THE CALL OF THE AFRICAN SOUL
Africa’s future is hidden in its history and people. Every motivation, rhythm, and tradition
carries the DNA of where we began. Understanding our roots is not about living in the past,
it is about shaping the future with confidence, clarity, and pride. But, there is more work to
be done. The fight does not end with a few prosperity scattered around like firecrackers;
flashes of African brilliance all around the world do not cut it. This is a wake-up call to
reach for the stars as collectives to make Africa great again.
Bar a few countries, the majority of the countries in Africa fall under the categories of
developing and underdeveloped countries. Growing up, there has arguably been very little
progress on the continent over the years. Many blame it on geopolitics, and some blame it
on the greed of the elite classes that get to rule. Whilst some of these are true, it is evident
that all it will take to fix Africa is the African people through intentionality and a sense of
duty to the continent and its people. Just like the sacred duty of past revolutionary leaders
like Thomas Sankara has been vital for the people of Burkina Faso, the burning desire of
Chief Obafemi Awolowo; a strong advocate for all-around development for the Nigerian
people, and the fight for a better and honorable life for South Africans led by Nelson
Mandela. You can not teach this; we can only remind ourselves not to lose track of who we
are. One that sees to the progress of this continent.
Over the years, to a larger percentage, Africans have thrived in various industries on the
world stage. Pieces of the African soul have been felt all over the world through our music,
art, literature, culture, scholarly contributions just to name a few. The works of Chinua
Achebe, Ngugi wa Thiong’o, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and other wonderful African
writers have influenced the world of literature significantly. Artists like Angelique Kidjo,
Fela, Tyla, Burna Boy, and the like have graced the music world with unique African
sounds—Afrobeats and Amapiano genres being our greatest exports in that space at the
moment. Dr. Mouhamed Moustapha Fall and Dr. Hallowed Olaoluwa are some of the
brilliant African researchers actively contributing to the wealth of knowledge in science and
mathematics. Africa is blessed with human resources and the needed material resources
to succeed as a continent. All we need is to be intentional and driven enough to effect the
change we seek.
The African soul is one of resilience and perseverance. Souls that have chosen not to bedefined by their hardship and losses, but a collective of brilliant minds and beautiful humans. Daring every day to challenge the status quo and make a place for themselves in the world. We are doing amazingly as individuals, but we have a lot to fix as collectives. Like the popular Nigerian philosopher Tai Solarin portrayed in his popular article “May your days be rough”, there will not be sustainable growth and accomplishments without a rough road riddled with difficulties and obstacles. As Africans, we always rise above our challenges. The goal is clear: to make Africa great again.
