ONE of the founding fathers of the negritude movement in Francophone culture Aime Cesaire once said negritude is: “The simple recognition of the fact that one is black, the acceptance of this fact and of our destiny as blacks, of our history and culture.”

Interesting about Cesaire’s use of the term ‘negritude’ is that it gave him the peace and comfort to celebrate cultural roots of the colonised people, their declaration of unity and, most importantly, the depth of black culture.

Such a celebration of black culture through negritude movement is not only a reminder of the motivation that literary works did to Africans in their time of turmoil, but also shows the importance of culture in bringing peace among different people. 

As Africans celebrated Africa Day and the World Day of Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Diversity, it is important to remind each other that African culture can be diverse but it is rooted in the same historical roots.

African culture is embedded in strong moral considerations and it has a system of various beliefs as well as customs that are not only unique but tell a powerful story.

Participating in the celebrations of World Day of Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Diversity provides Africans with an opportunity to reflect and appreciate the impact of culture in their lives. 

Zimbabwe set aside a week to celebrate culture in what is termed Culture Week celebrations.

“Zimbabwe expanded on this day to Culture Week which seeks to celebrate the world’s diverse cultures. The week provides an opportunity for Zimbabweans to flaunt their intangible and tangible cultural heritage,” read a statement from the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ).

This year’s commemorations were held under the theme: ‘Resilience in Safeguarding Creativity and Cultural Diversity’.  

In a statement, NACZ said the theme was based on the recognition that, while the cultural and creative sector had been severely affected by COVID-19, it had remained resilient, hence Culture Week provides an opportunity to celebrate and promote creativity and cultural diversity.

It is through Culture Week celebrations that Zimbabweans can be able to appreciate how some aspects of culture not only unify them, but remind them of the cultural practices of their forefathers.

Dance is, without doubt, one of the cultural aspects common in African culture.

Although it varies across tribes and nations, it is deeply rooted in African rituals and history.

To some tribes, it represents prayer while to others it is a form of emotional communication. 

In Zimbabweans, it is also used for entertainment purposes and as a unifier of communities. 

Through culture celebrations, Africans should also bear in mind the power of their culture across the globe.

Such power is reflected in the way Africans speak different Bantu languages which not only shows connection of the Bantu people but also cements the evidence that Africa is diverse but one. 

Through the history of slave trade and colonialism, Africa has managed to export and import culture.

This has contributed to the diversity of African culture but has also opened up opportunities to understand social classes within societies and, most importantly, reproduce some established practices and values.

The active process of culture has, therefore, contributed to ideas and beliefs being reshaped while new ways of thinking and lifestyles highlight encounters with foreign cultures.

By celebrating culture, Zimbabwe is trying to maintain and preserve its heritage at home and abroad.

Preserving of culture provides a continuation and understanding of a people’s history for generations to come.

Africans must not forget that colonial experiences transformed African cultures to an extent some became strangers to their own traditions while suffering alienation in the process.

There is therefore need for Africans to stress the unifying aspects of culture and emphasise on both the tangible and intangible aspects of culture, development and identity. 

Tangible aspects of culture like languages, stories, dress, sculptures, archaeological sites and monuments, among others,  provide the foundation to understanding the intangible cultural heritage, such as values and ideas, among others.

A constant reminder of both tangible and intangible cultural aspects should continue to be emphasised in African countries so that there is avoidance of cultural imperialism and erosion.