Adaka-Teaa Eschatology: Daddy Lumba and Alexander the Great in a Theological Conversation

Abstract

One of the central themes in Christian theology is eschatology (the study of last things). Eschatological beliefs are important in shaping human earthly life. Though a very important subject, the concept of eschatology often proves difficult in theological discourses, especially in Africa where over-reliance on the Western approach to the subject makes it inaccessible and incomprehensible to the average Christian. A proper conceptualisation and understanding of Christian eschatology within the African setting can be achieved through theological reflections on the African culture. The relevance of African traditional songs in this regard cannot be overestimated. This paper, therefore, examined Charles Kwadwo Fosu’s (Daddy Lumba’s) Adaka–Teaa (“narrow box/coffin”) from an African Christian eschatological perspective to contribute to the scholarly efforts toward making Christianity more meaningful and relevant to Africans. A literature-based research approach, comprising two steps, was used for this research. The first step was a textual analysis of the lyrics of the song from the African socio-cultural perspective in light of Alexander the Great’s background and life. This was followed by the formulation of Adaka-Teaa eschatology and the deduction of implications for the Christian community. A theological conversation between Lumba and Alexander yielded a culturally sensitive and biblically grounded Christian eschatology for the African audience. The paper found the African worldview about death and the afterlife can serve as a solid foundation upon which Christian eschatological discourses may be built. The findings and conclusions from the paper contribute immensely to the contextualisation and decolonisation of Christianity for the African community. Keywords: Adaka-Teaa, Akan, Alexander the Great, Christianity, Lumba, Eschatology