Nike Campbell-Fatoki's Blog

Be Brave. Be Bold

Last year, I committed to doing three things: “Co-produce two short films from the Bury Me Come Sunday Afternoon short story collection and learn a new dance –  the samba.”

This came out of a 2018 Creative Goals Challenge by Lagos-based publisher, Narrative Landscapes.

I wasn’t 100% sure how the co-producing part would be done but I can tell you this – writing something down is almost like a trigger to do something about it. I’m not trying to take you to church but believe me, when the Bible says “Write down the vision, make it plain on tablets that he who reads may run.” (Habakkuk 2:2)

Well, I can say I did 2 out of 3. I’m still holding out on that samba.

I tested the waters of screenwriting. I love to tell stories, (or think about them) but I had only written prose. Common sense told me I couldn’t, shouldn’t, but that little girl in me who had sometimes been told she couldn’t do something refused to give up.  So I teamed up with a young film director – Dami Orimogunje. How we met was serendipitous.

Dami and I after the morning show at R2TV in 2015

Dami and I met in 2014 via twitter. (Yes, Twitter is good for some things). Then he worked behind the scenes in production at R2TV in Lagos. He found out I was coming to Lagos and invited me as a guest to the morning show. I totally enjoyed the show. I wanted to talk about everything – from Thread of Gold Beads to the adaptation of the book to a play and also about my non-profit – Our Paths to Greatness that had just been founded. Here’s a clip to the show

Letting off steam after the show

In the same year, my husband and I had founded Three Magi Productions, a TV/film production company. Thread of Gold Beads was the debut production in October 2014.

Bury Me Come Sunday Afternoon short story collection was published by Quramo Publishing in 2016 and I let it sit for a while. I pondered as to how it could happen. How could I possibly write for the screen? I’d managed to rewrite Thread of Gold Beads Play after it’s debut in the DMV. It was now shorter and tighter, but that was a play. This was for the screen.

Dami and I had kept in touch, and I had been following his progress. At the time I contacted him he’d just finished a short titled ‘Mo.’ It was a brave, bold short film. You should watch it. Here’s the  trailer

I was looking to collaborate with someone who had experience in the industry, and I was hungry to learn. So we sat down one afternoon at a mall in Ikeja and talked. He flipped through the stories. Losing My Religion was our pick.

We basically rewrote the story. Writing for the screen, as I came to learn, is quite different from writing prose. Edits upon edits, emails and calls and Losing My Religion, the short film, was born.

Losing My Religion has since been screened at two African Film Festivals, an upcoming one in Luxor, Egypt and the next in Dallas, Texas in July. Watch the trailer here

I can’t wait for you to see what’s in store, not just for Losing My Religion but for Three Magi Productions.Here are pictures from the next short coming from Three Magi Productions – Apartment 24 – which I adapted for the screen. Thanks to my director John Uche who pushed me until  the script shone like gold. More updates coming soon .

Have you attained some seemingly insurmountable challenges in the year already?  Would love to hear from you.  ‘Til then – Be Brave. Be Bold.

On the set of Apartment 24

Some of the cast and crew of Apartment 24 on the set of Apartment 24. L-R – Kike Ayodeji, John McClung (Lighting), Dr. Wale Ajao, Chip (Sound), John Uche (Director), Yours truly, Reggie Bostick, Joe Ofili, Keke Anderson

With CJ aka Tamuno on the set of Apartment 24

With Keke Anderson and Kike Ayodeji on the set of Apartment 24 in October 2018

With Dumebi, aka sister Mary on the set of Apartment 24

 

 

 

 

Black Panther: A Call To Collective Action

Black Panther was created by by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby for Marvel Comics.   The character first appeared in Fantastic Four no. 52 (July 1966) and joined the Avengers in 1968.  Like the movie depicted, Prince T’Challa became king of the fictional African Country of Wakanda when his father was murdered by Ulyss Klaw.  I first encountered Black Panther in Captain America: Civil War. I think it was a clever way to introduce many of us, sort of us break us in slowly into what was about to come – Black Panther Movie.

Black Panther wasn’t what I expected. I was prepared for the action like most marvel movies, and the great acting by some of the popular actors like Lupita Nyong’o, Angela Bassett, Forest Whitaker, Danai Gurira, but I was not ready for the fully fleshed out story line that captivated the world.  The talent –  Chadwick Boseman (who, shame on me, I’ve  watched only one or two of his movies – Marshall, Message From The King, Captain America: Civil War, Gods of Egypt, Jackie Robinson to name a few) and the ‘new’ talent and I say that loosely because these actors have been acting for so long, this was just the movie that showcased them fully – Michael B. Jordan (Creed), Letitia Wright, and Winston C. Duke.

There are many things I loved about Black Panther. The story itself was a beauty.  Multiple themes were explored and the writers artfully placed in the viewers’ minds, this question as they took us to Wakanda: “What if Africa had not been colonized? what if Africa had been given the opportunity to develop by herself, without interference? Without slavery? Just imagine.

The relationship between Killmonger and T’Challa represents the relationship African Americans and Africans have.  I dare to say there is this unspoken coldness and distrust between us. Like long lost siblings; one taken from home and the other tied to the hip of the parent.. This uneasy relationship  was brought to light through dialogue.  One scene  still remains as clear as day in my  mind – When Erik Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan), during his ritual ‘death’ returned to talk to his dead father (N’Jobu) in the apartment they lived in California in 1992, N’jobu said, (and I paraphrase here) that his people would say they were lost.  Killmonger disagreed and said, “Maybe they can’t find us because they are lost.”  Me being an African gal have experienced the love-hate relationship between Africans and African Americans.

I attended a historically black College in Washington DC, (Howard) and I felt isolated the first semester I was there.  I had not expected this being that we looked the same. My fellow African Americans laughed at my accent, in fact, they chose not  to understand  when I opened my mouth during class presentations.  They kept to their clique, we Africans formed and kept to ours. I ended up making a few African American friends though, those who were curious enough to ask why I talked like that or were  genuinely interested in finding out more about me as a person.  It is sad though, the way we still distrust each other. Africans call African Americans Akata, which automatically separates us, and the latter call the former Africans, like Africa is a country.    It is sad.  The movie is a cry for us to come together as one, not just us as black people, but the many races coming together as one tribe, the human tribe.

I’m assuming almost everybody has watched the movie by now because there are major spoilers below.  Here’s what I loved and learned from watching Black Panther a second time.

Authentic and Well Researched

I came out of the theatre feeling like I had experienced a groundbreaking event, an eureka moment, not merely watched a movie.  From the story line to the costumes created by Ruth E Carter., it was obvious  the time invested and tons of research conducted.  Somalian Waris Duale made a detailed collage of the tribes Ruth emulated to bring the tribes and Wakanda to life.  See Link  . I for one, was fascinated and very distracted by Isaac de Bankole, the elder of the river tribe.

The weapons of choice, particularly for the women was something to behold.  

Rewrites the African Narrative 

African countries are often depicted as dangerous, disorderly and corrupt. Not so Wakanda.  From their orderly conduct  in selecting a new king, to their bustling, clean cities, advanced technology, and peaceful country sides, these contradict the narrative the West has for many years told of African countries. I walked out of the theatre  a few inches taller and so did my fellow brothers and sisters.

Majority Black Cast

Many of the cast members are  from the African continent or Caribbean (also an extension of the African continent): Lupita N’yongo – Kenya, Letitia Wright= Guyana, Danai Gurira – Zimbabwe, Florence Kasumba – Uganda, John Kani – South Africa, Winston Duke – Tobago, Daniel Kaluuya – Uganda, Oh, and Chadwick Boseman traced his lineage; he’s part Yoruba (Nigeria), Kimba and Mende (Sierra Leaone), Jola (Guinea Bissau0 which are in West Africa.  This added to the authenticity of the movie.  And the accents (some were better than others, but they tried).  The best and most authentic accent remains M’baku’s which unequivocally, hands down is Nigerian.

Our Parents Aren’t Perfect

There comes a moment in our lives when we realize that our parents aren’t perfect. And there comes a time when we must challenge them for their bad choices. The scene where T’Challa confronts his father T’Chaka in the land of the dead for killing his brother, hiding it and abandoning his nephew, that is when, in my opinion, he became king,

 

Everyone Deserves A Chance

The tribes were given the opportunity to challenge T’Challa for the throne.  This was not a dictatorship.   He was divested of the power of the panther and came as any other ordinary man to the battle ground.

Loyalty Should Never Mean Blind Followership

General Okoye (Danai Gurira) believed that she was loyal to the throne even if it meant the person sitting on the throne did not have the best interest of the kingdom at heart. This is what she had been fed from a young age (assuming she had been groomed for this).It took her some time, but she realized that she had to make up her own mind on the right thing to do.We (the citizens) must never be afraid to challenge the status quo.

Leadership Role of Women

Dora Milaje

The leadership role of the women in this movie cannot be overemphasized.  History  proves that women held leadership positions for centuries in Africa.  It’s not a new thing. From the dual roles the Kings of Dahomey Kingdom in present day Republic of Benin had with the Kpojito, female counterparts, to their to their female body guards, Queen Amina, Moremi, Queen Sheeba to name a few.

Do Not Be Deceived, Self Interest Still Rules

Your best friend can betray you if he/she feels you don’t have their best (self) interest at heart. Take W’Kabi (David Kaluuya) and T’Challa (Chad Boseman). I so loved their friendship, but when T’Challa didn’t deliver on his promise to bring Klaw back, W’Kabi’s eye changed o.

Love

Black love is just that – love.  No baby mama drama, no violence.  T’chaka froze with love when he saw Nakia. He did everything he could to make her stay without her having to compromise her future and her passion.  A beautiful love story.

The Beauty of Dual(Multiple) Utility Validated

I’ve always placed objects or things that can be used in multiple ways at the top of my list. Did you all catch that crossing of the arms over the chest used in greeting and also used to reboot the hologram spaceship the CIA agent Everett K. Ross flew to stop the space ships on their way out of the country to  start world war III?  I thought that was super cool.

Find the Source

At the end of the movie (not the scenes after the credits), when the other kids were so entranced by the space ship T’Challa and Shuri (Letitia Wright) brought to Oakland California, only one of them walked up to T’Challa to ask “Who Are You?” The scene reminded me of that one leper out of the nine who came to thank Jesus when he healed them. He sought the source. It’s the source that matters in the end.  You find that and you never have to worry another day in your life.  I also noticed that the tribe leaders asked this question- First was W’kabi when Killmonger brought dead Klaw to the border of W’Kabi’s territory. Second time was when the tribe leaders met to face Killmonger when he was brought to court. It was an important question, a person’s name was important. Identity was and is important.

A Call to Action

It was not lost on me that the opening of the movie started with the rescue of heavily covered young girls by militants.  Again, speaking to the issues of our day, the Chibok girls and other young girls, the most recent in Yobe, State Nigeria.

When a movie speaks to the political and socioeconomic issues of our time, not mincing words and giving the viewers something that validates them and leaves them something to ponder on and ask the question What Next? , it becomes more than just entertainment,  it’s a call to action.

I give Black Panther a 5.0/5.0

What did you think about the movie?  What were your take-aways?

Wakanda Forever!!!

 

Recapping 2017: The Year of Immersion

Happy New Year!  I hope your year started on the right note. It’s been over a year since I blogged and lots have happened in between.

Last year, I quit my job.  Yes, I flung that heavy security blanket off me like it was crawling with bed bugs.  That happened in June, and then I moved to a new state with my family, a place I knew no one, and it’s been one of the most freeing experiences of my life.  But I don’t think the freedom started wit the move. It all started in my mind.  The decision to leave my full-time job and set out on my consulting and writing career began with a struggle years ago.  Struggling with the fear of not having a constant paycheck, (remember that I am still an author trying to ensure royalty comes in regularly:-) ) They were years trying to balance everything and still staying sane.  Not that it gets any easier, but when there is clarity of purpose, it can be managed and enjoyed. While I was coming to my decision, I was offered the opportunity to teach. I knew this was a sign.

I taught my first entrepreneurial and  financial management classes to women entrepreneurs, most of them immigrants, thanks to a friend who referred me while I was still working full-time.  I enjoyed it so much, and definitely see that I have a calling for teaching.

Entrepreneurial training class. Yours truly in yellow

I’m back to reviewing books, and recently completed one for Washington Independent Review of Books on J.T. Ellison’s LIE TO ME. Read the review here.  I’ll be reviewing more books this year.  Just hit me up with an email at nikecampbellfatoki@gmail.com if you would like to have your book reviewed or if you would like to be a guest reviewer.

I also finished editing my new historical fiction of which I will not yet be announcing the title.  It was so hard finding the right title for it that when it eventually found me, I couldn’t believe it.  The title was already calling from the pages of the novel, it was right there in my face.  Much like everything else in our lives I had to go through these phases – we’re too busy not to see it, too stubborn to accept it or too afraid or lazy to change it.

By far the most rewarding part of 2017 was volunteering at Our Paths to Greatness (OPTG), a nonprofit organization that celebrates the accomplishments of Africans, dispelling the negative myths of this great continent and inspiring others to follow their dreams. It all started with a Facebook group created in 2015 that blossomed into an NGO. OPTG’s focuses, providing educational and professional opportunities, leadership training and supporting community development projects.  I’ve met great men and women who really just want to give back. This year (fingers crossed) promises to bring programs and events that impact students and professionals in African communities. To learn more about OPTG, visit the website.

With the ‘ladies with the pink bags’ at Ken-Ade Primary School in Makoko giving ut school supplies to the less privileged children in October 2017. I was not alone. I had a group of volunteers who gave their time and energy.

2017 was the year of putting in the work, and 2018 promises the same with dividends.  This year, I am committed to writing often (which includes regular blogging as well), nurturing friendships both old and new, and above all, staying true to myself and my faith.  What are your commitments (in lieu of resolutions) this year?

Wishing you only the best in the new year. xoxo

What it Means to Type “The End.”

I’ve been quiet for sometime working on the draft of a new historical fiction novel set in 1800s Abeokuta, Lagos and Freetown. Yesterday, I finished the draft. Minutes after completing it (still basking in the euphoria) I wrote this on instagram:

“What does it mean to write ‘The End?’ To a writer, it’s more than mere words. It’s an end to late hours writing, questioning, researching. It’s months and sometimes years of living out the lives of your characters. It’s living on coffee and hoping that will carry you for sometime. For us women writers especially, it’s the feelings of guilt for not making enough time for our children when we are so heavily pregnant with this one. Completing the first draft is an accomplishment. Now to the hard task of editing!”

I still have some distance to cover to get to the final product, but this is a first step.  I can’t wait to share this multi-generational story with you inspired by actual events.

Inspiration Behind Bury Me Come Sunday Afternoon

“These short stories came to me while observing others and sometimes experiencing certain situations. We must peel back the layers, go beyond the surface to understand others and their personal motives.  For those that have been misunderstood, those that do not have a voice, those that have been dealt a bad hand, Bury Me Come Sunday Afternoon is also for you.”

I wrote the draft of  Searching for Miss Anderson, one of the short stories in the collection  while  in a hospital room watching over my son in January 2015.  Desperation drove me to write. I needed an outlet for the overwhelming feeling of helplessness.  I haven’t felt like that in a long time. Last time I remember was as a poor, struggling international student living in Washington DC attending Howard University in the late 90’s.  Waiting by the bus stop on Georgia Avenue  in the cold of winter, my nose pressed into the folds of a black  puffy winter  jacket, I would watch the mentally challenged homeless man in in his tattered winter coat and equally tattered and dirty wool cap pushing his cart of worldly possessions down Georgia Avenue.  Rumor had it then that he had been an international  student  in a PhD program before he went around the bend and never returned.  It’s no wonder the story is about an international student struggling with mental illness.

Visiting my alma mater in 2012

The Rake and the WallFlower is about a beautiful soul who continues to inspire me despite what the world considers to be a flaw.  Losing My Religion draws from my experiences growing up  in religious establishments and how if we as a people can be led like sheep to the slaughter if we are not careful.  The Hunchback was inspired by the community of Makoko in Lagos and what they endured during the 72-hour vacate notice in 2012 when one of the inhabitants was killed. The community is still undergoing many challenges and my heart has been with them since I visited in 2014.   Like all the other stories in the Bury Me Come Sunday Afternoon Collection, it  is contemporary suspense fiction .  Each story draws from my witnessing what others have gone through or my own experiences.  We must peel back the layers, go beyond the surface to understand others and their personal motives.  For those that have been misunderstood, those that do not have a voice, those that have been dealt a bad hand, Bury Me Come Sunday Afternoon is also for you.

To my family who understands that writing is my calling and that I must, thank you.

To Quramo Publishing, and staff  thank you. To   Anwuli Ojogwu, you challenge me to be a better writer. For the faith you have in me, and your relentlessness in pushing me to dig deeper, I remain grateful.

To  EC Osondu, Sefi Atta, Yejide Kilanko, and Zukiswa Wanner, thank you for taking the time to read the short stories and for your lovely reviews.

“Credible stories of the daily perils that Nigerians fall prey to, at home and overseas.”- Sefi Atta, winner of the Wole Soyinka Prize for Literature in Africa, author of A Bit of Difference, Swallow, Everything Good Will Come

“These are stories worth telling from a writer worth reading” – EC Osondu winner, The Caine Prize for Africa.

“Campbell-Fatoki’s characters share their stories of loss, love and reclaimed identity in a way that leaves you wanting for more.” – Yejide Kilanko, author of Daughters Who Walk This Path

 “In Thread of Gold Beads, Nike Campbell-Fatoki showed her brilliance as a novelist. The short story collection Bury Me Come Sunday Afternoon goes a step further and elevates her as more than a one-book wonder but a masterful storyteller. Each of the stories is eloquently crafted without the condescension to readers that comes with a ribbon-wrapped ending. By turns amusing, sad and painful, each of the stories in this collection moved me to some deep emotion, and they will do the same for you too whether reading about religion, mental illness, gender roles or open marriages. Another wonderful and unapologetic addition to the growing genre of literature by writers from Africa.” – Zukiswa Wanner, author of The Madams, Men of the South, London, Cape Town, Joburg, maid in SA: 30 ways to Leave Your Madam, and Refilwe

Me, this morning

Bury me Come Sunday Afternoon is out today July 6, 2016!  Published by  Quramo Publishing available at book stores in Nigeria and Africa and also available via kindle worldwide.  I look forward to your comments and reviews. Happy reading!

Ikoro Ekiti, The Boy and His Self-Built Fan

The hills reminded me of Hollywood, California.  The trees were exotic, tropical.  The breeze that danced about ever so often was pleasing. I was in Ikoro Ekiti, and it was a pleasant surprise.

The journey was to celebrate the life of  a man I called Dad. I had no idea what to expect since I had never been there or traveled by road any further than Ibadan. It took over five hours of traffic, potholes and incessant stops by the police. As we approached Ekiti, I was captivated by the rolling hills, the vegetation and the people. I wondered if the government realized the untapped resources they had in their hands – the area could be transformed into hiking trails, a real tourist attraction. the only thing I saw that day welcoming visitors were signs announcing stairs to prayer mountains.

My excitement at seeing rich vegetation of palm trees, banana trees, and some unknowns equally as beautiful was mired by the blackened roots and leaves left behind by the burning of trees.

The winding streets of Ikoro, Ekiti

Along the way, I saw a man breaking the beautiful rocks into smaller pieces.  I was told he would sell to builders to make decotrations on the walls of homes.  Looking down as I passed by in the car into a small community, I saw a river, I was told that the water would be  cold and ‘fresh,’ the best type to drink.

I almost forgot why I was there, lost in the beauty of the villages we passed along the way.  Like I said, it was to celebrate the life of the man I had called dad for fifteen years.  The reception was held in on the large Eso-Obe School Field In Ikoro.  The event was attended by too many people to count.  Daddy was a good man.  I noticed many things, but one thing stood out – the young boys carrying those rickety fans, obviously home-made.

They all looked the same to me at first. The boys holding the fans held by wires standing by guests with the miniature fans almost hitting the face. Their eyes pleaded for money when their lips tired of asking. They followed celebrants to the dance floor, almost getting lost in the sea of bodies. They were relentless. As quickly as they were shooed away, they would return. The most convincing “I don’t have money for you,’ did not deter them. From their looks they looked no older than ten to me, some even six. It came as a surprise when this particular boy named Jimoh appeared beside me while sitting down, his fan placed inches from my arm. Maybe it was the look in his eyes or the way his chin was set in a determined way, but I wanted to talk to him.

Jimoh Ogundiran, the boy with the self-built fan

Jimoh Ogundiran says he is 17 years old but he looks like he is 10.  He is from Ikpoti, Ekiti.  He says he’s in JS 2  (seventh grade). I was unable to speak for sometime, not knowing whether to believe him or not. When he spoke though, he seemed to speak with much more knowledge than a ten year-old.  I asked him what he was doing at a party on a Friday afternoon when he should be in school.  He said he had been flogged at school the day before for not having his school fees and decided to skip.  I badgered him with more questions – Who introduced me to the job? How long had he been doing this job?  How did he hear about this party and the others he attended?  On average, how much did he make per party?   He answered every question looking me straight in the eyes – It was the comedian dancing on the field to the music who introduced him, they were neighbours, he said.  He had taken a liking to him and asked his parents if he could go along with him to parties.  I asked if he had to give the comedian a share of his money.  He answered yes and no. He would give him, but most times, he wouldn’t take it.  He didn’t answer how long he had been doing the job, or maybe the loud music made it impossible to hear.  He learned about the parties by listening to the radio. I tried to confirm these from people around who said it was also probably through the newspapers adverts where they scouted around for birthdays, funerals and other party events.  The money he made varied. Some days were good, others not so.  All his proceeds, he gave to his parents, he said.

Jimoh and me

Jimoh  had learned how to make the device he held proudly in his hands, which gave off a slight breeze in school, he said. So I encouraged him to return to school where he could learn to make even better inventions.  He nodded, but didn’t smile, not once. He did come back and thank me after giving him something for his time spent talking when he could have been hustling with his fan.  His eyes burned with determination A look which screamed that he would make the most of his situation.  I wished this look of determination could have been found in a different environment – a classroom filled with other students.

Jimoh is just one of the many boys I saw that day running around with their fans, trying to ease the discomfort of party goers and celebrants.  I questioned the parents who let them go off to do this, the system, but who am I to judge?  I plan on following up with Jimoh, and wish him the best.  His path to greatness is steep but his determination  will keep him on that path.

The Damsel and the Outcast

I had seen the share on a friend’s face book wall and clicked on it to read the story. It seemed like a tale from a bedtime story book – a young lady takes pity on a man who society has turned its back on.  I had to meet the damsel who rescued this outcast when I visited Lagos a few weeks ago.

Olorunfunmi Adebajo

Gbolahan (Gbolly) is about forty-five years old (he’s not sure but Funmi’s older sibling attended school with him and estimate it to be this) and was an alcoholic; had been for the past fifteen years. Everyone knew him as ‘Ire-akari’, (which means goodness will go around) the name of the area/neighbourhood he lived.  They called him that because everyone in the neighbourhood knew him and saw him everywhere – sleeping in the maruwa (the three legged vehicle that travels all over Lagos), standing in traffic asking, sometimes begging to be hit by the vehicles trying to get by shouting ‘Kill me!’

Gbolahan (Gbolly) 

Gbolly and Olorunfunmi (Funmi) Adebajo had been neighbors for years.  For as long as Funmi lived across from Gbolly’s family house, she had known him to be an alcoholic and a nuisance to the community.  I asked her what made her finally decide to help a man who was a reproach to his family and neighborhood for so long. 

[image error] Behind Funmi is Gbolly’s family house

Why now?

Funmi said she had been in a depressed state that day, a month before her birthday (her birthday was in October). Rather than wallow in the things she wished she had, she intentionally looked outwards.  She walked around with her friend distributing scripture notes and there was Gbolly just around the corner from her house.  She handed him the scripture note and invited him to church.  She forgot about that encounter until a few days later when she saw Gbolly again.  He asked her when she would take him to church like she had promised.  So she did.  That was the beginning of Gbolly’s rehabilitation.  Here’s her post on October 21, 2015 which started everything:

“So on one of those days I hung my head and claimed life had ended for me, I walked past Gbolahan. He lives right across my house and was in class with one of my elder ones. I heard he was very brilliant but I’ve known him to be a chronic drunk for at least 15 years…His case was worse than a mad man. He’d drink ‘ogogoro’ all day, get beaten up and slapped by passersby, get hit by vehicles and then walk/shout all over the street all night. He barely slept and on the days he did, he would sleep in any ‘maruwa’ he finds parked behind my house. He practically had no life outside his bottle of gin.

God laid it on my heart to talk to him and I was surprised that he listened. I’ve paid a nearby ‘buka’ to have him fed twice a day, bought him a sponge, soap and toothbrush. Went to check on him every morning and evening, drove him to church in my car, gave him some place to sleep and found him something to do. I dont want him to be dependent o me so i handed him over to someone else to teach him personal hygiene and a bit of social skills.

To the glory of God, Gbolahan has been clean in the past three weeks. Now he converses coherently and does not stagger anymore, his eyeballs are clear…The whole of ire-akari road is amazed.

He still needs bedding, clothes, money for feeding etc.

I’m grateful to God for the privilege to serve humanity but I’LL BE NEEDING PROFESSIONAL REHABILITATION for my elder brother Gbolahan, I WOULD BE GLAD IF ANYONE CAN HELP ME OUT. That would be the best birthday gift ever.

Any recommendations please?

It’s my birthday and God is teaching me to love without expecting anything in return.”

Since then, there has been an outpouring of love, support, gifts both in cash and in-kind. Her update on November 5, 2015 says it all:

Quite a while right? Our brother Gbolly is fine and in good hands.

We went to the hospital yesterday to meet ‘Dr. O’ who had taken interest in Gbolahan and offered FREE medical evaluation and treatment. I kept smiling while the doctor explained the need for examining vital organs after prolonged abuse of alcohol…i could have been a doctor too but i hated chemistry! Anyway, Gbolahan’s blood samples have been taken…We await the results.

A Nigerian missionary doctor in the U.S also took interest in the story and now, Gbolahan has an appointment with the dentist sometime next week…This is also FREE. Today, we met @Princess Kay Ajibade who specialises in male clothings. …she’s giving him two sets of native FREE.

Someone drove all the way from Ikoyi to bring Gbolahan some clothes in Isolo, a youth corper in Adamawa state sent N2,500 out of his ‘allawee’ to feed Gbolahan for a couple of days…I also went to pick some clothes for him at another location yesterday….Someone even offered to take up his accommodation!!! You have all contributed in no little measure to make this successful.

Most importantly, we met with Keji Hamilton who runs the House of Joy rehab. Pastor Keji has taken the burden of getting a rehab off my shoulders, he is also helping us get Gbolahan someplace to learn a trade while the rehab admission process is finalised.

Thank you all for sparing your resources and time to give Mr Gbolahan hope again. All these would not have been possible without you..

Thank you Nigeria..This is who we are, a ‪#‎GoodPeopleGreatNation

Gbolly and Funmi few days after rehabilitation began

Contrary to what Funmi said, that she just decided to do something different, she’s been impacting her community for a while. Funmi is a graduate with a BSc in computer science and math and a masters in education administration and planning. She works for the Lagos State government. She has also organized a youth leadership summit in her area for the past six years.

Meeting Funmi, I was struck by how tall and slim she was. She could be mistaken for a runway model with her looks. She spoke with self confidence, neither brash or over zealous. During our talk that Sunday evening she also told me how she had wept reading some unkind comments – People saying how she was using Gbolly to make money. Some even saying how they had also sponsored several children to school and they never talked about it. She smiled when I told her how proud ‘we’ were proud of her (yes, we ). The diaspora and Africa was/is proud of her.

Funmi and yours truly

I sense in Funmi a need to do more and have every confidence and hope that this is just the beginning for Olorunfunmi Adebajo. She has been walking her path to greatness for a while now, the world has only just gotten the chance to see her footprints.

I’d like to say on behalf of all us- thank you Olorunfunmi Adebajo. You didn’t have to do what you did. Personally, you challenged me. I realized I wasn’t doing enough for the people around me, the ones I see everyday.

We are proud of you Funmi. More grace to you and the best to Gbolly.

If you are moved to help Gbolly and support Funmi, please reach out to Funmi directly on facebook., just search for Olorunfunmi Adebajo or via this medium (comment or send a message) or by email at nikecampbellfatoki@gmail.com. 

I hope you’ve been inspired.  Keep walking your path to greatness. Blessings.

The Face Behind Nigerian Heroes

I  was  featured on Nigerian Heroes last week.  Being the curious person that I am, I also wanted to know more about this person who started the organization featuring and celebrating Nigerians from all works of life;  Shedding a positive light on  country that has received more that it’s fair share of negativity. Here’s my interview with Janine Udogu, founder of Nigerian Heroes. 

You are the person behind Nigerian Heroes.  Can you tell us more about you?

My name is Janine Udogu. I was born and raised in Zürich, Switzerland. My parents got divorced when I was still very young, yet they always remained friends. So instead of having only two parents, I ended up having four (my father and his new girlfriend as well as my mother and her second husband).

My stepfather comes from Morocco and I guess that is where I got a little “African Blood.” I had a very beautiful childhood growing up with one brother in a very safe environment. At the age of fifteen I travelled to New York as an exchange student and got the opportunity to study in a very exclusive private school for a year. Coming from a humble background that was a remarkable experience. On my return to Switzerland I finished my studies and started working. At the age of 17 I met my first husband, who was an Asylum seeker from Congo. We got married after I turned 18. But the marriage only lasted a few years. In 2008 I met my second husband and the father of my three children. He is originally from Anambra State Nigeria and he made me to love this country like my own.

 My interests are of course my children. But I am in love with Nigerian culture. I am studying Igbo ever since I met my husband and I attend all the local meetings my husband goes to (Igbo Meeting, Anambra Meeting), using that as an opportunity to improve my Igbo skills and to learn more about the culture. I love to cook and yes, I do know how to cook Nigerian food as well. My favorites are Egusi and Okra soup, but I also love Ofe Aku and other local soups. Generally I would say that I am very interested in other cultures and languages. I speak German, French, Italian, English a little Igbo and a little Lingala (Congo). I love to travel and to read books and I love being a mother!

 What made you want to start this initiative especially since you aren’t Nigerian?

I have to explain this looking a bit further back. Just like me, my husband had been married before. He even had a daughter with his first wife. So even though his family really liked me they insisted he married an Igbo woman this time. They wanted to make sure that his kids would grow up in Nigeria, learning about the culture and the heritage. Which is very important to them, especially since my husband is the first born of the family. So they found him a wife and arranged for everything. They even paid the “bride price” as it is normal in Igbo culture. When my husband (At that time still my boyfriend) told me about it, I was shocked. But I decided to stay with him, no matter what. I understood that this had nothing to do with the feelings he had for another woman, but with the pressure end expectation from his family. I think my husband was so surprised to hear that I agreed to this set up, that he decided he would not need the Igbo woman anymore. Instead he convinced his family and the elders that this “Oyibo” (white woman) could very well raise his children in their interest and that he would not need to marry another woman. So after we already knew each other for four years, we finally got the go ahead from his father to get married. And we wanted to do it the right way. So we prepared to get married in the Church of his village in Nigeria. Because one can get married many times in court, but in Church, you only get married once!

I had travelled to Nigeria so many times and I never had any bad experience. That’s where I realized that there was a big gap between the perception people have about Nigeria from the news and the way Nigeria really is. So I decided it was high time to start a project that would change people’s view of Nigeria. And what better way to do that than to show examples of how hard working, successful and positive Nigerians are. That is how Nigerian Heroes came to life

I was so excited about it that I wanted to share this day with my whole family and friends. It was only then that I realized that none of them was willing to travel to Nigeria with us. They told me they were too afraid of Boko Haram, kidnappers and all the other things one could read about in the news. I was very upset. I had travelled to Nigeria so many times and I never made any bad experience. That’s where I realized that there was a big gap between the perception people have about Nigeria from the news and the way Nigeria really is. So I decided it was high time to start a project that would change people’s view of Nigeria. And what better way to do that than to show examples of how hard working, successful and positive Nigerians are. That is how Nigerian Heroes came to life. But this project is not only meant for foreigners. It should also change the way Nigerians see themselves. Because never before have I experienced such prejudices and mistrust amongst people from one nation. Igbos, Yoruba’s and Hausa’s see themselves as individual groups in such a strong way, that up till today some voice out that Nigeria should be divided. Coming from Switzerland, where different “tribes” are, living together peacefully, I think that the best way to unite the people is through education. Teach them that we are all humans, we all have problems and in the end, we all want peace, love and happiness. I hope that portraying Nigerians from all corners of Nigeria will help change the way Nigerians see themselves and make them proud of their nation.

What is the criteria for being a Nigerian Hero?

Everybody can be a Nigerian Hero. Of course you have to be Nigerian. But other than that, there is no criteria. Everybody has an inspiring story to tell, you just have to make them talk about it.

 Who and what inspired you on your path?  

Well I could not mention anybody in particular. But I am inspired by people who believe in themselves and are willing to pursue their dreams no matter the difficulties they face.

What’s been the response to Nigerian Heroes? 

The response has been wonderful. People really like the project and the idea behind it. But it has been hard getting people to talk about themselves. I hope that with more publicity, people will better understand the aim of the project and find it easier to open up and share their story.

What’s the next step for Nigerian Heroes? 

My goal is to make NigerianHeroes a platform where anybody can “nominate” a Hero. As for now, I am myself actively getting in touch with Nigerians asking them to tell me their story. But I hope that in the near future people will get in touch with me instead, whenever they meet somebody that inspires them, so that the person can be portrayed and inspire even more people.

 What haven’t you done yet that you would like to accomplish? 

We are planning to move to Nigeria within the next five years so that our children can see Nigeria as their home and not just a tourist destination they travel to once a year. I am really excited about it and I can’t wait to start packing my bags!

 Where can people connect with you on social media? 

You can find NigerianHeroes on www.nigerianheroes.com, on Facebook: www.facebook.com/nigerianheroesblog, on twitter@Nigerian_Heroes. Any nominations of NigerianHeroes can also be sent to me directly to nigerianheroes@outlook.com

So imagine my delightful surprise knowing how much Janine loves Nigeria, wants a positive image of the country and is finding a way to do it.  We need more people like her.  Thank you Janine.  Wishing you more success with Nigerian Heroes.  Keep walking your path to greatness.

 

Fourteen Years Later

It was Tuesday. I had just taken the orange line train from New Carrollton Metro station to Rosslyn into work. I was just two months into my new job. I loved my boss, the work was all that I had thought it would be – fast paced, writing proposals, managing projects and in a few months, I would be going home for my wedding. Life was good.

Until I left the office a few minutes after getting in to walk down the hallway to the restroom. A lady who worked in another office on the same floor, was running towards me shouting “There’s been a bombing!”

It was Tuesday, September 2001, and everything changed. May the lives of those killed continue to rest in peace.

Where were you at 8:46am, Tuesday, September 11, 2011?

TOSINGER: Organically Singing

 ”Tosinger’s music is afrosoul/afrofolk, a genre of original, authentic and inspirational lyrical content for the soul and spirit, with an incorporation of her African heritage and aura, through the use of ethnic vocalisms and her yoruba language in strategic places. Her music is an expression of ambient sounds and uplifting messages delivered on a contemporary platform. Mostly organic, with a preference for minimal instrumentation and a folksy/jazzy feel, her vocal essence & sound has been uplifting messages delivered on a contemporary platform. Mostly organic, with a preference for minimal instrumentation and a folksy/jazzy feel, her vocal essence & sound has been described as soothing and calming reminiscent of Miriam Makeba, Sade Adu and Tracy Chapman.”

About Tosinger

 I am Tosinger. My full name is Oluwatosin Taiwo. A daughter of a medical doctor father and a broadcaster mother, first born and sister to 3 siblings, wife and mother of 2, and an Artist. An Inspirational Afrosoul/folk Singer-Songwriter and Artpreneur. An uplifter of hearts through the Arts.

 I am from Ogun State, Nigeria, born at UCH Ibadan, Oyo State in the mid 70’s and grew up in Abeokuta, Ogun State. I attended primary school at St Bernadette’s Private School, Abeokuta, secondary school at Abeokuta Girls’ Grammar School and later the University of Ibadan for a B.Ed in Communication & Language Arts (1998). I later went on for a postgraduate degree in International Relations from the Nottingham University, UK in 2002 and recently another MA in Arts Administration from the Savannah College of Art & Design, Atlanta. I am currently resident with my family in Atlanta, Georgia doing my music and my creative freelance business on the side dba Dreamweavers Entertainment.

What motivated you to start singing?

 As a little girl, I discovered I could sing when my maternal grandma (the late Mrs Georgietta Abeke Adesina, a well-known educator and eclectic artsy catholic woman in Itesi, Isale Ake, Abeokuta who is also of a Republic of Benin origin like the character in your bookJ) who I lived with and was very close to; during the earlier years of my childhood (about five – seven years old), took me along to her church choir rehearsals at SS. Peter & Paul, Ake, Abeokuta of which she was a member of. I was the only little girl amongst all the older people in the choir. She surrounded me with her singing and her radio was constantly on 24 hours a day, exposing me to all styles of Yoruba traditional music of the time. Hearing people tell me I had a beautiful voice motivated me to sing more and be more confident on the stage.

I started treading my musical calling path in church and in the later years, as a worship leader at the University of Ibadan’s Victory Christian Fellowship. I started taking music seriously (i.e. professionally) after my Masters in the UK when I attended the School of Creative Ministries at IBIOL (International Bible Institute of London) in 2003. There I realized my wider artistic strength and potential (beyond the church walls) even more and this afforded me diverse outlets of expression and experience. I relocated to the US in 2003 to join my husband and after I had my second son in 2007, I felt ready to launch out and share my musical talent with the world so I started writing and recording my songs about a year later.

   Organically Singing was released in July 2015. 

Here’s a free download of a song from the album
http://www.unlock.fm/4fr

Here’s a sampler of the album that can also be included if you want
https://soundcloud.com/tosinger/organically-singing-album-sampler
Congratulations on your many accomplishments.  Tell us what or who inspires you?

Thank you.  I am inspired by God and His creation, nature, family, life events and experiences and observing inspiring people. I also have a passion for the African continent and I am inspired by her people and her culture.

  What have been the most challenging aspects of what you do?

 Without hesitation, the most challenging part of what I do will be the financial aspect. As an independent artist with the kind of niche music that I make, it is difficult to self fund and market a full music project without the support of a well-established label/company that can leverage their investment and network. Doing it all by oneself despite the indie tools that are available can be very daunting and overwhelming.

 Good music yes, but how shall it reach the right audience if they never hear it? This sometimes triggers low points and frustrations which make it easy for one to give up.

But my passion and faith keeps me going, if God is in it, He will always make a way where there seems to be no way.

For people looking to get into singing, what do you advise?

If you have the talent of singing, please don’t hide it. Do something daily, no matter how small, that aligns with your dream or gives your talent an outlet of expression. Train and develop yourself as you go as well. Learn new things. Use your gift, the more you give, the more you receive. Consistency is the key. Never stop, keep going. Never give up, keep pushing.

  Where can people buy your music and how can they reach you?

 I just released my latest project, my debut album titled ‘Organically Singing’- Original and fresh music of a soulful vibe and inspirational lyrical content with an incorporation of Afro musical flavors, a sublime vocal delivery with a sprinkle of the yoruba language. A healthy musical serving with a nostalgic ambiance. It is available on cdbaby, itunes, google play, amazon and any other digital outlets online. You can also order and reach me on my website at www.tosinger.com. I am on Twitter and Instagram as @Tosinger and on Facebook as TOSINGER – www.facebook.com/tosingersings.

I also blog at www.tosingersblog.com

  What’s in the horizon for you?

 My vision is to impact the world positively through my music and art. This is the journey I am on today. With God’s grace, I will continue to beautifully dream and positively do.  Greater things are on the horizon. I will conclude with my favorite scripture: Proverbs 4:18 — “The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day”

 The Debut Album- Available July 2015 on iTunes, CDBaby, Amazon and all other digital outlets. Physical copies are available on www.tosinger.com

Tosinger has headlined  various musical concerts and  worked with both national and international musicians including Lagbaja.   She organizes the annual Afrodreamfest, a musical event spanning a few days at the end of May.  It brings together Afro jazz/soul musicians and lovers of all things Afro music.  The next one is coming to the Washington DC area in 2016. (YES!! for selfish reasons). For more information visit www.afrodreamfest.com

Tosinger is an indie artiste who, despite the odds, is getting her music out and living her passion.  She inspires the soul. She’s definitely walking  her path to greatness.[image error]