Why Was Early African Poetry written and how was it Performed?

This article will give insight into Why Was Early African Poetry written and how was it Performed? It will provide all the answers on early African poetry and many more.

History of African poetry

When early African Poetry emerged, it played a significant role in the society. Many Africans used poetry not just as an artistic expression of feelings and love but as a means of communication. Used as a way of preserving one’s own culture and social communication.

Moreover, understanding why poetry written in the first place and how it was performed takes us into the insights of African culture, societal structures and traditions. In addition, many oral traditions involved in early African poetry, which was used to influence against colonialism.

In History of African poetry, Phillis Wheatley Peters the first African Poet. He was born in c. 1753 – December 5, 1784 and considered to be the first African-American author that published a book on poetry. Her poems reflected a pride in African heritage and influenced by famous poets such as Alexander Pope and Thomas Gray.

What is traditional African poetry

A diverse collection of poems originating from many African countries and cultures resembles as traditional African poetry. The roots of its tradition lie as it was passed down from history through spoken word. There are also mythical and fairy-tale depictions in early traditional African poems.

These are some characteristics in traditional African poetry:

• Some of their themes consist of war, colonialism, suffering, struggle for freedom, cultural differences and hope for a new future.
• In South Africa traditional poetry performed during public events.
• Poets in South Africa perceived to be spiritual healers and attain significance in society.
• African poetry written in a range of languages such as English, Portuguese, and French.
• There are collections of traditional African poetry such as anthology of traditional poems from nay different cultures and languages.

Forms of early African poetry

Many forms of early African poetry which have passed down for generations and remain relevant even in the present. They are:

• Folklore and traditional poetry passed down orally by different African tribes.
• Written poetry emerged at different times among diverse groups in the Swahili language in the 17th century, Xhosa in the 19th century, and Yoruba in the 20th century.
• Pyramid texts found to be some of the earliest African poetry which was written in the 25^th Century BCE.
• Among the many, the Epic of Sundiata is one of the examples of griot court poetry.
• The Book of Kings formerly known as the Kebra Negast demonstrates pre-colonial African literature from 14 Century AD.
• One of the oldest bibles preserved, the Garima Gospels written in Geéz around 500 AD.
• Islamic Arab colonisation also leads to the influence of African literature during 7^th century and also 19^th Century Christian European Colonisation.
• Contemporary African Poetry is a continuation of oral poetic traditions that is non-European.

Why Was Early African Poetry Written?

If you have wondered Why Was Early African Poetry written and how was it Performed? There were many ways than one in which this was done. Down below are a few of them which are:

• As a medium of communication to share important messages and stories within communities.
• It educated, informed and entertained which made its access to everyone complex.
• Poetry was a way to preserve African culture, record history, traditions and cultural values.
• They passed down through memorization and as oral poetry for generations such as the epic of Sundiata.
• African poets used them to comment on social issues, oppose leaderships and advocate for change. For example, Yoruba poetry used as a social critique.

How was early African poetry performed?

During early times poetry was performed in a variety of ways as a communal activity involving many elements to it such as:

• Initially poetry done through oral tradition, skilled poets performed known as griots or praise singers.
• The poets that performed poetry orally known as storytellers, musicians and historians.
• Poetry performances were traditionally accompanied by music which creates an emotional impact.
• Drums, Kora, Harps, and Balafons used for poetry performances.
• Poetry performances in early Africa were highly interactive and engaged with the audience strengthening social bonds.
• Dramatic expressions used by performers to gain attention and bring poetry to life while demonstrating deep meanings.

Conclusion

In conclusion you may now know Why Was Early African Poetry written and how was it Performed? It was a way of culture, a way to reinforce social bonds and express struggles and the need for freedom. Many poets were performers and though of highly in society. The poems depicted a range of deep meanings and remain relevant in contemporary times.

Key Points

• Early African poetry used as a form of communication, storytelling, and cultural preservation.
• Poets, known as griots or praise singers, performed poetry orally with musical accompaniment.
• African poets addressed social issues and advocated for change, using poetry as a form of social critique.
• Poetry performances were interactive, involving audience participation and emotional expression through music and dramatic gestures.
• Traditional African poetry themes included war, colonialism, freedom struggles, and cultural pride.

FAQs

Why was poetry written and how was it performed?

Poetry was a way of expression and communication. Passed down through oral forms, used to express love, hate, struggle, deprivation of freedom, and inform. Considered an art form back in the day when it was performed.

Why is it important for poetry to be written and performed in South Africa?

The long history of struggle the South African nation went through demonstrates a period of colonization, slavery, deprivation of freedom. Poetry for South Africans has always been a way of preserving their identity. Many Africans cherish it as it carries many themes.

How is poetry performed?

If you have heard of word or spoken poetry its also known as performance poetry. It has a vast combination of themes, genres and storytelling performed in an artistic way. A poet performs it to a live gesture with strong vocal delivery, gestures and body language.

When did South African poetry start?

The San oral literary tradition links its connection the oral practice of poetry in South Africa. It was published during the 19^th Century in Xhosa.

Who is the famous poet in Africa?

One of the most accomplished and significant poets in Africa are Kofi Awoonor. And widely recognized for his work.