AFRICA DAY
blog by Christelle Pellecuer, Cultural Heritage Manager
25th May each year marks Africa Day. It was formerly known as African Freedom Day and African Liberation Day. Every year celebration takes place on the African continent and in various countries across the world to commemorate the foundation of the Organisation of African Unity (now known as African Union), on 25th May 1963. Africa Day is an opportunity for people from African descent to come together and celebrate the diversity of Africa and acknowledge the work of African Union to decolonise African states and the progress made since then. It is an opportunity to reflect on the journey ahead and challenges the continent face. Some African countries such as Ghana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Mali recognise Africa Day as a public holiday.
Ghana was one of the first country to gain independence on 6th March 1957 under the leadership of Kwame Nkrumah. Ghana’s independence was an inspiration to other African countries to fight colonial and imperialist domination. In 1958, Ghana convene the first Conference of Independent African States and 5 years later, on 25th May 1963, representatives of 30 African nations met in Addis Ababa in Ethiopia, hosted by Emperor Haile Selassie and founded the Organisation of African Unity. At the African Union 50th Anniversary in 2013, the Agenda 2063, a long-term vision of where Africa should be in 50 years was launched. Africa Day showcases the progress of the liberation movement and the determination of the people of Africa to free themselves from colonial imperialism, domination and exploitation.
In 2020, we are celebrating 57 years of efforts for unity among African people and for the fight for decolonisation. This year the celebration is virtual due to lockdown restrictions, but celebration was still taking place across the world and people stayed connected through social media to celebrate Africa Day.
My highlight for this year Africa day is the live solidarity concert that was organised for the COVID 19 response fund. The benefit concert featured African performers and global guests, including African legends such as Angelique Kidjo, Salif Keita and Ismael Lo as well younger performers such as Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage, Davido and Yemi Alade. It was so inspiring to see so many artists from 25 countries around the continent to come together for a good cause and perform from their home.
During the concert, artists and performers were asked what 3 words they would use to describe Africa. For me the 3 words that I choose is resilient, majestic and vibrant. The other questions that was asked was why do you think Africa’s time is now. For me, Africa is now as Africa’s culture (including music, dance, clothing) is coming to prominence in the western world and he rise of talents in the continent and in the diaspora is uplifting and brings hope. The African continent is also fighting for a different narrative and it is time for Africa to tell its own story.