Oral Expression of African Christianity in Songs and Choruses (A Case Study of African Independent Churches In Calabar-Nigeria)

Abstract

In a typical African family, the elders would gather the young people and children around the fireplace at night and narrate the stories, histories, and events that made them a proud and memorable people. Through these verbal arts, Africans transmit their beliefs, heritage, values, and other important information. So among the Africans, these forms of verbal arts are extremely important and effective means of communication, which have provided the upcoming generations with wisdom. Therefore, we can conclude that treasures and many opportunities exist in African oral communication, which can help to present the Gospel message and develop an acculturated and contextualized African Christianity. This paper focuses on the importance of oral expression of African Christianity in songs and choruses with special reference to Independent African Churches in Calabar, Nigeria. It considers some songs and choruses sang in these churches and present their theological meaning to Christianity in Africa. The paper concludes that songs and choruses in African Independent Churches in Calabar are not focused on the main theological themes of the Bible such as new birth, resurrection, the second coming of Christ, righteousness, holiness, sanctification, eternity in heaven or hell, but about life here on earth free from the oppression of the powers of witchcraft and other powers such as mermaid spirits that torment human beings.

Key Words: African Christianity; Independent churches; Oral theology