This morning I felt like crap like I always felt after a night shift.
Siphokazi’s velvety voice was pouring out from the modest speakers of the Kia Hatchback.
Her song ‘Amacala’ was playing. I don’t understand Zulu or Afrikaans so I couldn’t make out what she was singing about, it didn’t sound like a happy song either. A heartbreak must have inspired this number, I thought to myself.
Anyway, this song for me had become some kind of sedative. It created a place I could go to for comfort, where I could escape from this antagonistic world, at least for 5.04 minutes.
On a really bad day I often hit the repeat button…
At 7am I decided to let Siphokazi take a breather and switched the tuner to catch the news…
Global Economic melt down, recession, terrorism, an absentee president, earthquakes…
“Crap!... Switch!”
A growing line of cars parked up ahead indicated a gas station and a quick glance at my fuel gauge confirmed my fears...I had to join the queue.
“na wa…I might just have to marry Siphokazi so she can sing ’amacala’ to me all my life!” I mused.
30 cars and growing and the station attendants stuck to selling from one nozzle! I parked right behind a sleek Toyota Camry and shifted my weight to get comfortable for a very long day at the gas station.
A gentle tap on my window and I looked up into the face of a goddess.
She was smiling and was saying something to me while pointing to my car stereo.
I guess she wasn’t trying to tell me she had the same exact car stereo because she seemed very enthusiastic. So I wound down to hear her out.
“Oh my God! Is that Siphokazi…I just love her!” she bellowed.” My name’s Peace, I’m South African…never expected to hear this in Lagos!”
5 ft 10, her flawlessly dark skin complimented her eyes and teeth which were silvery white.
She had a figure that’d make Tyra banks go neon green with envy.
She drove a Camry…and she liked my Siphokazi. Stephen's Siphokazi...
The song that bought me peace had brought me Peace…pun intended.
Now, my day’s pregnant with possibilities…
Well, what do you know…
amacala by Siphokazi
i totally love this piece, there is something about it that makes it seem like there is some hidden story behind it....
ReplyDeletehaba! June to October...I have a feeling you are hoarding too much creative-writing skills within that space of time...I don't know who Siphokazi is but maybe I will now.
ReplyDeletelol....thanks a whole lot HoneyDame, your comments are very inspiring.
ReplyDeleteSaw your comment @ *The Writeventures of Ema Leecious* and decided to check you out. Hmmmm, nice style of writing. Quite intriguing. Can't wait for what is brewing in the latter part of this post. It is to be continued right?......
ReplyDeleteFirst time here and following. Do check out my blog: naijabankgirl.blogspot.com
lol..Che. thanks for your comments. i plan to finish the Siphokazi story...some day. following your blog now and also checking out your work.
ReplyDelete