Oral Tradition In African Literature: The Importance Of Oral Literature

In discussions of oral literature, critics have debated its importance and significance. Many have discussed it specifically in the context of African literature. In his article, “Orality and the Written Word in the Age of Globalization: The Case of Ngugi wa Thiong’o’s Kikuyu Novel” Njogu Waita demonstrates that Ngugi adopting the oral narrative technique came to realize “that he could break with traditional linear timelines and still be able to connect the present with the past and the future” (Waita 85). Waita shows how all three parts of Matigari are following the style of an oral narrative. He explains that Matigari is a mythical character and shows the allegorical references in the novel. Waita here focuses on showing how the oral narrative is another technique of writing which breaks traditional methods.
On the other hand, in their article, “The Importance of Oral Tradition in Ngugi Wa Thiongo’s Writings: A Critical Analysis of The River Between and Petals of Blood” Confidence Sanka, Henrietta Eyison and

This is proven in the last song in Matigari "Victory shall be ours" (wa Thiango 175). The song creates a since of unity and solidarity for the people. It also explores a cultural aspect which is the idea of hope for the people in their resistance in the face of the oppressing colonial and neocolonial institutions. wa Thiango explains that it was one of the methods for standing in the face of the threat of colonizers. He writes in Globalectics about a particular song that it was “a rallying call expressing their hope to give birth to more heroes” (wa Thiango