Jungle Girl

‘ MWATHANI TI MAKOFOKOFO’ is a line in a song that was often played when I was growing up. The song was fun to sing and dance to….At the time, I couldn’t pronounce the words right, leave alone know what they meant. Like every other African mother, my mum would be up early every morning and as she does her house chores, she would have the radio on, as if it’s the rhythm to which she works. My younger sister and I would sing along to any song that came on the radio whether or not we understood it. This particular song was no different…but all we knew was the ‘kofokofo’ part and nothing else. We would then hum our way through the rest of the song and act like some International Music Superstars.  My mum would  look at us, shake her head as if doubting if we really are her children, then proceed to the rest of her chores. Eventually, as I grew up, I could grasp and understand things better. I found out that the line actually means that God is not a pair of gumboots, which is of cours

The dentist says I need to have another appointment with him because, apparently, my per-molars are still milk teeth. These teeth are in my mouth illegally!! The thought of the process I will have to undergo is irksome... I'm thinking of excavation and hammers, nails, mjengo, Kanda Ya moko, pliers and blood all over 😫 But the thoughts are interrupted by a pat on the back by Martin, my friend. He's in checked shorts,a black hoodie and blue sandals that are so clean you'd think he's been walking on air. Chit chat…Catching up...5 seconds later, I've forgotten about teeth, about pliers in the mouth and cotton wool. And I'm laughing at how dramatic life has been since we last met. His of course having been more dramatic than mine. He’s the kind of friend who laughs at all your problems and weighs down all mountains to anthills.   As we walk towards the only supermarket in our quiet, though dust-filled locality, he asks me, ‘Jas, tell me, wascha