African Poems

 Hello Everyone, I am Aarti Sarvaiya, a student of MK Bhavnagar University. This blog I have written as a response to Thinking Activity, Which is a Part of my academic Work. Which we get after each unit. In this blog, I am going to discuss two African Poems in detail,which are a part of our syllabus.

1) The Piano and The Drums by Gabriel Okara 

In Gabriel Okara's renowned poem, "The Piano and the Drum," the clash of cultures during Africa's decolonization is vividly portrayed. Set against the backdrop of a sunburnt sky and dancing palm trees, the poem unfolds a narrative of cultural tension and personal struggle.

The Piano, a symbol of Western influence, resides in a curtained room, emanating polished wood and cold chords. Its music, with clear repetitive phrases, represents a structured and cerebral form of expression. In contrast, the Drums, emblematic of African tradition, are described as blood brothers speaking in whispers, telegraphing messages with a wild rhythm that stirs the soul.

The speaker finds himself torn between these two worlds, yearning for the primal connection offered by the drums while also feeling drawn to the intellectual stimulation of the piano. This inner conflict permeates the poem, heightened by the contrasting imagery of the polished veneer of Western culture against the sunburnt landscape of Africa.

Through Okara's masterful use of form, imagery, and symbolism, the poem delves into themes of cultural alienation, loss of identity, and the quest for a harmonious blend of traditions. The juxtaposition of the piano and the drums reflects the broader struggle faced by many during decolonization, navigating between imposed Western ideals and indigenous heritage.

By exploring the historical context in which the poem was written, we gain a deeper appreciation of Okara's personal and cultural journey. As a product of both Western education and African heritage, Okara embodies the duality experienced by many in postcolonial Africa.

The poem's free verse structure mirrors the speaker's internal turmoil, while its shifting focus reflects the complexity of cultural identity. Yet, amidst this conflict, there is a glimmer of hope. The final lines suggest the possibility of coexistence between the polished veneer of Western culture and the blood brothers of African tradition, hinting at a future where both influences contribute to a vibrant and inclusive cultural landscape.

"The Piano and the Drum" transcends its status as a mere poem, becoming a powerful voice in postcolonial discourse. Its exploration of cultural identity resonates with readers worldwide, urging us to confront the legacies of colonialism and embrace the richness of our diverse heritage.

In conclusion, Okara's poem invites us on a journey of self-discovery and cultural exploration, challenging us to embrace the complexities of our identities and forge a future where diversity is celebrated and cherished.

2) To The Negro-American Soldiers By Leopold Sedar Senghor

"To the Negro-American Soldiers" by Leopold Sedar Senghor delves into the complexities of identity faced by African American soldiers fighting in World War II. Written during the era of rising decolonization and the Negritude movement, the poem explores themes of alienation, rediscovery of African heritage, and the yearning for a unified Black identity. Through captivating symbolism and emotive language, Senghor unveils a powerful message of recognition and cultural pride.

The poem begins with a sense of disconnect, as the speaker initially struggles to recognize the African American soldiers due to their military attire and impersonal imagery that dehumanizes them as tools of war. However, a physical connection is made when the speaker touches a soldier's "brown hand," triggering an emotional outburst and the exclamation "Afrika!" This signifies a rediscovery of shared ancestry and a sense of belonging, with lost laughter and ancient voices symbolizing the reawakening of a dormant African identity.

As the poem progresses, the soldiers are hailed as "fighters whose mouths are singing flowers," warriors adorned with beauty and cultural expression, resonating with the Negritude philosophy that celebrates the artistic spirit of Africa. The poem concludes with a call for peace, invoking "Lord" to allow Martin Luther King's message to resonate throughout the African diaspora.

The historical context of decolonization movements and the rise of Negritude, championed by Senghor himself, played a crucial role in shaping the poem's message. It likely drew inspiration from the unique position of African American soldiers fighting for a nation that denied them full rights while possessing a rich African heritage.

Senghor employs powerful symbolism, such as the "sad-colored uniform" and "calabash helmet" representing external forces that obscure African heritage, contrasted with the "Sun" symbolizing the warmth and vitality of African culture. The emotional language shifts from words like "sad-colored," "whining," and "iron" to "warmth," "lost laughter," and "roar," mirroring the rediscovery of shared ancestry.

Beyond wartime service, the poem becomes a powerful message of unity and cultural pride, acknowledging the soldiers as bearers of African heritage and artistic expression. The call for peace transcends national borders, invoking Martin Luther King and "Nigeria and Negritia," highlighting Senghor's desire for a unified Black identity seeking social justice and global harmony.

 Conclusion:

"To the Negro-American Soldiers" transcends being a simple tribute to military service. It is a profound exploration of identity that compels us to acknowledge the potency of shared heritage and cultural expression. Through his masterful employment of symbolism and evocative language, Senghor strips away the facades that conceal authentic identity, uncovering and exalting the yearning for a unified Black consciousness rooted in peace and cultural pride. The poem serves as a clarion call to embrace one's roots, to revel in the richness of African artistic spirit, and to collectively seek harmony that resonates across the African diaspora. Senghor's poetic prowess weaves a tapestry that elevates the rediscovery of self, urging recognition of our common threads that bind humanity together in a quest for belonging and social justice.