In Yoruba, the word for technology is Amayederun. This term carries a depth of meaning that transcends mere innovation—it directly translates to “bringing ease, tranquility, and comfort to the world.” It’s a beautiful reminder of how the Yoruba language, and by extension African culture, views technology: not as a tool for domination, but as an instrument of harmony and progress.
This understanding reveals an important truth: technology is African. Its roots are deeply embedded in our history, our creativity, and our collective genius. For centuries, Africans have contributed to the advancement of the world, even as colonial narratives have tried to erase or minimize these contributions. Amayederun is a powerful assertion of this heritage. It reminds us not to buy into the myth that technology belongs to someone else, that it is, as some say, a “white man’s thing.”
To truly embrace technology’s potential, we must reclaim its place in our culture, starting with our language. The words we use shape how we see the world and how we create within it. Yet today, many of us struggle to fully express ourselves in our mother tongue. When we speak Yoruba, for instance, we often find ourselves interchanging Yoruba words with those from colonial languages, diluting the essence of what we wish to convey. This habit, though seemingly minor, chips away at the richness of Yoruba and distances us from the worldview it represents.
As we reflect on the intersection of technology and liberation, it’s clear that the digital tools we embrace today can serve as a bridge to reclaim what has been lost. Technology has the power to amplify Yoruba voices, preserve its stories, and make it a living, breathing part of the modern world. Through apps, online courses, and digital platforms, Yoruba can thrive in spaces where it was once excluded.
In this spirit, I invite you to be part of the movement to uplift Yoruba. Join us in learning the language, sharing its beauty, and weaving it into the fabric of our everyday lives. Our Yoruba classes, available on YouTube, are a great starting point for anyone eager to connect with this rich linguistic heritage. Each word you learn, each story you tell, strengthens the ties between us and our roots.
I am deeply grateful for the support and love I’ve received on this journey of rediscovery. To those who have encouraged me, taught me, or walked alongside me, I thank you. Together, we are proving that Yoruba—and all it represents—belongs not just to the past but to the future as well.
Our liberation is here, and it speaks Yoruba.
