It's the manuscript, the main reason i started reading on West Africa, more so Nigeria. I wanted to write a story that was acurate, though i will admit it's hard to write on something one initially has no clue about. How could i write a story on the Biafran or Ogoniland issue when a few months ago it was foreign to me? Sure the soothing jazz vocals of Ella Fitzgerald in the background as i research on something that's new and exciting makes me feel like Jackie Collins should on a good day, though learning a mindful about anything is still hectic.I wanted to learn however, thus begun my quest to know more. Over the past few months i've read enough West African novels and reports to last a lifetime and my friends think i've lost it. When i do say i'm going to Cameroon, they roll they eyes and think i'm barmy. When i meet with Kwame (my friend from Benin) to watch him ccok up a West African storm (an aquired taste, i believe)the same friends think i'm selling out... I just smile and take in everything i can. (great friends i have don't you think!)
It's just as a southern African i've always had preconceived ideas about our West African brothers and sisters. Previously once anyone opened their mouth and the signature accent flowed out, i'd instantly switch off. I'm not proud of the admission though it goes to show how honestly closed minded i was.
On the other hand, i've just discovered all the 'Indian' looking people who live in Forsdburg ain't all Muslim nor from India. I recently became friends with a guy from Jordon and discovered the only thing he has in common with al the other 'Indian' looking people around him is the fact he speaks Arabic. He actually doesn't celebrate divali nor does he chew on the red chewy stuff though he does do juma. Amazing how we usually judge people based on the stereotypes we claim we don't habour in our minds. Meanwhile i've been reading a lot of Chris Abani and listening to Ghananian music... it is a wonderful world out there, if you give it a chance!
Sunday, November 8, 2009
life's uncanny way of going on
Well the hype of district 9 has been and gone. The actors got fat pay cheques and are apparently now A list property... For those of us who thought the whole thing was cringe worthy and gagged throughout the movie the question is 'what was the fuss about?' The Nigerian Minister of something has banned the film from Nigeria because it portrays i qoute "Nigerians as cannibals and knee deep into voodoo."
I'm thinking, with all due respect whats new? I mean after watching a few unsettling Nigerian films i'm surprised there's an uproar. If "Billionaires Club" was anything to go by, a few scenes with a Nigerian drug Lord scoffing down human flesh for power, seems on point. I'm sad it's not really a portrayal of Nigerians as a people, though when was life ever fair. I'm half Zimbabwean and have had to justify the fact that i was brought up on that soil every day of my life.I have to answer weird questions like why we haven't hung Mugabe already!!
Meanwhile my publisher is certain my novel will be published in April 2010,YAY!! It's been a bloody long time comming. So i've been hitting the town in my heels and dancing like its the turn of the new millenium. And why not? I work too hard, the least i can do is play hard! i'm single and don't i want everyone to know it!!!
Life has an uncanny way of going on...
Meanwhile after my ulcer diagnosis (the same one i've told EVERYONE about!)I've started drinking more water and faithfully trying the whole five a day thing.Going well i think,despite the sight of my poo that has a penchant with floating gayly in the chamber (It always sunk to the bottom before)
Life is, in essence, is going on.
Most days i float, some days i just want to disappear.
I'm thinking, with all due respect whats new? I mean after watching a few unsettling Nigerian films i'm surprised there's an uproar. If "Billionaires Club" was anything to go by, a few scenes with a Nigerian drug Lord scoffing down human flesh for power, seems on point. I'm sad it's not really a portrayal of Nigerians as a people, though when was life ever fair. I'm half Zimbabwean and have had to justify the fact that i was brought up on that soil every day of my life.I have to answer weird questions like why we haven't hung Mugabe already!!
Meanwhile my publisher is certain my novel will be published in April 2010,YAY!! It's been a bloody long time comming. So i've been hitting the town in my heels and dancing like its the turn of the new millenium. And why not? I work too hard, the least i can do is play hard! i'm single and don't i want everyone to know it!!!
For the first time in months i can sit in a quaint Italian restuarant and enjoy a glass of red wine by myself while going over some far from flattering reviews of my novel and decide what Shukie is going to do with this life. I recently bumped into a fairly 'young' flame in a club and despite the semi hurt i felt at our particularly abrupt end, didn't have the energy i thought i'd have to pretend i'm over everything. Okay so i didn't burst into tears or anything (that was another occassion, another story!! )
Anyway so for now it's back to blissful reading in bed all day on a Sunday and serial dating on the whim, and drinking boxed wine right out of the box....Life has an uncanny way of going on...
Meanwhile after my ulcer diagnosis (the same one i've told EVERYONE about!)I've started drinking more water and faithfully trying the whole five a day thing.Going well i think,despite the sight of my poo that has a penchant with floating gayly in the chamber (It always sunk to the bottom before)
Life is, in essence, is going on.
Most days i float, some days i just want to disappear.
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