Mama Africa

Being first generation in my family born abroad, my parents were always a bit afraid of me and my brothers not being completely in touch with our culture.


So how did they counter attack that fear? By dragging us off to Nigeria almost every summer since 1999...


At first we used to go for the whole six weeks holiday but as we've gotten older, that time has decreased to just a couple of weeks. 


When I was younger I used to be upset that I was gone for the 'summer' and missed everyone playing out and going swimming or whatever it was that my friends used to do during the summer holidays.


It was only when I was well into my teens that I appreciated going and spending time with my family. I mean my aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, everyone is over there. 


I love going home, its a completely different world. Although it may not have all the comforts of England and everything isn’t as 'ordered' as it could be, it's such a lively and vibrant country, full of things that will capture and hold all five of your senses. There's never a dull moment!


Although we go quite often, this year was emotional because we went for my Grandpas Celebration of Life party, he died in March. It was a big affair, even a few family friends from London came over and celebrated with us. 


There was a live band which was just amazing, I've heard live band before in London but the Nigerian version is the steak to the English ones burger. 


I didn't know any of the songs but the way I was dancing! I got sprayed (when money is put on your body as you are dancing, it's like saying "Your moves are smooth") about 8800 Naira which is approximately £36 but still, not bad for just enjoying myself.


Everyone else had a good time too…

My Ma and Pa

Vibes

My Pa skankin on down...his hat was sick!

My cousins - their moves were too much, they put me to shame

My Ma and Aunt having some sorta 'You Got Served' type battle

As I mentioned earlier, there’s always something to interest/amuse/confuse you. Below are a few of my most memorable moments from this years trip:

• One night we were bored so we decided to watch one of my uncles DVD’s. It was a Chinese film, with English subtitles but dubbed in Yoruba - That was a real baffler, I went to bed with a headache

• Everytime I would shower with fresh (cold) water from the well, I would jump up and down on the spot, speaking aloud words of encouragement to spur myself on and pour that first bit of water on my body - I think I lost a bit of weight from doing that

Seeing this…

A cow

…turn into this

Jolloff rice, fried rice and MEAT!

• My uncle called a family meeting after my cousin (his nine year old son) had eaten a sweet that he took from an extended family member that all the adults were a bit weary of - That was hilarious and serious at the same time 0_o

And finally

• At the airport, I heard someone arguing at the check-in desk about something or other, he was really going in with the Pidgin English. I turned around to look at the owner of the angry toned voice…it was an Asian guy 

Thank God for the gift of family and the gift of life, don’t waste it!