Introduction
At the tender age of seven, I embarked on a literary journey that has shaped my life forever. Growing up in Shomolu, Lagos, Nigeria, surrounded by foreign fairy tales, I found happiness in the enchanting world of storybooks. However, it wasn’t until I started looking into Afrocentric novels that I truly discovered the power of literature promotes not only our cultural heritage, but also fosters a sense of identity, and inspires transformative change. In this blog post, I will share my personal journey with storytelling and why promoting Afrocentric books is essential for our society.
A Literary Haven: Tejuoso Bookshop and Maami’s Stories
My love for storytelling began in my grandfather’s neighborhood (Olowo-Eko), where the famous Abiodun Bookshop in Yaba, Lagos, beckoned me with its treasure trove of foreign fairy tales. As my father (Baba Mi, as I fondly called him) negotiated with the shop owner, I would lose myself in the magical worlds of “Jack and the Beanstalk,” “Rapunzel,” “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” and “Cinderella.” These stories, predominantly written by foreign authors, kindled my passion for reading.
However, it was during my summer breaks with my grandmother in Badagry that I truly fell in love with storytelling. Fondly called Maami, my grandmother entertained me with captivating folktales and short stories, with the cunning little animal, Ijapa (the tortoise), being a favorite character. These tales, filled with African cultural richness, ignited my imagination and inspired me to start writing my own short stories at the young age of seven.
At the age of seven, I had already read over 150 books- fiction, non-fiction, picture books and many more.
Discovering Afrocentric Novels: A Cultural Awakening
As I continued my education at Engreg International School, owned by a Nigerian American, I was exposed to “big, big grammar,” honing my language skills and exploring literature from around the world. While my peers traveled to foreign lands during summer breaks, my sister and I spent our holidays at my grandma’s house in Badagry. My time with Maami filled me with stories of our heritage that were equally interesting. I had the opportunity to visit the slave Museum and the Vlekete cultural center in Badagry, where Maami herself grew up as a child.
My visit to the Slave Museum, I had the opportunity to see and witness first-hand stories from kingsmen and rulers in our community. Little did I forget to mention my maternal grandfather (Baba Adinni of Badagry) who was a business tycoon and ran multiple businesses in the areas of Agriculture, Oil and gas and had friends in the Badagry Market who had their own bookstores.
Baba Adinni was fond of sending my Uncle Jide and I to meet with his friends at the market. While we visited the market, It was a normal thing for me to greet the fish sellers and pepper women at the entrance of the market with smiles on my face in either Yoruba saying “Ekaaro Ma, or in Egun Language ‘Mi kaaro”. After we pass through their stores, we approach the bookstore of my maternal grandfather’s friends who sell books. Uncle Pedetin dashed me some old books too that I took with me and read. I was fully equipped as an African Child and there were no regrets.
My high school experience at Federal Government Girls’ College, Oyo, further enriched my understanding of diverse cultures. As I addressed the school during morning assembly, I used the power of storytelling to speak about various cultural topics, inspiring change and leaving a positive impact on my peers.
Embracing My Passion: The Path to Empowerment
Despite initially considering a career in medicine, I soon realized that my true calling lay in the power of storytelling and speaking. Throughout college at Lagos State University, University of Lagos, and Alliant International University in San Diego, I held various leadership positions, using storytelling to inspire and bring about positive change.
The Significance of Afrocentric Books
Afrocentric books hold immense significance for our society. By promoting these narratives, we celebrate our African heritage, fostering a sense of identity and representation. These stories resonate deeply with readers, empowering minds and shaping perspectives in transformative ways.
1. Breaking Away from Dominant Narratives: Afrocentric books provide a much-needed alternative to the dominance of foreign narratives in literature. By sharing stories that represent our own culture and experiences, we challenge stereotypes and create a space for diverse voices to be heard.
2. Building Bridges of Understanding: Afrocentric books act as bridges between cultures. They allow readers from different backgrounds to gain insight into African traditions, customs, and history, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for our unique heritage.
3. Fostering Inclusivity: By supporting local authors and literature, we promote inclusivity in our communities. Afrocentric books allow readers to see themselves in stories, fostering a sense of belonging and representation for all.
Conclusion
My early exposure to foreign fairy tales set the foundation for my love of reading, but it was the discovery of Afrocentric novels that truly ignited a deep connection to literature. Embracing these diverse narratives not only empowers us individually but also enriches our collective society, fostering understanding, and embracing our unique cultural heritage. Let us celebrate and promote Afroce
