Ali Mazrui in the video Triple Heritage described the detailed
geography of Africa and it has molded its people. His main point of this
discussion was the triple heritage of Africa which includes the influences of
traditional Africa, Islam and the West. Ali Mazrui himself experienced the
triple heritage as a child when he spoke three different languages at three
different places: Swahili at home Arabic in the Mosque, and English at school.
He goes on to explain how the seaboard in the east allowed the entry of the
foreign influence.
Traditionally, Africans inclined to
stay close to nature because their belief was what was near was dear. Although
Africans were attracted in the sustenance the ocean had to offer, they weren’t
interested in all; what lied beyond the distance didn’t matter to them. Captivatingly,
parts of Africa such as Senegal and others referred to their men as hunters—primarily
because they go out to fetch for food (fishing) to provide for their family. In
addition, the women are referred to as the mothers—most of the time because
they take care of home in terms of cooking, cleaning and taking care of the children;
women as Ali Mazrui will refer to them as “cultivators, market women, and negotiators”—multi-tasking
and business women. They contributed equally to the economy as men. In relation
to the role play of both men and women in traditional Africa is an example from
A survey of Africa and the African
Diaspora, “Dahomey, which flourished in West Africa until it was conquered
by the French during the nineteenth century, is remembered for the absolute
power of its rulers and by the fact that women shared civilian and military
responsibilities with men” (Azevedo 67). This example notes what Ali Muzrui
meant by women are equally as central to the economy as men—both men and women
are capable of uplifting the economy of their country.
During the 7th century of
the Christian era came “the new cry of Islam” as Ali Muazrui would call it,
making its way in Africa. The Islamic Religion penetrated through the North
part of Africa spreading the wings of its languages across the continent. The
Islamic culture established itself properly in North Africa largely because it authenticated
the eminence placed on water as heaven became connected with water. The Islamic
religion influenced Africa in many ways that changed Africa; this new religion obligated
the people of Africa into a disciplinary world in other words it gave them a
new sense of direction—“they faced East to pray” (Mazrui, Triple Heritage).
The end of Africa was determined by
the Europeans. The Suez Canal initiated the power of the Europeans and they
began forecasting about how they can suppress the continent; they began
colonizing Africa as they settled. Whiles they made their way in Africa, they
brought with them new belief (Christianity), style of dressing (already made,
suits), food (French bread), etc. Both the new cry of Islam and Christianity
has directed Africans from their normal path—nature’s way. The Lunda Empire in
Zaire for example was well structured in administrative system of justice and
tax collection before the arrival of the Europeans; the introduction and the
swift expansion of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade and the later colonization
caused the divider of Africa. (Azevedo, 68). The European settlers took away
the power of rulers of Africa; they have negatively influenced the African
continent politically, economically, culturally.
