Preserving Africanism has become both a challenge and a necessity today. With the growing influence of globalisation and Western media, many African traditions, languages, and values risk being overshadowed or forgotten.

But what is Africanism, and why is it essential to preserve it?

First, Africanism refers to African people’s collective identity, values, customs, and philosophies. It encompasses everything from our oral traditions and languages to the spiritual beliefs, family structures, and communal ways of life that have shaped generations. One of the most potent tools for preserving Africanism is African literature.

 

Why Is African Literature Important?

African literature is the heartbeat of the continent. It captures the past, reflects the present, and helps us shape the future. From daily conversations, folktales and oral histories to novels, poems, and modern blogs, African literature preserves African culture and identity by recording its people’s lives, struggles, and philosophies.

When we ask, “Why is African literature important? “The answer lies in its ability to teach, inspire, and preserve. Literature gives us a voice to tell our stories instead of relying on foreign interpretations. It serves as a counterbalance to colonial narratives that have historically misrepresented Africa.

 

How to Preserve African Culture Through Storytelling

Many people ask, “How can African culture be preserved?” The answer is manifold…through storytelling, writing, and the use of indigenous languages.

African oral and written storytelling preserves the values and wisdom passed down from our ancestors. Oral traditions are still a vital form of cultural memory. However, without documentation, they risk fading over time. This is where  African writers play a crucial role. We safeguard cultural heritage by recording folktales, translating proverbs, and writing stories rooted in our experiences.

Modern African literature bridges the gap between past oral traditions and today’s digital platforms. Blogs, eBooks, social media, and podcasts provide new ways for African voices to be heard. Writers like Chinua Achebe, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, Mariama Bâ, and contemporary Gambian and Nigerian authors have laid the foundation. Today, every young African writer can contribute to preserving Africanism in their local context.

 

African Identity and Literature

There is a deep link between African identity and literature. Who we are is tied to where we come from, the languages we speak, and the stories we tell. Literature affirms our identity in a world that often tries to dilute it.

Through literature, we reclaim narratives that were once silenced. We write about colonial history, family struggles, migration, spirituality, and the clash between tradition and modernity. These stories help Africans understand themselves and educate global readers about the richness and complexity of African life.

This is especially important for African youth growing up in diasporic communities or urban cities influenced by Western lifestyles. Books written by African authors help them stay connected to their roots and affirm their cultural pride.

 

What Is Africanism in Literature?

When people search “What is Africanism in literature?” they often look for the core themes, values, and cultural elements that define African literary works. Africanism in literature includes:

• Indigenous languages and expressions
• African spirituality and traditional beliefs
• Respect for elders and community life
• Oral traditions, myths, and proverbs
• Postcolonial resistance and identity-building

Writers infuse Africanism into their work by centring African worldviews, storytelling structures, and communal experiences. Even when writing in colonial languages like English, French, or Portuguese, many authors insert local idioms, names, and beliefs to maintain authenticity.

 

Modern Ways to Preserve African Traditions

Many search for “modern ways to preserve African traditions,” and literature remains at the heart of this movement. Today, African writers, bloggers, and digital creators use modern tools to protect cultural legacies.

Here are some of the ways we can preserve Africanism today:

• Writing and publishing books in both native and international languages
• Starting blogs or YouTube channels dedicated to oral history and folklore
• Recording podcasts about African spirituality, identity, and storytelling
• Teaching African literature in schools and universities
• Translating ancient oral texts into written form

Technology should be seen as a bridge, not a barrier. Africanism can thrive online if we intentionally use modern tools to share, teach, and celebrate it.

 

Why African Storytelling Matters Today

The question, “Why does African storytelling still matter?” is answered every time readers reconnect with their roots through a poem, proverb, or story. Storytelling is how we preserve and pass African culture on to the next generation.

Suppose you are a writer, a student, a teacher, or a reader. In that case, you are responsible for preserving our cultural heritage. Share stories in your local language—interview elders. Read African books. Support African authors. Your actions help keep Africanism alive.

 

Conclusion: Africanism Is a Living Heritage

Africanism is not static. It is not locked in the past. It grows, evolves, and lives through us daily. African literature helps preserve Africanism by holding a mirror to our culture, reflecting where we’ve come from and where we’re going.

By telling our stories, we protect our identity and empower others to do the same. This is the power of African storytelling.

 

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Enhance your understanding of Africanism by exploring these excellent sites:

1. Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o’s work on decolonising African literature:
   https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ngugi-wa-Thiongo

2. UNESCO on endangered African languages:
   https://en.unesco.org/themes/endangered-languages

3. African Storybook (free access to African language stories):
   https://www.africanstorybook.org

 

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