Beer is the third most popular drink in the world after water and tea. It is also one of the oldest and most widely consumed alcoholic beverages around the globe. Without a doubt, it has held a central position in the advancement of human socialization and civilizations for many years.
What are the African cultural narratives on the significance of beer? We also dive into craft brewing and the portrayal of alcohol in the TV comedy-drama series Shameless.
The Evolution of Beer Brewing
Traditionally, beer consumed across many African tribes was brewed using sorghum malt or fruits as the primary ingredients. This process involved soaking grains until they began to germinate. The germinated grains are dried, mashed in hot water, and fermented with yeast. In many parts of the continent, this type of traditional beer is still brewed and sold in villages and small towns.
On the other hand, modern commercial beer is made through industrial or semi-industrial fermentation of starch sourced from different cereals. Commonly used grains include barley, wheat, maize, oats, and rice. Different stabilizers, preservatives, and flavoring additives are also used in the process. Common flavoring additives include agents such as fruits, herbs, gruit, hops, among others.
Different brewing styles and experimental ingredients have emerged in many parts of the world, drawing influence from diverse cultures and communities. The success of the craft beer movement across African countries, for example, is credited with the emergence of popular beer brands like Kenya Originals (KO) and Manyatta in Kenya.
Historical Significance of Beer
The dominant narratives surrounding the significance of beer in Africa are deeply influenced by family dynamics and social issues. However, the underlying complexities of heritage, tradition, community, and evolution also play a pivotal role in how people perceive and interact with alcohol.
The historical significance of beer in African and many other cultures can be summarized as follows:
- Beer is a popular symbol of cultural identity and communal bonding in many settings. In events like weddings, sports, funerals, and harvest or milestone celebrations, drinking beer together symbolizes continuity and unity in the community.
- Members of traditional African and modern cultures offer ceremonial beer to departed family members, friends, or ancestors. This is often done by pouring the first drops of a bottle or pitcher of beer onto the ground, a historically significant sign of respect for the deceased.
- Around the globe, turning 18 or 21 years old in some parts of the world grants one the liberty to legally drink alcoholic drinks. In this respect, it is treated as a mark of adulthood, symbolizing the new adult’s ability to make responsible decisions even on the indulgence in beer.
Beer Consumption in Modern Days, 2024 Onwards
It is common knowledge that historically, beer in traditional and modern day African societies is loved and detested in equal measure.
On a recent post on X, Conor Sen, a columnist for the Bloomberg Opinion had the following to say:
“Gen Z not drinking alcohol as much might be good for their health but will likely significantly reduce their social capital, professional opportunities, and political power.“
From vehement calls for prohibition from various quarters to its undeniable acceptance and popularity at key milestone ceremonies and gatherings. Beer and alcohol in general indeed have an enviable range.
Not to mention how confusing this can be for young adults encountering these drinks as part of what seems to be their fading cultural identity.
Shameless Character: Father of six, ultimate drunk, father of modern day craft brewing (jk)
As societies have evolved, various social and economic challenges attributable to substance and alcohol consumption, or rather abuse, have emerged. These issues have caused worrying concerns across various communities and among societies leading to calls for change.
Consequently, safe, traditional, ceremonial communal drinking is reported to have been on the decline.
Observers, like Conor, are expressing concern over what they view as a decline in communal beer drinking among younger generations. Many attribute this decline to an emerging modern individualism lifestyle, suggesting that it could lead to social fragmentation and decline.
Notably, most of the discourse is, however, just bar talk at this point.
No conclusive studies definitively point to this being harmful to society’s progress or even proving that it indeed exists. Many young people still occasionally enjoy beer with their friends around the globe.
Shameless: The Comedy-Drama Series
On-screen, Frank is arguably one of the earliest memorable forerunners of craft brewing. He attempts to brew super gravity beer in his homemade lab, which ends up exploding and burning down Sheila’s house.
Light note: Industry players assure City Digest Entertainment that the craft has grown much safer and more sophisticated since then.
However, from a point of cultural commentary, the way beer is portrayed in Shameless is a good critique of modern society’s prevalent attitude towards beer and alcoholism.
It makes one take into account matters of identity, social relations, family issues, and many other factors. When discussing, engaging in, or dealing with issues related to drinking.
Shameless is rated 82% on Rotten Tomatoes and covers a diverse range of social comedic issues; a very highly recommended show.
What is your favorite beer with friends (+) activity and why?
Let us know in the comments section below.