Ogunyale Oluwadamilare Matthew, a native of Itasa in Iwajowa Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria, has transformed his life from one of hardship to becoming a multifaceted artist. As a child, he would return from school to hawk fish from Itasa to Budomusa, often not returning home until the following morning. Despite the challenges, Ogunyale continued attending school, driven by a desire to change his circumstances. His experiences during this period have significantly shaped his artistic journey.
Ogunyale's daily routine was demanding, particularly on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. After school, he would sell fish and then smoke or fry the unsold ones, a process that could take between five and six hours. He would sometimes take the remaining fish to different settlements, continuing to sell until the next morning. This grueling schedule resulted in frequent lateness to school, earning him the reputation as one of the students who often arrived late. His teachers and classmates witnessed his tardiness, but few understood the reality he faced.
The physical and emotional toll of hawking fish was immense. Ogunyale recalled carrying heavy loads of fish on his head, which contributed to his physical development and a noticeable round spot on his head. His academic performance was also affected, particularly in one Social Studies examination where his script was read aloud, causing his classmates to burst into laughter. However, Ogunyale now reflects on this experience with empathy, understanding that he carried burdens that no child should have to bear.
Ogunyale's faith played a crucial role in helping him cope with the hardships. He remembered hearing in church that taking one's own life would result in judgment from God, which made him hold on during moments of desperation. Hunger was another constant companion, and he recalled eating amala with ewedu soup while crying due to extreme hunger. The woman he lived with eventually passed away, marking the end of this challenging period in his life.
Ogunyale's passion for writing developed during his IJMB program in Osogbo. His lecturer introduced him to African and Non-African Literature, teaching him about African history, colonialism, and the struggles of Africans under colonial rule. These lessons sparked questions about Nigeria's situation, despite its natural and human resources. Ogunyale wondered why poverty, unemployment, insecurity, and poor living conditions persisted, inspiring the title of his debut novel, Who Should We Blame?
The novel, which cost almost N2 million to write and produce, encourages readers to reflect on societal problems rather than simply blaming others. Ogunyale believes that art is not just entertainment but a tool for storytelling, education, inspiration, and social expression. His artistic journey now encompasses writing, music, Ewi, poetry, comedy, playwriting, and Afrobeat, all serving the same purpose of communication and storytelling.
Today, Ogunyale is a writer, author, gospel and Juju singer, Ewi chanter, poet, comedian, and Afrobeat performer. He holds an NCE in English and Yoruba from the College of Education, Lanlate. His debut novel, Who Should We Blame?, has been well-received, and he is planning a film titled A Finger of Might, drawing heavily from his childhood experiences. Ogunyale's journey serves as a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of storytelling in shaping our understanding of the world.
Key points
- Ogunyale's life changed from hawking fish as a child to becoming a multifaceted artist.
- His experiences during this period have significantly shaped his artistic journey.
- Ogunyale's debut novel, Who Should We Blame?, encourages readers to reflect on societal problems rather than simply blaming others.
