Being afropolitan is a bit like being Nairobi; savanna grasslands with peaceful grazing zebras meets city landscape with noisy matatus.
Africans are arguably one of the most culturally diverse people on the planet but colonization (both old and new) has us talking western and looking western. The afro-diva in us is bursting to come out, why not let her? Here are a few steps to #owningyourculture this 2016.
Wear an African Outfit to Work Once a Week
A lot of us equate professionalism with the western suit. I dare you to break that mold.
Travel the…Wait for it, Counties!
Kenyans be like: “Haki, I’ve travelled all over Kenya. I’ve been to Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, uhhh…”
Travelling is a great way to experience your culture. Stop haunting the usual haunts and go to the overlooked gems.
Afro-cessorize
Whether it’s your laptop bag, earings or belt – add hints of Africa into your daily attire.
Afro Stamp Your House
Fancy hotels and holiday homes shouldn’t be the only places with earthy tones and African prints. Incorporate simple changes, like leso pillow cases, or a kiondo to store throws and Maasai blankets in your living room.
Read More Swahili and Speak More Swahili (Real Swahili)
There are very few things that make a Kenyan feel more badass than stringing a couple of sentences in Kiswahili sanifu. One of these days, I might just write a blog in Swahili only. Put my money where my fingers are…
Get Tribal in the Kitchen
Make it your mission, this year, to know how to make your tribe’s delicacies… and don’t stop there. How many tribes are there in Kenya? Surely, we don’t all eat the same stuff.
AND DON’T STOP THERE! Africa is not a country. It’s a multitude of different tribes from 55 countries all with different recipes for your enjoyment. You won’t even be able to scratch the surface in 2016.
Wear out your ‘Fro (or ‘Fro Wig/Weave, if you’re Relaxed)
No other race on this planet has hair like ours but it is the one thing we probably hide the most. Come on now, get your ‘fro game on once in a while. The world misses it, even if it doesn’t always know it. Of course, this need not apply if you have dreadlocks.
Support African Businesses
We recently published a list of all the Kenyan producers of hair products. Use it! There are many quality items to be found in Kenya and other African countries. Go out of your way to find them. There are great Kenyan blogs out there. Read them. Heck, start writing one, Kenyan’s need to share information more. We need each other.
Listen to the Elders
Finding out about our history before colonization is no easy feat, but it’s an important one. For those of you who are lucky enough to have people in your lives who are older than 80 and who remember the things that you can’t find in an 8-4-4 history book – sit, listen and note every last gem down. Future generations will thank you.
Here’s to an afro-centric 2016!
Read the original post here and check out http://afropik.net/blog/ for more of their awesome content!
The views expressed by this writer do not necessarily reflect the views of UP Magazine. Any changes made are strictly stylistic or editorial.
