Exploring the Sharp Edges of Arrows of Joy: An Ode to the richness of African Culture

Yinka Olatunbosun

Muyiwa Adeola Babayomi’s Arrows of Joy pays it due to Africa’s stories and ancestral wisdom. The collection draws heavily on mythological themes, spiritual traditions, and natural imagery.

In “Home of the Rising Sun,” Babayomi calls upon the ancient name Alkebulan, in his attempt to honour the continent’s historical legacy while conjuring images of a unified homeland. This name evokes a powerful cultural and spiritual connection, harkening back to an era when Africa was not just a geographical entity but a vibrant civilization where art, culture, and wisdom thrived. The poem reflects the oral tradition of storytelling passed down through generations, celebrating how those stories have travelled across time.

The collection draws from various myths and religious motifs, blending them seamlessly into its poetry. “Burning Bush” draws from the Biblical story of Moses, who led his people out of oppression in Egypt. By incorporating this narrative, Babayomi ties together spiritual motifs with the persevering spirit that characterises many African traditions, particularly in how they reflect on liberation and the pursuit of destiny.

“Lily Paths” nods to the resurrection narrative in Christian tradition, painting a vivid scene of lilies bearing witness to renewal. This narrative mirrors African stories where nature itself bears witness to spiritual truths and change. In this poem, Babayomi reinforces the intimate connection between spiritual beliefs and the natural world.

In poems like “In the Vast Expanse of the Savannah,” “Sunset,” and “Beach,” Babayomi uses Africa’s landscapes to illustrate the continent’s diverse natural beauty. The vast savannahs and towering mountains symbolize perseverance, while coastal imagery evokes dreams of renewal and unity. The agricultural metaphors throughout the collection reflect the continent’s agrarian roots, where nature and cultivation are integral to survival, culture, and spiritual practices.

The collection repeatedly emphasises the power of storytelling and folklore in shaping African cultural identity. Babayomi draws from these oral traditions in poems like “Museum of Hope,” which portrays the collective memory as a museum that holds the seeds of tomorrow. His emphasis on shared narratives, whether through spiritual tales or cultural and family folklore, follows the ancient practice of using stories to impart wisdom, values, and courage.

In ‘Arrows of Joy,’ Muyiwa Adeola Babayomi constructs an artistic tribute to Africa’s oral tradition. His collection reminds us that storytelling is more than a cultural practice; it is a lifeline that nourishes, inspires, and connects us. By drawing on myths and spiritual traditions, natural landscapes, and the ancestral wisdom of African communities, Babayomi creates a poetic celebration of art and cultural identity that remains relevant today. This work ensures that these timeless stories continue to travel and be told, flourishing for future generations to cherish and share.