Africa is home to many ethnic and social groups. The most conventional distinction is between sub-Saharan Africa and the North African countries from Egypt to Morocco, who largely associate themselves with Arabic culture.
Migration of Black Africans into Britain began several thousand years ago and many generations of Black Africans exist across the UK. Bury has a thriving African community which combines African tradition with British influences.
Values and tradition
African culture has a rich tradition of arts and crafts which include wood carvings, brass and leather art works, sculpture, paintings, pottery, ceremonial and religious headgear and dress. Personal appearance is considered important in the culture and elaborate jewellery made of gold and shells are widely worn. Masks with intricate designs are also an important part of African culture and they are paraded in various ceremonies depicting ancestors, spirits and mythological characters.
Africans possess a wide variety of religious beliefs, with Christianity and Islam being the most widespread. Approximately 46% of all Africans are Christians and 40% are Muslims with the remainder following indigenous African religions.
Language
Several hundred languages are spoken across the continent of Africa although the most prominent languages spoken are Arabic, Swahili and Hausa. Very few countries of Africa use any single language and for this reason several official languages coexist, African and European. English is widely spoken by many Africans living in Bury, and in many cases English will be their first language.
Recreation
Music and dance hold significant importance in cultural tradition as well as being a mode of communication. Dancers use gestures, masks, costumes and body painting to express themselves during celebrations.
Sport is also a popular pastime and Africans have achieved success in a number of professional sports including football, athletics, rugby and cricket.
Cuisine
Traditional African cuisine is characterised by starch, meat and vegetables. Steamed greens with hot spices are also widely consumed. Different regions within Africa will cultivate various fruit and vegetables such as watermelons and bananas. The non-Muslim population of Africa drink alcoholic beverages, the most familiar being an Ethiopian honey wine called Tej. Coffee is also widely produced in Africa and Ethiopians lay claim to the first regular cultivation of coffee.
