Written piece
What Unite Us Commonwealth Afric
Duah Francis
Ghana
About this piece
A reflective piece celebrating African music as a unifying force across cultures. It highlights diverse genres and traditions, showing how music carries stories of identity, heritage, struggle, and joy while connecting people beyond borders through rhythm and shared humanity.
I would say all great artists make fine art from mixed colors and woven elements. They stare at us and count our differences while the heavens, which made their fine art, look down and see the balance they have created.
Play me the beautiful highlife music woven with traditional and Western instruments, singing tales of its people.
I was in Nigeria and Ghana; I did not see people painted in different colors picking sides, but one people dancing and singing to tunes that connect many hearts.For the mind settles in what the heart yearns for, not what the eyes see.
Play me the traditional Tswana from the land of the Kalahari, rooted in social harmony, or the Makossa and Bikutsi from Africa in miniature sweet songs carrying sounds of celebration and a voice for women.
Afro-zouk from the land of Fangs carries its core message of cultural fusion and unity.
The kora music from the Smiling Coast of Africa preaches conflict resolution and unity through songs like Kaira (Peace).
Benga sounds from Jamhuri ya Kenya spread waves of social commentary, cultural identity, and heritage.
Famo tunes from the Kingdom in the Sky pass on emotional and poetic expression, fused with the accordion, to all generations.
The Manganje, Beni, and Kwela from Nyasaland are vibrant cultural vehicles that communicate specific social, political, and identity-driven messages.
Seggae from the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean spreads messages focused on social justice, community unity, and spiritual liberation through Creole lyrics.
Marrabenta, a sound from Mozambique, uses lyrics often in local languages like Changana and Ronga to narrate everyday experiences, romantic love, and the joys of community life.
Damara Punch from the Land of the Brave addresses serious societal issues such as gender-based violence and rape.
Gakondo, an inspirational woven music from the Land of a Thousand Hills, highlights the pride of being Rwandan (“Nta gakondo nta nkomoko,” meaning “No heritage, no origin”), preserving traditions through music, dance, and storytelling.
Moutya, from the Land of Perpetual Summer, beyond its historical sorrow, is celebrated as an expression of joy and a living tradition. Gumbe, traditionally associated with music and dance, promotes healing, care, and sharing in the joy of life from the good land of the Lion Mountains.
Kwaito from the Rainbow Nation signifies the “sound of freedom,” focusing on celebration, dancing, and overcoming past struggles through joy.
Umhlanga from the land of the Swazis sees thousands of young women gathering to share experiences, building solidarity and a shared sense of national identity, bringing together different communities under one tradition.
Agbadja from the land where lagoons lie is used to recall historical events and pay tribute to predecessors.
Kidandali from the Pearl of Africa often uses local languages and slang to resonate with the youth and promote pride in heritage.
Dansi from the land of Kilimanjaro is used to foster a unified national identity.
Zam-Rock from the land of the legendary African walking safari is a message of “confident hybridity,” asserting that Zambia can be both local and global.
What truly defines us is the one thing we share in common, irrespective of the borders that separate us: one music, one dance, one feeling, and one reason.