Indigenous African Communication and Media Systems in a Digitized Age

Through a meticulous exploration of oral traditions and community-based media practices, Unwana Samuel Akpan, Eddah Mutua, and the contributors of Indigenous African Communication and Media Systems in a Digitized Age explore the intricate interplay between traditional African communication methods and the modern digital terrain to unveil how these age-old systems are continuously evolving in response to globalization and digital advancements. From the rhythmic beats of the talking drum to the vibrant tapestry of oral histories, this book traces how Indigenous African societies have historically disseminated knowledge and preserved cultural identities. It examines the transformative impact of digital technologies on these practices to explore the rise of social media, mobile connectivity, and online storytelling platforms within African contexts. Akpan and Mutua challenge conventional narratives of media development by highlighting the resilience and relevance of African cultural expressions in an increasingly interconnected world. This book is essential reading for Afrocentric scholars and those interested in media studies, cultural anthropology, and the dynamic intersections of tradition and technology.

Unwana Samuel Akpan is lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication at the University of Lagos.

Kehbuma Langmia is Fulbright Scholar, professor, and chair in the Department of Strategic, Legal and Management Communication at Howard University.

Richard Muranda is Senior Lecturer in the Department of Music Business, Musicology, and Technology at Midlands State University, Zimbabwe.

Eddah Mbula Mutua is professor of Intercultural Communication at St. Cloud State University.

Chuka Onwumechili is professor of Communications serving as Interim Dean for the School of Communications at Howard University in Washington, DC. He is an accomplished scholar with several books and peer-reviewed journal articles. His work has involved development communication particularly in the area of telecommunications. Among his several published works are issues dealing with universal access and building critical mass. He once served as Vice President for the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) in Nigeria where his charge included developing labor for the growing telecommunications industry in the country.