The Art of Name Praising

The Practice and Place of Name Praising in African Culture

People sometimes say that Africans are superstitious.
What is notable is that Africans are profoundly devout and religious people. Many practices in various African cultures come from a strong belief and worship of deities.  Inevitably, spirituality impacts the naming of children and notable personalities in African society.

Africans are also reward oriented. They love to acknowledge and be acknowledged for excellence and positive distinction. These deep characteristics make the matter of “name praising” a huge deal in Africa.

It is not unusual as you walk around an African town to hear in the different dialects expressions such as, “John, strong-body” because John is muscular, or “Aisha, sweet and fresh” because Aisha is exceptionally pretty or curvy. This is just how Africans are.

Name praising is known as “izibongo” amongst the Zulus of South Africa. In West Africa, the Yorubas have the “Oriki,” and the Igbos refer to it as "itu aha" or "itu afa."

Significance of Names in African Culture

Names are deeply relevant to the average African. They believe that names determine an individual’s future, fortune, or character. To Africans, a name is more than just a tag identifying you in a crowd; a name is your life, definition, and essence.

Communities and parents look at certain circumstances surrounding a child’s birth, to name them including observing aspects of a father’s work, analyzing the family’s domestic life or and observing the individual’s financial standing and many other things before naming a person.

In some situations, parents would give a baby a name as a lucky charm to attract blessings and good fortune.

Why do Africans engage in Name Praising?

Africans praise a name for a different reason than they would give one. Africans praise a name based on perceived merit. This means Africans will praise who they deem deserving and do so for specific reasons surrounding the person’s lifestyle or achievements. 

And, oh, do Africans love achievements! Accomplishments are a deep desire of every true African – especially those accomplishments that impart opulence and in some cases that impact their communities.

Africans would praise a king, making songs about him and his name if he was a good king, wise, or very wealthy. They make poems, songs, and even fables about someone who has done something notable in the community. Name praising is done in recognition of the successes and good qualities and achievements of the individual who bears the name.

Names that Africans Praise

When Africans praise a name, they praise the person to whom that name belongs. To them, the name is the person, and rightly so.

Here are a few scenarios where Africans praise names.

The Names of Traditional Rulers

A traditional ruler, a king, chief, or queen, is a regular subject of name praising. A traditional ruler loved and admired by their people would have hundreds of songs made about them declaring their names.

Conversely, a less notable ruler would have almost no songs about them. If any songs are ever made, they would hardly be sung.  Long after kings and chiefs are dead, their names would still be praised in songs and poems because of their meritorious deeds performed during their lifetime.

The Name of a Warrior

Warriors were and are still very important and integral to African tribes. In the old days, warriors who were successful in battle had songs about their names. As a result, they were well loved and respected in villages. They were even sent to battle or motivated to fight by villagers who would praise their names with songs and shouts.

The Names of Hunters and Farmers

Food is a significant part of African culture. Many ethnicities across Africa have high praise for farmers and hunters who are exceptional in their craft.

Name praises for hunters in different dialects proclaim things like “feeder of the clan,” “hunter for the gods,” or “strong arms that cannot be broken.”

Africans had and still have great respect for influential farmers and hunters. Accordingly, names of praise and positions of honor are regularly accorded to them.

The Name of a Mother of Notable Children

Fertility is a highly celebrated thing across the continent of Africa. But even more appreciated than fertility is children’s upbringing and consequent status.

Mothers in Africa are often praised for their children’s welfare and accomplishments. Likewise, community members often call a mother by their children’s laudable occupation or status.

“The doctor’s mother,” “mother of the newest bride,” “mother of the millionaire” – these and more are epithets you would usually hear in an African setting.

The Name of a Deity

Spirituality is intrinsic to African culture. The worship of deities and ancestors defines almost everything about various clans. Native priests and spirit healers engage in odes and chants, which include mentioning unique names to praise their gods.

Africans believe one can invoke the spirits of their ancestors or the power of their gods by a particular name, praising and chanting.

Day MyLane African Name Praising Collection

We represent African cultural values in our contemporary fashion brand. We bring you our own unique take on this concept of “name-praising” in different African languages.

“Nwoke na Ife” Collection

“Nwoke na Ife” is a phrase from the Igbo tribe of Nigeria. It refers to the undying drive of a man to be successful through perseverance and diligence. This collection of dazzling t-shirts comes in a variety of colors and sizes.

“Na Pesin Pikin I Be” Collection

“Na Pesin Pikin I Be” is a West African Pidgin English statement of identity and pedigree. It speaks to the pride in one’s heritage and endearment to one’s parents. This collection boasts very nice unisex hooded sweatshirts.

“Ore Mi” Collection

”Ore Mi” is a Yoruba phrase that directly translates to “my friend.” This well-articulated collection presents t-shirts, scarves, jackets, yoga leggings, and Capri leggings. It also features classic bras, sports bras, phone cases, and more.

“Nne Idi Ok” Collection

“Nne Idi Ok” can be interpreted asLady you are beautiful, Lady you rock.” This delightful collection is exclusively for ladies. It offers sweatshirts, hooded sweatshirts, and zippered pouches. Jackets, leggings, one-piece swimsuits, and so much more are also available.