Faith
African Festival Unites Cultures Through Faith
Faith Facts
- The Africa Sings Festival in Benin brought together 20 diverse ethnic groups, promoting peace and unity through Christian values and local art.
- Ethnodoxology, central to the festival, supports integrating indigenous music and dance into Christian worship, making the Gospel resonate more deeply with local communities.
- Through intercultural dialogue and faith-inspired arts, the festival inspired reconciliation and spiritual renewal among Christians and non-Christians alike.
In the village of Bethlehem, Northwestern Benin, the 10th Africa Sings Festival fostered harmony by blending cultural traditions with the message of Christ. Bringing together various ethnicities, the event highlights how faith can offer peaceful solutions to deep-seated social tensions.
“The general objective of the festival is to promote social cohesion, peace, and non-violence in the coexistence of communities through intercultural exchanges and the celebration of ethnoarts,” said Dr. Daniel Dama, founder of Africa Sings.
Rooted in biblical values, ethnodoxology empowers believers to proclaim Christ through their heart language and traditional expressions, demonstrating that the Gospel transcends all boundaries. Dr. Dama emphasized the importance of incorporating songs, dances, and instruments native to each community, encouraging authentic worship.
For example, Dama explained, African Christians are no longer hesitant to use traditional instruments and dances in church, allowing more souls to encounter and accept Christ in a way that honors their heritage.
This ministry approach moves beyond Western models, aiming for worship that honors local identity, draws people closer to God, and builds unity in Christ.
Each festival day encouraged unique audiences to explore faith, culture, and community. Intellectual and spiritual exchanges among church leaders, missionaries, and artists set the tone on day one, while day two’s vibrant exhibitions brought people of all backgrounds together in joyful celebration.
Day three’s worship and music competition revived Christian faith among attendees and introduced the Gospel to non-believers, opening church doors to all who sought hope and reconciliation.
Testimonies revealed the festival’s God-honoring impact. One local king, visiting a church for the first time, felt truly welcomed as traditional music led him to a place of spiritual curiosity. A Muslim attendee, initially hesitant, was moved by Christian hospitality and the universal language of song and dance.
Together, this Christ-centered festival reflected the power of faith, family, and freedom to build bridges, heal divisions, and strengthen communities in God’s light.