Problems with the Concepts of African Literature and African Cinema
Abiola Irele, Daria Tunca, and Lindiwe Dovey have all argued that the concepts of “African literature” and “African cinema” are problematic. They argue that these concepts are often used to essentialize and homogenize a diverse continent with a wide range of cultures and languages.
Irele, for example, argues that the term “African literature” is often used to refer to literature written in European languages by Africans. This, he argues, ignores the rich tradition of oral literature that exists in Africa. Tunca makes a similar argument about African cinema, arguing that it is often defined in terms of its opposition to European cinema. This, she argues, ignores the diversity of African cinema and its relationship to other cinematic traditions.
Dovey argues that the concepts of “African literature” and “African cinema” are also problematic because they are often used to exoticize and marginalize African cultural production. She argues that these concepts are often used to define African culture as being different from and inferior to Western culture.
Importance of Redefining African Literature and African Cinema
These scholars’ critical attempts to redefine African literature and African cinema are important because they challenge the essentialist and homogenizing notions of African culture that are often prevalent in Western discourse. By redefining African literature and African cinema in terms of their own internal dynamics and relationships, these scholars help to promote a more nuanced and inclusive understanding of African cultural production.
Significance of Oral Tradition in Sunjata and Keïta! l’héritage du griot
Oral tradition is the primary means of transmitting knowledge and culture in many African societies. It includes a wide range of genres, such as epics, myths, legends, folktales, and proverbs.
Bamba Suso’s epic of Sunjata is a classic example of an African oral tradition. Sunjata is a Mandinka epic that tells the story of the founding of the Mali Empire. The epic is performed by griots, who are professional storytellers and praise singers.
Dani Kouyaté’s film Keïta! l’héritage du griot is a documentary that tells the story of Kouyaté’s own family, who are griots. The film explores the significance of oral tradition in Mandinka culture and the role of griots in transmitting and preserving this tradition.
Adaptation in African Literature and Cinema
Adaptation is a common practice in African literature and cinema. African writers and filmmakers often adapt oral traditions, such as epics, myths, and legends, into their work. This practice allows them to draw on the rich cultural heritage of Africa and to create new and innovative works of art.
The epic of Sunjata is a prime example of an oral tradition that has been adapted for a variety of media. In addition to Bamba Suso’s oral performance, the epic has also been adapted into written and cinematic works. Dani Kouyaté’s film Keïta! l’héritage du griot is one example of a cinematic adaptation of the epic.
Another example of an adaptation of the epic of Sunjata is the novel Mandinka by the Guinean writer Camara Laye. Laye’s novel is a fictionalized account of the life of Sunjata. It is based on Laye’s own knowledge of the epic, which he learned from his grandfather.
Conclusion
The concepts of “African literature” and “African cinema” are problematic because they are often used to essentialize and homogenize a diverse continent. However, the critical attempts of Abiola Irele, Daria Tunca, and Lindiwe Dovey to redefine these concepts have helped to promote a more nuanced and inclusive understanding of African cultural production.
Oral tradition is significant in African literature and cinema because it provides a rich source of material for adaptation. African writers and filmmakers often adapt oral traditions into their work to create new and innovative works of art. The epic of Sunjata is one example of an oral tradition that has been adapted for a variety of media, including written and cinematic works.
