Obamamania sweeping Africa

Barack Obama’s nomination as the Democratic Party’s candidate for the US presidency has sparked off a wave of Obamamania in Africa, the continent where his father was born and where many of his relatives live.

Africans for Obama 08 held an event in Lagos, Nigeria where the performers pounded on animal-skin drums, the singer sang praise for Mr Obama, and the audience of fist-bumping supporters of the US presidential candidate joined in the chorus: “We can do it! Yes we can!”

“Yes we can” became Mr Obama’s catchphrase during the bitter primary campaign with Hillary Clinton which he eventually won to earn the right to duel with John McCain for the White House.

Members of Nigeria’s business elite paid more than €1,400 to eat grilled snails, sip from flutes of Veuve Cliquot and Moet and Chandon and join in a lively series of the “fist bumps” popularised by Mr Obama and his wife, Michelle.

Interest in the US presidential race is blooming around the world’s poorest continent as Mr Obama emerges as the Democratic candidate, stunning many who never believed that a son of Africa had a real chance at leading the United States.

“In Africa, we just keep recycling the same old people, so change isn’t welcome. Let people who are unique, who are young, who have ideas – let them come up,” said Robinson Allen, a 40-year-old banker at a recent gala in support of Mr Obama.

The group says it plans to use the proceeds for advertisements in African media urging people to pray for Mr Obama.

The message, according to one organiser: “We can’t vote for you, but we can pray for you.”

Similar efforts are under way in Tanzania, South Africa and Kenya, organisers said.

Another Nigerian group, Blacks Unite for Obama 08, is running full-page ads in the country’s mass dailies asking customers to send text messages costing about 50c in support of Mr Obama, while registering to win a trip to the United States.

In Ghana, songs lauding Mr Obama run on the radio. An artist called Blakk Rasta sings in pidgin English of his pride at Mr Obama’s quest: “Originally stepping out of Kenya, Africa/ Adopted into the cold woodlands of America/Dem youthboy defied every order and turned a Senator.”

And in Uganda, about 5,000 students at Makarere University have joined the Obama Solidarity Group, essentially a fan club for the candidate.

Its leader, Patrick Rutalo, cited Mr Obama’s example in his own successful drive for student body president. “He inspires young leaders to go for highest offices,” said Mr Rutalo.

In fact, the Obama infatuation seems to have somewhat annoyed Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, who told Ugandans to turn their attention in more self-fulfilling directions.

“Obama, Obama, Obama. He is an American. Why are you looking at him and not yourself? Why don’t you build your strength here?” Mr Museveni said at a news conference.

The interest in Mr Obama may be highest in Kenya, where his father was born and lived before travelling to study in the United States.

There, vendors sell T-shirts, key chains, banners and hats to capitalise on the popularity of the candidate Kenyans consider practically a native son.

“I like him because of the things he stands for: He stands for hope, that anyone can live their dreams if they believe in themselves,” says Antony Otaye, a 28-year old graphic designer who makes Obama paraphernalia. “He is reviving the American Dream.”

At bars, patrons ask for a local beer, Senator Keg Lager, by the name Obama Beer. And a travel company is including on its itinerary a visit to the western Kenya village where Mr Obama’s extended family still lives.

To Edwin Odhiambo, a 33-year old civil engineer, Mr Obama represents resilience for Africans. He bought an Obama hat for about 6 US dollars and sported it recently at a popular restaurant in downtown Nairobi.

“It is a statement that regardless of one’s background, who your dad or mother is, or how you grew up, you can do something for yourself,” he said. “You cannot sit back and wallow in misery. You can always make good of something no matter what circumstances you are facing.”