Category: culture/tradition

Whispers from First Earth

Beneath this sun’s ancestral flame,Where baobabs bear me witness, still—Africa stirs with sacred name,In every plain and every hill. The Nile, in silken stories told,Winds through Nubian dreams of old,Where Kush once ruled with a crown of gold,And river gods their secrets hold. Mount Kilimanjaro stands,A sky-pierced crown of ancient lands—The Chagga guards its snowy… Continue reading Whispers from First Earth

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Multiple Ways of Knowing

In my research, I challenge the misconceptions that indigenous cultures have not contributed to modern knowledge. Different cultures have historically documented their knowledge in diverse ways, including through cultural practices such as music, spoken poetry, and dance performances. Recognizing multiple ways of creating and documenting knowledge can facilitate mutual understanding and acknowledgment, paving the way… Continue reading Multiple Ways of Knowing

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Folklore and Cultural Studies

On what subject(s) are you an authority? One subject that I admire and love so much is Folklore or Cultural Studies. Growing up in a culture that prides itself on storytelling, I paid keen attention to how stories shape who people become. Now, I just concluded a graduate program in Folklore from a prestigious university… Continue reading Folklore and Cultural Studies

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Tradition: Ofo na Ogu

There are natural laws upon which the universe is governed. One of them is the Law of reaping what you sow. Another is the Law of Innocence. You can not do anything to an innocent person. No matter how hard you try. These laws are governed by universal principles to the degree that both good… Continue reading Tradition: Ofo na Ogu

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Masquerade Day in Umudinja (Pics)

Listen! It’s prudent to take pictures of masquerades from a safe distance. Why? A swipe of a masquerade’s cane can leave one reeling in pain. Now, that’s an easy rhyme! 😅 Today is Umudinja’s masquerade day. Masquerades are believed to be traditional spirits with sacred powers. They roam about the town seeking for people to… Continue reading Masquerade Day in Umudinja (Pics)

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The Village Square

Night’s dance festival Brings all, big and small The farmer, wine tapper, The cobbler and dancers A night of skewered meat And one, where lovers tryst

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Short Story: Umuosiala by John Okereke

We all swarmed in pairs to the village square, strolling, briskly and for myriad bent octogenarians crawlingly. From all nook and cranny, villagers poured into the main footpath leading straight to the copious square like water from river tributaries. To an onlooker on the farms on either side of the almost narrow path, this flux… Continue reading Short Story: Umuosiala by John Okereke

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Home

Home may be far awayBut the wind brings her memoriesI hear from the flight birdsI see it in the rain and sunshineI see it in the falling tree leavesAnd the little bug crawling up my sleeves From far away, I look backHope on my breast, I walkAgain, playing mirthful songs,A long, long way from home

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Africa’s First Story

High up above the hills of Africa, the dark-winged clouds of the night were still folded above the village and surrounding valley. Man and the domestic animals that were his slept. But the antelope of the forest and the small fleet-footed gazelle were wide awake. In a short time, early morning dew descends from ancient… Continue reading Africa’s First Story

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Earth Day: Doing What Is Right

Every day should be designated as Earth’s Day Indeed, I acknowledge that today and every other day should be proclaimed as Earth’s Day. Not just as the planet which harbours life, but as a reminder to treat it with more respect. There are so many ways to treat the earth right. But one thing is… Continue reading Earth Day: Doing What Is Right

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African Proverb: On The Rat and The Lizard

Igbo: Oke soro ngwere ma mmiri, mmiri guoro ngwere agagi ako oke English: When a rat swims with a lizard, his hairs won’t dry as the lizards. Origin: This proverb is widely used in Igbo land. The aged use this to instruct young people and children, mostly in folktales. Reptiles are good swimmers and can… Continue reading African Proverb: On The Rat and The Lizard

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A Grateful African Poem

Now gather by the fireside While we wait on yams to roast, Drying our hands in the warmth This quiet evening, cold and mild We wait to dream A fluffy pillow beckoning, The day tales also waiting, A joyful evening it seems The sweet fellowship Of Nature’s trick and craft Upon the retreat fell, to… Continue reading A Grateful African Poem

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The Importance of Folklore In Igboland (Uru akụkọ ifo baara n’ala Igbo)

The Igbo Storytelling Tradition Before the coming of the white man, the Igbo cultural society educated themselves through folktales. Storytelling was a revered tradition used to pass the wisdom of ancestors to the younger generation. It is assumed that anyone who can tell a good story is wise. The Igbo people believe in a supernatural… Continue reading The Importance of Folklore In Igboland (Uru akụkọ ifo baara n’ala Igbo)

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The Masquerades of Amune

Masquerades in Umukwu-Amune Today was the Masquerade’s Day in Amune, Ovim. I was on a visit when I came across this masquerade band. In a situation, one comes across the masquerades face to face; it is crucial to ‘acknowledge or plead’ with them by calling out their names; if you desire not to be whipped.… Continue reading The Masquerades of Amune

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Quote on Greatness

“You cannot plant greatness as you plant yams or maize. Whoever planted an Iroko tree — the greatest tree in the forest? You may collect all the Iroko seeds in the world, open the soil and put them there. It will be in vain. The great tree chooses where to grow and we find it… Continue reading Quote on Greatness

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African Wonders 4: The Pharos of Alexandria

The Pharos of Alexandria was a lighthouse completed in about 280 BC and was used to warn ships of the rocks surrounding the port of Alexandria, Egypt. The building measured over 110 metres to the top. During the day polished bronzed mirrors reflected the sunlight, and at night a fire burned that could be seen… Continue reading African Wonders 4: The Pharos of Alexandria

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A Shepherd’s Poem

Sun set slowly above the wood Shadows appear, shepherd dreams; Soft breeze upon evening tide, Smell of sheep dung, Slices of malted bread, Songs from the wine inn, Situated by the river bend, Sober men drink their heart fill, Silent hills, retreating birds, Sally may sing her radio favourite, Something to celebrate our countryside, Scent… Continue reading A Shepherd’s Poem

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Folklore: The Hippo and His Seven Wives

I heard the Wind tell this story Storyteller: Ifochakpii! Audience: Waa!!! Storyteller: Gather my friends. It’s time to tell a story. It’s time also to hear a tale. Gather by the fireside, warm yourselves. Bring the little ones to the center. Keep them more hospitable for the night, and her cold hands are nigh. Sit… Continue reading Folklore: The Hippo and His Seven Wives

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Opinion: Leadership Woes

Admitting imperfections are great ways to becoming a better person, people and leaders. City of Talents and Resilient people I was born and raised in Ogbor hill, a suburb of Aba, a city in Southern Nigeria. Aba is known for its industry and export of labour to many Nigerian cities and overseas. The city is… Continue reading Opinion: Leadership Woes

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Mechanics of Savings: a Christian perspective

Mechanics of Savings and Financial Intermediation Savings as described by financial analysts are the portion of income which are not used for consumption expenditures. They are referred to as investments, because huge portions of such savings in financial institutions constitute the capital extended to businesses, governments, individuals and other entities as loans. This is done… Continue reading Mechanics of Savings: a Christian perspective

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Tradition: Storytelling

The African Storytelling Tradition When I, the storyteller, say: Ifochakpii! You, the audience, will reply, Waa!! (Pronounced as ‘War!’) This is the Igbo people’s storytelling tradition. There are different ways of introducing a story to the audience. To the Igbo people, it starts with a chant-like ranting that tries to capture all present attention. So… Continue reading Tradition: Storytelling

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Poetale: The Nomad

When twilight came I took a walk, for some air And down the roadside I went. There a young man stood Bearded heavily unlike myself Throwing corn seeds into his mouth And grinding them with such relish That his brown teeth showed off He stood a little close to my fence And I decided to… Continue reading Poetale: The Nomad

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Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart: Proverbs and Meaning

Onye aturu ilu kowaa ya, ego eji luo nne ya efuola ohia. Before I start this post permit me to greet Igbo people; those who own the proverbs I’m about to explore; Ndi Igbo kwenu! Ekelem unu o. Ndewonu. •Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe on Igbo traditional Isi-agu attire INTRODUCTION: PROVERBS There are many definitions for proverbs… Continue reading Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart: Proverbs and Meaning

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Quotes on Children

Seeing a child laugh or smile at me gives me exceptional joy. As a math teacher, I am privileged to work with them. I have collected some quotes on children to celebrate my love for them. “Every child you encounter is a divine appointment.” – Wess Stafford “Children are like wet cement: whatever falls on… Continue reading Quotes on Children

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Beautiful Eswatini! (Images)

The Kingdom of Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland is a Southern African country bordered by South Africa and Mozambique. The kingdom is known for it’s unique culture and beautiful countryside. If you ever visit this beautiful country make sure you taste the local beer. There’s a lot of animals and birds to see too. Immerse… Continue reading Beautiful Eswatini! (Images)

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Amuse: African Ostrich

1. To you my feathery friend I write In greying fields your fur I sight Dangling by your sides are wings, A tall neck, from which you may sing 2. Caw caw, caw caw are your favourite words The wind is your friend, the soil your playground, The shrub is home, to it you rest… Continue reading Amuse: African Ostrich

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Home: Africa

High up above the hills of Africa, the dark-winged clouds of the night were still folded above the village and surrounding valley. Man and the domestic animals that were his slept. But the antelope of the forest and the small fleet-footed gazelle were wide awake. In a short time, early morning dew descends from ancient… Continue reading Home: Africa

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Love knows no colour

Love knows no pink, no blue, no colour; it knows no creed, no silence, no mumblings, no religion or association. It will learn nothing that brings shame or pain or hurt to others and one’s environment. Love preys on no one, it knows no greed and no self. Like fresh leaves falling quietly away from… Continue reading Love knows no colour

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Amnesty Int’l Letter: Children’s Day 2020

Dear Okechukwu, I wish a happy Children’s Day to all the children in your life. But as I write to you today, my heart goes out to all the children detained in Northeast Nigeria and caught up in endless violence at the hands of Boko Haram and the Nigerian military. They were taken away from… Continue reading Amnesty Int’l Letter: Children’s Day 2020

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Diary of a Village Boy: The Leopard Spirit 9 (The White Man)

Papa came back looking exhausted and defeated. He hung a tied piece of wrapper across his left shoulder and chewed slowly on bitter cola. He held a yellow palm frond in his left palm as he walked into our compound. From my room I watched him march straight to his hut without speaking to anyone.… Continue reading Diary of a Village Boy: The Leopard Spirit 9 (The White Man)

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Four Poems: Let’s Take A Walk

I. OUR TRYST Breezes bring your memory; mild rosy fragrance, The wind sing with you when you sang of the Nightingale And now we wait to tryst, craving beautiful sunset II. HAPPY MEETING We must make haste, for night is a cold stranger, For the great Baobab where our love blossomed, Cold nights steal our… Continue reading Four Poems: Let’s Take A Walk

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A Kind Story 2

I received this story from a friend and thought I should share with you. Folake, a primary school teacher, was transferred to a different school and immediately appointed as a class teacher of a class five class. On her first day in her class, she noticed that a boy named Kola was different from the… Continue reading A Kind Story 2

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Diary of a Village Boy: The Leopard Spirit 8 (Stubborn Nene)

That morning before the early hunters left their homes for the forest, Papa was already on his way to Ndi-Ikele to welcome the priest, newly arrived from Trinidad and Tobago. It was breezy and cloudy that morning, it seemed it would rain any moment. Trees, especially the palm took to joyful procession when I stepped… Continue reading Diary of a Village Boy: The Leopard Spirit 8 (Stubborn Nene)

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Grateful Christian

l feel Your warmth Jehovah The peace and comfort You gave Now sunshine through my curtain, Strings of beautiful colours I see Oh Jehovah, You’re Awesome The skies blue cloud stand at ease You stand out, You’re Handsome! The love I feel, undescribable The life I’ve, gracefully blessed You loved me to love others My… Continue reading Grateful Christian

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Waterfall

Listen to Nature sing from waterfalls, She thrash her garments upon rocks And wash them with her soft palms She sends soft waters crashing into the pool Watching the blue skies as her fingers work When the water descend they form Fine curtains of white mist As the water touch the pool below It changes… Continue reading Waterfall

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Animal Planet’s Dave Salmoni New Show

It’s not everyday that you get this close to the fastest land animal on Earth! Don’t miss a new episode of #AnimalBites with Dave Salmoni, Fridays at 12PM ET. Visit Africa. Learn Igbo language and culture. Click here. Start a blog here.

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Life’s pretty hue

I speak without many words For all I say is but a fraction of my thoughts I find no perfect name (s) In there, in my mind where all are soft So when I sit without my human friends I watch Nature turn to pretty painting, As I fed stray ants my soft bread And… Continue reading Life’s pretty hue

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Humility Vs Pride

Humility and pride are two brothers that see the world from different perspectives. In this blog post, I’ll compare them to see how they differ. Humility apologizes first even when he is not wrong but pride is the longest distance between two people. Pride is concerned with who is right, humility is concerned with what… Continue reading Humility Vs Pride

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If I do love you

If I do love you I would make me a green hut at your gates Drum and call upon your name I would of your virtues write long poems Sing them in the dead of the night So it sounds among the ancient hills With Echo, the talkative spirit of the air Start a stunning… Continue reading If I do love you

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Quotes on Kindness

‘Find out how much God has given you and from it take what you need; the remainder is needed by others.’ St Augustine. ‘If you have much, give of your wealth; if you have little, give of your heart.’ Arabian Proverb. ‘To fold the hands in prayer is well, to open them in charity is… Continue reading Quotes on Kindness

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