Africa is the second largest continent in the world. For decades Africa has struggled with a global image of extreme poverty and widespread conflict. Many people around the world still view Africa through this negative lens. However, the continent is so much more! In fact, across Africa there are amazing cultures that are actually hugely important globally. Here, we’re going to breakdown why African culture is so vital.
1. African Culture Is Highly Unique
A first reason why African culture is important is because it is so unique.
Across Africa there are a huge range of cultures. Different countries, regions, communities and ethnic groups have their own cultural practices, from food and clothing, to dance and traditional ceremonies. These cultures are all highly unique. This is one reason why the cultures of Africa are so important.
African cultures have developed over thousands of years. For much of the continent’s history, large parts of Africa were mostly untouched by outside influence. This meant that highly unique cultures developed. Many of these are still practiced to this day, and it has resulted in a wide array of cultural practices that are distinct from anywhere else in the world.
There are no cultures anywhere in the world that are quite like the ones found in Africa. The fact that African cultures are so unique is a major reason why they are so important.
2. African Culture Has Been Hugely Influential
A second reason why Africa’s cultures are important is because they have been hugely influential.
As we said, for much of Africa’s history, large parts of the continent remained untouched by outside influence. However, from the 1500s onwards, and peaking in the 1700 and 1800s, outside powers, especially Europeans, began involving themselves in African affairs. This began with the trans-Atlantic slave trade, where millions of Africans were forcibly transferred to the America’s, and continued with the European colonization of the continent from the late 19th Century onwards.
One major outcome of these events was the spreading of African culture around the world. Especially in North and South America, as well as the Caribbean, African culture has had a massive influence on everything from the customs and traditions, to the food and music, of these regions.
African culture could we be seen as being one of the most influential of all time. The impact it has had on other cultures around the world is one reason why it’s so important.
3. African Culture Is Massively Varied
A third reason why African culture is important is because it is so diverse.
Africa is a huge continent. It covers 30.37 million square kilometers and has a population of 1.21 billion people. With 54 countries, over 2,000 ethnic groups and between 1,000 and 2,000 languages spoken across it, Africa is one of the most varied parts of the entire world. A result of the diversity across Africa is that it’s reflected in the continent’s cultures. There are a huge range of different cultural practices found all over Africa, and this is a major reason why the continent’s culture is important.
There is almost no place in the world that has the cultural diversity of Africa. The continent’s unique physical and human geography, as well as the varied landscapes, habitats, tundra and wildlife have all influenced African cultures differently. Outside influences, including the extent of European and Arab involvements in parts of the continent, have also resulted in different cultures emerging.
The incredible diversity and variety found in the cultures across Africa is an often-cited reason for why the continent’s culture is so vital.
4. Africa Has A Long Cultural History
Another reason why African culture is important is because of its history.
Africa has a fascinating history. From the civilisations that existed on the continent for thousands of years, through to the first contact with Europeans, African culture have been massively influenced by its history. Although many would argue that European colonisation was hugely detrimental to Africa, in fact it did play a key part in the continent’s history and had a significant impact on its culture.
Like all cultures, the cultures across Africa have developed as a result of the events that have occurred to the people there. Africa’s long history, combined with the range of different historical trends the continent has experienced, has resulted in a highly diverse and incredibly unique culture. The fact that African cultures are also so heavily influenced by the continent’s history adds further to their importance.
5. African Culture Is Enjoyed Around The World
One reason why African culture is important is because it’s enjoyed by so many people, even outside of Africa.
As we’ve said, African culture has been hugely influential all over the world. However, only more recently have many people began gaining a greater appreciation for African culture in its own right. Nowadays, African culture is enjoying a renaissance, with African art, food, and clothing, for example, being consumed in many places far away from Africa. This shows the continent’s cultures growing global importance.
In the last half-century emigration from Africa has seen a surge. As people have moved from the continent, they have brought their cultures with them. This has meant that in many parts of the world there are now significant African communities. This has allowed people who may never travel to Africa, to begin engaging with African cultural aspects. As a result, many more people are beginning to enjoy elements of African culture. This is further adding to its importance.
6. Millions Travel To Africa To Experience Its Cultures
A final reason why African culture is important is because so many people travel to Africa to experience it.
Africa has long been a draw for tourists. For over a century people have travelled to the continent, partly to engage with its culture. Today, as global tourism has massively expanded, more and more people are able to travel to Africa to experience the amazing cultures of the countries there. African countries, such as Morocco, Egypt, Tanzania, Kenya and South Africa, receive especially high numbers of tourists, but across the continent people from around the world are exploring deeper into African’s cultural offerings.
Looking forward, it is likely that African tourism will only increase. The continent is beginning to shed its reputation for poverty and conflict, and more people around the world are beginning to understand the amazing cultures in Africa that can be experienced. As more and more people travel to Africa and experience the continents culture, its importance will only continue to grow.