Beats from different hearts: Memoirs from Ferdinand Adimefe’s book launch

by Ifreke Inyang

Ferdinand Adimefe launched his new book, Pulse on the 2nd of October. The book can be classified under the emerging genre called creative non-fiction. In a sense it is like a two pronged literature, on one level it seeks to tell some of the untold stories of the people on our streets and in our neighbourhood; their adventures and misadventures in a desperate effort to escape from their crippling social realities. These stories capture the struggles, triumphs, pains, and pleasures on the journey of life as experienced by Nigerians, and explore the paradox of poverty in the midst of plenty. It embodies the resilience of the human spirit in the face of daunting challenges…that rare ability to have hope while in the midst of despondency. But on another level it is a book that bellies the ideology of social transformation for a new Nigeria.

The Oriental Hotel was the venue for the launch event  and it was an unforgettable evening of diverse acts and arts at its best from the play, poetry and music.  As one of the guests aptly captured, “this is one of the most distinct book unveiling events of the century; the reviews were shown through the plays and weaved into thematic poems and spoken words that connect with the stories told in the letters of the book.”

The event kicked off at 5.45 with a brimming crowd. Shayne opened it with his single titled ‘Troubles Away’, a song he co-wrote with Lindsey of Project Fame Season II.   The International Award winning writer of the Nation Newspaper Jannifer Poet Ehiadame’s poem titled “Crack in the Wall” set the audience in a reflective mood.

The sassy, dignified and soulful Modele’s rendition of the national anthem was as inspiring as it was therapeutic, stirring everyone in the hall in the paths of patriotism. Titi Shonuga’s poem left everyone speechless and gasping for more.  Afterwards, Macfoy’s song titled ‘Loose Control’ took the mood a notch higher, with riveting raw energy that set us gliding in the atmosphere.

Exploit from Ibadan did set the ball rolling with their awesome play, which is an adaptation from Letter One of the Pulse, titled LOST HUSTLERS. The play chronicles the desperation of Nigerian’s to escape the harsh realities in our environment.

Crown Troupe staged another intriguing performance which was an adaptation from several Letters of Pulse. Kemi Lala Akindoju’s monologue was an adaptation of Letter 5. Blue’s song “Nibolowa” made up for the softer side of the issues.
Timi Dakolo’s ‘There is a cry from the River’ supported the theme of Chapter three that talks about ‘From the Creeks to the Classroom’. Modele re-entered the stage with her engaging song.

Kemela Okara, who is a lawyer and a pastor at This Present House did the review of the book, he said: “Pulse is a book by Ferdinand Adimefe a young and budding Nigerian author who is representative of Nigeria’s literary and artistic future. In this book Ferdinand seeks to capture the pulse of the emergent energetic youth culture that is breaking forth especially in these times of convergence between old and new media. He captures in the various chapters written as letters the current cultural milieu of the young Nigerian born possibly shortly before or after Babangida’s structural adjustment programme (SAP). In other words those born in the period 1981 – 1991, the period in which Nigeria’s lost years commenced”

Also Ferdinand spoke passionately about the issues the book project, and referred to them as stories that bellies an ideology of social transformation for the New Nigeria of our dreams. ‘Pulse may change policies, but if it does that an additional value, it is targeted at changing attitude,” he said.

The book unveiling was co-ordinated by Pastor Tony Rapu, senior pastor of This Present House, in his speech he urged all young people to use their time in building and doing productive things. Ferdy has used his time to put this together.
The special Guest Ken Etete, while speaking encouraged the effort of the author, saying it is important we find ways to revive the reading culture. He also promised that a book of this quality of thought should be in every library in state and federal Universities across the country, and in every relevant ministry.  The book was official unveiled by Mrs Rapu, Chichi Okara, Joy Ikiebe and Tekariye Etete.

Donna Obaseki poem and Keyz poem on Tribal Wars dedicated to the author brought the event to its crescendo.

Guests enjoying a performance
Ferdinand chats with Pastor Tony Rapu and other guests
Ferdinand signs copies of his new book

Comments (2)

  1. That evening was packed. Thanks for the reminder of a very special day.

  2. I'll grab a copy ASAP!

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