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

I’ll be honest, Nobu. I thought you’d dropped the baton on one of those days when you didn’t post. But you made up for it the next day and redeemed yourself. Because if you hadn’t done so, I would’ve haunted you in your dreams with a story from a cook book. And I’m sure you’d have been happy that I was finally convinced that a cook book can make for great reading. FYI, I’m still not convinced.

Lila

When I read your work, Lila, I hear the voice of a leader who understands the concept of lifting people up. There are lines from your blog that I’ll quote when speaking to people and I’m sure those guys will think I’m smart. They’ll have no idea I stole them from you. I’ve reported myself in advance. And there’s a suaveness and refinedness to the way you write.

Benjamin Watch

You blend history, current affairs and your own thoughts into some thought provoking articles. I wish I could do that. Some of your essays made me ask myself, “Man, what literature am I reading?” Your blog is a teacher. Your views for example on Uber and Israel just gave me a new perspective on things.

Dante aka The Mad Blogger

You write your truth like a knife slicing through lemon. It’s clear, unwavering, unapologetic, punchy and absolutely sick. I love it. You have my green light to roast the committee that selected the topics for this challenge on a three stone stove. And I keep having this feeling that you were part of that selection committee. Hehehe.

Nashe.Chox

A thrilling guy to read. Spares no words, shoots his arrow into the bullseye. For some reason I can’t point to, I imagine you’re a dancer. Or you were one of those guys who did lots of break dance in school.

Bex

Bex, you’ve run this marathon of writing so well. You had a great start, maintained your pace, and here we are almost crossing the finish line. I’ll be with your pet cub, Simba, waiting for you at the finish line.

I look forward to the day when I’ll joke and tell some people on another continent that I have a pet lion called Simba somewhere in Africa.

Anci

You have some of the best self-deprecating remarks I’ve ever read. And the twists you take in your writing leave me floored every time I read your blog. You keep your posts short, sweet and engaging. You give me a good belly laugh. I wish I could be as humorous as you are.

Wendy

When you noticed you weren’t receiving notifications from my blog, you were concerned. You gave me a heads-up on it. And you showed up here even when you didn’t get those notifications. Thank you for having my back, Wendy. You kept me going.

Sesi Asante

She’s one of those people you can’t call by one name. Because Sesi Asante is a brand. Just like how we couldn’t separate the names Kofi and Annan. It always was Kofi Annan. I fell in love with your illustrations. You showed us that Africa can create its own visuals. You deserve an award. It’s sometimes so difficult to find relatable Africa themed stock photos. Your work could provide an alternative to stock photos. I guess therein lies a business idea if you aren’t already doing it. I’ll reach out to you. I’ll use one Kiswahili word here. Asante Sesi for sharing your gift of creating with us.  

Eunice Tossy

Jesus rocks, doesn’t He? I really enjoyed how you blended some of the crazy prompts with your strength of writing from a Christian centred angle. You were refreshing to read. You are clean and simple. I’m not sure I’d pull off what you do.

Joseyphina

You took me to Ghana and taught me Twi. Maakye and Maaha. Those have remained with me. I have a starting point now. The next time I meet Nana my Ghanaian friend, he’ll be surprised that I know something.

Uncle of Bloggers aka ⁓B

Your wordplay is like food so delicious. It leaves me licking my fingers and trying to figure out how you do it. Do I need to hurt my big toe in the dark to get the kind of wit you have?

Carol Mvenga

I discovered Carol’s blog a little late into the challenge. Carol is from Cameroon and mostly writes in French. To have you as part of this challenge writing in English whenever you could was a big deal for me. You have inspired me to try to learn to blog in more than one language.

Precious Melody

I have a confession. The first time I saw your name, you wouldn’t guess what played in my mind. It was a song we used to sing when I was a kid. It went something like, “Making melodies in my heart, making melodies in my heart, making melodies in my heart to the King of Kings. Thumbs up.” And it would continue. Each time I click the link to your blog, that’s the song that plays in my head. Making melodies in my heart.

UBU

You are a diverse creative with music and writing combined. I enjoyed finding my way to your blog. And I can finally ask you this question. Why does your blog have a black background?

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Oh my God! It’s 8:20pm in Uganda right now. I’ve got to post this as is. There are a lot more people whose blogs I read throughout this challenge. I’m grateful that I interacted with so many of you through your blogs and writings.