When we were at school we were taught to sing the songs of the Europeans. How many of us were taught the songs of the Wanyamwezi or of the Wahehe? Many of us have learnt to dance the rumba, or the cha cha, to rock and roll and to twist and even to dance the waltz and foxtrot. But how many of us can dance, or have even heard of the gombe sugu, the mangala, nyang umumi, kiduo, or lele mama?

Summary

This quote highlights the colonial legacy of education, particularly in African countries. It emphasizes how the curriculum predominantly focused on teaching songs, dances, and cultural elements of European origin while neglecting the rich cultural heritage of African nations. The quote questions the imbalance in the education system, pointing out the lack of exposure to traditional African songs and dances, such as those belonging to the Wanyamwezi and Wahehe tribes. It prompts critical reflection on the importance of preserving and celebrating diverse cultural expressions within education.

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