English | Nigerian
My Mum is Nigerian (born in Lagos) and my Dad is English (born in Wolverhampton). Growing up my parents made sure we were aware of both my cultures and both practiced elements of their culture they felt were important to my development and awareness of my heritage. A major element in my household surrounded food and my Mum was always making amazing Nigerian meals and tried her best to make sure she passed on her cooking techniques. I believe interracial relationships today are much more accepted than they were in my parent's generation. My Dad was disowned by his family for being with a Black woman. Something I’d like to think is less prevalent today. I'd say I connect to my culture mainly through food and music. I find myself craving African meals when I’m away from home and there is a homeliness to sitting down to a meal cooked by my Mum. Music is also a major influence from Femi Kuti I hear at home to Wiz Kid there something about the beat of Nigerian music that I can’t help but dance to. It takes me back to a household filled with my extended family dancing and having the best time while my Dad did the two-step. Those are the two major influences that identify me to my African heritage and two aspects I love. I was really lucky in that I grew up in Nigeria until my late teens and have visited a few times since I moved to England, so I’ve had a really good balance of exposure to both sides of my heritage. I think as a child my cultures weren’t something I actively thought about. However, as an adult, my mixed heritage is something I'm fiercely proud of. I love the fact my parents love for one another in a very difficult time brought and held them together despite their cultural differences and the option of the world at the time. I love that I can act as a bridge between different cultures and because of my mixed background can appreciate different cultures with limited judgement and that isn’t something I see changing anytime soon. If I was to be born again I wouldn’t change a thing. I’ve learned and learning every day to love who I am. I'm English and I’m Nigerian and I wouldn’t change that for anything.
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