Mohamed BA on Rediscovering Roots: A Conversation on African Identity and Legacy in the Diaspora
In a world increasingly shaped by globalization, where identities are often stripped and reformed to meet the demands of dominant cultures, the African diaspora faces a profound dilemma: how to retain and reclaim their cultural heritage while navigating the complexities of modern times? A recent conversation between Obehi Ewanfoh, host of the Obehi Podcast, and Mohamed BA, a Senegalese artist, educator, and cultural advocate, shines a light on this ongoing struggle.
Want to learn more about storytelling? Start by downloading the first chapter of The Storytelling Mastery.
The discussion not only touches on the rich history of African identity but also delves into the challenges Africans face today, particularly those in Italy and other parts of the diaspora.
It is in these discussions, rich with history, pain, resilience, and hope, that the African diaspora finds a path forward, one that involves a deep understanding of their ancestral roots.
This is also a confrontation with colonial legacies, and a strong, collective resolve to rebuild what was lost. Mohamed BA’s words are a testament to this journey: “I always thought about us, not I. My grandfather always talked about his people and the generation before him.”
Understanding The Crisis of Identity: Lost and Almost Found
To understand the complexity of African identity today, one must first examine how it was shaped through centuries of oppression. The African diaspora, having spread across the globe—whether through slavery, colonization, or voluntary migration—has faced unique challenges.
In their adopted homes, many Africans have often been forced to abandon or forget their cultural roots in order to assimilate into other cultures. For those in Italy, like Mohamed BA, this disconnect is painfully evident.
In an interesting moment during the podcast, Mohamed BA reflects on a critical observation: “We have abandoned our history and who we are. We are running to climb to a house that is in front of us, but we are never there because we have abandoned ourselves.” This sentiment mirrors the experiences of many Africans in the diaspora who, in their attempts to integrate into societies that are far removed from their cultural origins, often lose sight of the very essence of who they are.
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In a Pew Research article titled “One-in-Ten Black People Living in the U.S. Are Immigrants,” it was reported that as of 2019, approximately 4.6 million Black people in the U.S.—or one in ten—were born outside the country, a significant increase from just 3% in 1980. The U.S. Census Bureau projects that by 2060, this number will more than double, reaching 9.5 million.
A similar trend can be observed in several European countries, such as Italy, France, and Germany, which have experienced a significant influx of migrants in recent years.
For example, the African population in Italy has grown significantly, with an estimated 2.5 million African immigrants residing in the country. This diverse community brings with it a wealth of cultural traditions, but also a history of alienation and struggle to preserve their cultural heritage in the face of overwhelming Western influence.
In 2013, we started a research project into the presence of Africans in northern Italy. That project has since evolved into a powerful platform connecting the vast African diaspora, which numbers in the hundreds of millions across the globe.
Today, this initiative continues to grow through our weekly LinkedIn audio live events, where we explore the art of storytelling—a theme central to my 2023 five-part book series, The Storytelling Mastery. This series emerged directly from the insights gathered during the research, building on two earlier works, The Journey: Africans in Verona and The Color of Our Children.
The situation of the African diaspora is not less acute for those in Italy, where the concept of identity is complex and layered. Mohamed BA, reflecting on his own experiences, speaks about the continuous tension between his African roots and his Italian life.
While he has “Italianized” to some extent over the past 16 years, he is acutely aware that his African identity remains at the core of who he is. His commitment to sharing and preserving this heritage speaks to a broader desire within the African diaspora to reconnect with lost or forgotten histories.
The Lingering Legacy of Colonialism
The discussion inevitably turns to the history of colonialism, a legacy that continues to affect African identity today. As Mohamed BA recounts harrowing tales from Africa’s colonial past, he highlights the brutal exploitation of Africans under European colonial rule.
“In Africa, we were seen as tools, as expendable labor,” he says. “In Belgium, the king saw the whole of Congo as his private property, exploiting it for rubber, with unimaginable cruelty.”
The stories of forced labor, mutilation, and the devastation caused by colonial forces in Africa are not merely historical facts—they are living legacies that continue to shape the African experience today.
This narrative of exploitation was not confined to one country or one event. The forced recruitment of African soldiers by colonial powers during World War I, as Mohamed BA points out, is another example of this systemic abuse.
Senegalese soldiers, among others, were coerced into joining a war they had no stake in, and many died on the battlefields, with no acknowledgment or recognition of their sacrifice. This lack of recognition persists today, as the contributions of African soldiers in both world wars remain largely ignored by the countries they fought for.
This historical context is essential when considering the broader African diaspora’s relationship with the Western world. The legacy of colonization and the systemic racism that often accompanies it have left deep scars.
These historical narratives, though painful, are critical in understanding the identity struggles that Africans in the diaspora face. For many, a reconnection with their roots and an understanding of the history that shaped them are essential steps in reclaiming their identity.
The Wisdom of Ancestry: Reclaiming Cultural Practices
One of the most profound aspects of the podcast conversation is Mohamed BA’s emphasis on reconnecting with African cultural practices.
For him, the process of identity reclamation begins with acknowledging and understanding the wisdom passed down from ancestors. “I learned a lot from my grandfather,” he reflects, noting that his teachings centered around community, collective identity, and the importance of preserving one’s history.
This communal mindset—rooted in African traditions—stands in stark contrast to the individualism that has become so prevalent in modern Western societies.
In the podcast, Mohamed talks about the three-dimensional nature of African identity, which transcends the self and extends into the collective experience. This is an important concept, one that African communities in the diaspora are increasingly rediscovering as they seek to rebuild their cultural connections.
The African worldview, which prioritizes community over individualism, has always been a source of strength for those on the continent, and it can be just as vital for those living outside of Africa today.
Mohamed BA also touches on the importance of traditional knowledge, particularly the way African communities understand the world around them. For example, he references the Dogon people of Mali, who are known for their advanced knowledge of astronomy, long before Western scholars took an interest.
The Dogon’s understanding of the stars, despite being dismissed by colonial authorities as “primitive” or “ignorant,” remains one of the most striking examples of African intellectual achievement.
The fact that the Dogon were able to map the Sirius star system without modern instruments is a testament to the depth of African knowledge systems—knowledge that has often been ignored or erased by Western narratives. What about spirituality?
Spirituality and the Invisible Forces: A Deeper Understanding of African Cosmology
The podcast also delves into the spiritual aspects of African identity. Mohamed BA discusses the profound connection that Africans have with the divine and the spiritual world. “God is everywhere in African conscience,” he explains, emphasizing the holistic nature of African spirituality, which transcends religious boundaries and permeates every aspect of life.
In African cosmology, the soul’s journey continues after death, and this belief in the multiverse plays a key role in shaping how Africans understand their place in the world.
A particularly evocative part of the conversation is Mohamed’s discussion of masquerades—traditional African rituals where participants wear elaborate costumes and masks.
These rituals are not simply about outward appearances, but about communicating deeper truths. “What is invisible is deeper and more important than what we see,” he says.
The masquerade, a central part of many African cultures, serves as a metaphor for the unseen forces that shape the world. It is an embodiment of the African belief that the spiritual realm is just as real, if not more so, than the physical one.
For Africans in the diaspora, these spiritual practices offer a grounding point, a way to reconnect with their roots and rediscover the invisible forces that continue to shape their identities.
Through music, art, and ritual, many in the diaspora are turning to these ancient practices to help navigate the challenges of modern life, whether they are personal struggles or the broader challenges facing African communities globally.
Bridging Two Worlds: A Senegalese Perspective in Italy
Mohamed BA’s experiences in Italy provide a unique lens through which to examine the African diaspora. His journey has been one of adaptation and growth, but also of maintaining a firm connection to his African roots. “I have become Italianized,” he says, “but I am also a Senegalese man who carries my culture and traditions with me.”
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Mohamed’s commitment to intercultural dialogue, particularly through theater and music, is an example of how individuals in the African diaspora can bridge the gap between cultures without losing their sense of self.
This desire to build bridges is vital in today’s increasingly globalized world. The African diaspora has long been seen as a bridge between the West and Africa, connecting cultures and fostering greater understanding.
According to a report by the African Development Bank, the African diaspora is one of the continent’s most valuable resources, with remittances from African migrants accounting for billions of dollars annually.
These financial contributions are vital to many African economies, but the cultural contributions are just as important, helping to reshape how the world views Africa and its people.
In his work as a teacher, actor, and cultural advocate, Mohamed BA continues to promote the values of African identity and intercultural exchange.
His efforts are part of a broader movement within the African diaspora to celebrate and preserve African culture, while also building new connections with the wider world.
A Call for Reconnection: The Need for Ethical and Moral Reflection
At the heart of Mohamed BA’s message is a call for ethical and moral reflection. In a world where materialism and individualism have become dominant, he urges a return to values that prioritize humanity over wealth. “We chose models of development that gave too much importance to money and too little to the human essence,” he states.
This shift in priorities, he argues, has led to a moral crisis that affects not just Africans but the entire world. For Mohamed, the key to solving this crisis lies in reconnecting with the values that once allowed African societies to thrive.
This call for a return to ethical and moral principles is one that resonates beyond Africa. It is a call for the global community to rethink its priorities, and to value community, culture, and spirituality over material wealth.
For Africans in the diaspora, this reconnection with the past is not only an opportunity to heal from the wounds of history but also a way to build a more just, equitable future.
As the conversation between Mohamed BA and Obehi Ewanfoh reminds us, the process of rediscovering African identity is not simply an intellectual exercise—it is a spiritual journey.
A journey that requires confronting painful truths, embracing cultural heritage, and ultimately finding a way to bring African wisdom into the modern world. Through this process, the African diaspora can find a new sense of purpose, one that honors the past while building a brighter future.
Want to learn more about storytelling? Start by downloading the first chapter of The Storytelling Mastery.
