The oral tradition was incredibly important in Africa for a few different reasons. First, many African societies did not have a written language, so storytelling was the primary way that history, culture, and traditions were passed down from one generation to the next. Second, storytelling was a way of preserving the collective memory of a community or society. By sharing stories and passing them down through the generations, people were able to maintain a sense of shared identity and history. Finally, storytelling was often used as a form of entertainment and socialization, bringing people together and fostering a sense of community.