framework within which to conceptualize and understand Mbiti’s theological works, approach, and perspectives. The study argues that Mbiti works with an ecumenical paradigm and framework of African religion(s) and culture. Raiser’s metaphor of “One Household of Life”, is an important theological conceptual tool to try to grasp Mbiti’s approach and methodology. Taking an ecumenical approach, Raiser argues the importance of religions and faith confessions of engaging in dialogue and communication. Behind dialogue, lies the more critical question of the authority of the local context and religions, in relations to Western Christianity. Mbiti wrestles with the question: what authority does African Tradition Religion (ATR) have in relation to Western Christianity, and other religions? Further the study, highlights that there are two principles that are at work in Mbiti’s theological framework and approach, namely, the local in relation to the universal, and the normative in relation to the relative, which can also be understood as the absolutizing in relation to the relativizing.

On Graham Pechey’s In a Province: Studies in the Writing of South Africa, with an Appendix by Laura Pechey

This introduction to the life and work of Graham Pechey outlines and assesses his career as a literary critic and theorist, tracing his early attraction to Marxism, the importance of Mikhail Bakhtin to his developing interests, his engagement with South African culture and politics, his embrace of Christianity, and his later fascination with the minutiae of the English language in its literary uses. A biographical note is appended.

Soteriology, Human Soul and Eternity: Towards Addressing Salvation in African Thought

The study discusses the African understanding of soteriology as it relates to the soul and eternity positing that salvation is a complete system among the African people. The human soul is a central element in Christian discourse of salvation and eternity. This study attempt a Christian soteriological discourse that hinges on the salvation made available for African soul through Christ‟s Incarnation, Death, Resurrection, Ascension and Second Coming. As such, it addresses the intrinsic need for redemption and reconciliation with God, freedom from oppression, physical healing and prosperity of the soul. This study employs intercultural hermeneutical method and socio-theological analysis through the use of secondary sources to analyse human soul, eternity in African and Christian thought patterns and its implication for Afro-Christian soteriological discourse. The study reveals that soteriological discourse in African culture is a one sided discussion either one that reiterates the body and neglect the soul or the soul and neglect the body which makes it a dysfunctional concept. However, the study recommends that a soteriological discussion that will be contextual and relevant in Africa must speak and impact the spirit, soul and body of human with the guarantee of eternity.

O ESVAZIAMENTO DAS DIRETRIZES CURRICULARES NACIONAIS NA BASE NACIONAL COMUM CURRICULAR

ABSTRACT: This article analyzes the near absence of the National Curriculum Guidelines for Basic Education (in Portuguese, DCN) in the Common National Curriculum Framework (BNCC in Portuguese). We conducted a documentary study with a critical approach to the curricular debates anchored in the Historical-Critical Pedagogy theoretical-methodological foundations. The aim is to analyze and reflect on the educational guidelines for groups underrepresented in curricular educational policies to debate the formation processes of the subjects. The categories of analysis were: 1) modalities of education (Indigenous School; Quilombola School; Rural; Special; Youth and Adult; Vocational and Technological Schools); and 2) contemporary thematic axes (Environmental education; Human Rights Education; Education for young people and adults deprived of liberty in penal institutions; Education of Ethnic-Racial Relations and the Teaching of Afro-Brazilian and African History and Culture; School assistance for children, adolescents and young people in itinerant situations). The results indicate a silencing and a setback in the BNCC, concerning some modalities and thematic axes that had their rights guaranteed in the DCN. On the other hand, in the BNCC, though presenting the principles of equality and universality, the subjects are homogenized, disregarding the differences and subjectivities that exist or may exist. We advocate for an education that effectively considers Brazilian society's diversity and profound inequalities, seeking an omnilateral formation of subjects from a social transformation perspective.

Community cookbooks: a new lens on postwar South African Jewish culture*

Community cookbooks: a new lens on postwar South African Jewish culture*

Diaspora, Gender and Identity Transformations inthe Context African Philosophy and Culture: A Case of Zimbabwe.

his paper sought to explore diaspora, gender and identity transformations in the context African philosophy and culture. The paper explored diaspora, gender and identity transformations of Zimbabwean society and the concomitant demise of socio-cultural practices, dissecting how diasporas have shaped its cultural identity. 20 participants were purposively drawn from adult Zimbabwean family members living in the diaspora or with diasporic lived experiences of more than three years. The author used a scoping review of literature related to African philosophy, diaspora, gender and identity using search engines. Questionnaires and interview schedule were also used to gather data. Results show that diasporic experiences produce fused, identity and gender modes of cultural dimensions marked by significant, negative transformations. Gender was found to be a central cog that affects every stage of the migration process, interactions and subsequent outcomes. Additionally, it was noted that men are the worst affected as they are faced with challenges of trying to model families within the philosophy or context of African gender, sex and identity whilst children born in the diaspora face a myriad of challenges trying to meet the desired or accepted status. From these findings it could be concluded that diaspora life and identity exist under highly toxic and polarized relations which harbours identity confusion, mental instability, altered gender roles and to some extent self-destructive behaviours like prostitution, drugs and substance abuse, mutilation and suicide. The researcher therefore recommends collaborative, large-scale researches with those in the diaspora. The government should establish Zimbabwean culture centres in countries where Zimbabweans are diaspora to preserve our philosophies. Another recommendation is to curb the diaspora ecstasy as well as provision of multicultural counseling to those in the diaspora.

Digitization of African Verbal arts

The twenty-first century is characterized by steady advancement in technology, ever increasing need for migration and evolution from the rural and archaic mode of operation to a more digitalized and urban modes. These evolutions in technology, migration and jettisoning of the old ways to embrace the modern ways have led to cultural displacement, loss of the authentic rustic flavours, and alteration of identity. In as much as technological advancement and, perhaps migrations, have led to the loss of the above stated, technology, specially, has aided the recovering, preservation and dissemination of the said African oral traditions to a wider audience and those who, ordinarily, might not have had access to them. Consequently, scholars of African oral traditions have embraced this development in technology and produced works where the cultural and linguistic interactions of the indigenous people are exhibited, thereby promoting intercultural relationships and preserving cultures. This study aims to examine the impact of digitization on African oral traditions, investigation how technological advancements simultaneously displace and preserve cultural heritage. The hybridity approach in use in this study finds out that digital platforms blend traditional and modern forms, creating new elements and challenging essentialized notions of African culture. The study concludes that digitization, while preserving the cultural heritage also threatens it. It was recommended that there should be a critical evaluation of technological impacts on cultural identity and authenticity as well as a community-driven digitization initiatives to ensure cultural ownership and authenticity.

Perspectives on the Challenges of Christianity and African Traditional Religion throughout the Ages to Contemporary Times

The explosion of knowledge and education, the extension of communication to all corners of the globe and the mixing of disparate cultures and religious groups are just a few of the elements which challenge us in our efforts to grasp the spiritual dimensions of the reality in which we live and to present a relevant view of Jesus’ gospel to a morally and spiritually distracted world. Contemporary Christianity is the constant modification of New Testament religion to attract the unregenerate and carnal Christians, please the flesh, and be relatively acceptable to the world. According to Awolalu, J.O, Dopamu P.A [1], “the introduction of the foreign religions brought many challenges to the growth and expansion of African religion. In fact, some early missionaries predicted an extinction of the religion". African Culture is dynamic, and it cannot die as being canvassed in some quarters because it is a living institution.
 Christianity and African Traditional Religion (ATR) are two prominent belief systems that have coexisted and interacted in various ways throughout the history of Africa. While both hold significant cultural and spiritual significance for African communities, they also face unique challenges that impact their practice and relevance in contemporary African societies. This paper will explore and discuss different perspectives on the challenges faced by Christianity and African Traditional Religion in Africa, highlighting key issues that arise from their coexistence and interactions.

Just in Time: Calling, Responding, and Making Music from the Soul

ABSTRACT Although Kairos in Greek mythology is often depicted as the winged son of Zeus who grants to those who lay hold of his single lock of hair their once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, in traditional African American culture, particularly when it comes to speech, Kairos is essentially family. Given how much African American speakers depend on seizing the moment to invoke spiritual connections, emit laughter, and profess the truth, Kairos, or what we might call CPT (“Colored People’s Time”), can be summoned almost at will. One of the African American discourses this article will use to illustrate this point is Call and Response, a verbal exchange in which speakers and listeners attune to one another and to the timeliness of an event. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech was such an event, but it wouldn’t have been so were it not for the timely responding of his favorite gospel singer, Mahalia Jackson.

Re-reading J.M. Coetzee’s Dusklands:

J.M. Coetzee’s Dusklands overtly offers more of a novelistic discourse than a political pontification. It presents two narratives – one about Eugene Dawn, working for the US government agency in Vietnam in the twentieth centruy and the other moves around Jacobus Coetzee in the eighteenth century, representing a threat to the cultural integrity and undermining true African culture and traditionalism. In the postcolonial and postmodernist contexts, crony capitalism and neocolonial incursions move in the framework set by the power-structure, mostly controlled by the corporate economy. War, not only military but also psychological, even in the postcolonial situations, turns into a power game for the capitalist countries by exercising imperialist hegemony over the economically backward Third World countries while simultaneously maximizing their monetary interest. This potential disposition of the imperial enterprise questions the versions of historical truth, arbitrarily used for silencing and Othering. In Dusklands, Coetzee presents a critical assessment of historical truth inherent in power relations. In varied degrees, war affects both the target victims and the ethically lived soldiers who are forcibly appointed to cause physical and mental damage. Through the portrayal of America’s war in Vietnam in the first segment of Dusklands and Afrikaner’s colonial incursions in South Africa in the second segment of the same text, Coetzee questions the versions of historical truth. This paper examines how J.M.Coetzee exhibits the dialectical process of the construction of knowledge which works as a counter discourse to the power relations controlled by the capitalist forces assuming the role of the imperialist hegemony and, under the subterfuge of globalization and modernity, turning Africa into an endless source of raw materials for the manufacturing factories of the First World countries.

Cultural Tourism as an Exponent of Art and Crafts Sector in African Economy

The arts and crafts sector in African is a vibrant intersection of numerous cultures, reflecting the diversity and creativity of the African people. Arts and crafts, inclusive of sculptures, painting, poetry, woven works, beadworks and textile among others, are deep-rooted in African heritage and bear a substantial contemporaneous value. They embody, the spirit of African Culture, thus enabling tourist to connect with Africa’s trans-generational ethos and rich cultural heritage. The potential for cultural tourism’s growth and invariably, the unique proliferation of the African economy, therefore stems from the international integration of these arts and crafts into the tourism sector. The key components and elements influences the tourist decision making process in choosing a destination to travel. Keywords: Cultural, Tourism, Crafts, Arts, Economy, Sustainability.

Leveraging Ubuntu values and principles as cultural strength to overcome mental health and emotional wellbeing issues

There is a need for African people living in Australia to consider leveraging Ubuntu values as a cultural strength to address mental health and emotional wellbeing issues. for African people living in Australia. This paper is a systematic review research which employed key terms such as mental health, emotional wellbeing, African Australian, Young people. There were no participants involved, however the research articles that were reviewed in the study only focused on the African Australian community. Mental health issues among African Australian youth need to be better understood, as studies have shown they are at a higher risk for mental health, yet there has been insufficient research on the topic. In this study, most articles we employed highlighted that the extensive research on that reported migrants to be at ten times higher risk of experiencing mental health issues compared to the general population. Many studies carried out in the African Australian community have drawn more attention to the African Australian culture. This raises the need for research to be conducted on African Australian young people aged 15-29 years which is the Australian age range of a young person, to sensitize the African Australian community on mental health issues, and factors leading to young people's mental health problems in African Australian society. The aim of the study was to raise awareness about mental health issues facing the African, Australian young people and suggesting ways forward to support young people. The finding of the study demonstrates significance and values to address mental health issues in African-Australian Community groups. Research asserted that young immigrants are at greater risk of developing mental illness due to resettlement, cultural transition, and separation from extended family members. Young people lacking a secure base for emotional support from their families are more likely to face mental health issues in their lives. Mental health issues in the African context may not be categorized as a vast problem, but instead identified as life circumstances that every individual encounter. Since mental health subject is a taboo in the African culture, the study encouraged young people to pair up with other African youths to create awareness and advocate to access mental health services should need arise. This study encourages young people and their families from African heritage to leverage Ubuntu values and principles as their cultural strengths in dealing with challenging issues such as mental health and emotional wellbeing issues. How to reference using ASWNet style: Kagola F. & Abur W. (2023). Leverage Ubuntu values and principles as cultural strength to overcome mental health and emotional well-being issues. African Journal of Social Work, 13(6), 312-324. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ajsw.v13i6.5 Visit journal website: https://ajsw.africasocialwork.net

Ezumezu: A Logic System for Grounding the Notion of Belongingness in African Philosophy

Abstract The notion of belongingness in African philosophy has its most profound expression in Pantaleon Iroegbu’s uwa ontology, which stipulates that being is that which exists in the community, or, as he puts it, “To be is to belong.” The main contention of this article is that Jonathan O. Chimakonam’s ezumezu logic is fully equipped to explain this ontology of belongingness. This is due to the trivalent and dynamic nature of this African culture–inspired logic, which adequately captures the African conception of reality. According to this conception, individual entities continue to coexist or to belong in the community without losing their respective identities.

The Aesthetics and Mechanics of African Dance, Costumes and Rattles in Yibo Koko’s Seki Dance Drama

With its distinctive form and content, African dance stands apart, carving out a unique identity that sets it apart from other continents. Its inherent rhythm possesses a magnetic quality capable of compelling people to move, transcending language barriers—an attribute that has propelled African musicians, particularly those from Nigeria, to a dominating position on the global music stage. This paper delves into traditional African dance, explicitly focusing on the rhythmic opulence found in the dance of rattles, costumes, and water pots within Seki. This captivating dance drama pays homage to the vibrant culture of the Niger Delta in Nigeria, Africa. Authored by Yibo Koko, the Seki dance drama undergoes a transformative journey, skilfully repackaging the traditional village square theatre into a digitalized theatrical experience accessible both as a live performance and in the dynamic space of new media. The paper employs a robust methodology and theoretical framework, drawing on dance theories, historical surveys, and analytical reviews of Seki performances to unravel the nuanced layers of this artistic expression. In scrutinizing Seki, this paper not only sheds light on the captivating exploration of rhythmic elements, including rattles, costumes, and water pots, but also underscores the broader impact of Seki's performance. The dance drama is a compelling canvas that radiates colours and a flawless rhythm, capturing global attention and playing a pivotal role in restoring the splendour of African ancestry. Through this repackaged theatre experience, Seki becomes a vehicle for exporting African culture, offering a renewed perspective that transcends borders and celebrates the rich heritage embedded in the dance's vibrant tapestry.

Restorative Justice Discourses in Papiackum Witticism: A Socio-Pragmatic Analysis

Justice is fundamental in every nation building process as most nations have prioritised criminal justice system in which criminal sanctions and incarcention are inherent. To operational this form of justice, some nations especially Cameroon have enacted legal texts to ease its implementation notably, the penal code and the New Criminal Procedure Code. Contrary to criminal justice, restorative justice which is based on making amends is a key feature of African culture. This paper therefore aims at analysing aspects of Papiackum Witticism as speech acts to show the relationship between criminal offences and restorative justice. From the theoretical praxis of Functionalism, this paper operates on the premise that in Papiackum worldview, the concept of restorative justice is highlighted via its norms and values when criminal behaviours are proven. The Papiackum is a speech community in the Ngoketunjia Division, North West region of the Republic of Cameroon.

Syncretism Narrative and the Use of Material Objects within Some Neo-Pentecostal Circles in Contemporary South Africa

African Pentecostal Christianity presents interconnectedness with African cultures, spiritualities, and religiosity in many ways. Among many other practices that demonstrate this interconnectedness is the use of material objects common within some African Pentecostal Christian spaces, African cultures, spiritualities, and religions. The advent of neo-Pentecostalism in South Africa has brought some controversies in the use of material objects within the broader African Pentecostalism. This has led to the outright demonization and to the conclusion that this practice was fundamentally syncretistic. This article investigated the syncretism narrative given the use of material objects within some neo-Pentecostal spaces in contemporary South Africa. It scrutinized the syncretism narrative and problematized it as the continuation of the missionary-colonial project that demonized African religious and cultural practices. It was argued that this constitutes coloniality that uses a “cultural bomb” that seeks to eradicate African customs, cultures, religions, and practices including the use of material objects. The study was conducted through the desktop research methodology focusing on secondary literature on African Pentecostalism, African neo-Pentecostalism, and syncretism. The findings indicated that the syncretism narrative is often applied to African Pentecostalism and seldom used with other Christian traditions, especially those of Western descent. Again, when the term is used, non-syncretistic elements are often not acknowledged. Thus, the need to transform the current narrative was highlighted.

My Soul Looks Beyond in Wonder: Curating Faith, Freedom, and Futurity at the National Museum of African American History and Culture

This article offers a description and critical reflection upon two recent exhibits on display at the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC): Spirit in the Dark: Religion in Black Music, Activism, and Popular Culture and Afrofuturism: A History of Black Futures. The article explores the interplay of mutually reinforcing themes of faith, freedom, and futurity that emerge when examining the exhibits together. This article also demonstrates the public significance of the curation of religion and culture in museums and other cultural spaces beyond the academy and religious institutions. It further shows how religion becomes a site of critical meditation upon and creative manifestation or materialization of Black futures. As such, this article contributes to more expansive discourses on the interplay between Black studies and the study of religion.

THE QUEST OF SELF-AWARENESS IN THE BLACK WOMEN’S IDENTITIES: THE ANALYSIS OF ZORA NEALE HURSTON’S THEIR EYES WERE WATCHING GOD

African American literature establishes a great artistic field with diverse cultural and thematic experiences. Throughout history, African Americans have experienced many troubles, such as segregation and discrimination in various areas. However, their literature shows a significant resistance to all the troubles in history. Numerous writers and artists explore themes such as African American culture, racism, religion, slavery, and a sense of homelessness, one of whom is Zora Neale Hurston. Besides her race, she is also a woman, so she is both a woman and a colored person at the bottom of the social ladder. Thus, Their Eyes Were Watching God is not only a source of race but also gender. This paper sheds light on the importance of Zora Neale Hurston in African American literature, and the study will be supported by other famous Afro-American writers’ articles and statements. Why is she so important? From which perspectives did she contribute to African American literature? Why was her novel Their Eyes Were Watching God mostly criticized? This novel, being important in the field of Black Feminism, concerns the hardships of black women racially and sexually. This study will answer these questions with examples from Zora Neale Hurston’s autobiographical novel Dust Tracks on a Road: An Autobiography (1984), Their Eyes Were Watching God (1937), and Alice Walker’s article “In Search of Zora Neale Hurston” (1975).

Indigenous knowledge of palaeontology in Africa

Abstract Compared to other continents, the study of indigenous (non-western) knowledge of palaeontology in Africa is a relatively new field. The literature reviewed here nevertheless suggests a long-lasting string of traditions, geomyths and folklore related to fossilized items on the whole continent and encompassing many African cultures. It is often difficult to estimate the antiquity of these traditions, but the evidence gathered here suggests that they range from the 1800s to pre-colonial times, and up to many millennia. Palaeontological items were collected and used for a variety of reasons, but the African record seems unusual for its scarce use of fossils for traditional medicine. Also, despite substantial efforts, some famous localities with conspicuous fossils still remain without any documented indigenous knowledge. We stress that documenting fossil-related folklore and geomyths is not only a matter of preserving this knowledge or promoting diversity, but is also crucial for establishing strong bonds with local stakeholders to encourage preservation of geoheritage and discover new sites.