The stories we tell- Cementing the African narrative in a digital age

It is exciting to witness the rise of bloggers, vloggers, podcasters and influencers of African descent over the past decade. Their stories, told on various digital platforms, are raw and unfiltered, a powerful way to show who we truly are through our lived experiences.

Since time immemorial, storytelling has been an important aspect of many cultural groups across the African continent. Through oral tradition, countless stories, folklores and family secrets have been passed down from generation to generation. These stories serve as a powerful reminder of how far we have come and pave the way for the future journeys we still have to embark on.

Now that the world is evolving and moving towards digitalisation, storytellers ought to embrace these tools and continue telling impactful stories, whether through blogs, vlogs or social media. Although we no longer sit around a fire telling stories like our forefathers did, the advent of digitalisation makes it easier to reach more people from different parts of the world. We should never shy away from being authentic or try to sanitise our stories through Western or Eastern lenses, because this dilutes the essence of who we are. In their raw form, our stories are worth telling.

Despite the noticeable surge of podcasters, bloggers, and influencers across the continent, funding and algorithms still favour their Western and Eastern counterparts. This places African creators in a conundrum; to push content that aligns with global trends in order to maintain relevance, whether it’s aesthetic choices, wellness habits, feminist discourses, or pop culture trends like K-drama. The danger lies in the fact that although digital platforms empower creators and storytellers to be vocal, ironically, to be seen or heard, they often have to conform or risk being outliers.

This then poses a critical question: Are African creators amplifying, localising, or possibly being overshadowed by these trends? Answering this question will help shape the future of storytelling in Africa.

It is important for African storytellers to be intentional about the stories they tell by asking: Who do these stories serve? What is the purpose of sharing them? These questions ensure that the stories we share with the world are a true reflection of who we are, our triumphs, our battles and everything in between. Storytelling should not simply be performative for entertainment; it should be part of a bigger narrative. Will a story told in the hustle and bustle of Harare resonate with someone halfway across the world? Yes,if it is told with clear intention and authenticity.

Storytellers wield a lot of influence. They can challenge stereotypes and change perceptions through their platforms by unapologetically telling stories of our identity, culture, and views. For too long, dominant narratives have overshadowed our own, presenting a biased understanding of our realities and lived experiences. In the words of the renowned late author Chinua Achebe:
“Until the lion learns to write, every story will glorify the hunter.”
Luckily, the lion has learned to write, in its own handwriting and should continue to do so until it is fully represented and finally gets a well-deserved seat at the table.

Lastly, African storytellers have a responsibility to continue amplifying their voices and telling stories with intentionality, stories that portray the richness of our identities, cultures and languages. These stories are enough. They are ours.

In the words of renowned feminist writer Ama Ata Aidoo:
“It is not the absence of voices that is the problem, but the presence of too many silences.”
May our stories continue to be shared. May nothing deter them.