Story by Claude Opara; Page Art by Mustapha Bulama
This 46-page comic book is an adaptation of a popular Hausa legend of Bayajidda, the progenitor of the Hausa people. He saved the city of Daura (now in Northern Nigeria) from a terrorizing snake called Sarki. The city had one well (Kusugu) and the snake allowed the people to fetch from it only on Fridays. Hence, the hissing well was off-limits on other days. A frustrated Queen Daurama put out a generous reward out for anyone who could rid Daura of Sarki.
Bayajidda was a travelling prince from Baghdad. He embarked on this hazardous journey to Africa to prove to the king that his profligate days were over. His adventures brought him to Daura where his destiny awaits. Before then, he had been gifted a magic sword forged by mystical blacksmiths, Abagiyawa, who lived on Dala Hill.
The writer, Claude Opara, adapts this legend beautifully, adding some light-hearted humour and making the legend suitable for all ages. He introduced interesting supporting characters. Take for example, Iqqbar the treacherous grand vizier. He travels with Bayajidda from Baghdad to kill him. Dan Iska the adorable but mischievous djinn (an ingenious personification of a dust devil). Also, Mallam Bera the rat lover and dungeon dweller. The writer raises a colourful cast along with Queen Daurama, Kaura Audu Indi and Galadima to name a few. His characterization of the Abagiyawa blacksmiths adds to their aura of mystery and a needed twist to the tale. In the end, you wish the story were longer than its 46 pages. There was still a lot to tell. Of course, the central plot of this story is the fight at the Hissing well or Kusugu. The well is still a tourist attraction in Daura till today.
Bayajidda: An African Legend is the first in a comic series that seeks to introduce African legends/history to the youth. This is done in simple and complex humour. It also tries to promote tourism in the continent. The comic has garnered positive reviews from parents and the young at heart. Some had little or no interest in comics but for the subject matter of this one.
In 2020, Bayajidda was endorsed by NERDC as a library resource material for primary/ secondary schools in Nigeria . Through collaboration with UBEC, over 6000 copies have been distributed to libraries of public schools across the country. The comic book also received commendation from the late Emir of Daura bringing attention to the city’s tourism potentials and history.
The African Legend series was created to introduce the youth to African legends and history. To make them realize and appreciate that we have our own Robin Hoods and King Arthurs in Africa. The story of Moremi Ajasoro is the second installment in the series.
Bayajidda: An African Legend is available in our Bookshop.
Claude Opara
Claude is a Nigerian author, artist, architect and project manager. An avid movie watcher, history buff and football fan, he also has a penchant for travel and adventure. Claude has authored a few books ...And the Night Hissed being his first novel, a historical thriller about a slave raid gone awry. He has also written and published two lighthearted comics and a children's storybook under his An African Legend series. Claude is also the co-founder of Teambooktu.com.
Ibrahim Yakubu
Ibro is a talented artist, painter, and cartoonist with many works under his belt. Nowadays, however, he puts his visual skills and eye for detail to use in another area of the creative arts- architecture- being a professional builder. His keen illustrations on Bayajidda: An African Legend brought the story to life in the light-hearted, bande dessinee fashion desired by the author.
Mustapha Bulama
Better known as Bulamacartoons, he is an acclaimed editorial cartoonist and illustrator. Renowned for his satirical cartoons that provide commentary on Nigerian politics, social issues, and current events, Bulama has earned recognition and numerous awards for his work. Bulama began his artistic journey as a comic strip artist at Daily Trust Newspaper in 2000 and his cartoons are still featured in its weekend editions. Apart from his editorial cartoons, Bulama has made significant contributions to children's literature. He has illustrated over thirty children's books for various authors and publishers. In 2018, he received the Diamond Award for Media Excellence and was Gold Prize Winner in the Illustrator category of the Moonbeam Children's Book Award in the United States back in 2012.
