RASTAY organised and led a four-paper panel, “De-centring Migration and Religion: Insights and Interventions from the Global South,” at the 22nd Annual IMISCOE Conference (Paris, July 2025). The session examined how religion and spirituality shape migration decisions, experiences, and forms of belonging in African and diasporic contexts.
Format and roles
The panel was co-chaired by Dominic Pasura (University of Glasgow) and Dodeye Williams (University of Calabar). Bernard Matolino and Ezra Chitando served as discussants. The structure included four presentations, two discussant responses and an open Q&A.
Papers presented
- “Introducing Migratuality through Kufambira” — Reggemore Marongedze and Ezra Chitando (University of Zimbabwe). The paper introduced “migratuality,” grounded in the Shona concept kufambira, framing migration as a spiritual, relational, and intergenerational journey.
- “Identity in Limbo: Navigating Documentation Challenges for African Youth Migrants in South Africa” — Sibusisiwe Mlambo and Bernard Matolino (University of Pretoria). The study drew on ethnographic observation and interviews and described barriers arising from documentation status and the roles taken by religious organisations in education and support.
- “Religion, Youth and Migration: Exploring the Japa Phenomenon in Contemporary Nigeria” — Ntongha Ikpi and Dodeye Williams (University of Calabar). The paper proposed a Religious Aspiration-Capability Nexus to analyse how sermons, practices, and religious infrastructures shape youth aspirations, resources, and transnational ties related to japa.
- “Diasporic African Young People: Decentering the Quest of Belonging” — Nomatter Sande, Sarah Kazira and Dominic Kazira (University of Glasgow). Based on multi-sited ethnography and biographical interviews with Nigerian and Zimbabwean youth in London and Birmingham, the paper outlined a multi-scalar approach to religiosity, digital practice and belonging.
