Where is the African Voice?

Where is the African Voice?

One question on my mind is this, where is the African voice?
As a writer, I am constantly searching for knowledge and the true meaning of been an African. Is it in our heritage, our rich and diverse language and culture, literature or our constant struggle for freedom and justice? I strongly believe it is in a mixture of all these; ‘it is our psychological make up translated into our actions and perceived by the world at large as our voice ’ AUE
Back from staging an excerpt of my play ‘The worms under his feet’ on 31st October 2009, at The Royal Court Theatre, Sloane Square, Uk. I have the task as an African to represent Africa in my literary works and even though I had just one day back home in Nigeria, I had to continue on this journey, this search for answers I have embarked on.
At the just concluded Ghana International Book fair this took place at the National Theatre in Accra from the 3-7 November 2009. I was able to get some answers; the theme of the book fair ‘Books as cultural tools for development; reminding us that a reading nation is a winning nation’ shed some light on this.
For the first time in the history of Ghana International Book fair, the country of focus was Nigeria. A lecture was held by stakeholders at the fair with a representative from the Nigerian High Commission in Ghana.
It started in the true African tradition with a prayer and then the national anthems of Ghana and Nigeria. An excerpt from Ola Rotimi’s play was performed, followed by a traditional Ghanaian folk dance performed by Amamere Folk music and dance group.
The lecture afterward highlighted the challenges publishers faced in Africa. Noting that though African publishers; concentrated and thrived in educative publications because of profit. They recognized that there was need to invest in literary works which was largely ignored by African publishers for they feared there was little or no profit to be made. The key lectures reminded African publishers and stakeholders that investing more in literary publications would in turn significantly increase the reading culture in Africa.
Back at the fair, every issue touched reflected on the book stands as foreign publishers dominated the fictional publications, while African publications dominated the educational publications.
There was a buzz in the air as everyone waited anxiously for Prof. Wole Soyinka to show up for his book launch. As I waited I heard people whisper he will show up after his lecture at ‘power’. Unfortunately, he could not attend his book launch and had to leave the country due to circumstances beyond his control and sent his apologies.
Further investigations proved that the word freely used was not ‘power’ but ‘PAWA’ Pan African Writers’ Association.
Curiosity led me to Alicia hotel, ridge road Accra, to the doorsteps of PAWA, The 17th International African Writers’ day 2009, whose interesting theme was ‘Language, literature and society in a fractured world’ Renowned lecturers and speakers were in attendance and gave high intellectual insight into African literature, society and our creed as Africans. Why I had never heard of this wonderful and educative association baffled me; especially when I was informed that ANA (Association of Nigerian Authors) were under PAWA.
My shock didn’t last long because I realized that the greatest problem is lack of assess to key information, by default or because every body assumes this information is readily available. I believe as one of the many tiny voices springing up from our great continent Africa; it is my duty to share this information and urge writers and those seeking knowledge on the plight of Africans to visit PAWA website and share any helpful information willingly.
After my first lecture, I went back home thinking and tasking my brain.
The next day at the lecture, I was surrounded by legends in African literature Gabriel Okara, J.P Clark, Eze Prof. Chukwuemeka Ike and a host of other African dignitaries as PAWA whisked us all to the mausoleum: Osagyefo, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah Park.
It was a breath taking experience. I have never seen an African besides Nelson Mandela celebrated and honored like Nkrumah, history was captured in the park and it is highly recommended that if you are ever in Ghana you see for yourself what I cannot possibly put on paper. Your view on Africans will never be the same.
Subsequently, mind blowing lectures were given by the best in their various fields Dr. Esi Sutherland- Addy, Dr. Mohammed Salmawy, Prof. Abiola Irele, Nana Ayebia Clarke, Dr. Kumi Ansah Koi, Dr. Babriel Nesser Adam, Prof. Aamidou Dia and a host of others.
Great Africans that remind you that your destiny is in your hands and knowledge is hidden in great literature and can only be passed on as good well researched oral and written literature.
A combination of experience from the Ghana International Book fair and the PAWA program have given me some of the answers to the question I have asked. The African voice is within us, it is in our actions, in our words and in our struggle, it is the challenge the world has given us, the challenge and proof that one day we will use our rich tribes and culture to unite us and become the giant the world expects us to be.
So I have done what I must, shared with you all this information and hope like me you will pass it on. Feel free to share your wonderful experiences and feed your eyes with the lovely pictures from Ghana.
My journey continues….

Adebusola Elegbede