Damilare Kuku
In Conversation
This week we spoke to Damilare Kuku about modern beauty standards, finding divine inspiration, and telling relatable stories.
Interviewed by Zulaikhah Agoro.
ZA: You are quite famous for being a creative multipotentialite; doing everything from radio presenting to directing, producing, acting and now writing. What is your origin story? How did you become drawn to the art of storytelling?
DK: I don't know that I have an origin story to be honest. I have always been fascinated by stories. I grew up reading the Bible, and imagining all the incredible tales and parables. When I was not reading the Bible, I was stuck on my mother's storytelling.
I used to force my mum to finish stories that she would fall asleep mid-way telling to me. Once she returned from work and had eaten, I would plead and beg till she told me tales that I believe she made up. Every night, she would improvise and tell stories that made me so happy.
Gradually, I started to tell the stories to myself when I was bored. Eventually I started to write them so I could read what I had imagined.
ZA: That is definitely an origin story and one of the most unique ones I have heard too. Let’s fast forward a little bit. In 2021, you released your debut short story collection Nearly All The Men In Lagos Are Mad which became an instant sensation. It took a lot of readers by surprise because first of all, what a title, and even the stories themselves are so divergent from what is considered ‘traditional’ African fiction. Can you walk us through the journey to publishing that book? What was your experience as a debut author?
DK: Thank you for your kind observation.
My journey has and will always be with God. I think with people like Chimeka Garricks who held my hand when I first started, it was very easy to walk the path to publishing my first short story collection. I had a beautiful experience because people chose to support me. So far, my entire career as a writer has been people-based. They love my books, they make sure to buy it and they don't shy away from sharing their opinions. Perhaps it is because I am more relatable to them. It feels like they are supporting a friend.
ZA: I do agree that your stories are very relatable, so that must certainly contribute to their mass appeal. Now I’d like to talk about the book of the moment, Only Big Bum Bum Matters Tomorrow. Like most people, I had a very interesting reaction when I first heard that title, but once I found out what the book was about it made perfect sense. Where did you get the idea and why did you decide to write this story? What is Only Big Bum Bum Matters Tomorrow really about?
DK: My ideas come from God, my titles especially. The story in Bumbum is a product of a traumatic experience that a person I loved had many years ago. I didn't know how to say sorry to that person because words sometimes can't carry the pain a person experiences at that moment. So I had to wait for a while to say something.
With Bumbum, I am saying sorry to the person and to the young girls that society keeps telling them they are not enough. I am writing them a love letter that I hope they respond to by choosing themselves.
Bumbum is a love story between sisters. At the core of it, it is a love story between sisters that lost their way to one another and life dealt with them. It is also a story of identity. The characters are asking who they are from everyone else but themselves. Sometimes it is easier to break a mirror than look into it. Bumbum is me holding a mirror up to the Society to say “this is where we are now. I hope we are all aware.”
ZA: Speaking of choosing titles, you are only two books into your writing career but we can already see a very unique and interesting pattern emerging with your selections in that area. How do you come up with titles? Is it a strategic brainstorm or spur of the moment genius?
DK: It is the Holy Spirit. I rely heavily on God with my creative career. Of course, I am not going to tell you that I don't spend nights pondering about titles (months even) but I do it with prayers.
ZA: A very interesting effect I see this story (and your work, in general) having is this growing acceptance of commercial fiction written by African authors. Personally, I have always believed we need more stories that laugh at our own collective flaws rather than highlight them in somber, serious tones. How does it feel to be a pioneer in this genre? Where did you find the courage to simply tell the stories you want to tell, rather than follow what the market thinks you should be saying?
DK: I am very humbled by the titles the people that support my work give me. I read the comments online calling me the blueprint for unconventional stories and all that. It's very humbling. Like I said, people clothe me with their support and it is the best feeling ever. That gives me all the courage I need to keep going.
I live my life according to my rules because I am the one who has to deal with the consequences. Why will I not tell stories that I want to read? Why won't I say what I think should be said? It's like being pregnant and not being able to give birth when it is time. No one knows my house address, they can't find me to challenge my thought process or titles. They can only write and talk online, and as long as I have told the story that sits with me. I am fine.
The truth is we are going through it right now in Nigeria so I hope every time someone picks up my book, they can suspend reality for a little while. Laugh a little at the truth that we can not run from, at least not yet.
On a global scale, I hope people can have a glance at the Nigerian reality when they read my books.
ZA: Now I’d like to talk about the more technical side of things. What was your creative process like while writing Only Big Bum Bum Matters Tomorrow?
DK: This question tickles me. I don't have a process yet. Ask me after my fifth book. I would have a much more profound response. Right now, I write because the stories won't let me rest until I tell them.
ZA: I will hold that thought until we get that fifth bestseller then, but speaking of stories that won’t leave you alone, what hilarious adventure are you taking us on in your next book? What are you working on now, if you can talk about it?
DK: My next book excites me. I can't say a lot about it but it feels like home to me.
ZA: Suspense, I love it! Final question, what is the one piece of advice you would give to an aspiring author who wants to tell unconventional stories?
DK: Write the story you want to write. I want to read it and I can't wait to travel into the world you create!
Damilare Kuku is a creative artist who has worked as a radio presenter, scriptwriter, film producer, Nollywood actress, and director. She is the author of the story collection Nearly All the Men in Lagos Are Mad and the novel Only Big BumBum Matters Tomorrow.
You can read an excerpt of her debut novel, Only Big Bum Bum Matters Tomorrow here.
