Magic/Magical Realism (henceforth referred to as Magic Realism in this post) is considered to be a subset of literary fiction genre and is ludicrously credited to a 20th century German. It is defined as "what happens when a highly detailed realistic setting is invaded by something too strange to believe" (see source). I wanted to… Continue reading Magic/Magical Realism and/or Miracles?
Tag: Soyinka
A Second Look at Ireke Onibudo: Fagunwa and His Extraordinary Characters.
When it comes to characters, D.O. Fagunwa did not impose any limitation; he allowed his imagination to run riot. This was what made his books fascinating. The title of the first chapter of Ireke Onibudo was "Pipade Awon Abami Eda", translated "An Encounter with Strange, Unusual and Extraordinary Beings". He opted for "Eda" (being, creation,… Continue reading A Second Look at Ireke Onibudo: Fagunwa and His Extraordinary Characters.
First Look at Ireke Onibudo (a book written by D.O. Fagunwa)
Ireke Onibudo delivering a princess from a flying Snake Ireke Onibudo was the fourth book written by D.O. Fagunwa, a pioneering author from the South West of Nigeria. There is a pattern to most of Fagunwa's books. There is a narrator, who had a very fascinating story to tell about his adventures in life, who… Continue reading First Look at Ireke Onibudo (a book written by D.O. Fagunwa)
Káfilégboin (Let’s have it on the stiff): Yoruba Names
Names are not casually given among the Yorubas. Instead, they are carefully chosen. In some cases, a name reveals a great deal about the child. Yorubas who are conversant with their culture and traditions can find clues that points to social background, family trades and circumstances of birth from a name. The best illustration of… Continue reading Káfilégboin (Let’s have it on the stiff): Yoruba Names
Àjà ló lerù (It is the loft that does the heavy lifting)
"Àjà ló lerù, Iró Ni Pepe Ńpa" is a Yoruba proverb. It is also the title of a detective fiction written by Oladejo Okediji, who passed away earlier this year. Translating Yoruba proverbs is a very risky venture. There was a famous politician from the South West of Nigeria who took on this risky venture… Continue reading Àjà ló lerù (It is the loft that does the heavy lifting)