Dickson Ekhaguere is a young Nigerian author whose book The Unstable made the longlist of the Nigerian Prize for Literature for 2018. In this interview with Medinat Kanabe he speaks about himself, his books and historical background to his works
What aspect of Benin culture inspires your work?
There are inexhaustible aspects to the splendour of Bini culture and tradition. The dance, the ornaments, the attire and so on, I mean there’s a lot to it. But I am constantly inspired by the power and authority of the Benin monarch vis-a-vis the Benin kingdom. Pundits of Bini history, will tell you that most of the stories from Benin are built around the palace, specifically the throne. Hitherto, westernization has not made significant impact to the perception of the Oba of Benin as the single traditional authority in the Benin kingdom by the Binis. The Binis give untiring devotion and reverence to their Oba to the extent that some names given to their children mean “under the coverage of the Oba”. This kind of godlike position of the Oba of Benin arouses inspiration. And I am not excluded.
What is the theme of your book Unstable?
The theme of Unstable is passion and sacrifice. In the book, you get to witness firsthand what it is like to be devotedly passionate about a certain course. I am a go-getter and quite ambitious. Once I set a goal for myself, I am ready to pursue till the end, and I barely have room for naysayers or cynics. Suffice it to say, to a great extent, my adventures in life influenced the story in UNSTABLE significantly. With the book, I get to let others know that whatever dream or ambition you believe in, so long it will not have negative impact on humanity, pursue it with all you have.
Why do you concentrate so much on Bini culture?
It is easier to build your writing around a scenery or locale you’re most knowledgeable about. Let me chip in quickly that UNSTABLE was actually set in a fictional Benin kingdom that drew amply from Bini cultural nuances. However, General Ologbosere was more of a historical drama. I am Benin by tribe. I was born and brought up in the ancient city of Benin and I attended the University of Benin. While I cannot claim authority regarding the history of the Benin people, but I can boldly say I know just enough. That notwithstanding, I am actually learning more about other cultures like the Yoruba culture which has close ties with the Binis, and other cultures from the eastern and the northern part of Nigeria. Soon I am convinced I will be out with something very different.
Did you have NLNG in mind when you were writing the book?
Writing for me has been an avenue to express myself without limitation. To be a god, create and determine the fortunes of characters that are under my whims and caprices. For some unknown reasons, I am not very conscious about awards. Although it galvanizes your belief in the public acceptance of your work, and also comes with financial benefits, I give no thought about it when writing. I do not want to have a template to follow, maybe by studying other books that may have won the same award, or follow a guide to create a work. When I am creating, I am like a god. In fact Life already has predestined us all one way or the other shoving fates into our guts, even the ones we do not like we have to follow as it comes. But when it comes to my writing, this is now my own world, I want to create just as it pleases me, with freewill. If I have an award in mind, my book may win it and probably become obsolete with time and I may not say all I would have loved to. Actually, I don’t really believe most books which have won awards were written with a view to winning it. There may be one or two but I am sure it is rare. Nevertheless, I am glad that the works I have created have gained one or two recognitions by different groups; sincerely it gladdens my heart to know that it was worth the read for others besides me, and they could see to a good extent what I have in mind.
What is the relationship between health education and theatre?
Well I guess I am the relationship now…
For me, the theatre is a place of expression just as writing is. so I do not believe you need to have a particular academic qualification in order to be a part of it. Once you have the talent and respect for the stage, then the stage is open for you. Back then during my youth service and I was in the dance and drama group, with my talent and passion for the stage and for writing, I was awarded best actor by the end of the service year. Also back then when I was in the university, I led drama groups for a couple of sessions and I did excellently. People do not always become what they are taught in the university, rather it only awakens hidden talents and knowledge in them due to exposure. That’s when you see a lawyer becomes a celebrated music artiste, a doctor becoming a politician or a business tycoon, or a teacher becoming an ICT expert in the long run. I always encourage students to read, not only because they want to pass exams, but because they want to be better, and to awaken hidden talents and passion.
How do you get historical backgorund information for your materials?
I do on-the-ground research and fact finding. Also I visit online blogs and websites for information. It is always easier to get information from the internet than from onsite; Sometimes onsite information search can be quite tedious, more expensive and adventurous: like having to visit remote places, meet people who may not share the same world view as you and so on. But you will be sure to gain reliable information and most times in more detail. The museum is also a reliable place for me. Special thanks to the staff and management of Tryspect Solutions for the full publishing package offered me; which included research assistance. I had someone from Tryspect Solutions to constantly accompany me to research locations, even be my guard in some occasions and so on, most especially in those remote villages.
Leave a Reply