African storytellers carry the mantle of not just narrators but custodians of a cultural legacy. Infusing our stories with the values that define us, we contribute to a narrative that is not just heard but deeply felt, one that resonates with the hearts and minds of audiences, both within and beyond our borders
LAST week I was privileged to be invited as Guest Speaker to the 2023 cohorts of the Authentica programme of Realness Institut in South Africa.
The programme is a professional storytelling lab for Writers and Producers of TV series. I had previously had the honour of speaking at this programme a few times but this time I chose to reflect principally on the question of authenticity and how Africa’s storytellers, across the artistic spectrum, can bring balance and resonance to the African story.
In the rich tapestry of stories emerging from Africa, I believe a profound distinction exists between stories from the continent, of which there are many, and what can be termed the ‘African story.’ This distinction, I argue, lies in ownership—a deep connection between the storyteller and the narrative they weave, a connection rooted in identity, history, heritage, and aspirations for future generations. Akin to high-rollers in a game, the African storyteller understands that having ‘skin in the game’ is paramount. It is an acknowledgment that their identity is intricately linked to the stories they tell and the narratives they choose to create. To be an African storyteller, therefore, is to shoulder the responsibility of decolonizing narratives and shaping consciousness and possibilities. At the core of Africa’s stories must be the distinctive value systems that form the worldview of its people.
Foremost in the heart of the African ethos is a uniquely unwavering emphasis on family, weaving a rich tapestry of interconnectedness through blood ties, ancestral bonds, communal threads, shared language, and a profound spirituality. Within this intricate web, a sacred duty unfolds—one that prioritizes the care for the aged, the protection of the young, and a collective commitment to raising children. This ethos encapsulates the profound belief that the nurturing of a child extends beyond the immediate household, echoing the proverbial wisdom that “it takes a village to raise a child.” Such a philosophy underscores the communal nature of African societies, where the responsibility for the well-being and development of each individual is shared among the community members. The fabric of this familial interconnectedness is further strengthened by the reverence bestowed upon elders, who embody a repository of wisdom and experience.
Respect for leaders and adherence to a code that places the sanctity of the family name above the pursuit of material wealth are foundational elements that guide the moral compass of African societies. In this intricate dance of familial ties and communal responsibilities, the African ethos not only shapes individual identities but also fosters a sense of collective purpose and shared destiny, where the prosperity of the family unit is intrinsically tied to the well-being of the entire community.
Secondly, the African worldview acknowledges the metaphysical’s influence on the physical. Life is perceived as an unending continuum, with ancestors watching over and spiritual beliefs deeply intertwined with everyday existence. In the intricate tapestry of African storytelling, the seamless blending of the metaphysical and the physical weaves a narrative that transcends the ordinary.
Life is not confined to the realm of the tangible; instead, it is an intricate dance between the seen and the unseen. The African storyteller understands that the metaphysical realm, with its spirits, ancestors, and deities, is not a distant abstraction but an integral part of everyday existence. This intertwining of the metaphysical and the physical is not relegated to grandiose tales or ceremonial rituals; rather, it permeates the very fabric of daily life. Ancestors are not relegated to the annals of history; they are present, guiding, and watching over the living. Spiritual beliefs are not compartmentalized but seamlessly integrated into the mundane, shaping decisions, actions, and interpretations of the world.
Miracles are not anomalies but an expected manifestation of this harmonious interplay between the spiritual and the material. Thus, in African storytelling, the metaphysical is not a separate, mystical realm; it is an ever-present force, an inseparable companion in the journey of life, adding depth, meaning, and a touch of the extraordinary to the unfolding narrative of the human experience.
Finally, there is the enduring spirit of hope that defines the African experience. Despite the trials of wars, poverty, displacement, pandemics, and economic challenges, the African spirit remains resilient and hopeful, constantly reaching for a better tomorrow. Embedded deep within the heart of the African experience is that enduring spirit that serves as an unwavering beacon, cutting through the darkest shadows of adversity. Across the vast and diverse landscapes of the continent, this spirit persists despite the trials that have tested the resilience of its people.
Wars may have left scars, poverty may have cast its long shadow, displacement may have fractured communities, pandemics may have swept through like a relentless storm, and economic challenges may have posed formidable obstacles, yet the African spirit refuses to be extinguished. It is a spirit forged in the crucible of history, shaped by the crucible of collective struggle. It is a tenacious optimism that looks beyond the hardships of the present, reaching across generations and envisioning a brighter, more prosperous future. This hope is not born of naivety but of a profound understanding that tomorrow holds the promise of healing, growth, and restoration of what may have been lost. It is a hope that binds communities, fuels resilience, and inspires innovation. In the face of adversity, the African spirit stands tall, a testament to the indomitable human capacity to embrace hope as an enduring companion on the journey toward a better tomorrow.
These values must form the bedrock of African storytelling. Our narratives should center on heroes whose arcs resonate with these attributes, showcasing the strength derived from family bonds, the interconnectedness of the metaphysical and physical, and the indomitable hope that characterizes the African spirit. In this narrative framework, characters misaligned with these touchpoints naturally assume the role of antagonists, challenging the very essence of who we are. African storytellers carry the mantle of not just narrators but custodians of a cultural legacy. Infusing our stories with the values that define us, we contribute to a narrative that is not just heard but deeply felt, one that resonates with the hearts and minds of audiences, both within and beyond our borders.
