True worship is not primarily a cultural thing. It is not simply offering to God our sentiments and feelings expressed according to our culture. It is based on a knowledge of the majesty and holiness of God and what He requires in worship. It is not primarily cultural; it is spiritual. Those who know the true God will come into His presence with holy awe and reverence, whatever their cultural background.
Africans, it is true, like rhythm and music; but so does the rock-loving culture of the West, as evidenced by what takes place in discos or in other entertainment. Our worship should not be an expression of our culture, but of the holiness and majesty of God and of our gratitude for His grace towards us in Christ. A true knowledge of Christ will lead to worship which is God-glorifying, whatever the cultural background. There will be more putting ourhands over our mouths (Job 40:4) and covering our faces (Isa. 6:2) than there will be hands in the air and dancing in the aisles! When people know the true God, their worship is reverent and God-glorifying, whatever their cultural background.