Why do Africans (particularly African leaders) love flying so much? Is it a demonstration of power, i.e. riding above our problems or being above everyone else? Is it a celebration of superior intellect?

Recently, during take-off on a flight from my homeland, a compatriot of mine remarked in Shona, “Akainvhenda chinhu ichi anga asiri kurara“, meaning “whoever invented this thing was not sleeping.” His neighbour replied, “Development inoshandirwa“, meaning “You work hard for development.” Whether it was indeed the seatmate’s response or mine echoing in my head, I cannot recollect. All I know is I concurred with the reply, which I found profoundly apt.

Is it because flying allows them to think? Well, I do my best thinking when looking at the clouds, whether from below or from above. But then again, the other races accuse Africans of “being too lazy to think or not having the capacity to do so altogether”. In that light, it comes back to “being above everyone else.”

My African brother (who remarked in awe of the aeroplane) had a photo of what I assume to be his daughter on his phone as the home screen background. Before you accuse me of invading his privacy, please note that I saw his phone because he lifted it high and started taking a video of the aeroplane and out through the window as we ascended high above the clouds. Was it his first time on an aeroplane? Not! He seemed to enjoy every moment of it every single time. That is what piqued my interest.

What led me to write this? An impetus long fuelled by age-old curiosity, inspired by the in-flight magazine ‘Skyways’. Two articles stood out in the current (June) issue. One was titled “Culture Central” by Bruce Dennill, and the other was “The Town That Wine Built” by Fokke Baarssen. They reminded me what being a writer is all about. It’s about articulating life in ink.

The writer lives for the reader. Why call yourself a writer if you don’t write about life? There is a difference between an author and a writer. Even though I’ve authored a book, I still consider myself essentially a writer. A writer is a philosopher. Not all authors are writers.

If this piece appears haphazard and incomplete, it is because it is. I am still trying to figure out why Africans love flying. When I figure it out, I promise to write a complete treatise. In the meantime, I remain with my questions and continue to search for answers.