What makes one African? Being born in the motherland is an obvious answer. Having African parents, or parents of African descent is another. However, these and many other attributes makes us Africans.
Until one migrates,one take for granted the meaning and essence of being African, and the question never gets asked back home. Some didn't appreciate our style and fashion and what we were born with at one point. Thank God more and more of us now have great value for our heritage.
When we swap hot sun, for cold climes, spicy and fresh foods for cold, grab and go meals, Oshodi Okè for Oxford Circus, noise, and vibrancy for calm and serenity, style and fashion, banter and camaraderie, for a sometimes lonely life, sudenly we come to realise what we have missed.
Africa Day was founded on the 25th of May 1963 and the chief aim was not only to commemorate our independence, but also to have socio-economic freedom from dominion and exploitation. It also aimed to promote unity among African countries which today has the African Union (AU) as the organisation which binds the continent together peacefully.
Currently the world is facing a deadly pandemic. The coronavirus has put paid to any celebrations marking this year's Africa Day. However, in-keeping with commemoration of the event Pan-African responses were forthcoming as to what the day means to them.
Buck Dumbuya a Sierra Leonan stated that Africans should practice strategic thinking. Sighting keywords to be Action, Focus, Restoration, Innovation, Attitude, and Creation. Toya Da Costa of Angolan descent felt that we should create, maintain and increase awareness showcasing African cultural diversity.
Allan Mandindi Banda from Malawi believes it is time to reflect on the struggles of our forefathers and to start shaping up the Africa we want with the hope of changing the world's negative perception about us as a people. Similarly, Nikky Olayiwola aka Okpeke on The Couch a Nigerian wants us to celebrate and be proud of our heritage. Dr Erinma Bell MBE a Nigerian is also of the opinion that people of African and Caribbean origin should be proud of who they are. They should display their cultural identities in today's society where we encouraged to embrace "multiculturalness".
Mrs Mary Fadahunsi Adekugbe a Nigerian believes it is time to tell the world that Africa is an amazing and distinctly unique continent, rich in natural resources, breathtaking tourist attractions and rich cultural heritage. Sol Yaa from Ghana but living in Germany is proud and happy to be African. While Patience Bentu also from Nigeria hopes that we can build a strong Africa based economy post Covid-19.
I am of the opinion that Africa Day brings us to the realisation how important our cultural heritage is, and we should truly be proud of it. At times like these and every given opportunity, we begin to scramble for every piece of African fabric or instrument we can find. We are willing to pay top dollar for things we took for granted back home "desperately trying to catch memories of our Africa back" We should now make these objects we took for granted part of lives and not only need them at special occasions.
True pride comes when we see others appreciate the beauty and richness of our culture be it fashion or food. It then becomes apparent we truly took our "Africaness" for granted back in the motherland.
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