This article is mainly sourced from Laurent Fourchard's paper titled - The Case of Ibadan, Nigeria* Let us take you on a whirlwind tour of Ibadan, a city with more layers than a Yoruba bride's gele. This is a place where history and hustle meet, shake hands, and...
Perhaps you may have heard of ChatGPT. For those who have not, ChatGPT(Generative Pre-trained Transformer) is simply a model 'which interacts in a conversational way'. In more technical terms, according to Wikipedia, it is a is a chatbot built on top of...
Over, the years, many African countries have seen a lot of their people move out of the country overseas in search of greener pastures. Outside their natural habitat, they realize that they start doing things the way their new environment does. Most of the times,...
Every parent wants overall development for their Children. This is why we have parents sending their kids to school, engaging in physical activities such as taking them to playgrounds, reading bedtime stories and even helping out with homeworks and so much more. We...
Igbo Men celebrating their culture. Where did the Igbos come from? The story of the origin of the Igbos is not a unanimous one. Some believe the popular Igbo Folklore that states the Igbo people descended from Eri, a divine figure who was sent from heaven to Earth to...
Do you know that it is widely believed that the origin of the Yoruba as a nation is traced back to Oduduwa in the city of Ile-Ife. Ile-Ife is a city in Osun State, a south-western part of Nigeria. It is acclaimed that in Ile-Ife, there is a spot where Olodumare, the...
It is often said that a Man’s identity is tied to the language he speaks. Through pronunciations, accents and dictions, you can pick out a Briton from an American, a Ghanaian from a Nigerian. Languages help to tie us to a...
On Saturday, May 25th, 2024, the town of Loughborough came alive with the sounds, flavours, and stories of Africa. In a heartwarming and energetic gathering at The Hub Project, KARIBANI, in collaboration with The Business of Being and DEAR JESAS, hosted the second instalment of “Wellbeing from African Lenses.” This event was a celebration of African heritage, focusing on mental health, community, and the joy of traditional games and cuisine.
The event was expertly hosted by Ayodeji Akiwowo, Osas Adetutu, and Ade Anifowose, who ensured that every aspect of the day flowed seamlessly. Ade set a vibrant tone for the event with his masterful drumming, filling the venue with energetic rhythms that echoed the heartbeat of Africa. Each session of the event was heralded by the ringing of a bell, a symbolic gesture that added a touch of tradition and ceremony to the proceedings.
One of the day’s events was an engaging storytelling session by the esteemed Dr. Juliet Ojiako. Attendees were transported through a tale that spanned generations, providing a deep connection to African traditions and history. These stories not only entertained but also fostered a sense of belonging and pride in African roots. I particularly enjoyed listening to the story of ‘how the Tortoise got its cracked back’. It is a story we were told as kids as we gathered around grandpa and grandma. Juliet did a fantastic job bringing back those memories.
Following this, Serah Muindi delivered an insightful talk on mental health from an African perspective. Her session highlighted the unique challenges and strengths within African communities, encouraging open discussions about mental wellbeing. Serah’s expertise and empathy created a safe space for attendees to share and reflect on their mental health journeys.
One of the event’s highlights was the array of traditional African games, including Ayo, Whot, and Ludo. These games, cherished by many who grew up in Africa, brought a wave of nostalgia and joy. It was heartening to see participants, both young and old, enthusiastically engaging in these activities. The laughter and friendly competition continued well into the evening, long after the official sessions had ended. The games served as a reminder of the simple pleasures of childhood and the powerful role of play in fostering community bonds.
No African celebration is complete without music and dance, and this event was no exception. Attendees enjoyed a lively session of dancing and singing, showcasing the rich musical heritage of Africa. The rhythmic beats and melodic tunes created an atmosphere of joy and unity.
Complementing the festivities was a delightful array of African delicacies. Thanks to the generous sponsorship from Spicee Upp restaurant, attendees savoured treats like puff-puff, kilishi, Zobo drink, and chin-chin. These flavours brought a taste of home to many and introduced others to the culinary delights of Africa. The refreshment spread was a testament to the rich and diverse culinary traditions of the continent.
The success of “Wellbeing from African Lenses 2” was made possible through the generous support of several partners. Charnwood Arts paid for the perfect venue at The Hub Project, creating a welcoming environment for our activities. We also received invaluable support from Dr. Dejo Olaleye, whose contributions were instrumental in the event’s success.
We were thrilled to have over 25 people in attendance, including children, who added to the lively and inclusive atmosphere. The presence of such a diverse group underscored the importance of community events in bringing people together and celebrating shared heritage.
As we reflect on this joyous occasion, we are filled with gratitude and inspiration. The overwhelming positive feedback and the palpable sense of community reaffirm our commitment to continuing this series. “Wellbeing from African Lenses” is more than an event; it is a movement to celebrate and preserve African culture, promote mental wellbeing, and strengthen community ties.
We look forward to the next instalment and many more opportunities to celebrate our heritage and foster wellbeing from an African perspective. Thank you to everyone who attended, participated, and supported this event. Together, we are building a vibrant, connected, and thriving community.
Stay tuned for updates on our future events and initiatives!
This article is mainly sourced from Laurent Fourchard's paper titled - The Case of Ibadan, Nigeria* Let us take you on a whirlwind tour of Ibadan, a city with more layers than a Yoruba bride's gele. This is a place where history and hustle meet, shake hands, and...
Perhaps you may have heard of ChatGPT. For those who have not, ChatGPT(Generative Pre-trained Transformer) is simply a model 'which interacts in a conversational way'. In more technical terms, according to Wikipedia, it is a is a chatbot built on top of...
Over, the years, many African countries have seen a lot of their people move out of the country overseas in search of greener pastures. Outside their natural habitat, they realize that they start doing things the way their new environment does. Most of the times,...
Every parent wants overall development for their Children. This is why we have parents sending their kids to school, engaging in physical activities such as taking them to playgrounds, reading bedtime stories and even helping out with homeworks and so much more. We...
Igbo Men celebrating their culture. Where did the Igbos come from? The story of the origin of the Igbos is not a unanimous one. Some believe the popular Igbo Folklore that states the Igbo people descended from Eri, a divine figure who was sent from heaven to Earth to...
Do you know that it is widely believed that the origin of the Yoruba as a nation is traced back to Oduduwa in the city of Ile-Ife. Ile-Ife is a city in Osun State, a south-western part of Nigeria. It is acclaimed that in Ile-Ife, there is a spot where Olodumare, the...
It is often said that a Man’s identity is tied to the language he speaks. Through pronunciations, accents and dictions, you can pick out a Briton from an American, a Ghanaian from a Nigerian. Languages help to tie us to a...