Africa’s clicks to faith: digital religious practices among transnational Nigerian and Zimbabwean youth in the diaspora

Drawing on digital hybridity, religious assemblages and transnational religion, this article examines how young Nigeriansand Zimbabweans in the UK use digital platforms to participate in transnational religious practices, reclaim marginalised AfricanTraditional 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 isbased 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.

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Publication Details

Journal
Ethnic and Racial Studies
Published
2026-02-24
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1080/01419870.2026.2624636
Citations
6
Primary Topic
African studies and sociopolitical issues
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
333.45

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article

Africa’s clicks to faith: digital religious practices among transnational Nigerian and Zimbabwean youth in the diaspora

Dominic Pasura, Sarah Kazira
6 citations
Ethnic and Racial Studies
African studies and sociopolitical issues
333.45
article

Africa’s clicks to faith: digital religious practices among transnational Nigerian and Zimbabwean youth in the diaspora

Dominic Pasura, Sarah Kazira
article en
6 citations

Abstract

Drawing on digital hybridity, religious assemblages and transnational religion, this article examines how young Nigeriansand Zimbabweans in the UK use digital platforms to participate in transnational religious practices, reclaim marginalised AfricanTraditional 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 isbased 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.

Ethnic and Racial Studies
University of Glasgow (GB)
Economic and Social Research Council
Openalex Percentile: Top 0%
African studies and sociopolitical issues
333.45
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