I'am Africa

The song "I Am Africa" from the musical "The Book of Mormon" is a satirical piece that humorously critiques the often misguided and superficial ways in which Westerners perceive and engage with Africa. The lyrics are filled with exaggerated and stereotypical imagery, such as the strength of the cheetah, the noble lion king, and the winds of the Serengeti, which serve to highlight the romanticized and simplistic views that many outsiders hold about the continent.

The song also references notable figures and events, such as Nelson Mandela and the lost boys of Sudan, to underscore the complex and often tragic history of Africa. However, these references are juxtaposed with absurd and trivial images, like a monkey with a banana and a tribal woman who doesn't wear a bra, further emphasizing the disconnect between the reality of Africa and the way it is often portrayed by those who have little genuine understanding of it.

The repeated assertion of "I am Africa" and "We are Africa" by the characters, who are not African themselves, serves as a critique of the tendency of some Westerners to appropriate African identity and culture in a superficial manner. The song's playful and exaggerated tone ultimately invites the audience to reflect on the importance of genuine understanding and respect for the diverse and rich cultures of Africa, rather than reducing them to simplistic and exotic stereotypes.