Akoni E-Book

Gabriel Souleyka

• Herausgeber: Books on Demand
• Kategorie: Für Kinder und Jugendliche
• Serie: Black history
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 120

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2024

Beschreibung

In 1770, in the Benin village of Dabeya, Akoni, a mischievous 12-year-old boy, is preparing to undergo a rite of passage that will make him a man. His father Djibali is the King of the region, watching over his son and his people. But fate is about to take a turn for the worse, as slavers approach the village. Akoni will have to grow up faster than expected.

Leseprobe

From the same author :

• « Le Cri de l’innocence » french novel

• Solitude, chilhood (volume 1)

• Solitude, revolt (volume 2)

• My Soul is a Witness (February 2024)

• Akoni Yoruba

Find Gabriel on all of his networks :

@Gabriel Souleyka

www.gabrielsouleya.com / www.tiolejafilms.com

Contents

1. The ROOTS

2. A MAN

3. RESISTANCE

5. FIGHTING

6. FRATERNITY

FOREWORD

I wanted to develop a children's series for children of all backgrounds, to help educate the very young through authentic stories. Following on from the work we started with Tioleja Films, it was the right thing to do through Tioleja Publishing. Yasmina.F.Edwards, with whom I founded TF, has given me a great deal of support in this endeavor, enabling us to offer original content.

Akoni is the first in a series of 12 novels that will be released over the coming months, exploring the history of Africa, the West Indies, and countries that trafficked in Black people during the slave trade. Telling the story through the eyes of children from several countries allows me to highlight varied cultures and different eras.

These books are for all ages and can be told, read, and reread, because I've chosen heroism over victimization. Enjoy your reading.

Gabriel Souleyka

1. The ROOTS

In the lively village of Dabeya, in the heart of Benin, West Africa, lives a young boy named Akoni. At the age of almost twelve, he's a blossoming child. As a proud and intrepid member of the Yoruba people, Akoni is intimately linked to the ancient traditions that give rhythm to his daily life. His father Djibali is King of the region. The first glimmers of sunlight caress the green hills, as the joyful laughter of children echoes throughout the sleepy village. This is where each day begins for Akoni and his friends. Their pure innocence lights up their faces as they engage in frantic battles in imitation of the grown-ups - child's play, under the benevolent gaze of the elders.

Akoni has an inquisitive, adventure-loving mind. His vivid imagination often enables him to escape the physical limitations imposed by his modest surroundings. He can transport himself to distant lands simply by closing his eyes; exploring impenetrable jungles or swimming gracefully in the immense ocean. But despite these fascinating imaginary escapades, Akoni remains deeply attached to his homeland and his roots. He feels connected to every blade of grass, the majestic trees that populate Dabeya's surroundings. His heart beats to the rhythm of the ancestral drums and his feet instinctively spring to life as the haunting melodies resonate in the warm air. Life is simple for Akoni and her beloved community.

They live in perfect harmony with the generous nature that surrounds them, drawing their sustenance from the fertile land and abundant waters of the nearby river. The days are filled with hard work, but also with precious moments shared with friends and family. Dawn breaks softly over the village, revealing a palette of sparkling colors dancing through the leaves of the trees. Akoni wakes up with the usual excitement of a new day as he makes his way through the family streets of Dabeya. The clay hut he calls home is alive with the murmurs of his mother Adunola as she prepares the morning meal. In the kitchen, the bewitching aromas of herbs and spices coat everything as Adunola prepares the traditional dishes for which the village is famous.

The smells of chilies, basil leaves, and grilled fish intermingle, creating a gastronomic symphony that is already tickling Akoni's nose, Adunola adds,

— My son, I think you're hungry.

— I'm always hungry mama, it takes strength to pass rites of passage.

— You’re still my little boy, because after all these your beard will grow and you'll leave me.

— I’d never leave you, mama, I don’t want a beard.

Akoni smiles and heads for the kitchen, where her mother's culinary magic is at work. The table is already laid with colorful mats, ready for the breakfast festivities. Akoni sits down, eager to discover the delights that await him. Breakfast is a celebration of local flavors. Fried bean fritters sit alongside juicy mango slices and fermented millet balls. Adunola also serves amaranth leaf soup, garnished with chunks of beef, a specialty no one could refuse. Adunola murmurs,

— May the food be as abundant as the goodness of our ancestors.

— I thank them for giving it to us.

— We must always do so, because thanks to them, we lack nothing. they've passed on the art of cultivating the land from generation to generation.

This silent prayer floats through the air like a blessing. The family settles down to enjoy the meal together. Each bite is a celebration of the earth's bounty and the sacred bond between the community and the natural world around them. Bursts of laughter’s and family exchanges accompany this moment, creating a gentle harmony that resonates in Akoni's heart. After the meal, Adunola, with gentle devotion, invites Akoni to accompany her in a daily ritual that weaves together the threads of spirituality and everyday life. They head for a quiet corner of the village, where an altar, adorned with bright colors and sacred symbols, awaits them.

— Payer is the secret link that unites our souls our ancestors and the divine Olorun! You must always keep this in mind! Especially when you go through the rites.

— Dad said I'd make it easy.

— Don't be so sure, my little one, few pass without breaking their teeth and arms.

— I'm ready, I’m the best swimmer in the village, and I can climb trees faster than Zuri!

— She's a little girl, so I'll let you in on a secret: I've heard there won't be any tree races this year.

— Really? Are you sure, mama? Because I've always seen the great ones do it.

— Your father wanted to innovate, to add a few tests that will help you better face adulthood. Enough chatter, I've said too much already.

They kneel before the altar. She lights a candle, symbolizing the light that guides their path and recites songs in honor to the ancestors. Akoni closes his eyes, letting herself be enveloped by the soft melody of the prayers rising in the air. It's a moment of intimacy, a connection between the tangible and the spiritual that anchors the boy in the traditions of his people. Meanwhile, Akoni's faithful ten-year-old friend Zuri prepares for the day. She lives just a few steps from the hut, and they share a friendship born of shared laughters and mischievous adventures.

— So, little one, are you going to become a man soon?

— Let me remind you, I'm bigger than you. Once I passed the tests you’re going to have to call me majesty.

— Keep dreaming.

— Mama's prepared some good food, would you like some?

— Change the subject, you're right, but I'm hungry.

Zuri joins Akoni's family for the morning meal, adding his infectious joy to the warm atmosphere. After breakfast, the two friends decide to go to the river with some other children. It's a place steeped in mystery and tranquility, where the clear waters whisper of forgotten tales. Zuri hops along with the carefree spirit of childhood, and Akoni walks with the confidence of a future king. Here they are, on the sacred banks of the river, cooling off in the heat. At the river, they immerse themselves in the cold water and let themselves be lulled by the gentle murmur of nature all around them. The children's laughter resonates like echoes in the heavens, an offering of joy to the river that has seen so many generations grow up. The day is filled with play, laughter, and discovery. Akoni, Zuri, and other children explore the banks, discovering treasures hidden by nature's bounty.

The afternoon stretches on, as the sun begins its descent toward the horizon. We return to the village under a canvas of warm colors that light up the sky. The day ends as it began, with a meal shared among friends and deep gratitude for the bonds that unite them. Night covers Dabeya in its starry mantle, bearing witness to the day's rituals and the laughter that has echoed through the alleyways. Akoni, lying under the night sky with Zuri at his side, feels the soothing presence of his ancestors watching over the village. Festive evenings are the highlight of the day for Akoni. When the sun disappears behind the golden horizon, he joins the other village children in invoking their ancestors with melancholy songs. At nightfall, the stars bear witness to this ancient faith - Africa is a land of spirituality.

Everyone drifts off to sleep, their heads full of dreams. In the morning, the sun's rays dance on the calm waters of the sacred Dabeya River, while Akoni and his friends are already lounging on the river's banks. The golden light reveals the mystical secrets of the water, awakening an ancient energy that permeates the wind. Zuri, with her colorful braids, carefully examines the dancing reflections on the water's surface. She exclaims,

— They say you can see messages from the ancestors in these luminous waves.

Akoni is intrigued by this statement,

— Who told you that? Old Olumide?

— I don't need him to know all our stories.

— I was scared, once he told me I was going to cross the great sea.

— Come on, concentrate, look and you'll see.

Akoni focuses his attention, captivated by the magic of the moment. He listens attentively, his curious eyes scanning the river. Yoruba traditions are woven into the fabric of every day at Dabeya, and the river, as a sacred link between the world of the living and the ancestors, holds mysterious answers. Suddenly, a tremor stirs the surface of the water, creating ripples that seem to form ephemeral symbols. The children watch in fascination, captivated by the fluid dance of the reflections. A gentle voice is heard in the breeze, carrying an ancient chant that only the most attentive hearts can hear. Akoni feels enveloped by this melody from a distant time, a melody that evokes the deep roots of his people. Intrigued, the children follow the course of the river, guided by the symphony of the water.

They penetrate deeper into the forest, where the trees also seem to whisper forgotten tales. The path leads them to a clearing, where an ancient prayer altar stands, seemingly abandoned. Yoruba inscriptions adorn the stones, revealing pearls of wisdom etched in time. Akoni feels a deep connection with this place as if the ancestors themselves were guiding him. At the center of the altar, a stone engraved with a mystical symbol attracts Akoni's attention. He recognizes the emblem of the royal family, a silent affirmation of his destiny as the King's son. Zuri interprets the signs wisely,

— The roots of our people reach deep into the earth, just as the branches reach for the sky! We are the link between the past and the future, each generation adding a new branch to history.

Zuri's words resonate in Akoni's heart, revealing a truth that transcends time. The children gather at the altar, honoring the richness of their heritage. But their adventure is just beginning. A whisper in the wind announces a trial to come. Shadows stretch across the path, carrying with them distant echoes of change. The village is abuzz with their return. It's a special day for the little one, as preparations are underway for Akoni's birthday celebrations. The villagers, dressed in traditional finery, gather in the central square. The King, Akoni's father, pronounces words of blessing, emphasizing the importance of preserving the roots of Yoruba culture.

During the ceremony, a messenger arrives bearing unexpected news. Foreigners, Portuguese merchants in search of slaves, are approaching the village. The shadow of trouble falls over the party and a palpable tension envelops Dabeya. Djibali is a wise and respected man, whose imposing figure and deep-set eyes reveal a profound knowledge of the mysteries of life. He has decided that the time has come to initiate his son into the art of warfare, an ancient tradition in the Yoruba royal line,

— Come with me, Akoni.

with his powerful voice full of benevolent authority.

— Today, you're going to start learning the basics of our military arts! They are the fruit of long traditions that have made the Yoruba strong.

Akoni follows his father through the village, the looks on the villagers' faces testifying to their respect for their king and their curiosity about the young prince. They reach the central square, where a clay fighting arena stands, a place where many generations have learned the art of combat. The sun is at its zenith when Djibali, dressed in traditional war attire, faces his son,

— You are 12 years old, my son, the rite is soon, you will become the guardian of the people. The strength of the Yoruba lies in our ability to defend ourselves and preserve our traditions! Meet Ade! Also known as the crown, I inherited it from my father and his father before him.

Djibali then unveils a very ancient sword, bearing strange markings, which he passes to Akoni. This sword is more than just forged metal. It's a familiar relic, worn by generations of kings before him.

— A weapon is as much an extension of the heart as of the arm. Get to know this sword as you get to know your own breath.

Akoni takes up the sword with budding determination. His father teaches him the basic stances, the graceful movements handed down from father to son for centuries. Each gesture is imbued with meaning, a martial dance that honors both strength and responsibility. The hours pass as Akoni absorbs his father's lessons. Djibali shares not only fighting techniques but also tales of ancient kings and teachings on the wisdom needed to lead people. As the sun begins to set, the king decides it's time to put theory into practice,

— True strength lies in mastering the emotion when you see your enemy.

— Who are our enemies?

— Many will tell you it's the Igbos, the Fulanis, the Dahomeans. But in truth, your enemy is the one who wants to take your freedom!

— Like those who sell ours?

— If you mean slave traders, then yes, indeed, they are our declared enemies!

— I've heard that swords don't scare them, that they have weapons capable of crushing our warriors.