AFRICAN CULTURE: The Culture of a People

By: Omokhogie Adamu

The culture of a people centres on what they believe in and, practice to enhance living conditions. And beliefs are wide and varied; rarely do two different human societies share the same culture.
It is this distinctiveness and, fact that it projects the people’s identity, which makes the culture of a People a thing to be respected and protected under every climate. It is like the national anthem, coat of arms and flags, which symbolise the country in whose name they are registered.

Wherever people live, the story is often told about ancestors who lived before them. what they believed in and, what they practiced. These stories will continue to be told from generation unto generation, the ancient intermingling with or, changing to herald the modern. The way people have dressed, the music and, the way people have sang and danced; then people’s mannerisms, art and crafts; initiation into secret cults, manhood and womanhood; the dos and don’ts at work and play, dictated by tradition; levels of enlightenment and health attained in the society; relationship between the people and the recognised deities; in other words the people spiritual values towards war and peace; the thoughts and ideas of the people. All these and more constitute the culture of a people.

It is recognised worldwide that, Africa harbours a multiplicity of cultures, through the diversity of her people. In the North could be found people of Arab descent and culture; in the South the black races predominate people who are descended from Europe; elsewhere in the continent still, could be found people of India, Malaysia and China descent. A great culture mix indeed. In the West African sub-region, Nigeria alone has morethan 362 dialets and as many cultures on display.

Through her performances during national and international festivals, Nigeria has come to be recognised as a great and peace loving country. The second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture, was staged in Nigeria in January -February 1977 and, it brought forcefully to light how the verious countries could be united in one, though language  and culture may differ.

Culture promotes international friendship and understanding through cultural exchanges between nations. What that means is that, when appreciation is reciprocal, one country has much to learn from another country, instead of deriding each other. People should be free to fully express themselves in the manner they choose, as these expressions sum up the culture of a people. The child, adult and aged, all have their roles to play in building up the culture of a people. It is when people refined or cultured that, development in any form could be thought about.

Otherwise, retrogression and decay (corrupt culture) set in to create a dark period in the history of a people.

The vision and mission statements of Stars and Styles (S&S) magazine portray her as committed to appreciating and celebrating efforts of, and uniqueness in individuals and corporate bodies. And the type of journalism which is background to exclusive magazine publishing, to which S&S is also committed, relies on a publishing culture  which individuals have promoted over time.

By focusing on African culture therefore, the magazine has signified interest in the part which refined culture could play to uplift the continent. This gospel will continue to be preached in future editions. It is one way, among others, in which S&S will contribute to the enhancement of human society.

First published in July, 2008.