M.anifest calls for greater appreciation of African names over foreign religious names

Ghanaian rapper M.anifest has called on Africans to embrace indigenous names for their children rather than predominantly choosing foreign names because of religious affiliations.

The musician, born Kwame Ametepee Tsikata, said Africa has many meaningful and beautiful names that deserve greater recognition and use.

In a social media post on Tuesday, October 13, he expressed hope that a time would come when Africans would no longer feel compelled to give their children foreign names associated with their religious beliefs.

“I hope the day comes when Africans no longer feel compelled to give our children foreign names because of religious affiliation,” he wrote.

“There are too many meaningful, beautiful-sounding African names for these commonplace foreign religious names to remain so dominant,” he added.

His comments add to the long-running conversation about African identity, cultural heritage and the influence of religion on naming practices across the continent.

In Ghana, names often reflect ethnic identity, family history, circumstances surrounding a child's birth and religious beliefs.

Many people also combine indigenous names with Christian or Islamic names, reflecting the country's diverse cultural and religious traditions.