Bontie Technology Limited

In so many ways, African heritage has been, and is still, lost. One significant reason is the impact of colonisation and the transatlantic slave trade which resulted in the erasure and distortion of many aspects of African culture, including language, traditions, and belief systems. The imposition of colonial rule led to the suppression and marginalization of indigenous African practices, as well as the promotion of Western cultural norms and values. To create a world that reflected imperialism, the process of alienation and marginalization prevented Africans from developing their own culture. In so many ways, Africans were made to accept Christianity and abandon their traditional religion(s). The 19th century faced massive conversion of Africans from African Traditional Religions (ATR) to Christianity and Islam4. Christianity and Islam rejected most ATR practices, including songs and dances. In some instances, force was used to convert Africans to Christianity or Islam. To further entice Africans to leave ATR and their cultural practices, missionaries engaged in medical practices, pastoral visitation, and vocational training for young men and women.Rapid urbanisation, globalisation and modernisation have also played a role in diminishing the importance placed on African heritage. In so many ways, in a world of globalisation, new cultures have emerged in African societies, which is not easy to reverse. Confronting globalisation usually puts African cultural heritage in a dilemma, since many benefits are derived from modernisation, a product of globalization. It is essential to recognise the value of African heritage and take proactive steps to preserve and promote it. Reinstating African heritage involves a collective effort to reclaim, preserve and promote the diverse cultural traditions, practices, and beliefs that form the foundation of African identity.