A tribute to Cyprian Ekwensi

I met Mr Ekwensi when he came to sign copies of his book Jagua Nana's daughter at my mothers bookshop in Ikeja. I had read quite a few of his books by then and told him how much I loved them. I went on to say People of the City was my favourite to which he broke into fluent yoruba and laughed. I always could identify with Amuda Sango the Journalist who also doubled as a Trumpet Player in a Highlife band. Years later i would also double as a keyboard player while maintaining a career in investment banking.

He may not have been feted like his more popular contemporaries but for me his books were special. In an age before the political correctness of federal character they showed the different characters who people our country. Towns were brought into your orbit, smells conjured, beautiful women described and so on. He made me fall in love with my own country and want to explore all those sounds and smells he wrote about. His knowledge of Nigeria was always put at the service of his art.
He wrote for modern Nigerians. He was our Hero.
He was special. Very special.

Sun re ogbontarigi akowe!