A table is spread with a beautiful piece of African cloth.
Then, the mkeka (mat) is placed down. Next the Kinara
(candle holder) is placed on the mat. One by one, the Mishumaa
Saba (seven candles) appear in the Shaman's hands and are
placed in the kinara (candle holder).
The black candle, Umoja, makes its appearance first,
from beneath a piece of African cloth (similar to, but not
exactly the same color and patterns as the one you have used to
cover the table). The cloth is shown on both sides, then the
black candle appears in your hand. It lights itself magically
upon your speaking about the light shining forth from the
continent of Africa through its people.
Now, holding the black candle in your left hand, between your
thumb and forefinger, the red candles begin to multiply from it
towards your right (the audience's left) as you describe the
principles of Kujichagulia, Ujamaa, and Kuumba. It
is traditional to get the audience to repeat the African names of
the candles as a way of learning and remembering them so they may
be passed down to others. This you would do as each candle makes
its magical appearance.
When all the red candles have appeared, you would place them
one by one into the Kinara. Now you take the black
candle into your right hand, between your thumb and forefinger.
This time the green candles appear towards your left (the
audience's right) as you name them and the audience repeats after
you: Ujima, Nia, and Imani.
If there is interest in taking the effect further, there are
the dried ears of corn, the cup of unity, and other African
objects of art or literature which can be incorporated into the
routine. Refer to the Reference Web Site provided for more
information and ideas on taking this routine even further. I have
just made a start by providing the candle production information
in this article.
