I Am An African Child by Kenneth Gyamerah

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 General Introduction

"I Am An African Child" by Kenneth Gyamerah celebrates the essence of African identity and the boundless potential of its youth. Through poignant verses, the poem asserts that being African transcends mere geographical origin or skin color; it's a deep-rooted connection that emanates from within. With pride in Africa's diversity and rich heritage, the poet envisions a continent free from the shackles of poverty and corruption, where strong institutions prevail over strongmen. The poem calls for unity, resilience, and a collective effort to overcome challenges, emphasizing the transformative power of the African Child when given the chance to thrive. As a rallying cry for hope and progress, it echoes the aspirations of countless young Africans striving for a brighter future.

The Poem

I Am An African Child

A poem by Kenneth Gyamerah 

I am an African Child

I am not an African because of my skin colour.

I am not an African because I was born in Africa by African Parents

I am an African because Mama Africa was born in me.

I am limitless because I have great gifts and talents

Africa is my home and I'm proud of my root.

Africa is not a country

Africa is a continent just like Asia, Europe and America

Mama Africa is blessed with a youthful population -vibrant youth who are willing to risk everything to have a decent shot of life.

Mama Africa is not poor

We need foreign trade instead of foreign aids

Mama Africa needs strong and working institutions instead of strong men.

As an African child, I believe that I'm not too young to run.

As an African Child, I believe in Africa!

I envision an Africa which will be a beacon of hope and opportunities

I see an Africa where everyone will live in harmony regardless of tribe, religion or colour.

Sometimes, as an African child, I cry every dawn because of the way our leaders are running affairs.

Corruption is the chronic disease of Africa

As an African child, I will do my best to cure the disease of corruption.

Oneday, Africa will be borderless

There will be free movement in Africa .

I don't see myself as a Ghanaian or South African,

I see myself as an African.

So call me the African Child.

Give the African Child an opportunity and they will deliver.

I believe in Mama Africa

Africa arise!

Whether you are from the East, West, South or North.

We are one people with one common goal.

God bless the African Child.

Author: Kenneth Gyamerah

Themes

The themes present in "I Am An African Child" include:

1. Identity and Belonging: The poem explores the concept of African identity, emphasizing that it is not solely defined by external factors like skin color or birthplace but rather by a deep connection to the continent and its people.

2. Pride and Heritage: The pride in African heritage is a recurring theme, highlighting the beauty and richness of Africa's cultural diversity and history.

3. Hope and Aspiration: Despite acknowledging the challenges facing Africa, the poem is infused with hope and aspiration for a better future, envisioning a continent where harmony, opportunity, and progress prevail.

4. Unity and Solidarity: The poem advocates for unity and solidarity among Africans, emphasizing the importance of coming together to overcome obstacles and achieve common goals.

5. Social Justice and Accountability: It addresses issues such as corruption and the need for accountable leadership, calling for action to address systemic issues and build strong, transparent institutions.

6. Empowerment and Agency: The poem empowers African youth, urging them to believe in themselves and their ability to effect positive change in their communities and beyond.

Literary Devices

"I Am An African Child" utilizes several literary devices to convey its message effectively:

1. Metaphor: The phrase "Mama Africa was born in me" is a metaphorical expression, likening the intrinsic connection to Africa to a maternal bond.

2. Imagery: The poem paints vivid images of Africa's vibrant youth and the envisioned future of the continent, evoking a sense of pride and hope.

3. Personification: Africa is personified as "Mama Africa," imbuing the continent with maternal qualities and emphasizing the intimate relationship between Africans and their homeland.

4. Repetition: The repetition of the phrase "I am an African" throughout the poem serves to reinforce the speaker's identity and conviction.

5. Symbolism: Africa symbolizes unity, resilience, and potential throughout the poem, representing not only a geographic location but also a collective identity and aspiration.

6. Alliteration: The use of alliteration in phrases like "vibrant youth" and "decent shot of life" adds rhythm and emphasis to key ideas in the poem.

7. Parallelism: The repetition of the phrase "As an African Child, I believe" followed by statements of belief creates a sense of unity and solidarity among African youth.

8. Irony: The poem employs irony to highlight the disparity between the potential and reality of Africa, such as the juxtaposition of Africa's abundant resources with its struggle against poverty and corruption.

Tone and Mood

The tone of "I Am An African Child" is primarily one of determination, pride, and optimism. The speaker's voice is assertive and passionate, as they affirm their African identity and express their belief in the potential of Africa and its youth. Despite acknowledging the challenges and injustices facing the continent, there is a sense of resilience and hope woven throughout the poem.

The mood of the poem is uplifting and hopeful, with a underlying sense of urgency. While the speaker acknowledges the current struggles and shortcomings of Africa, there is a palpable sense of optimism and a call to action. The mood is inspirational, encouraging readers to believe in the possibility of positive change and to actively work towards a brighter future for Africa and its people.

Language and Diction

The language and diction in "I Am An African Child" are powerful and emotive, effectively conveying the speaker's message and emotions. The language is straightforward and accessible, making the poem relatable to a wide audience. However, it also incorporates elements of figurative language and poetic imagery to enhance its impact.

The choice of words is carefully selected to evoke a strong sense of identity, pride, and hope. Phrases like "Mama Africa," "limitless," "beacon of hope," and "chronic disease of Africa" resonate with readers, capturing the essence of the speaker's message. Additionally, the use of repetition, parallelism, and rhetorical questions adds depth and rhythm to the poem, drawing attention to key themes and ideas.

Overall, the language and diction in "I Am An African Child" are skillfully crafted to inspire and empower readers, while also conveying a sense of urgency and determination to bring about positive change.

Structure

The structure of "I Am An African Child" is organized into concise stanzas, each containing a distinct thematic focus or idea. The poem follows a free verse form, with varying line lengths and no strict rhyme scheme, allowing the language to flow naturally and emphasize the message.

The poem begins with a declaration of African identity and gradually progresses to explore themes of pride, hope, unity, and social justice. Each stanza builds upon the previous one, forming a cohesive narrative that culminates in a vision for a brighter future for Africa and its people.

The structure also incorporates repetition and parallelism, with phrases like "I am an African" and "As an African Child, I believe" recurring throughout the poem, reinforcing the speaker's identity and beliefs.

Overall, the structure of "I Am An African Child" is purposeful and effective, guiding the reader through the speaker's journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and hope for Africa.

Context

"I Am An African Child" was written by Kenneth Gyamerah, an author who has focused on African identity and empowerment through his works. The poem reflects the broader context of socio-political and cultural dynamics in Africa, including issues such as corruption, poverty, and the aspirations of African youth for a better future.

At the time of its writing, many African countries were grappling with the legacy of colonialism, economic disparities, and governance challenges. The poem captures the resilience and determination of African youth to overcome these obstacles and shape a brighter destiny for themselves and their continent.

Additionally, the poem may be situated within the broader context of the Pan-African movement, which advocates for unity, solidarity, and progress among people of African descent worldwide. Through its celebration of African identity and its call for collective action, "I Am An African Child" aligns with the ideals of Pan-Africanism.

Overall, the context of "I Am An African Child" encompasses both the specific challenges facing Africa at the time of its writing and the timeless aspirations of its people for freedom, dignity, and prosperity.

Conclusion

"I Am An African Child" by Kenneth Gyamerah stands as a poignant and empowering testament to the resilience, pride, and hope of African youth. Through its evocative language, powerful imagery, and passionate tone, the poem celebrates the rich diversity of African identity while acknowledging the challenges that persist on the continent.

In its call for unity, accountability, and collective action, the poem resonates with the broader aspirations of African people for a brighter future. It serves as a reminder of the potential and agency of African youth to effect positive change and shape their own destinies.

Ultimately, "I Am An African Child" inspires readers to embrace their African heritage, believe in their abilities, and work towards a shared vision of a prosperous, harmonious Africa. It is a rallying cry for hope, resilience, and transformation, echoing the timeless spirit of Africa's children as they strive to realize their dreams and aspirations.