Practices and Narratives of Breakthrough: Pentecostal Representations, the Quest for Success, and Liberation from Bondage

Abstract

Instant healing, performance of miracles, public exorcism, supply of blessed objects for protection, and prophetic abilities are major religious practices that account for the popularity of certain Pentecostal leaders in contemporary Africa. Prophet T.B. Joshua, a renowned Nigerian televangelist, is one of them. Through his Emmanueltvchannel, he informs ‘viewers all over the world’ that invisible but influential evil forces are responsible for their daily challenges and that people can enjoy prosperity when they are purged of malevolent spirits. This article describes the practices and narratives of liberation from unknown bondage by Cameroonians who draw inspiration from T.B. Joshua’s prophetic messages and displays. The aspects covered include the desire to embark on a pilgrimage to T.B. Joshua’s church in Nigeria and actors’ use of his blessed religious objects to neutralise, destroy, or fight off invisible evil forces suspected of halting their socioeconomic progress.