A Singer In The Make Up Fola’s introduction…Fola’s dream of empowerment Fola quickly cleaned the table before her mother arrived. She knew that she could get angry with her for leaving crumbles of bread on the table. Since her father died, her mother had changed. She had become so harsh and bitter by life experience … Continue reading A Singer In The Make Up
At our village, debates erupted about who would become the next Chief as our beloved Chief passed away. Mama told me at nighttime: ‘A chief was elected to represent his people in the village. The new chief understood that he was elected to serve his people. Before he took any important decision that concerned the … Continue reading The Good Chief
At midnight, the stars where shining above the huts which were formed in a circle. The moon took the shape of an arc. The village was fast asleep. Only my grand-mother was awake. She was renowned for her magic power because she was as strong and courageous as lion and had the secret wisdom of … Continue reading Who Knows Who One Meets
The full moon is shining on top of our sleeping village. ‘Oinka, Oinka come out our forth fathers have shown me a great treasure in my sleep. Let’s dig it from the earth’, whispered mama aba. ‘Mama aba, where’s the treasure?’ ‘Take a spoon!’ ‘If we are to dig with a spoon we’ll be here … Continue reading The Treasure
Fear is nothing I was five when my grand-mother taught me about courage. It was quiet in the village. Everyone was asleep. The stars were shining above the hut. After mama told me stories about our forefathers, I fell into a deep seep. A lion entered the hut. He showed me his crows. I could … Continue reading Fear is Nothing
Titilayo splashed an egg on herself. She then went to the bathroom and recited the incantation the babalawo had given her to repeat, whilst the egg dried on her naked body. She didn’t speak to anyone that day. If the magic was to work, she must keep quiet and only speak to her ancestors. Titilayo … Continue reading Lonely Heart
Mama Shola wrapped her asho angrily around her head, as she did so she pounded the yam vigorously. Who did Baba Tunde take her for? They had been married for over 60 years. She knew she was no longer beautiful but beauty lay in a good heart. She had been a good wife to her … Continue reading African Romance
Mama spoke to me under the moon. She said to me: – My dear child. Our forth fathers have spoken to me during my sleep. They have told me that humans no longer love each other. – This can’t be true. I love my neighbours and all my friends as God instructed us to do. … Continue reading Love Your Brothers
Aunty Ramota insults “Sarra!” “Sarra!” “Saaaarraaaaa!!!” “Yes aunty Ramota?!” “Wa bi bai.” I ran to meet aunty on the balcony. “Is that you who used my nail varnish and painted the wall?” she asked. No answer. “Answer me!” she ordered. Still no answer. “Answer me!” she shouted that time. “It is not me.” I said … Continue reading Happiness in a Child
There was a big fight in the village between a husband and his wife. She was crying and he was insulting her: – You are a useless woman. You can’t cook. You can’t do anything. Why did I marry you? He was shouting so loud that villagers gathered around their hut. He then got out … Continue reading Fight Between Husband and Wife
It was night when Mama Aba asked me to join her in her hut. The moon was shinning. I felt sleepy but agreed to her invitation. On her wooden mat, there was laid coral beads and white asho. She was preparing for her trip to the other side! She laid her aged but firm fingers … Continue reading Travel To The Other Side