Interrogating the Relevance of Extra-Mundane Communication in 21st Century Africa

Extramundane communication occurs between the living and the dead. It involves the exchange of information between the living, supernatural beings, or the Supreme Being. It takes the form of prayers, incantations, libation, invocation, among others. There have been arguments in favour and against the relevance of extra mundane communication in the 21st century communication practice in Africa. While some opine that extra mundane communication is not relevant in the 21st century communication practice, arguing that the world was driven by scientific knowledge, others believe that it is part of a people’s way of life and therefore cannot go extinct. In a discourse analysis, the paper interrogates the relevance of extra mundane communication in 21st century Africa. Anchored on the Cultural Identity Theory of Mass Communication, the paper contends that extra-mundane communication is part of the culture of the Africans and remains relevant in the 21st century and beyond. The paper stressed the need for deliberate steps to be taken towards ensuring the preservation of the culture and tradition of the people. It also recommends the inclusion of extra-mundane communication in the curriculum of Mass Communication across the African continent.