It began with 'ah-ah! how you dey?' and ended with 'chop knuckles'. I'd spent the day brooding and missing my overseas home, feeling uncertain as to whether or not I wanted to be here and shrinking from my surroundings. I went out and had moments of significant enjoyment, but the ache persisted. I was bursting with memories and telling them to anyone who would listen. I felt overwhelmed at times, by my environment, the atmosphere, and my reminiscences. Eventually, I set out for the bus stop. Walking down Slater, I saw a group of people gathered on the sidewalk, spilling slightly into the street. I walked past them and saw a man, walking to the curb from the street, his arms open, speaking loudly to his friends. I exclaimed "ah-ah!"
It was Iyke. I asked him "how you dey?" as we approached each other. He drew his arm around me and pulled me closer, greeting me "Naija girl." His friend asked if I'd just asked "how you dey?" He was shocked and intrigued. Iyke explained I'd been living in Nigeria for 'almost 2 years' (more like a year and a half, but who's counting?). Iyke performed a demonstration for his friend, asking me "wetin dey now?" I answered "nuttin'". His friend was quite astounded by dis small oyinbo girl wey hear broken. Talking to Iyke and his friends was just the fix I needed to take the edge off my missing and loneliness, my ache for Naija. When we parted, the guy said I should hang out with them some time and they'd all speak broken. I'd definitely be up for some of that. Hanging with Femi Kuti's band members gave me a good taste which seems to have made me crave more.
So that's that. I must sleep now. I dey tired, sha.
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