Baskadia

African folklore is a rich and diverse collection of stories, myths, historic facts and legends of historical figures that have been passed down through generations. These stories often feature magical creatures, supernatural beings, and legendary heroes, and  are used to explain natural phenomena, teach moral lessons, inspire bravery, integrity, royalty, courage, power and to entertain.  In many African cultures, folklore is also used  to explain the Creation Story and the origins of humanity.  

Further, these folklores are very instrumental in: preserving and shaping the continent's cultural identity, by allowing communities to record and pass down traditions, cultural practices, values, and beliefs and ancestral wisdom from generation to generation.  These stores are often fashioned in ways to contain valuable lessons, teachings, and historical accounts that foster a sense of belonging,  build a communal bond and to shape the African worldview., Normally, these Stories feature a wide range of legends of legendary heroes and heroines, (who are often credited with incredible feats of strength, courage, and wisdom), magical creatures, like tricksters, shape-shifters, and horrifying spirit-beings. 

Narrations of  these characters and their individual roles in these stories  are intended to Inspire, shape and build  Africa identity and strong character in its audiences by instilling discipline, integrity, bravery or fear that  deter them from wrongdoing.  Undoubtedly, these characters are well crafted  to greatly impact the psychic of its audience. One of these  Heroes  is Kweku-Anansi - the trickster spider, who is popular in many West African cultures, and  much known for his greed, self-seeking , cunning   and wisdom.(which is often portrayed through his skill of manipulation and tricks). 

However, it's essential to acknowledge the Negative Psychological Impact  of folklore: especially that of the character Kweku-Anansi, the spider  who is known for his cunning , greed, self-seeking and manipulation (taking to be wisdom)  have had on its audiences .   It goes without saying, it is not surprising we see traces of these characters and attitudes scattered overall in our Social, Public, Religious and Political Lives. 

Inadvertently, African folklores have perpetuated some harmful ideologies, such  as:- 

1.“One must  steal,  destroy or short-change others to get by in life”, resulting in workplace thefts, over/under invoicing and Corruption; and  looting of items meant for masses by officials 

2.. "There is never enough” lack mentality:- (focusing on scarcity rather than abundance) giving rise to  self-seeking, greed (evidence of which can be seen in social  gatherings where food is served and grabbing of state properties among political class. .

3. “Leadership means to be served rather than to serve” that is why our society is dotted with Demi-gods who do not want to listen to advice just because they occupy one position or the other or they become rich and famous. 

Certainly,some of these folklores have  reinforced these negative stereotypes, by glorifying excessive materialism,  or promoting individualistic gain over collective well-being which  has eaten so deeply in the African psychic of especially Ghanaian that these characters are imminent in every facet of our Society 

This is not to say that we should stop sharing our Folklores or stop being African. Rather, let us  take a closer look at what we have , be proud of it but look at the aspects that are hurting us as a society and reform them. Hence to harness the power of African folklores while avoiding the pitfalls of lack and greed mentality, it's crucial to contextualize stories, interpret them critically, and promote empowering narratives. 

Critically thinking through the historical and cultural context of our folklore and understanding their nuances will allow creators to create more balanced stories worthy to reform our society. . Therefore let's streamline our  tales and highlight those that celebrate African achievements, resilience, innovation or punish wrongdoing  severely to  inspire and motivate individuals to strive for excellence.

Arts Industry or  Storytelling Mastery in any society is a very strong developmental tool which if  well deployed will transform such society greatly.. No doubt our first President Dr. Kwame Nkrumah placed so much premium on it because  he knew its value.  A word to a wise is………..

SGD Austine Kekeli 

#loveistheKey.

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