Famous Sayings and Proverbs From Africa About Parenting and Children

African children

Famous Sayings and Proverbs From Africa About Parenting and Children

Parenting can be tough. Indeed, just as the famous Yoruba saying from Africa puts it, “it takes a whole village to raise a child.” This is actually one of the most famous wise African proverbs, having been popularized by Hillary Clinton in the 1990s. . Elders to date punctuate their conversations with smart proverbs drawn from different African communities. This way, anything can be said, but only the wise will detect the real meaning-fools may think they are being praised yet they have been pampered in ridicule.

Parents have a role to play in the upbringing of their children. In most communities in Africa, it is never a sole responsibility of the biological parents to raise a child. Children in Africa belong to the community. They celebrate when their “son or daughter” makes it in life. Listed below are some great African proverbs and sayings from African about children, parenthood and parenting in general. They are informative, educative and funny but wise.

We desire to bequest two things to our children -- the roots and wings. ~Sudanese Proverb

Children will dislike all those who give all things to them. ~African Proverb

A child's lie is like a dead fish in a pond that in the end, always comes to the surface. ~Luo Proverb

Nursing a pregnancy is not as tough as bringing up a child. ~Swahili Proverb

When a four-year child is still crawling instead of walking it is time to cry out. ~African Proverb

A single hand cannot nurse a child. ~Swahili Proverb

Haste and hurry can only bear children with many regrets along the way. ~Senegalese Proverb

The art of negotiating is acquired from childhood. ~Congolese Proverb

A child doesn't breastfeed from a stepmother if its mother is still alive. ~African Proverb

Do not make the dress before the child is born. ~Tanzanian Proverb

The motherless child will suckle the grandmother. ~Bambara Proverb

You only understand the joys of parenthood when you have your first child, you only understand the mystery of death when in mourning. ~Bahaya Proverb

When a child is asleep, a mother's attention is on the child's stomach. ~African Proverb

A child who has no mother will not have scars to show on his back. ~Nigerian Proverb

By crawling, a child learns to stand. ~West African Proverb

What the child says, he has heard at home. ~Nigerian Proverb

If a child is not well-behaved, she is not sent by the mother to go alone to the market to buy things for her. ~Nigerian Proverb

It is the duty of children to wait on elders, and not the elders on children. ~Kenyan Proverb

A child is what you put into him. ~Nigerian Proverb

When you take a knife away from a child, give him a piece of wood instead. ~Kenyan Proverb

It is the habit that a child forms at home, that follows them to their marriage. ~Nigerian Proverb

Train a child the way he should go and make sure you also go the same way. ~African Proverb

A child who is fearless is going to bring tears to his mother's eyes. ~African Proverb

A child one does not instruct on return, one instructs him when going. ~Bantu Proverb

When a child knows how to wash his hands well, he eats with the elders. ~Tshi Proverb

An immoral father-in-law cannot advise his children well. ~African Proverb

As you do for your ancestors, your children will do for you. ~African Proverb

You cannot beat a child to take away its tears. ~African Proverb

If your child is dancing clumsily, tell him: 'you are dancing clumsily'; do not tell him: 'darling, do as you please.' ~Twi Proverb

A child who is to be successful is not to be reared exclusively on a bed of down. ~Akan Proverb

When a woman has ten children, there is nothing that happens in the night that she does not know about. ~Nigerian Proverb

A child who is carried on the back will not know how far the journey is. ~Nigerian Proverb

Respect a little child, and let it respect you. ~Bantu Proverb

When a man curses his own child it is a terrible thing. ~African Proverb

A child does not fear treading on dangerous ground until he or she gets hurt. ~Bukusu Proverb

What you help a child to love can be more important than what you help him to learn. ~African Proverb

A child brought up where there is always dancing cannot fail to dance. ~Nyanja Proverb

Inspirational African Proverbs and Sayings About African God(s), Religion and Worship

An African village

Africans are staunch believers, and long before Christian missionaries and Muslims came knocking with their religions, Africans were already worshiping  In fact, African gods do not expect anything short of total submission. Sins were punishable but you are of course be forgiven if you offer some sacrifice to appease the gods. Well, in their efforts to guard cultural customs, boost societal morality and above all, ensure maximum respect and submissions to the gods of Africans, different communities used proverbs, sayings, riddles and even folk tales. For the wise, a word is enough.

Religion in Africa is as diverse as the tribes and communities. Even though most Africans converted to either Islam or Christianity, many have never fully relinquished their traditional practices. Some still worship facing the directions they believed their gods resides, others still believe in special trees, and even mountains.

It is actually not only in Africa where people believe in various things that may not be so “godly” in the eyes of others. There are many people from other continents who still worship curved sculptures, or sacred animals, and it really hurts whenever they see their “gods” slaughtered, cooked and served in the next meal. So, stop frowning at the African way of worship. Below are some sayings and proverbs about African gods, their religion and beliefs about the most powerful gods.

“If you are stranger in a foreign land, share in the good that come your way, but if bad comes, let it follow the natives who understand how to appease their gods”

“If you miss the drum-beats of the gods, you definitely lose on life’s pace and rhythm”

“Whatever the gods reserve for the poor cannot be destroyed by any man”

“One begins to seek the gods by holding the sacrificial lamb”

 “Don’t wait for the king’s downfall, the gods will not allow it”

“If you are to dine with the gods, you have to do it with a very long spoon”

“A good devil is as bad as a bad god”

“Don’t discard your nets if you fail to catch anything, you can never tell what the gods are planning.”

“It is an offense against the gods to sin against a brother or sister”

“The ignorant is long forgiven by God”

(West African proverb)

“God doesn’t give anything to those with crossed arms”

“No man can uproot a tree planted by God”

(Yoruba proverb)

“When God is cooking, don’t expect to see smoke”

(Zambian proverb)

“Cross the river first, and then praise God”

(Swahili saying)

(The beating of God’s stick is soundless)

(Swahili methali)

There are many other inspiration African proverbs and sayings about God(s), worship and religion, will try to add some more to this list with time.

Famous Ugandan Proverbs and wise sayings and their Significance

Uganda is an interesting country and its rich cultural values and practices are mesmerizing. The customs of the Baganda and other Ugandan tribes are well preserved, even in the current day and time. They still value the use proverbs, wise sayings, quotes, riddles and some interesting (and even funny) folk tales. I have listed top twenty proverbs and sayings from Uganda, randomly collected from numerous sources. Enjoy and share in the wisdom from Uganda!

*** (the content in brackets is not part of the proverbs or sayings but some brief explanations for guidance)

Top 20 Proverbs From Uganda

1.      Sheep does not grieve over the death of a goat’s child (doesn’t )

2.      A barren woman attracts many visitors

3.     An ugly girl doesn’t age at her parent’s home (someone of course will see some beauty in the ugliness)

4.   The elephant doesn’t find the tusk too heavy to carry (everyone must withstand his/her own burden)

5.     Boisterous lion kills no game (watch out the wordy chaps)

6.     A dog holding onto a bone in his mouth can never bite you (or can it?)

7.     Those who tell no lies never grow

8.     Empty hands are only pleasant to their owners (but no one else can lick them )

9.   Being cautious is not a sign of cowardice; the ants are always as they match (go ahead, be prepared)

10.  If you are beaten by the snake, you can even fear the lizard (or anything that resembles a snake)

11.  Death leaves a permanent scar, it never heals (if you have ever attended an African funeral ceremony, you sure understand what this means)

12.  The eagle can fly to the sky, but will still come down to the treetops to rest (conquers the sky and explore other planets, but you will find your way home, to your roots)

13.  He who loves you, will still love you with your dirt (love is selfless and unconditional)

14.  He who throws the only spear he has at you doesn’t fear you (watch out for the fist)

15.  If you choose to eat a dog, slaughter a fat one (where is the logic in eating a skinny dog anyway, come on, it is an abomination in the first place…fatty fatty)

16.  Better he who is married to an old lady than one with no wife (getting wife is not an option, it is an obligation)

17.  An old man sits and enjoys the trees he planted years back (invest in your youth, reap in old age)

18.  As the brave cry, the cowards laugh (do cowards have any idea what war means)

19.  Never dare steal a strong man’s wife in his presence, do it when he is away (or be ready for a beating)

20.  A hunter pursuing an elephant doesn’t stop to throw stones at birds on trees J

There are thousands of other proverbs, quotes and inspirational sayings from Uganda, Africa as a whole and other continents. Some are funny; others are educative while others will sure leave you thinking; please share them with me or leave a comment. Or still, follow this blog for the wisdom of the African!

Some Great Inspirational African Proverbs and Sayings About Love and Marriage

According to the African point of view, love and marriage is paramount and a right of passage in life. In fact, in some communities, the elders still do everything possible to ensure that young men and women end up in their own homes. To compel them to get hooked, Africans employed various techniques including indirectly attacking them using proverbs, wise sayings, idioms and riddles.

A Nigerian Couple

The choice of a marriage partner in some communities is fully the responsibility of the elders, especially the parents. This is may not be cool to many, but there is a Swahili proverbs that says, “mchagua jembe, sio mkulima”-roughly translated “he who handpicks a hoe, is not a good farmer.” There are thousands of wise African love and marriage proverbs, but I have handpicked some few top ones for this post. Please note that some of them have been translated from different African languages and might not sound as original as they should actually be, but you sure will get the meaning.

1. Love and coffee test best when hot: Ethiopian proverb, isn't this true?
2. A happy man will marry a girl he loves, but he who is happier loves the girl he marries; origin country unclear, but African proverb that seeks to enhance love in marriage
3.  Love is best expressed with deeds, and not mere words; Swahili proverb (similar to many countries and cultures, including some religions). Show it, don’t just say it!
4.  If money/wealth was to be found on trees, many people wouldn't mind marrying monkeys…an African proverb about unconditional love, especially against love that is founded on wealth.
5. Ugly people must either learn to dance or make love: Zimbabwean proverb that means that, the not so good-looking individuals must find some reason to attract suitors-like dancing or perfecting in the art of love making. Can be applied in other contexts as well.
6. If you marry a monkey for money, and the money goes, you sure will remain with the monkey: This is an Egyptian proverb that encourages people to weigh their options before making decisions. Some short term factors like wealth can go, but the personality and physique of your wife or husband will sure remain.
7. Falling in love is easy, staying in love is the hustle-An African proverb that encourages people to maintain and sustain their love life.
8. Don’t yearn for a woman with beautiful breasts if you have no wealth: This South African love proverb is a fact many people would rather not say, if you want quality, ensure that you can maintain the standards or someone else, who can, will. How can you take care of a beautiful wife if you are broke anyway?  
9.  If you love the vase, you must love whatever is inside: It is an African proverb about loving wholesomely. You cannot love a woman’s physical beauty and dislike her characters for example, you may not like some things, but you will have to endure them.



An african family

10. Never marry a woman with bigger feet than your own: Mozambique marriage proverb, get a wife you are compatible with.

There are numerous other great love proverbs as used in the African culture, will be sharing them with time. Love knows no culture, country or background. It is universal and one of the most discussed topics in the world today.  It has been expressed in songs, dances, movies and all means you can ever think of so long as the delivery of the love message is perfect.  I hope you enjoyed the reading, please share your thoughts, comments and suggestions.

Obama Re-election, Racism and Misconceptions About Africa and Against Africans

Face of Africa

There is a lot of falsehood and misconceptions about Africa. Many people wonder how a continent with proven scientific evidence as being the cradle of mankind is still considered one of the most “uncivilized” places in the world, the black continent. In the news, all people learn about Africa are ravaging floods, malnutrition children wailing, tribal in-fighting over resources, not forgetting HIV! To some, Africa is hell on earth.

The definition of civilization has for years been skewed. It is actually about adapting to a new culture and forgetting your own. Those who desist from changing their dressing styles, fail to perform well in school or even believe looking after their cattle is more profitable than years of schooling or find other religions like Islam and Christianity unacceptable perfectly fall under the “uncivilized” category of Africans.

The Misconceptions About Africa

Great African leaders

There are numerous misconceptions individuals from other continents, especially those who have never set foot in Africa, have been made to believe. Since they have never set foot in the “dark continent” they believe. Unfortunately, most of these misconceptions against Africa and racists beliefs don’t stop here. Those who manage to relocate abroad either for education usually find it tough to adapt to their new homes as they are treated with suspicion. In fact, an idle police officer wouldn’t have a problem pointing a gun at a black man in sight in case of violence or robbery in some states in the United States and European countries.

Bitter and Inhuman History

This is Home, Barrack Obama in Kogello

Africans have been dragged to the marketplace like sheep (or some other product) during the slave trade and “exported” to work in American farms. Ever since, a black man is a minor, a nonentity with no capabilities. How long did it take for some influential and racist “white” Americans to challenge president Barrack Obama’s citizenry? In fact, some misguided author was quick to cash in on this, crafting a book arguing that Obama, who only set foot in his father’s country Kenya in adulthood, was indeed born in Africa, is Kenyan, not American and therefore not fit to lead the world’s most influential country. Of course you heard of that birth certificate? How far some people can go to prove falsehood and thick headedness can be amazing sometime!

Being a Nigga is Cool

The son ofAfrica, Barrack with his extended family

The black man is a nigga, a “brand” that all black people identify with, but one that some misguided racists hoped to use offensively. There is a wise African proverb that says, “May your way be tough.” There is more to a person’s capabilities than color and the tougher challenges you face to success, the likelihood that you sure will respect and use your success well. President Obama, that nigga with long ears like the rabbits in Maasai Mara in Kenya, do your thing, the world celebrates you!

Black Man Holds No Grudge

Barrack Obama is more celebrated across Africa but has never stayed in the continent other than a couple of visits. But since his father was from the currently most famous village in the world, “Kogello” in western Kenya, he is considered the child of Africa. Africans holds no grudges-just imagine the colonial era and get the point.

Of course some rich racists were quick cry eyes dry after he secured his second term in office against the multi-millionaire Romney who believe most Americans love freebies! In fact, there was one irate chap who ended his own life because of anger over an Obama win. Come on dude, ever heard of the wise African saying that advises men against attacking all beehives simply because some idle bee pecks you on the face? In fact, there is a Swahili saying that goes, “msiba wa kujitakia, hauna kilio", translated, “a misfortune you bring upon yourself is not worth any sympathy” rest in pieces dear friend!

Say no to Racism

Anyway, we have come from far, Africans, Asians, Brits, Portuguese, Indians, Chinese…we are all defined and united by the color of our blood. Come on, don’t tell me you think Africans have black blood. Don’t believe those lies about Africa, and Africans, come and discover for yourself. Africans are nice people who love peace, and their way of life!

A Collection of Some Hilariously Funny But Educative Wise African Proverbs and Sayings

African elders were smart, (by smart, I mean exactly that, very smart). They sure knew of the very best ways to warn, educate and even scold stubborn children without making the youngsters feel directly attached using wise sayings and proverbs. In fact, the victims would at the moment feel some sense of self worth, thinking they have been praised but the reality would then down on them after sometime.

It is for this reason that there are numerous hilarious African proverbs and sayings that serve the purpose, send a message home but in a really funny and even laughable way. Explained below are some of the common funny but educative wise and inspirational sayings from the cradle of mankind, Africa.

Don’t mistake a Short Man for a Boy: Yes, just because a man is shorter vertically doesn't make him a boy. A man is only a boy once, and once he leaves the boyhood, he becomes a man and it is irreversible. How often do you judge people based on their appearance, color, race, or even their levels of education? This Nigerian proverb warns the judgmental individuals against looking down upon others in the society.

Just because you have been stung by a bee doesn't mean you destroy all beehives: This is a Kenyan proverb that seeks to manage anger and collective approach to problems. Just because an individual, a member of another country or race wrongs you doesn't mean that all of them are equally bad. Don’t forget about the honey you can harvest from other beehives later.

A boy perched on a tree sees what an old man sees seated on a stool: This is a West African proverb that sought to promote and encourage respect to the elderly. Older members of African communities are considered wiser than the young ones.

The Sun that Melts Wax Dries Clay: This is a wise African saying from Niger that seeks to bring out the two sides of a coin in everything. Isn't it true that there is always something positive in all the negative things that happen around us? Be objective and see beyond the current challenges in life.

He Who Runs Alone Celebrates: This Kenyan proverb simply means those who compete against themselves definitely have no idea how good they can be unless they do it with others. The only way to win a race is to head to the track and battle it out with other athletes. If you choose to do things your way, you sure will make mistakes and your competitiveness can only be proved if you compete against others.

Other funny proverbs and Sayings from Africa

• ·         Anger, no matter how hot it is, can never cook yam-Nigerian proverb on anger management
• ·         You have to be careful to kill a fly that is perched on your scrotum-from Ghana, anyone knows what this could mean?
• ·         If the throat can swallow a knife, the anus must find a way of expelling it….:)
• ·         A goat’s frown cannot stop it from being taken to the market-Nigerian proverb-what has to be done, has to be done.

And finally, there is this one from Guinea, “It is ok for a kid to play with the mother’s breasts, but not the father’s testicles.” Are there any hilarious but wise sayings and proverbs from Africa or any part of the world you know about? Please share…hope you enjoyed the reading!

Uses of African Proverbs and Wise Sayings

This grandma stands for wisdom

Our ancestors must have been the smartest human beings to ever live; best evidenced with the many famous African proverbs that were used in different circumstances to achieve specific objectives. The most amazing thing is the simplicity in which the sayings from Africa were used to keep the societal moral standards in check at all times, especially to the young who were anxious to discover the world-their way (which was not always the best.)

Many kids desire for grandparents to share the past with, I was lucky as my grandmothers did a tremendous job of sharing some of the very educative, informative and entertaining proverbs and sayings from the African community. If you thought that these sayings are still a reserve of the grey haired in the society, then you sure haven't traversed major corners of this great continent, Africa! Anyway, proverbs were used, and are still important in the society for the following reasons.

Educate: Individuals from other parts of the world feel mesmerized at the levels of “illiteracy and ignorance” in Africa. You call an elder in Africa ignorant and he or she will shoot a proverb like the West African “What a young man sees standing, an old man sees seated!” Education is progressive, and so is wisdom in the African society. If  a chap from the west was to be taught how to till land using bulls or go hunting with just a spear, or even plant some crops the African way, that sure will take some time, reversed ignorance and illiteracy.

Morality: This is one of the most common uses of proverbs and wise sayings in the African society. Closely related to education, Africans valued high moral standards and everyone was required to adhere to the rules and set societal principles. Some of the proverbs that promote morality include the Swahili proverb “heshima sio utumwa”, translated “respect is not slavery.” It is for this reason that girls and women in some communities in Africa still walk bare-chested but don’t consider that nudity and you will never hear or rape cases.  The same apply to men and boys who walk with 90% of their “goodies” exposed but hey, they don’t complain!

To Promote Hard work and Perseverance: Laziness has never been entertained in any part of the world, and Africans were never left behind in lashing at the lazy bones in their midst. There is a Swahili saying that goes “mchumia juani, hulia kivulini”, translated “he who toils under in the sun, feasts under a shade.” Hard work pays and this is a category that has some of the greatest sayings from Africa.

Unity and Cohesion: Africans are peace lovers, forget about those nasty television news items you watch showing black men butchering each other over gracing land or because of tribal differences. Actually, the continent is only comparable to the tower of Babel, only that they speak the same language when it comes to peace. You will definitely encounter African proverbs and inspirational quotes like “a single finger can never kill a vermin” (those tiny annoying creatures that cannot be strangled by a one finger) or “unity is strength, division is weakness.”

This is part one of a ten part series of uses of great wise African sayings and their applications in the society. Share a comment and let us appreciate our wisdom, our society, our pride with inspirational sayings from Africa