From chapter two, the narrator explored the story as seen from a child’s point of view. He talked about his childhood and the Nigerian society in which he grew.
A place where many who tried to live tomorrow became stuck....
A country where every old man was King and every young man listened....
A world of laughter and drama that foreigners would gladly drop their money to watch.
He also speaks about his family; the tension between his parents due to the effect of his father’s job at the Institute of Special Studies. As the narrator grows up the real aim of the story emerges, as we come across more characters and unprecedented events start unfolding. Rumours and legends abound. Series of hypotheses start to emerge, partly in credit to Chekhov, the Russian naturalist who delivers series of seminars and hypothesized multiple universes and that the Black hole must have been the gateway to our universe, from where ethereal beings must have sneaked in, eons ago. Governments support his researches and the Nigerian President even made policies along his eugenic ideas, declaring in a highly eloquent speech that government should reserve the right to birth control.
The narrator’s experience culminates into a multilateral government project to send 24 young African astronauts to space. The narrator was chosen as part of the team. Book one ends with an accident, the Mars crew lost their way and all contacts with the Earth. They braced themselves for a long sojourn on the red planet.
Book two explores another timeline preceding book one. Here, instead of the narrator, the reader sees the story through the eyes of the book’s important characters; Olabode, the troubled bachelor who was also the narrator’s uncle, Sola Aderomoke; the elegant, adventurous female journalist, Lord; the intellectual pervert who leads a profane organization, Olanusi; the brilliant but senile psychiatrist. Each of them has their own story and yet all their stories are interwoven. Their lives are interwoven in a manner that contributed to the story line.
Sola is Olabode’s girlfriend, Olanusi is the mythical lord’s former psychiatrist. When Olabode starts to have schizophrenic problems, he approached Olanusi who helped unravel the significance of his hallucinations. Olabode would dream of another life in another age. He did not just dream, he sees life as it was, 30,000 years ago. He experiences the war of the primates, a long time ago in prehistoric England, when the modern Homo sapiens triumphed over the primitive, brutish Neanderthals. In this myth and dream he met a La kenu who turned out to be Sola, of his modern world. The plot thickens as lord and his neo-nihilist movement, the human renaissance plan to take over the world and usher a new age of the supermen, where superhuman abilities through genetic alteration will spurn the evolution of a new breed of men. Is there a grand conspiracy by the ancient lords here, those beings who left those genomic signs on the ancient rocks several years before, or is this twist of events just a mere coincidence? The fate of the world nonetheless appears to have been sealed
In the beginning of Book 3 the narrator returns from Mars with the rest of the crew in the year 2287, meeting a very different world that has advanced scientifically and technologically.
The saga culminates in the ultimate confrontation and defeat of evil, epitomised by the human renaissance organization’s plan to create a new world order that will eliminate what it considers ordinary men, as opposed to supermen, which they hope to create.
‘A time comes, when the mere man will seem to the superman, an embarrassment’
The book takes some philosophical issues pertinent to the origin of man, and his continuous search for his identity. Several questions are raised and focus brought on lingering, controversial matters such as evolution, abortion, racism, and religion. It is intricate in its description of events. The style of writing is also good, with frequent flash-backs and rapid plot. The story timeline actually commences in book two, goes back to book 1 and finally ends in book 3. The language is fascinating, it is the rich, biblical English typical with writers like J.R Tolkien and C.S Lewis. The author did a good job of blending together, the various complex characters of the book. Yet the book is without flaw. Spelling errors occur randomly on its pages. Atimes, the plot progresses two slowly and in such a complicated way that the reader may lose touch with the characters. The writer makes up for this in the rich dialogues embedded in the plot.
Altogether, I will say this is one of the most interesting Nigerian novels I’ve read. The theme and the plot have a way of captivating a reader’s interest in a way that one doesn’t get released until he reads to the end. It is expected that controversy will arise concerning the intricate issues raised by the book and some readers may find themselves averse to the opinions of the narrator. Tope Apoola deserves some commendation for putting forward this brilliant debut.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Monday, February 21, 2011
The Arab uprisings; lessons for Nigeria
In recent times, several Arab nations have witnessed intense upheavals. The situation became especially severe in Tunisia where the people have removed their president, and in Egypt where a million people are marching on the streets, calling for the ouster of President Hosni Mubarak, who has ruled the country for 30 years. Angry protests have been going on since December last year. Riots sparked by protests against unemployment, corruption and rising standard of living have claimed over 150 lives in these North African countries as protesters clashed with law enforcement agents. The riots were said to have started when a 21 year old man set himself ablaze as a protest against the poor living conditions of himself and millions of other youths in Tunisia. This incidence happened in a provincial city but the riots soon spread to the capital Tunis and the whole country became submerged under a blanket of violence. In what has been described by international journalists as an unprecedented revolution, thousands of people rose up to challenge the 23 year old government of President Ben Ali. Several people were killed, many others were injured or arrested, and journalists were initially barred from covering the protests. Yet the riots persisted. This was an indication that something unusual was about to happen in Tunisia. The problem soon became too much for the government to handle as protesters began to demand for the removal of the president, who had ruled the country for 23 years. The firing of the interior minister and announcement by the president that jailed protesters and journalists would be freed could not help matters. The government even removed restrictions on the media and announced that more jobs would be created but it was too late. The people had spoken, they had spoken clearly and fearlessly; they needed change. The height of the unrest was President Ben Ali’s resignation from office and his subsequent exile. The speaker of the parliament has since been installed as caretaker president. In Egypt, the atmosphere continues to be charged as the people have demanded their rights from their elite. The Egyptians have spoken; they want Mubarak out. The international community continues to watch the outcome of the crisis in Egypt with concern as Mubarak delicately clings to power.
The events happening in North Africa have shown the world the power of the people and the effectiveness of mass action, which is something we have not been using in Nigeria. While watching the live footage of the Tunisian riots on Aljazeera, I wondered whether Nigerians could have the kind of courage exhibited by the young Tunisians. Can we summon in ourselves the courage to demand for our right to self determination, good living conditions and justice, even in the face of harassment by security forces? Before the resignation of the president in Tunisia, the international media were concerned that the protests were not been covered because of government sanctions. Immediately after the president’s exit, it was amazing how everything changed. Freedom of the press was attained immediately to some level as footage of the protests began to stream in. That is what can be achieved when the people speak out with one voice and march against injustice. Wole Soyinka said ‘The man dies in all who keep silent in the face of tyranny’ So is the man dying in us Nigerians as we have kept silent, or we have not spoken out loudly enough in the face of rigged elections, inept leadership, corruption, bad electricity, bad roads, lies by our leaders and debilitating poverty. We pray to God to liberate us everyday from oppression of the elite, forgetting that God will not come down and help us. He has given us the power to liberate ourselves, if only we are ready to pay the sacrifice, even at the detriment of our lives. The forthcoming election in April is an opportunity for us to make our demand loud and clear. We must not only speak out, but also act against everything we know as injustice or tyranny in our country. Then only can we achieve the Nigeria of our dreams. Otherwise we will just sit down and fold our arms as we watch things go from bad to worse.
The events happening in North Africa have shown the world the power of the people and the effectiveness of mass action, which is something we have not been using in Nigeria. While watching the live footage of the Tunisian riots on Aljazeera, I wondered whether Nigerians could have the kind of courage exhibited by the young Tunisians. Can we summon in ourselves the courage to demand for our right to self determination, good living conditions and justice, even in the face of harassment by security forces? Before the resignation of the president in Tunisia, the international media were concerned that the protests were not been covered because of government sanctions. Immediately after the president’s exit, it was amazing how everything changed. Freedom of the press was attained immediately to some level as footage of the protests began to stream in. That is what can be achieved when the people speak out with one voice and march against injustice. Wole Soyinka said ‘The man dies in all who keep silent in the face of tyranny’ So is the man dying in us Nigerians as we have kept silent, or we have not spoken out loudly enough in the face of rigged elections, inept leadership, corruption, bad electricity, bad roads, lies by our leaders and debilitating poverty. We pray to God to liberate us everyday from oppression of the elite, forgetting that God will not come down and help us. He has given us the power to liberate ourselves, if only we are ready to pay the sacrifice, even at the detriment of our lives. The forthcoming election in April is an opportunity for us to make our demand loud and clear. We must not only speak out, but also act against everything we know as injustice or tyranny in our country. Then only can we achieve the Nigeria of our dreams. Otherwise we will just sit down and fold our arms as we watch things go from bad to worse.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
A Review of 'Times of the Supermen' by Tope Apoola(part 1)
TIMES OF THE SUPERMEN
'I speak of the times of the supermen, for in here shall we find the courage to proceed'.
Those were the opening words of this new science thriller written by Tope Apoola who himself is a new comer to the writing scene.
The book is spectacular not only in the subject it has explored in its 435 pages and the manner of its writing, but also because it raises several questions which though have plagued many minds for long are seldom publicly raised.
The book is divided into three books, with each story existing independently and also serving as parts of the bigger story. The plot revolves around a discovery by wise men, of some strange formations on the face of Mars which they attributed to deliberate intelligence. This is based on the premise that these formations were so extensive and precise that they couldn’t have been made naturally. Some intelligent beings created them while they were on Mars, eons ago. The controversy surrounding this mysterious discovery deepened when another discovery was made of similar formations on a huge rock in England, dated to prehistoric times. Some signs were also discovered secretly at the site that were found out to be genetic codes of some proteins that will make humans attain immortality and acquire uncommon superhuman abilities which might be accompanied also with uncommon instincts. Should these strange signs correlate, then it will mean that these proposed super beings, who were lords of the ancient times, once lived on Mars and actually visited the Earth, a long time ago, when hominids were non-existent.
Book one opens at the tail end of the saga as the narrator introduces us to the subject of the matter. It was the year 2287 in a future technologically advanced Nigeria, and a series of unprecedented events have reached a climax in which the futuristic world leaders had declared war and the nation prepared for battle against the faceless enemies that seek to perpetuate a new world order. The narrator takes us back into the past, to the year 2003 when the story was just unfolding.
How shall I in the middle of this chaos when the world’s sanity and conscience and good judgement is withered......
Mine is a story of many ages, a tale as seen by one man, ending with just one assertion, that there are answer; answers to why we are here.......
At the end of it all we shall learn that there is some truth in many orthodox propositions. Our hearts shall be gladdened, for goodness is supreme among the forces that be.
'I speak of the times of the supermen, for in here shall we find the courage to proceed'.
Those were the opening words of this new science thriller written by Tope Apoola who himself is a new comer to the writing scene.
The book is spectacular not only in the subject it has explored in its 435 pages and the manner of its writing, but also because it raises several questions which though have plagued many minds for long are seldom publicly raised.
The book is divided into three books, with each story existing independently and also serving as parts of the bigger story. The plot revolves around a discovery by wise men, of some strange formations on the face of Mars which they attributed to deliberate intelligence. This is based on the premise that these formations were so extensive and precise that they couldn’t have been made naturally. Some intelligent beings created them while they were on Mars, eons ago. The controversy surrounding this mysterious discovery deepened when another discovery was made of similar formations on a huge rock in England, dated to prehistoric times. Some signs were also discovered secretly at the site that were found out to be genetic codes of some proteins that will make humans attain immortality and acquire uncommon superhuman abilities which might be accompanied also with uncommon instincts. Should these strange signs correlate, then it will mean that these proposed super beings, who were lords of the ancient times, once lived on Mars and actually visited the Earth, a long time ago, when hominids were non-existent.
Book one opens at the tail end of the saga as the narrator introduces us to the subject of the matter. It was the year 2287 in a future technologically advanced Nigeria, and a series of unprecedented events have reached a climax in which the futuristic world leaders had declared war and the nation prepared for battle against the faceless enemies that seek to perpetuate a new world order. The narrator takes us back into the past, to the year 2003 when the story was just unfolding.
How shall I in the middle of this chaos when the world’s sanity and conscience and good judgement is withered......
Mine is a story of many ages, a tale as seen by one man, ending with just one assertion, that there are answer; answers to why we are here.......
At the end of it all we shall learn that there is some truth in many orthodox propositions. Our hearts shall be gladdened, for goodness is supreme among the forces that be.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Oblivion(a short story)
OBLIVION
“Tami, are you not going to fish today? The sunshine must have penetrated the river and the fishes would be awake by now!” my mama called from inside the hut.
“The day is still young mama, I will soon go.” I shouted back.
I looked up and saw the sun high in the sky, yet I felt reluctant to go. I stared across the horizon and felt an invisible darkness creeping upon the land. Usually, I would wake up at the first stroke of dawn and rush to the river. Now, the joy that the first rays of the early morning sunshine brought had receded. It had been replaced by a vague feeling of emptiness that had refused to go ever since the oil wells were installed.
My name is Taminore. I live in a small village in the Southernmost part of Nigeria, an area of land called the Niger Delta because that is where the River Niger flows into the Atlantic ocean, dividing into many rivulets or tributaries. One of these rivulets is very close to my home. We are predominantly fishermen and this river is our mainstay.
When I was fifteen, oil was discovered in the village. As I grew up, I saw my environment change rapidly before my very eyes. For the first time, there was electricity, and government provided a school for the community. For a while, the tides of change were positive. Then, gradually, the adverse effects of uncontrolled oil exploitation began to seep in. Now, five years later, I was twenty and my source of livelihood was being severely threatened. The river had been badly polluted due to oil spillage. The fishes were dying and the water had become unfit for drinking.
Soon, I started slowly across the creeks towards the river. Usually, when I got to the river, I would stand for a while on the shores of the river, admiring the beauty of my habitat. Then, I would find a suitable spot around the river, where I would sit, watching lazily as the water shimmered and the fishes danced in it. I could wait there for a long time, just staring at the water and dreaming, until I sighted Seigher. I would watch as she approached me, her big fetching bowl balanced on her head. She would smile at me, showing her small, white teeth. She had dimpled cheeks and hazel eyes. She would come to me and embrace me, then we would go fishing together.
Today, I was so late that I didn’t need to wait there for Seigher. She was already there, sitting on a tree branch. I realized her face was solemn and grim
“Tami!” she called as I walked towards her, “John is dead!” she cried. She ran to me and I held her in my arms. She sobbed on my shoulder, pouring out her grief.
“What happened” I asked, not believing that my bestfriend, and Seigher’s brother was dead.
“It was the soldiers. They thought he was a militant. Oh Tami, he’s gone!”
I held her in my arms and comforted her. I felt a deep bore in my heart, so deep it penetrated into my core and made me feel the impending doom. I stared at the river, the water used to be clear and colourless, but now it was glowing under the sunlight, various colours radiating from the oily face. I could see dead fishes under the water and the smell of oil was thick in the air
Then I realized that everything we had was slipping away into oblivion.
“Tami, are you not going to fish today? The sunshine must have penetrated the river and the fishes would be awake by now!” my mama called from inside the hut.
“The day is still young mama, I will soon go.” I shouted back.
I looked up and saw the sun high in the sky, yet I felt reluctant to go. I stared across the horizon and felt an invisible darkness creeping upon the land. Usually, I would wake up at the first stroke of dawn and rush to the river. Now, the joy that the first rays of the early morning sunshine brought had receded. It had been replaced by a vague feeling of emptiness that had refused to go ever since the oil wells were installed.
My name is Taminore. I live in a small village in the Southernmost part of Nigeria, an area of land called the Niger Delta because that is where the River Niger flows into the Atlantic ocean, dividing into many rivulets or tributaries. One of these rivulets is very close to my home. We are predominantly fishermen and this river is our mainstay.
When I was fifteen, oil was discovered in the village. As I grew up, I saw my environment change rapidly before my very eyes. For the first time, there was electricity, and government provided a school for the community. For a while, the tides of change were positive. Then, gradually, the adverse effects of uncontrolled oil exploitation began to seep in. Now, five years later, I was twenty and my source of livelihood was being severely threatened. The river had been badly polluted due to oil spillage. The fishes were dying and the water had become unfit for drinking.
Soon, I started slowly across the creeks towards the river. Usually, when I got to the river, I would stand for a while on the shores of the river, admiring the beauty of my habitat. Then, I would find a suitable spot around the river, where I would sit, watching lazily as the water shimmered and the fishes danced in it. I could wait there for a long time, just staring at the water and dreaming, until I sighted Seigher. I would watch as she approached me, her big fetching bowl balanced on her head. She would smile at me, showing her small, white teeth. She had dimpled cheeks and hazel eyes. She would come to me and embrace me, then we would go fishing together.
Today, I was so late that I didn’t need to wait there for Seigher. She was already there, sitting on a tree branch. I realized her face was solemn and grim
“Tami!” she called as I walked towards her, “John is dead!” she cried. She ran to me and I held her in my arms. She sobbed on my shoulder, pouring out her grief.
“What happened” I asked, not believing that my bestfriend, and Seigher’s brother was dead.
“It was the soldiers. They thought he was a militant. Oh Tami, he’s gone!”
I held her in my arms and comforted her. I felt a deep bore in my heart, so deep it penetrated into my core and made me feel the impending doom. I stared at the river, the water used to be clear and colourless, but now it was glowing under the sunlight, various colours radiating from the oily face. I could see dead fishes under the water and the smell of oil was thick in the air
Then I realized that everything we had was slipping away into oblivion.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Kajola, Nigeria's first Sci-fi movie to premiere
There was an argument about its pioneering claim in Nigeria but what is certain is Kajola is a noteworthy and quick to be tagged trailblazing effort from Niyi Akinmolayan. Kajola which translates as ‘commonwealth’ in the Yoruba dialect is from the stable of Port Harcourt based record label and film studio Adonai Production. CGI is an acronym for Computer generated Images and ‘Kajola’ combines real images/camera shots of Lagos and abstract computer generated illustration to deliver a story shot in the year 2059 and the plot is Lagos, Nigeria. A rebel leader, Allen is born that is played by Adonijah Owiriwa compulsed by the torn Lagos state after a second civil war – The rich relocate to the island area of the state, transforming their side of town while the mainlanders were abandoned. Allen led a rebellion against the government in a plot codenamed ‘Kajola’ . Police Chief Yetunde [played by Keira Hewatch] is to stop the rebellion. Somewhere into the movie, they came to a realization – that they were lied to. “It is a story of love, lust and struggle for power” in Niyi Akinmolayan’s words. “We have told the same story in a different premise using sci – fi as a medium and using special effects” the director/writer added.
Still can’t picture what the movie might be? Imagine a music video director Clarence Peters taking the video for Mike Anyasodo’s fine fine lady and making it into a 90 minutes flick or a PXC doing a music video of the mentioned length for M.I.’s safe or Djinee’s Overkilling – one doesn’t need to be a technie to understand it’s a herculean task that requires team and perseverance. The script was written five years ago by Niyi Akinmolayan, the director who is a self taught visual effect compositor.
At a press conference held on the 9th of June, the Director explained how the movie was inspired by his relocation from the mainland to the island and Charles Dickens’ tales of two cities. Besides been a CGI movie, It might also interest you that the movie gulped a 130 million budget and lasted a production period of 18 months. Camera shots were taken in Lagos but moved to Port Harcourt for editing, special effects and post production. The challenge with power since relying on the grid system would be unwise was to acquire six generating sets with 40 dual core computer systems used to simulate the explosion scenes in the movie. The characters were not generated, Desmond Elliot played the power drunk Inspector General of Police, less known acts Adonijah Owiriwa, TJ Morgan, Cassandra Odita and Keira Hewatch of ‘Dear Mother’, ‘Tinsel’ and ‘Just the two of us’ soap opera fame starred in Kajola. Lead actors took professional one-month marital art classes and their leather costumes were hand made to suit each character – is that enough appetizer to see the movie? Kajola would be available on the 30th of July at the Cinemas.
When the budget was mentioned – check for the sponsors produced Riverdrill Group, New dawn and Greater Port-Harcourt City project by the River State government.
Stating clearly that a movie can’t not be reviewed from a trailer but it serves well as a window and a decision should be reached after seeing one but only appropriate that a review comes after the screening to happen a week before the movie is available in cinemas.
The movie wouldn’t pass with its criticism [draw from watching just the trailer] – deciding to leave out the underwhelming CGI that doesn’t enhance the movie’s sense of realism as it is a springing effort from Anthill and Niyi, one would notice conspicuously the flaws with the make up. The benchmark is the average science fiction already available in the Nigerian market largely from Hollywood and Kajola should achieve in terms of realism something close – the 130 million naira budget gets mentioned and James Cameron’s Avatar set in Lagos is expected. While the actual plot mechanics of Kajola are inventive, still can’t be said if the world set in 2059 where the characters inhabit makes sense but the trailer clearly shows underwhelming CGI that doesn’t enhance the movie’s sense of realism.
Still can’t picture what the movie might be? Imagine a music video director Clarence Peters taking the video for Mike Anyasodo’s fine fine lady and making it into a 90 minutes flick or a PXC doing a music video of the mentioned length for M.I.’s safe or Djinee’s Overkilling – one doesn’t need to be a technie to understand it’s a herculean task that requires team and perseverance. The script was written five years ago by Niyi Akinmolayan, the director who is a self taught visual effect compositor.
At a press conference held on the 9th of June, the Director explained how the movie was inspired by his relocation from the mainland to the island and Charles Dickens’ tales of two cities. Besides been a CGI movie, It might also interest you that the movie gulped a 130 million budget and lasted a production period of 18 months. Camera shots were taken in Lagos but moved to Port Harcourt for editing, special effects and post production. The challenge with power since relying on the grid system would be unwise was to acquire six generating sets with 40 dual core computer systems used to simulate the explosion scenes in the movie. The characters were not generated, Desmond Elliot played the power drunk Inspector General of Police, less known acts Adonijah Owiriwa, TJ Morgan, Cassandra Odita and Keira Hewatch of ‘Dear Mother’, ‘Tinsel’ and ‘Just the two of us’ soap opera fame starred in Kajola. Lead actors took professional one-month marital art classes and their leather costumes were hand made to suit each character – is that enough appetizer to see the movie? Kajola would be available on the 30th of July at the Cinemas.
When the budget was mentioned – check for the sponsors produced Riverdrill Group, New dawn and Greater Port-Harcourt City project by the River State government.
Stating clearly that a movie can’t not be reviewed from a trailer but it serves well as a window and a decision should be reached after seeing one but only appropriate that a review comes after the screening to happen a week before the movie is available in cinemas.
The movie wouldn’t pass with its criticism [draw from watching just the trailer] – deciding to leave out the underwhelming CGI that doesn’t enhance the movie’s sense of realism as it is a springing effort from Anthill and Niyi, one would notice conspicuously the flaws with the make up. The benchmark is the average science fiction already available in the Nigerian market largely from Hollywood and Kajola should achieve in terms of realism something close – the 130 million naira budget gets mentioned and James Cameron’s Avatar set in Lagos is expected. While the actual plot mechanics of Kajola are inventive, still can’t be said if the world set in 2059 where the characters inhabit makes sense but the trailer clearly shows underwhelming CGI that doesn’t enhance the movie’s sense of realism.
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