Engage in 4 Cultural Traditions of Africa as a Traveler

Africa, consisting of 54 nations and countless unique communities, boasts a wealth of ancient cultural practices—some estimates suggest there are over 3,000 distinct ethnic groups and about 2,000 spoken languages across the continent.

Following the wave of European colonization, primarily from the late 19th to the early 20th century, numerous African traditions, cultures, and art forms were diminished under the guise of 'modernization.' Many individuals felt compelled to abandon their traditional lifestyles and migrate to urban areas for employment, resulting in the loss of several languages and folk religions. Nevertheless, some traditions have survived, thanks to the dedication of their communities. For instance, the Wodaabe people in Chad continue to host beauty contests for men in search of love, while griot musicians in Mali have adapted their performances to resonate with contemporary audiences while preserving their rich historical narratives. Travelers are often welcomed to participate in these vibrant celebrations.

Here are some enduring cultural traditions to consider for your next trip to Africa:

1. The griot storytellers from Mali

• Location: Segou, Mali
• Date: January 31 to February 5, 2023
• Event: Segou’Art Festival, free entry

Griots, often referred to as the djeli (the lifeblood) of their nations, hold a crucial place in the fabric of local communities. In pre-colonial times, young boys spent years learning their village's history to prepare for the esteemed role of a griot in adulthood. These storytellers share their narratives through speech or song, accompanied by the rhythm of drums, the kora (a Malinke lute with a gourd body played like a harp), or the balafon, a form of xylophone.

While griots may not be as prominent in West African communities today, many have transitioned into the entertainment sector as musicians, actors, and rappers. A notable contemporary griot is Malian kora player Toumani Diabaté. As a 71st-generation griot, Diabaté is celebrated for his instrumental works that blend traditional melodies with rock and classical influences. He has won two Grammy Awards for Best Traditional World Music Album, first in 2006 and again in 2011.

Locating where and when to catch a griot performance can be challenging. Some griots schedule shows at Mali's national performing arts venue, the Palais de la culture Amadou Hampaté Ba. They also take part in the Segou’Art Festival, a celebration of music and art featuring local talent, held along the banks of the River Niger in Segou, Mali. If you have a favorite griot, like Diabaté, be sure to monitor their touring dates.

2. The Wodaabe tribe's male beauty contest

• Date: Typically held between September 10 and October 16
• Location: The Sahel region, Chad
• Experience: Attend the Gerewol Festival with Société de Voyages, with tickets starting at $450 per day

As September rains fade in Chad and Niger, young Wodaabe men from the broader Fulani ethnic group rise at dawn to prepare for the Gerewol Festival, a centuries-old week-long male beauty contest. This festival serves as a courtship ritual for young bachelors in search of brides. The men accentuate the whiteness of their teeth and eyes by lining their lips and eyes with black paint. They adorn themselves in jeweled, embroidered tunics and meticulously position headdresses decorated with cowrie shells and ostrich feathers atop their hair.

Prior to the festivities, the men consume a bitter hallucinogenic tea brewed from tree bark, which energizes them for hours of dancing. Under the sweltering Sahel sun, they perform the yaake dance, designed to attract potential partners. As they sway in harmony, they roll their eyes side to side and flash wide smiles to showcase their bright teeth.

After completing their dance, Wodaabe women approach the performers and gently tap the ones they find most appealing. For these budding couples, the night may conclude with either a marriage or a brief encounter. Notably, a man may be selected multiple times, even if he is already married, and a woman can choose to leave her husband for a new partner.

Local tour operator Société de Voyages offers overnight excursions for those wishing to immerse themselves in the experience of the Gerewol Festival.

3. Traditional Rwandan imigongo art

• Location: Kigali, Rwanda
• Experience: Join a workshop at Azizi Life Studio, with classes starting at $7 each

Imigongo is a distinctive Rwandan art form characterized by geometric patterns, tracing its origins back to the 18th century. Legend has it that the tradition of using cow dung for decoration began with Prince Kakira, the son of King Kimenyi of Gisaka, who adorned the interior of his home with this material, inspiring local women to adopt the practice soon after.

Imigongo artists start by sketching their chosen zigzag and spiral designs on a surface, typically a wall, using charcoal. They then immerse their hands in buckets of fresh, green cow dung mixed with ash to eliminate bacteria. After pinching off a portion, they skillfully shape the mixture along the drawn lines. Once it dries for a day or so, they proceed to paint their artwork, traditionally using black, white, and red colors.

Imigongo nearly vanished during the 1994 Rwandan Genocide, a time when countless Rwandans faced displacement and death. In the 2000s, women's cooperatives and artists rekindled interest in this art form, aiming to leverage it as a source of income.

Since then, imigongo has surged in popularity, with Rwandan creatives merging traditional elements with modern influences. The Kigali fashion brand Moshions incorporates imigongo designs into its clothing, while skyscrapers in the capital showcase imigongo on their facades. Notable Rwandan hotels, like the Retreat by Heaven Rwanda (which hosted King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla last June), feature imigongo throw pillows and wall art in their lobbies.

To immerse yourself in the art of imigongo, consider joining a two-hour workshop at Azizi Life Studio in Kigali's Kacyiru neighborhood. The studio utilizes locally sourced materials, and participants learn about the history of imigongo during classes. It's a BYOB venue, so you can bring your favorite drinks. Once you've crafted your artwork, take some time to explore the studio's shelves, which display creations by rural Rwandan artists.

4. The intricate face masks of the Democratic Republic of the Congo

• Date: July 21
• Location: Gungu, DRC
• Experience: Attend the National Gungu Festival with Kuma Konda, with prices starting at $300 per day

For centuries, crafting and wearing traditional masks has been a vital form of artistic expression for many of the Congo’s 250 ethnic groups, including the Suku, Songye, Mangbetu, Bakuba, Bapenda, and Lengola people. Masks served multiple purposes: they could celebrate, mourn, create spiritual connections, or signify prestige.

During the Belgian colonial era from 1908 to 1960, which resulted in the deaths of 10 million Congolese, many masks were either stolen or lost. Some of these artifacts are now exhibited at the Royal Museum for Central Africa near Brussels. While masks no longer hold the same significance in daily life, they continue to be worn during festivals or used as decorative items—many are sold as souvenirs.

Travelers can enjoy open-air masquerades at the Gungu National Festival, held annually on July 21 in the rural town of Gungu. Established in the 1920s, this festival celebrates and highlights the culture of the Bapende community and other local ethnic groups. Attendees can expect mask performances, ululations, feasting, drumming, puppetry, and dancing. If time allows, visit the nearby Gungu Museum, which boasts an impressive collection of masks.