Religion was about control – Okyeame Kwame discusses his move away from faith

Veteran Ghanaian rapper Okyeame Kwame has opened up about his journey away from religion, citing a preference for free thought and a deeper exploration of spirituality.

Speaking on DJ Slim’s Loud Lounge podcast, he shared the experiences and research that shaped his decision, pointing to the historical introduction of religion in Africa as a pivotal factor.

“Religion, as it was brought to us, was never about connecting us to God,” Kwame stated with conviction. “It was about control and exploitation. Once you see that truth, it becomes hard to look at it the same way.”

Okyeame Kwame delved into his study of Africa’s colonial past, drawing attention to a letter attributed to Leopold II of Belgium.

According to him, the letter urged missionaries in the Congo to use religion to subdue local populations, ensuring compliance while European powers plundered the region’s vast resources.

“When you read words like those, you realize that religion wasn’t introduced to liberate us; it was meant to enslave us mentally,” he explained, his frustration evident.

For Kwame, the manipulation and ulterior motives behind religion’s arrival in Africa were deeply unsettling.

These realizations not only fueled his anger but also compelled him to re-evaluate his own relationship with faith. He described his transition as a gradual process, moving away from conventional religious practices to embrace a broader understanding of spirituality.

“I’m now an omnist,” he revealed, explaining his belief in the validity of all religions while remaining free to question and learn from each.

“Every belief system has a foundation, and I’m on a journey to explore them all. If something resonates with my truth, I embrace it.”

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