I’m turning 30 next month. The big 3-O is looming. It’s around the turn sitting with its legs crossed, head leaning back against a rocking chair. It’s watching 29 doing the last lap in a 12 month marathon. I can sniff 30. The wind of age is blowing its whiff in my direction. Everything about…
Category: Life and People
Catherine from Malawi
I’m going down the escalator at Stadhalle to catch a tram to class when Phillip, a four year old boy who has been talking since we were in Bus 612 asks me, “Sprichst du Deutsch?” He wanted to know if I spoke German. This was a good time to test what I know so far,…
India
You call up this girl that you like. She knows you like her so you won’t pretend about it. She’s mellow, wears a smile that beams like sunflowers. She carries the personality of a fresh tantalizing aroma that draws you to her. And she’s into Neo Soul music, a genre that you started paying attention…
Day #30: The Finish Line and Afrobloggers
“For wherever your treasure is, that is where your heart will be too.” Matthew 6:21 and Luke 12:34 [I wanted to use a picture of Eliud Kipchoge setting the marathon world record in Berlin but I couldn’t find one that was clear and free to use. I’d have to fork out at least USD 100…
Day #28: You Inspire Me
Throughout this blogging challenge, there have been many bloggers across Africa from whom I’ve picked lessons. Bloggers who have unknowingly taught and inspired me to tweak stories, to be bold and authentic, to read and create more, to come here every day and to fill these pages with words. And in no particular order; Nobuhle…
The WhatsApp Doc
I’m in my bachelor pad doing dishes that had stayed in the sink for three days when Lily asks, “Ernest, if you become a really important person in this country, will you continue to write about those intimate things you go through in your private life?” I pretend not to have heard her question. Lily…
Christopher
I sit at the veranda of my mum’s house gazing at the septic tank. “That’s where our shit goes when we flush it down the toilet,” I whisper to the air. My mind wanders as I raise my head for a second to catch our neighbour’s jackfruits dangling from across the fence. My head drops….
Yakub
Marius sits with his back upright on the chair. He moves his left hand to rub his cheek, the sleeve of his jacket draws down. It exposes a leather strapped timepiece. It’s thick on his wrist and it’s guarded by a bracelet. His jacket is buttoned. And guess who he looks like. President Kagame. His…
Nana from Ghana
6:50am: I’m seated at the Gate 24 waiting lounge at JKIA. The amber colour of the sun is rising above the airport roof adjacent to where I am. A woman with a West African accent seems raved up about something. It’s got to do with her boarding pass? I can’t quite get what that is…