Africa is a beautiful continent rich in culture with great diversities- The culture of hospitality, The culture of respect for our elders (ancestors), the culture of high reverence for the high spirits, the culture of communalism and the culture of rich artistic expressions in visual and theatrical displays.

The culture of hospitality- Africans believe that all humans are one. Therefore, we are one beautiful family and we need to respect, care and love one another irrespective of their variance in their physical makeup or religious disposition. We believe in the wise maxim that 'Someone's royal may be mistaken as a slave in a foreign land'. Thus, we show great love for visitors from all walks of life. This aspect of our culture is beautiful because it fosters unity, bolster social cohesion and peace among people of all cultures globally.

The culture of respect for our elders (ancestors)- Africans believe that the elders are the senior citizens in societies. As such they have experiential wisdom and have known the ways of the higher spirits. They are far advanced in knowing the right principles of living that inures to the success of an individual and thus, the entire society. Therefore, we say in an axiom: 'It is being an elder that one has not had the privilege but everyone has been a child before.' This is to accentuate that the elders have walked the path of the young and knows how to be successful at that stage of life. Thus, there is high respect in Africa for the elderly. As such, the young humble children learn from their elders, the good moral principles of life, the values and norms in the societies that enhance living.

The culture of high reverence for the high spirits- Africans believe in the existence of higher spirits, some benevolent and others malevolent. Thus, we need to abide by the good statutes of the benevolent higher spirits to earn their favor and blessings as well as protection against the malevolent forces. This strong belief and reverence for the higher spirits exerts positive effect on Africans not to engage in loose moral life lest lose the favour and protection of the good forces in nature.

The culture of communalism- Africans believe that their kinsmen are their blood and as such offer great support in times of need. The concept of living independently with no cognizance of one's community is not a cultural concept in Africa. Thus, one weighs how his attitude or undertakings would affect others, even the unborn expectant members of the society. Thus, things are always done in favor of the larger society. Thus, bad traits such as greed, selfishness are frowned by African culture.

The culture of rich artistic expressions in visual and theatrical displays- There are the commemoration of many traditional festivals where artistic and theatrical displays as well as the exhibition of visual art displays are part of the beautiful culture of Africans. These are mandatory ingredients of religion and the way of life in AFRICA. Thus, there is a high development in the field of Art.

Best regards

Dickson Adom

Prof Dickson, your detailing is inspiring and has so many pointers, really appreciate your commitment to scholarship.

Osama, thank you, your response reminds me of Achebe’s borrowing (also used by Eustace Palmer) of an African tale of men touching the elephant at different spots and describing it with variety.

Africa is a continent with rich cultural diversity. I am most familiar with the hospitality and communal living of Africans. However, these vital aspects are fading away or diluted due to civilization.