Introduction

'KUMBA AFRICA', is a compilation of African Short Stories written as fiction by Sampson Ejike Odum, nostalgically taking our memory back several thousands of years ago in Africa, reminding us about our past heritage.

It digs deep into the traditional lifestyle of the Africans of old, their beliefs, their leadership, their courage, their culture, their wars, their defeat and their victories long before the emergence of the white man on the soil of Africa.

The Cultural Heritage

As a talented writer of rich resource and superior creativity, armed with in-depth knowledge of different cultures and traditions in Africa, the author throws light on the rich cultural heritage of the people of Africa when civilization was yet unknown to the people.

The book reminds the readers that the Africans of old kept their pride and still enjoyed their own lives. They celebrated victories when wars were won, enjoyed their New yam festivals, and villages engaged themselves in seasonal wrestling contests, etc.

Traditional Life and Modern Changes

Early morning during harmattan season, they gathered firewood and made fire inside their small huts to heat up their bodies from the chilling cold of the harmattan. That was the Africa of old we will always remember.

In Africa today, the story has changed. The people now enjoy civilized cultures made possible by the influence of the white man through his scientific and technological processes.

Yet there are some uncivilized places in Africa whose people haven't tested or felt the impact of civilization. These people still maintain their ancient traditions and culture.

In everything, we believe that the days when people paraded barefooted in Africa to the swamp to tap palm wine and fetch firewood from their farms are almost fading away. The huts are now gradually being replaced with houses built of blocks and beautiful roofs.

Thanks to modern civilization. Donkeys and camels are no longer used for carrying heavy loads for merchants. They are now replaced by heavy trucks and lorries.

African traditional methods of healing are now being substituted by hospitals. In all these, I will always love and remember Africa, the home of my birth, and must respect her cultures and traditions as an AFRICAN AUTHOR.