Africans had knowledge of God long before colonization, as evidenced by our cultures

Dr. Sarah Dorgbadzie, a highly respected storyteller, cantor, and director, has recently reignited a powerful conversation about Africa’s spiritual history, asserting that Africans were aware of God long before the arrival of colonial forces. Speaking on the Standpoint show, hosted by Gifty Anti, Dr. Dorgbadzie passionately emphasized that Africa’s diverse cultures, languages, and practices provide clear evidence that the continent had a profound understanding of the divine long before European influence.

In her remarks, Dr. Dorgbadzie argued that the assertion that Europeans introduced spirituality to Africa is misguided. She stated unequivocally, “Africans knew God before colonial influence. The evidence lies in our cultures, languages, and practices,” making it clear that spiritual knowledge was not a foreign concept brought by colonizers but a deeply ingrained part of African heritage. She highlighted the rich diversity within African societies and how this diversity reflects the various ways in which God revealed Himself to African ancestors, adapting His presence to the specific contexts and cultural understandings of each community.

According to Dr. Dorgbadzie, African traditions and practices demonstrate a unique relationship with God that was shaped by the customs, beliefs, and experiences of different tribes and regions. “God revealed Himself to our ancestors in ways they could understand,” she explained, highlighting that this divine revelation manifested in a variety of forms across the continent. The different names and attributes given to God by various African tribes, she said, reflect a deep, longstanding reverence for God and His influence on the lives of the people.

For example, Dr. Dorgbadzie drew on the experiences of several ethnic groups in Ghana to illustrate her point. She described how the Ga, Ewe, and Ashanti, three of the major ethnic groups in the country, have their own distinct names for God, each of which reflects a unique cultural understanding. “Among the Ga, God is called ‘Ataa Naa Nyonmo,’ meaning the great father above,” she explained. “The Ewe refer to Him as ‘Mawu,’ which signifies the all-powerful creator, while the Ashanti call Him ‘Nyame,’ meaning the giver of life.” These names, she emphasized, reveal a profound sense of respect and reverence for God and His omnipotent nature.

Dr. Dorgbadzie’s reflections are a reminder of the deep spiritual roots embedded within African cultures. She explained that these names and titles for God serve as evidence that the ancestors of different African communities had a strong, active spiritual life long before the advent of colonization and the arrival of foreign religions. The way God is understood and worshipped varies not just by region but also according to the historical and social context of the people. In each case, these variations are evidence of the deep, authentic relationship between Africans and the divine, long before colonialism sought to reshape their worldviews.

She further noted that the influence of Christianity and Islam in Africa was not the introduction of spirituality but rather a convergence with long-established religious beliefs. African spirituality, she argued, was not in conflict with the arrival of these religions; instead, it had already laid the foundation for understanding the divine presence in a way that was both culturally and spiritually relevant. By emphasizing the long-standing, diverse spiritual traditions in Africa, Dr. Dorgbadzie highlighted how Africa’s cultural and religious landscape continues to be shaped by indigenous practices that honor the divine, ensuring that God’s presence is felt in daily life across the continent.

Dr. Dorgbadzie’s insights challenge the misconception that African spirituality was introduced through colonization. Her words bring attention to the rich, diverse religious history of the African continent, one that spans centuries and is deeply embedded in its cultural fabric. Africans have long known God, and their languages, cultures, and practices continue to bear witness to this enduring spiritual connection, reaffirming the continent’s profound understanding of the divine long before colonialism sought to impose its influence.