African Mother Tongues See Revival As Diaspora Youth Reconnect With Roots

In Nigeria's commercial hub of Lagos, a television game show called "Masoyinbo, meaning "Do not speak English, has turned Yoruba into prime-time entertainment. Contestants, including diaspora Nigerians, are tested on Yoruba language and culture, with prizes reaching thousands of dollars. Host Olalekan Fabilola, who started the show in 2024, said its popularity reflects a wider shift.

"We are in the age of cultural resurgence. People want to go back to their roots," he said.