2026/02/24 by Sarah Kazira, Dominic Pasura · 2 citations
Social Sciences · Arts and Humanities · #African studies and sociopolitical issues #Media, Religion, Digital Communication #Pentecostalism and Christianity Studies
paper · pdf · doi:10.1080/01419870.2026.2624636
Drawing on digital hybridity, religious assemblages and transnational religion, this article examines how young Nigerians and Zimbabweans in the UK use digital platforms to participate in transnational religious practices, reclaim marginalised African Traditional Religions (ATRs), and reconfigure belonging and authority. While research on migrant religion has focused on physical congregations, less attention has been given to how digital media reshapes religion and spirituality. The analysis is based on 12 months of ethnography in London and Birmingham, 25 interviews with 15–35-year-olds from Christian, Muslim, ATR, and non-religious backgrounds. Observations on TikTok and Instagram were also part of the study. Findings demonstrate that digital engagement is not simply an extension of offline religion; it transforms the practice of religion and the negotiation of belonging. They also show how digital participation reassembles transnational religion, offering new insights into the intersections of religion, migration, and digital culture among African diasporic youth.