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The African Gourmet: Folktales, Cuisine & Cultural History

Explore Africa’s Heritage

Explore tales that carry Africa’s wisdom, courage, and humor. From river spirits to trickster animals, every story holds a lesson.

From hearty stews to fragrant grains, experience traditional African recipes and the history behind every dish.

Ancient African proverbs and modern interpretations — explore the wisdom passed down through generations.

Dive into Africa’s kingdoms, independence stories, and modern milestones that shape the continent today.

Africa for Kids: Hand Clapping Games from Liberia and West Africa

Africa for Kids: Hand Clapping Games

Oral traditions are central to African history and culture. One beloved tradition is the hand-clapping games played by children across the continent. In Liberia and other parts of West Africa, these rhythmic games mix play, song, and movement, helping children build coordination, memory, and social skills.

African Hand Clapping Games
Liberian children playing hand clapping games

At the Africa Heartwood Project Refugee Orphan Home in Buduburam Refugee Camp, Ghana, Liberian refugee children perform three classic clapping games. They sing in traditional Liberian Pidgin English, locally called Coloqwa (KOH-loh-kwah).

Why Hand Clapping Games Matter

Clapping games are more than play — they teach rhythm, coordination, cooperation, and quick thinking. Children learn patterns, remember lyrics, and practice social interaction while having fun.

Three Popular Liberian Hand Clapping Games

Hand Clapping Game #1

Performed by: Rannecia and Promise

Hand Clapping Game #2 — “Oh Mama”

Performed by: Felicia, Victoria, Promise, Jackerline, Temoh, and Princess

This playful song touches on war, love, and daily life in Liberia:

Oh Mama, Mama!
Oh Papa, the war!
The war has make in the Burkina Faso.
I say East, the West.
I met my boyfriend in the ice cream shop.
He bought me ice cream on my wedding day.
Mama, Mama. I'm so sick.
Take me to the doctor, shall be quick quick quick.
Doctor, doctor. Will I die?
No my dear, you will live forever more.

Hand Clapping Game #3 — “Meter Competition”

Performed by: Princess and Temoh

This game measures distances with playful rhythm and counting:

I, I, I, I promise.
Please show me.
Television.
For example.
1 meter… 2 meter… 3 meter (continue until a player misses the pattern).

Children playing Liberian hand clapping game

How to Play Hand Clapping Games

  1. Choose a partner and a game: Pick a song like “Miss Mary Mack” or “Down Down Baby.”
  2. Learn the pattern and lyrics: Practice the claps and song until you both remember them.
  3. Start the game: Stand facing each other, clap to the beat, and sing together. Keep steady rhythm and have fun.

Try These Classics

  • My Mother Told Me: “My mother told me (clap clap) if I was goody (clap clap) …” with playful verses about family advice.
  • Fire on the Mountain: “Fire on the mountain run run run!” followed by each player saying what they’d do to escape.

Explore More African Culture

How Are You Feeling Today? Find an African Proverb or Story to Match Your Mood

How Are You Feeling Today?

Type or tap a mood. Your storyteller returns a proverb, mini-folktale, recipe, cooking activity, and a cultural note.

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African stories that explain the universe

African Gourmet FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The African Gourmet blog about?

The African Gourmet explores African food, history, and culture through recipes, folktales, and proverbs written for curious readers worldwide.

Who writes The African Gourmet?

The blog is written and curated by Ivy, a lifelong historian and storyteller who highlights Africa’s culinary and cultural richness.

How can I find African recipes on this site?

Use the “African Recipes” category or explore posts like African Recipes for regional dishes and ingredients.

Can I share or reprint your articles?

You may share articles with attribution and a link back to The African Gourmet. Reprinting in print or commercial use requires permission.

Where can I learn more about African proverbs and folklore?

Explore our African Proverbs and African Folktales sections for timeless wisdom and stories.

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African Culture and traditions