It was Gabriel Imomotimi Okara who wrote in his poem, “Piano and drums” about being lost in the confusing sounds of the modern piano and the ancient drums by a riverside in the morning mist. Besides the over flogged theme of acculturation, the imagery also depicts the creative dilemma of an emerging society. One would have thought that the morning would be a time of vigor, clarity and resurgence, but in contrast, it could also be a period of paralysis and confusion. The same is the case with us in Nigeria, and in Africa at this crucial period in our history.
It is a time when old formulas either have failed or are failing; a time of inner turmoil, great despair and yet irrepressible hope. On the African scene, we see the octogenarian and septuagenarian leaders who have held sway since independence from colonial rule dying inevitably and a new generation of leaders emerging. In terms of economics, it is obvious that our nations can no longer exist as commodity based consumer economies. Productivity and by extension innovation and entrepreneurship are the inescapable options for further progress.
And so in response, we are still profiling the same models of creativity, innovation, courage and entrepreneurship just as we have done all along. We have not received the support of enough sponsors but as troubadours, we forage on with faith in our cause and campaign. When finally society comes to a consensus of what needs to be done, perhaps someone would remember we said so.
We equally continue to employ humor to mercilessly mock the trends and attitudes we , as a society, must unlearn and drop in other to secure a meaningful future for our children. This more felicitous pieces like the columns “Whispers” and “Townboy” are as witty as they are hilarious, as irreverent and as they are truthful. There is a little thing on housekeeping in our style column and a phosphorescent article by renowned curator, artist and critic, Joe Musa. This is beside your favorite sports digest and the vintage events you want to know about in the column Megapolis. You see this edition of Merge magazine like others promises to make good reading and great company. Enjoy!