African Mythological Creatures- Ninki Nanka: The Dragon


According to traditions, the Ninki Nanka lives in the swamps of West Africa. It is said to be extremely large and dangerous. It is said that when children get too confident and feel they can disobey their parents and go into the swamp they will be taken by the Ninki Nanka. The story of Ninki…… Continue reading African Mythological Creatures- Ninki Nanka: The Dragon

Bultungin, The Werehyena


In the Kanuri language of the Bornu Empire in the Lake Chad region, Werehyenas were called ‘Bultungin’ (“I change myself into a hyena”). It was traditionally believed that one or two of the villages in the region was populated entirely by Bultungin.

Creatures from African Mythology: Tokoloshe


The mythical Southern African creature, the Tokoloshe is a dwarf-like, mischievous and evil spirit can make itself invisible by swallowing a pebble. Tokoloshes are called upon to cause trouble for others. Its power extends from scaring children to causing illness and even death to its target. Only the N’anga (witch doctor) has the power to…… Continue reading Creatures from African Mythology: Tokoloshe

Creatures from African Mythology: Jengu


The Jengu, from Cameroon, differs in appearance from person to person, but it is said to be a beautiful, mermaid-like figures with long, hair and gap-toothed smiles. A Jengu (plural Miengu) is a water spirit in the traditional beliefs of the Sawa ethnic groups of Cameroon. They live in rivers and the sea and bring…… Continue reading Creatures from African Mythology: Jengu

Self promotion in your own back yard


It’s a rainy summer Sunday in London. Another one. I am due to perform at a festival called Zim Arts day, in South East London. Last weekend I performed at the Pop Up Festival of Literature, which was a great success. I had a chance to watch James Mayhew in action, which was really good. I…… Continue reading Self promotion in your own back yard