Africana

Africana, a poem that details the pre - colonial, colonial and post -colonial Africa, her rich history, struggles and unique cultural heritage in a picturesque execution. Africa will Rise Up Tall,Bold, and rule the Earth again But first Africans must be Africans and more, not more and black. Mathew R, 2014. initiator, AFRICANA - the movement © AFRICANA (A Poem ) "Our forebears broke kola nuts And offered prayers To the benevolent maker, Whose name varied from one tribe to another. They lived in peace and harmony." This was way before The meek white missionaries Made landing on our shores. Africana They condemned our customs and traditions. They said our ways were too primitive. So they burnt down our shrines And in its stead, They gave us their three C's. (Christianity, civilization and commerce) Africana These white saviours, in their glowing white robes Baptised our forebears In the name of the Father, his Son and his Holy Spirit. Whilst our fore-elders learnt how to pray, They formed a government, And on our natural Resources they preyed. Africana Albeit their government lynched our forebears. In the church, Both the oppressed and their oppressors Screamed amen. From two conspicuously separated rows; The salvation bringers occupied the front seats The back seats, sanctified for the blacks. And they said their God was impartial. Africana They captured, tortured and shipped Our forebears to the americas; To work their cane plantations, Cotton fields, paddy fields, sugar plants. The unfortunate ones, thrown overboard To swim Frank's ocean. Africana And many centuries after their first landing. We, the descendants of former slaves, Rose from our slumber And fought for Africa's uhuru. This freedom many willingly laid down their lives... And when at last, We were declared independence, Our struggle for survival begun. Godwin Henry Osaigbovo Pa Shakespeare