Yoruba language and its rich culture have always been Toyosi Fashola's forte.
With a 2022 Atẹ́lẹwọ́ Yorùbá Prize for Literature win in the drama category and the launch of her debut drama e-book, ‘Àbẹ̀ní’, she has consistently showcased her passion for preserving and promoting Yoruba heritage through her writing.
Fashola captivates audiences and leaves a lasting impact, blending traditional themes with modern storytelling techniques. ‘Àbẹ̀ní’, launched on International Women's Day (March 8), tells the story of a young Yoruba female warrior in a science fiction setting.
In this interview with Alli Abiola, the award-winning writer and story teller delves into the inspiration behind Àbẹ̀ní, a powerful protagonist embodying the strength and resilience of Yoruba women. She also shares her vision for inspiring a new generation of readers while honouring the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people.
Excerpts
Alli Abiola: Congratulations on the release of your new e-book, ‘Àbẹ̀ní’. What inspired you to write this story?
Toyosi Fashola: I am super excited to have my new e-book, 'Àbẹ̀ní', out in the world. My passion for preserving and promoting our cultural heritage through storytelling has always driven me. I have noticed that Yoruba literature, despite its rich history, has been fading from the spotlight. With ‘Àbẹ̀ní’, I aimed to reignite interest and pride in our cultural legacy. There has been a concerning decline in Yoruba literature among our generation.
 Àbẹ̀ní |
To address this, I am working to revive the reading culture of Yoruba books among young people. I hope to bridge the gap and make our cultural heritage more accessible through relatable stories. One of the key goals of ‘Àbẹ̀ní’ is to challenge the underrepresentation of women in Yoruba literature.
Historically, female voices have been scarce in Yoruba literature. I wrote ‘Àbẹ̀ní’ to contribute to filling this gap. The book is dedicated to every woman. It was launched on International Women's Day to celebrate the power of women in the society.
That is fascinating. ‘Àbẹ̀ní’ has received great feedback so far. Can you tell us a bit about the protagonist, Àbẹ̀ní? What makes her a powerful hero?
Àbẹ̀ní is a dynamic protagonist who embodies the strength of Yoruba women. Fueled by her dedication to uncovering the truth, she makes a bold choice: surrendering to the enemy despite her terminal illness. This move demonstrates her bravery and strategic thinking. It also highlights her dual role as a warrior and symbol of resistance in a conflict-torn land. Her sharp mind enables her to stay one step ahead of her enemy, even as her body weakens.
The e-book version has been out for a while now. When can readers expect the hardcopy version?
My team and I are working diligently to bring the hardcopy to life. Although the proofreading and editing process has been more complex than anticipated, we are making progress. The rich cultural depth and linguistic details of the Yoruba language have added to the complexity. I am excited to announce that the hardcopy will be available soon.
Proofreading and editing can indeed be challenging. What advice would you give to young writers or inspiring writers working on similar projects?
To young writers or aspiring authors embarking on similar projects, I will advice that:
Firstly, be authentic and true to your voice. Do not be afraid to draw from your personal experiences and cultural heritage. These unique perspectives are what make your story special.
Secondly, humility is key. Do not be too proud to take feedback and criticism from editors, peers, or mentors. Constructive criticism is crucial for growth. It helps you refine your craft and produce a polished final product.
Lastly, take the leap and go for it. The fear of starting or finishing a project should not hold you back from sharing your story with the world. Your voice matters, and your story deserves to be told and heard.
What do you hope readers take away from ‘Àbẹ̀ní’, and how do you see this book contributing to the Yoruba literary space?
My vision is for this book to spark renewed interest in Yoruba literature and culture. I hope it will encourage more writers to explore and share their stories.
You can get a copy of Àbẹ̀ní on https://selar.com/81c6i1 and use the coupon code: Atelewo.
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