Politics 101: How To Win Elections in Africa

1. Sing & Dance

Getting folk singers to roll out songs in your praise and that of your party is perhaps at the top of the list. With literacy rates characteristically low throughout the continent, there is no better way of engaging with the voting public than with a song and a dance. And if the song is catchy enough, congratulations, you may have just become the candidate to beat.

But praise songs can only get you so far, you also need to show off your dance moves — contemporary or folksy, it doesn’t matter. And you don’t even have to be good at it. Just be seen making an effort.

In particular, South African President Jacob Zuma excels at this, which perhaps explains the grassroots support he continues to enjoy even as calls continue to mount for his resignation.

And Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, who is seeking re-election for a second term in office, may have taken a cue from Mr. Zuma since he reportedly has a group of about 20 folk singers traveling with him on the campaign trail.