New Wave of African Pride Rises in the Caribbean, Forging Deeper Ties

A growing sense of African pride is sweeping across the Caribbean, manifesting in cultural expression, economic partnerships, and increased travel between the two regions. This resurgence, fueled by social media and the global rise of Afrobeats, marks a new chapter in pan-Africanism, moving beyond cultural symbolism towards tangible economic collaborations.

Reconnecting with Ancestral Roots

For centuries, the Caribbean has been home to descendants of enslaved Africans, who were forcibly brought to the islands by European powers. While these communities developed distinct cultures, a longing to reconnect with their African heritage has persisted. In St. Lucia, Nigerian doctor Augustine Ogbu runs a successful takeaway restaurant, Africana Chops, serving Nigerian cuisine. He notes a growing interest in African culture among his customers, who seek to connect with their ancestral origins.

"They know that we all have the same ancestral origin. So most of the time, they want to get in touch with that," Dr. Ogbu told the BBC. He adds that interest in African culture has grown "tremendously" since he arrived almost a decade ago.

A Renewed Pan-Africanism

Dorbrene O'Marde, who leads the Antigua and Barbuda Reparations Support Commission, believes this renewed interest represents a more promising form of pan-Africanism. Past waves of African pride, such as those in the 1930s and 1960s, were largely driven by cultural and psychological themes. This current wave, however, is expanding into economic realms, with discussions around stronger transportation links and trade partnerships.

"It has widened beyond psychological and cultural themes and we are now talking in broader economic terms, such as stronger transportation links between the Caribbean and Africa," O'Marde explained. "We are in a different phase now of pan-Africanism – one that's not going to wane like before."

Social Media and Afrobeats as Catalysts

The rise of social media platforms like TikTok has played a significant role in connecting Caribbean people with African culture. Dennis Howard, an entertainment and cultural enterprise lecturer at the University of the West Indies, notes that Jamaicans are using these platforms to learn more about black history beyond slavery.

"People are learning more about black history beyond slavery," Howard stated. He also highlights the global popularity of Afrobeats, a musical genre originating from Nigeria and Ghana, as a key factor. "Through the music videos, [Jamaicans] are seeing certain parts of Africa are similar to Jamaica and are developed. We had a concept of Africa as this place where it is backward and it's pure dirt road... the music is changing that."

Addressing Concerns of Cultural Identity

Howard addresses concerns raised by some Jamaicans online, who argue that reclaiming African heritage is unnecessary given their distinct Jamaican identity. He emphasizes that Jamaican culture is inherently African-derived, with influences from other cultures. "Our whole culture is African, with a little sprinkling of Indian and European and Chinese. But for the most part it is African-derived. It is the most dominant part of our culture," he asserts.

Tourism and Economic Collaboration

The desire to connect with African heritage is also driving tourism. The Ghana tourism authority reports a notable increase in visitors from the Caribbean, while South Africa's consul to the Bahamas has observed a rise in Caribbean nationals traveling to South Africa, Ghana, and Kenya. Werner Gruner, South Africa's consul to the Bahamas says, "I see a lot of interest in safaris and I think people also start to realise that South Africa and other African countries are actually very well developed."

Efforts are also underway to strengthen economic ties between Africa and the Caribbean. Key institutions like the African Union, African Development Bank (AfDB), and African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) are facilitating conferences and establishing memorandums of understanding. Afreximbank projects that trade between the two regions could increase significantly by 2028, provided infrastructure and logistical challenges are addressed.

Challenges and Future Prospects

Despite the growing momentum, significant challenges remain. Transport infrastructure between Africa and the Caribbean is underdeveloped, often requiring travelers to transit through Europe. In response, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley has called for the creation of "air and sea bridges" to facilitate travel and trade. Furthermore, the prime ministers of Grenada and the Bahamas have proposed the establishment of a shared currency to reduce trade barriers and affirm a shared identity.

While the implementation of a shared currency faces considerable hurdles, these initiatives demonstrate a commitment to strengthening ties and fostering a shared future between Africa and the Caribbean. The renewed sense of African pride, coupled with concrete steps towards economic collaboration, signals a promising era of partnership and mutual growth.