Cockroaches, Politics, and Dropping out
Conversation (I) is with my friend and fellow writer, Abasi-maenyin. He connects with us in ten fantastic answers to ten of my questions.
On this week’s episode of Connecting, you guys get to hear a different voice. Today’s guest writer is Maenyin. A sweet boy and good friend who holds conversations really well.
You guys know that I will never put you on mid.
Curating this was interesting, and I’m sure reading it will be the same. Let’s get into it
Can you introduce yourself?
I’m Abasi-maenyin, a rich writer. That’s it. I’m fascinated by wines, but I don’t drink. I love cigarettes in theory—I find the way smoke curls captivating—which I recently found out is just a covert obsession with fluid dynamics in general.
I love reading books that have something weird (a preface by an invented author, a cute pop-up building in the middle of a body horror novel) or prophetic about them. There.
If this was your publication and Kuffy Eyo was the guest, how would you introduce her?
Kufre is a beautiful, intelligent woman who is critical in her dealings.
She likes to use words in the right context and is as impatient with ignorance as she is with oppression, especially against women and other minorities. She enjoys art and psychology—my favourite recommendation from her is the book on DMT by Rick Strassman. Her taste in music is immaculate, a cherry on the very big velvet cake, which is her fashion sense.
What made you decide to start your Substack/become a writer?
Well, it was an excuse to do proper research on opinions I have about Nigerian culture and literature—books and films in particular—and to give people a space to engage with such ideas.
As for writing, I can’t say what made me become one, except I had an existential crisis about what career path to pursue. One day, in the middle of a departmental I didn’t read for, I had an epiphany: I submitted my empty sheet and decided to become a writer. Dropped out and started reading Finnegan’s Wake, which I abandoned. Now, here I am, about to publish my first book, The Yellow Ruler, next month.
Any subjects you are passionate about?
History. Politics. Communism. Colonialism.
I love reading about strategy and war, mostly because all geopolitics is intricately entangled with war. Psychology. Biochemistry (is it BDSM? Maybe.) Literature. Literary criticism. Pan-Africanism. Protests. Government. Astrophysics. Philosophy. Punctuation and grammar.
And a million other things I will regret not including in the future.
Do you have a current obsession you wish more people would get into?
The cockroach, yes.
My obsession is related to my observation that roaches feature in nearly every genocide. The oppressor refers to the tribe they want to eliminate as roaches or rats or trees, but roaches are the most consistent.
If all genocides can be traced to dehumanization, then we must ask why only humans deserve dignity or a right to life. I believe it is a disease of capitalism (see the way we treat our water and air). I’ve not come across a genocide where the ethnically cleansed group were referred to as lions, eagles or wolves. I want to do a small PR for roaches. They deserve our love or compassion at least, or is our prejudice greater than our empathy?
What channels do you prefer to express your creativity?
Books and films. Both are long-form and allow one to engage in complex thought thoroughly.
What resources do you think are lacking in the Nigerian creative space?
Mentorship and protection of rights so young creatives don’t get exploited. Also, piracy and neglect from the government.
Is there a guiding philosophy you live by? If yes, which?
You can either be “God-fearing” or human-loving; it is impossible to be both. It reminds me that my service is to other humans and to the planet.
If you were a Nigerian dictator, what policy would you enact and why?
I’d rather be dead than a dictator. However, a policy I would push for is critical thinking in secondary schools and the creation of a course University 101, so SS3 students would know what to expect and how to navigate higher institutions.
To sign off, could you suggest a book for my audience?
Surprise, Kill, Vanish: The Secret History of CIA Paramilitary Armies, Operators, and Assassins by Annie Jacobsen.
How did you enjoy this style? What do you think about Maenyin’s responses? Your feedback is much appreciated.
Can’t wait to connect with you or someone you think will enjoy my work, next Sunday by 10 am.
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I really enjoyed it – The structure (which ensured the host got her dues), the interview, the weird art
Each question was like a locked door and Maenyin’s responses were proper martial arts kicks. You see one, you want to do the same. But you know you can’t, so you respect the life lived to be able pull it off — You saw the subjects he’s passionate about, right?
Martial arts are for martial artists and not civilians. I am a civilian
The part about roaches made me laugh, remember my feeble attempts at watching war movies, and finally, left me learned on the world behind that word
I will be reading the book he recommended alongside your articles
Your style is honest, laidback, and inviting wrapped into one
Isn’t that what everyone craves on Sundays?
Subscribed✅
This is a beautiful comment. All thanks to Kufre for hosting this conversation.