How to Stay Connected to Your African Roots in the Diaspora

There is something special about having a real sense of belonging and a secure identity you can hold on to at any time. You can never tell how much you will miss something or someone until they are so far away, and all you have is just wishful thinking. This is why it’s important to stay connected to your African roots. You may have travelled to a home away from home, and now, you suddenly cherish that hug from someone you care about but cannot see. The touch and texture of the clothes you once wore brings back the nostalgia. Music? You’ve heard the melody over and over again with dances you tried to mimic and finally realized how easily you learned to bend, twist and jump to every rhythm. The food. Let’s talk about the local dishes! You’ve discovered how each meal has a story. Most African foods have been known to cure ailments and are obviously not fast or easy to prepare, but the taste is unique and distinct from one to the other, healthy and colourful.

Image source: @dimexphotography via Nappy.co

Culture. Some were born alienated from it. Most have left their heritage for the security of another land, while others walked away from it to pursue a competitive advantage in today’s world. Whichever category you fall into, one cannot deny the solemn call of home that gently beckons to us all. We know what that ultimately feels like, so we have curated ways to stay connected to your African roots from outside the continent. Regardless of which specific African country you are a part of, these suggestions will help when you apply them.

Become part of a community

Joining a community should be a no-brainer, but we often turn a blind eye to this option as it is the most tasking in terms of time and effort. Community is the most powerful thing because it helps you feel and stay connected to others. By becoming a part of your community in the area where you live, you can essentially experience your African roots with people who understand and appreciate the culture, history, and roots without watering down the heritage to hearsay. Finding a community that aligns with your values shouldn’t be more challenging. It is easier than you think it is. It could be as simple as joining a religious body with a root in your homeland, joining a social club or group chat, and subscribing to a blog like this one where you see content that reminds you of your original home.

Attend events in your city

We live in a tech world, and finding African events to attend is no longer a hassle. With certain event apps, it’s almost like hearing the town crier ringing bells in your ears at the market square to announce specific important gatherings, from learning seminars to social parties and networking groups. You can have a reminder for every event. Many web platforms allow you to see what is happening in your city or province. All you need is to RSVP that you are going and add the dates to your calendar. Then it’s congratulations! You just got your first ticket to an event that will relieve your nostalgic feelings.

Immerse yourself in music

As the saying goes, “music is life.” This quote has never been more accurate. The sound of the African percussions, horns, strings, vocabulary, and indigenous accents in music goes a long way in reminiscing the life you once lived. Like the one who has held their breath for a long time and is longing for a release, Afro beats music can give you momentous gasps of air as you breathe in the warm winds of the motherland. Music has been known to trigger lost memories in people. It is one of the easiest ways to stay connected with your African roots. Think about what music will do to you, especially the tunes you connect with the most. Even if you are religious, you can have a song in your local language that will be the icebreaker. I can hear you humming already.

Cook African foods you love

It always starts with the market and what you are shopping for. Is it goat meat, beef, or gizzard? Whatever your choice, there is no denying how our spices add a signature taste to the foods we cook, with fresh vegetables carrying nutrients to make your dish look so colourful and delicious. Think about the steam from the food having an aroma you recognize. There are no other words to describe the experience. Worry will cease to make sense to you as you are salivating and ready to dive, fingers first into the soup. Would you happen to know how to cook your local African delicacies? Staying connected to your African roots goes beyond words and activities. It is also the food you eat. It is time you open Google or YouTube and search “how to prepare…” Then, watch someone from your roots talk in an accent you understand who will be your guide along this food journey. Next, visit your nearest African store to feel the language, culture, and aroma of the several food options.

Follow African bloggers online

What you see or hear goes a long way in shaping your reality. Watching educative vlogs or reading blogs, depending on what your preference is, could draw you closer to your heritage. You can suddenly start noticing the slang that only you will understand, ads that make you smile, news updates on current affairs in your homeland, and most importantly, entertainment gist that makes you feel close to home.

Collect art and other artifacts

Art is one way of preserving culture for the unborn civilization. From something as simple as cultural tattoos to body adornments, artifacts, then frames and ornaments on the wall, to foot mats, fabric materials, jewelry, etc., are all essential, wallet-friendly, artsy items you could own, which will make you dream of your homeland.

Keep an African heritage and culture journal

Please know your history and let people know about it. It is as simple as calling that uncle or aunt and asking why this happened or why that narrative is part of your culture. Getting answers to your questions can expose you to the unknown and more. It could also create a bond between you and your lineage, ensuring culture is passed from one generation to another. You never can tell; you might become an authority to reckon with in keeping your ancestral traditions alive.

Create a family tree and trace your ancestors

Search for existing ancestors, search for the roots of your surname, and create a family search account. Look for blanks in your family tree. Search for people having the same last name in your location. Reach out to people you find online. Who knows? Your first cousin might live two streets away, and you are the only one who can find out.

Which one of these methods resonated with your the most when it comes to how to stay connected to your African roots? Share your experiences in the comment section or email us, as I would love to hear them and possibly share another African story.

Happy Holidays!