LatinosUSA

Born in Africa is a creative nonfiction chapbook by Uchechukwu Onyedikam AKA Mystic Poet (CW2) and published on Coalition for Digital Narratives. It was previously published by the defunct Un Published Writer magazine (upwmagazine dot com).

Born in Africa is available on the google drive
for Coalition for Digital Narratives.

Enjoy the «Prologue» and «Forward», which set up the chapbook beautifully. The 48-page chapbook is engaging and inspiring. I hope you enjoy it!

Excerpt

Prologue 

The other side of less opportunity and lack of infrastructure (dwells the true Spirit of Africa, though battered, is still defiant); could amount to untoward fate but, “Born In  Africa”: projects a vain and ambitious youngster but not self absorbed. In his curious limbo period, faced with the common  enemy, staring at the bright side…toppling all odds; Azubuike is looking for something…something to believe in, by design rather  than chance: 

His Shoulders Held The Sky Suspended; 
He Stood And Earth’s Foundations Stay Put; 
What Africa Abandoned, He Defended, 
And Saved The Sum Of Things For Chauvinism. 
When He Have Finished…And Done Up His Britches,
Wake Him Near The Altar, And This Dream Will Be Fulfilled!  

Walking in rue beside the moldy waterlogged basketball court (inspecting its ruins) on a warm rainy season’s afternoon in July; even pathos, of Azubuike’s situation, he still appears as an athlete who’s ready for the job as he debates in his heart on how to put the outdoor court back to its shape prior to the heavy downpour that has overturned the only youth basketball facility  in his community. He paused, drifted his legal or rebel thought to enforce its swirl around the subservience of the local government Chairman; REACTING STEADILY TO THE WORSENING SITUATION: the poor state of the facility that has birthed NCAA and Pro ballers yet ill-equipped and inadequate. Its waning state by the day has thus become a huge concern to Azubuike. However, Azubuike and a handful of other youngsters had had the chance of soliciting for fund to give the facility a facelift but their collective effort wasn’t enough to achieve the desired outlook in an ample  manner. 

On this axis the raggedy net (almost falling off) on the other half of the basketball court and the backboard in an  awkward position ensued by the thought of draining the moldy water that has covered one third of the cracked surface of the court pricked Azubuike’s instinct not to be passive but to start out with dealing with the devil undauntedly. Back to the center of his  thought: “Inadequacy and Ill-equipment” – the root of all our  woes in black Africa. For an instance, he hurried off to the closest apartment (although ramshackle) to seek broom and other petty household cleaning items to aid his effort. Eventually, Azubuike was handed the tools he pleaded for; having gone through an intensive reassuring phase of “Ti Nbalo Tan, Ma Da Pada”; hence the aged peasant Yoruba woman bid him with a faint smile, “Omo Mi Ko Ya Dapada To Ba Lotan,” in a sense, he was startled…and  dashed off leaving his response, “Mo Ti Gbo Ma.” That sounds  great on the surface being lingually a newbie in Yoruba dialect. 

Apparently, Azubuike had to refrain from the urge of waiting for additional hands to commence; he started sweeping the water and made drainage for easy flow; and with the aid of a  ladder he was enabled to align the net…while straining to reach for the backboard a voice called out his attention from ten meters  away – behind him: “O Boy How Far, Na Only You Dey Do Am?”  Then, suddenly he looked over his shoulders and responded while  trying not to lose the grip of the backboard, and his balance alike, “Yes O…, Abeg Waka Fast Come Help Me Hold The Ladder So That I No Go Fall.” That has on one hand, issued Azubuike a  prompt sense of relief, knowing that with an added hand they are certain to finish up before the evening practice is set. After all has  been fixed and done – the surface of the court seem ready to run up and down without any proneness of sliding off and probably  sustaining skin-surfaced injury; instead of waiting by for other players to turn up, Azubuike suggested that they both engaged in an One-On-One full court play. WELCOME TO AFRICA…and thus the story begun… 

Foreword 

Although I have never been to another country, physically, in my mind’s eye, I have visited most everywhere. Through my daily experiences and conversations with those from other countries, I visualize their experiences, socialization and interactions. Social media has afforded me the opportunity  to network with individuals from all walks of life; from different cultures and backgrounds. I have become familiar with dialects and cultural practices because of my associations in college, work and interestingly, social  media. When I became acquainted with T.I.P about three  years ago, it was through a mutual contact via Facebook. The Praise Network, my media broadcasting company, was just launched and we were in search for music from  inspirational and gospel artists to fill the station. T.I.P  messaged me and wanted to share his music. From there our friendship grew and he is now one of the key artists within our network. To know he has expanded his platform  to author is a pure delight and I am honored to endorse his book.  

Born in Africa is a blend of the author’s personality, experiences and represents any young man with a dream. Many times our dreams are so vast only the Father can align the resources to bring them to fruition. To quote the  author, “Born In Africa is all about a bright young dude who believes in the coexistence of sports and education in Africa.” The main character rebels against his father who is adamantly against him playing basketball and prefers he focus on his education.  

Whenever we have a dream, dream killers will come.  John 10:10 reads, “the thief cometh not but for to steal, and  to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” Often times our loved ones do not mean to kill or speak against our dreams because they believe they know what is best for us; however, when our dreams ‘nag’ at us we must do what we can to pursue them else we live an empty existence. That which drives us to accomplish more and be more should never be extinguished – the burning flame of our heart’s desire to succeed and pursue our vision is the only fire that should be given life. This fire does not destroy but rather it burns for us to see the path we must take to fulfill our dreams. The light of fire in our imaginations burns so that we can see our dreams are possible and we can achieve them. This story, albeit fictional, represents any young man or woman who will stand against popular opinion to pursue his or her goals. Azubuike is not only the hero of this story but he is an icon for his African brothers and sisters. His passion and ambition stem beyond the norms of his family and culture thus he takes the ‘road less traveled’ proving that he can get an education and be a basketball player. Seems simple enough right? On the contrary, this is a huge obstacle to overcome especially in his country.  

‘Born In Africa‘ is a powerful, wonderful and encouraging read. Find yourself among these pages because giving up should never be an option; if we must  take an alternative path to achieve our goals, surely one  exists instead of surrendering to opposing views, negative opinions or the will of others. My heart says to every reader;  pursue your purpose and passion with exuberant faith.  

Many blessings, 
Angel Miller Barrino 
Author, Speaker and Entrepreneur 
http://www.angelbarrino.com

To read Born in Africa click here: Available on Google Drive.

Author Biography

Uchechukwu Onyedikam is a Nigerian creative artist based in Lagos, Nigeria. His poems have appeared in Amsterdam Quarterly, Brittle Paper, Poetic Africa, Hood Communists and in print anthologies. Christina Chin and he have co-published Pouring Light on the Hills (2022).