As the continent celebrates Africa Month in May, attention shifts to the African narrative and the importance of sharing our stories through our own lens.
That narrative clearly stems from African culture. However, how exactly does culture develop over time? Many aspects we now consider integral parts of our cultural heritage started out as novel concepts. Innovations like songs, traditions, tales, and artistic creations emerged from individual ideas that gained traction within society.
The enduring legacy of these creative works was established as they captured the essence of the communities where they originated. Individuals recognized their own experiences within these art forms, which struck a chord with them and allowed them to evolve into eternal chapters of dynamic African heritage.
From content to culture
That process is continually occurring. For instance, in West Africa, the phenomenon can be observed with regard to the music. Sweet Mother The tune by Prince Nico Mbarga was once just a ordinary pop song, similar to countless others.
The track was produced alongside the group Rocalfi Jazz and faced rejection from multiple record companies prior to its release in 1976. Upon hitting the radio waves, it captivated African audiences and eventually sold millions of copies. Estimates suggest that the song’s sales surpassed numerous expectations. 13 million - more than any Beatles track. Both officially and informally, it turned into Africa’s most popular song .
In East Africa, a Swahili-language telenovela television series named Selina It premiered in 2018 and quickly became the most beloved and longest-running daily television series in Kenyan history. The show continues to be a steady favorite on streaming services such as Showmax.
Mozambican dance group W-Tofo began by entertaining guests at weddings. Later, when one of their kwaito-makwela videos gained widespread attention online, they rocketed to national fame. Following this success, they caught the eye of global superstar Beyoncé. Subsequently, they appeared in her production. Run The World The video, which garnered 698 million views, changed global preferences in dance performances.
These impressive instances of African cultural innovation continue to surface regularly. Musical talents like Burna Boy, DJ Maphorisa, Tems, and Wizkid lead international music trends. Fashion designers such as Joy Meribe also gain prominence showcasing their creations on prominent runways worldwide. Europe .
Local pride
Everything begins with indigenous concepts, showcased locally within African marketplaces. As time progresses, African viewers are recognizing the worth of talents originating from their continent and are increasingly drawn to them. The elevated presence of African arts and artists on an international scale can be attributed directly to rising African pride in their distinct cultural offerings. This phenomenon fosters a beneficial loop. Enhanced appreciation for regional productions renders these creations more economically sustainable. Consequently, this encourages increased funding into promotional efforts, improving production standards, and bolstering related sectors across the board.
Another instance of this African cultural surge can be seen in the enduring success of the Africa Magic television series. Tinsel Since the show started broadcasting in 2008, it has aired over 4,000 episodes. Praised as Nigeria’s most successful drama series, the program follows the intense competition between two opposing film production houses vying for supremacy within the renowned Nollywood cinema sector.
Authentic flavour
However, the key to the show's triumph lies in its genuine, realistic essence, relatable characters, and pertinent plotlines. It also paved the way for a fresh chapter of superior production values, reshaping the visual aesthetics of domestic TV. Consequently, this leap in quality motivated other production companies to upgrade their resources and attract more skilled professionals.
Local educational institutions, like the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) Film academies in Lagos, Lusaka, and Nairobi started nurturing countless promising young filmmakers eager to elevate their respective industries. Similarly, this pattern of high-quality domestic content fueling industry expansion has occurred repeatedly across various regions within the television sector.
In addition to Tinsel in Nigeria and Selina in Kenya, various other shows stand out: Serategna Felegulen and Dinkinesh featured on Abol TV in Ethiopia; Peixe na Brasa and Date My Family showcased on Mozambique’s Maningue Magic; Ramo and Hotel Palanca broadcasted on Kwenda Magic in Angola; The Makeover and Jua Kali shown on Maisha Magic Bongo in Tanzania; Pearl Magic Prime presenting Damalie and Senkyu Boss from Uganda; The Real Housewives of Nairobi and Single Kiasi airing on Maisha Magic Plus also in Kenya; along with Love Back Zambia and Milly Revealed seen on Zambezi Magic in Zambia.
Television as culture driver
These and numerous other programs have contributed significantly to fostering a burgeoning African TV sector. However, the most crucial aspect is that they portray Africa through the lens of its own inhabitants. This type of depiction narrates the continent’s stories from an African viewpoint. As regional narratives and modern culture expand, the primary beneficiaries are Africans themselves—the viewers and consumers.
People find themselves mirrored in the passions they pursue and the media they enjoy. Subscribers to continental platforms such as MultiChoice Africa experience this through viewing choices that honor their cultural legacy while fostering the upcoming expansion within the realm of African cinema and TV production. This rising self-assurance regarding the quality of African culture fuels aspiring narrative creators across the region. During Africa Month in May, these stories highlight burgeoning pride, exceptional achievements, and global recognition for the continent.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. Syndigate.info ).
Post a Comment