Africa Speaks - Michael Dei-Anang

Introduction:

Michael Dei-Anang is furious with people, who call Africa, 'Dark Africa.' Africa is dark, neither geographically nor intellectually. In this poem, Michael Dei-Anang makes Africa speak in a monologue.

Tracing the Origin of the Adjective 'Dark':

Africa traces the origin of the adjective "dark" which is unjustifiably attached to its name. Long long ago, when faithlessness was the order of the day, when man's vision was short and knowledge very limited, men called the continent 'dark Africa.' Men, then, could not understand the real worth of nations because of their bigotry and narrow outlook. They had little knowledge about the world and its treasures.

The Title 'Dark' - Unjustified:

The title 'dark' cannot be justified, according to the poet. Africa was neither ignorant, nor backward, nor stagnant. She has raised the magnificent pyramids, which is one of the wonders of the world. It has not been a dry land and has been in possession of vast fortunes. She has attracted great emperors like Julius and Octavius Caesar; Cleopatra, the queen of Egypt has held Antony and his country under her grasp.

Civilization on the Fertile Banks of the Nile:

The life-giving Nile has nursed the child of civilization on its fertile banks. The Nile valley civilization is considered one of the oldest of civilizations. Africa was on the zenith of civilization when the western nations were struggling to find the roots of civilization. Greek culture and civilization which was copied by the West, has been a gift of Africa.

Cultivation of 'the Tranquil Art' by Africa:

The industrial progress and technological development of the West, is no doubt, unquesionable. But a non-technological nation cannot be denied her virtue and value. In their struggle for supremacy over the world, the West has been producing and using more and more powerful weapons of human destruction. But Africa has thrown away even her primitive and pristine bows and arrows because she believes more in peace and arts than in industrial war and technological struggle. When Africa has chosen to remain peaceful, calm and contended, the West has dubbed her as "Dark."

Africa asserts that peaceful arts of coexistence are dearer and more helpful for international understanding and fearless existence than the cold war generated by the might of atoms and multiplicity of industries. Such fine arts of thinking and living together produced by Africa is more valuable than cold steel and iron.

The Kingly Whistling Palms: Its Significance:

The material prosperity of the West produces fear, envy, cut throat competition and war. But the desert regions of Africa containing kingly whistling palms keep a treasure which none can measure. The palms of Africa symbolise peace and spiritual progress, which is awfully wanting in the West. The West has, therefore, no right to call Africa 'Dark."

Conclusion:

Finally, Africa is in the East. The sun rises in the east. Spiritual meditation, philosophy, Fine Arts and everything useful for a peaceful life dawns in the East. One can see for oneself one of the seven Wonders of teh World, one of the civilizations and one of the most peace-loving citizens in Africa. None has any right and evidence to call the calm continent, "Dark."

Michael Dei-Anang's poem is not a mere outburst of patriotic sentiment, but is a mature judgment of African contribution to the world and to the society at large.