Guys, how are we already in the second quarter of the year? Sheesh! Happily, I’m pleased to report that, although I kind of disappeared for the last month (sorry about that!), I’ve been enjoying life thoroughly. Recent weeks have felt like I’ve just been soaking in all things Naija and I’m here for it. First up, Iwaju.
Iwaju is a “first of its kind” afrofuturistic cartoon series set in Lagos, Nigeria and is the result of a collaboration between Disney and African animation company, Kugali Media. It was released on Disney+ on 28 February this year but annoyingly, even though it was the sole reason I signed up for the Disney+ streaming service, Iwaju was not available for viewing in Denmark. Or Nigeria for that matter. Bombastic side-eye! My enemies did not win though because I have now watched it and it’s amazing! From the opening scene with the character of Simi making puff puff to delving into each character’s backstory (yes I said “delving” #iykyk), together with the language mix of Yoruba, English and Pidgin English, it all just made my heart sing. I loved that it did not shy away from the big issues confronting Nigerian society – kidnapping, corruption, poverty amongst others. But it goes about it in a way that children can digest whilst adults watching can also stay engaged. I loved it! Who would have thought we’d have a “Disney” cartoon set in Nigeria? Amazeballs!
Another recent experience that blew my mind in the best of ways was dining at Chishuru. Chishuru is the brainchild of Adejoke Bakare, the first black woman in the UK to receive a Michelin star and my goodness, is it deserved. The food is so creatively designed and artfully delivered. It’s truly a gastronomic treat and the fact it’s Nigerian cuisine I’m talking about… let’s just say, I’m so proud right now, my shoulders are beside the Almighty. A word of caution though – whilst it’s a feast for your tastebuds, it’s not an actual feast. See the pictures to understand what I mean. Don’t surprise yourself, just prepare to have a hearty meal afterwards to fill your tummy. Not before though – come with a clean palate ready to be blown away!
Whilst we’re on the topic of food, I must confess that these last few weeks I have been eating like a goat that didn’t know Ramadan was ending soon. Truly I have been unruly in my eating habits, the enjoyment has been so much. I spent Easter in Lagos and I had a whale of a time. If you follow me on Instagram (if you don’t, fix that please and asap!), you would have seen the Good Friday spread of iyan (pounded yam), snails, gizzard, plantain, jollof rice, frejon amongst others. Frejon! A Good Friday staple (#iykyk) and a favourite snack for me any day. I can eat frejon for brekkie, lunch and dinner and for snack times in between, that’s how much I love it. Not to be outshone by the frejon, the oldies but always goodies – abula and pounded yam with efo riro – were of course available in abundance. I went to the home of pounded yam – “Ile Iyan” and it surely lived up to its name. Delish! And snails! Nigerian snails are the best – fight with your French grandma if you want because I. Said. What. I. Said.
Honestly the icing on the cake for the last couple of weeks for me was the time in Lagos. Every day was a joy, whatever I was doing. I went to watch polo for the first time – fascinating! A special shout out to the decor of Jollof by Jara. Their abula is alright but their decor is gorgeous! Aside from gorging myself on all my food faves and frequenting old haunts – I see you Lekki market! – I also discovered a new fashion bae – Babayo – which makes the most insanely beautifully simple pieces. I picked up a few and I absolutely cannot wait to PEPPER the folks of Copenhagen with my wares. Finally, the family time was just so precious to me, especially with my little ones. Playing babysitter for my nephews and having my niece around was everything. Celebrating my nephew’s tenth birthday was wonderful but a little bittersweet too. Where did the time go? He’s ten already? This baby? God is truly great.
So there you have it folks, a little update on all that’s been happening for me in recent weeks. It feels a little like a love note to Nigeria and I’m here for it. I have some more Naija focused treats coming up so stay tuned for those. And yes, I’m trying to get back to regular posting so check back next week for the next post. Ciao!
