Kolawole Oladipupo Michael, publisher of BridgeAfrique magazine, speaks with LANRE ADEWOLE about his life journey, including the last 16 years in China.
WHAT are the memories of your childhood, particularly the pranks?
My childhood memories are fun and this is because I grew up around beautiful souls you can ever imagine. I had wonderful parents and although I lost my dad at a tender age which made my mum to remarry, I was raised by my wonderful grandmother, sisters and brothers and wonderful friends who filled the gap of my biological parents. I have always been grateful for the knowledge of Christ that was instilled in me and my siblings by our grandmother. They have gone to be with the Lord but we are the parents now so we carry on their legacy. From childhood, I have been the type that does not take anything to heart and even till now, I don’t allow things to steal my joy. I try as much as possible to give honour to whom it is due but if you look for my trouble, I give it to you double! Much as I am fun to be with, I used to cause little trouble for market people who crossed my territory without acknowledging my presence. When I was much younger, I sold Gala, sachet water, puff-puff, cement, soft drink, among others, not for anything but for training and I always count this as great gain anytime I remember this period. These experiences shaped me to be a real businessman with strong bargaining skills today. I imagine by pranks, you meant those moments that involved harmless jokes and tricks played on my friends and siblings. I used to be very playful as a child and those memories would be cherished as they bring a sense of nostalgia and remind me of the carefree nature of childhood.
During your university days, you were the soul of society. How did you pull off repeatedly bringing Wasiu Ayinde to perform at the Obafemi Awolowo University?
As one of the souls of society during my university days, to bring stars like King Wasiu Ayinde, Abbas Akande Obesere, Gbenga Adeboye Funwontan of blessed memory and others to perform at OAU Amphitheatre demanded sheer focus and determination, careful planning, networking and negotiation skills. I have always believed that when you know what to do, you will get what you want in life. Permit me to state here that I formed nine social clubs which were duly registered with DSA (Directorate of Student Affairs) and recognised by the management of Amphitheatre and Oduduwa Hall. So armed with this internal back-up and the support of the fantastic club executive team and Students Union, getting our artistes to perform at our university then, and arranging for the necessary logistics and compensation became so easy for us.
What are the life-shaping lessons from your dad and mum?
My life-shaping lessons are not only from my dad and mum, but also from my grandmother and beautiful sisters and brothers and good people that surrounded me from childhood and these include teachings about trust in God, hard work, focus, dedication, perseverance, respect, empathy and the importance of education. These lessons shaped my character and guided me in making decisions throughout my childhood till today.
You have been living in China for years and publishing Africentric magazines from there. What was the inspiration going into publishing and how different is the environment to your homeland?
The inspiration to publish the first Afro-Magazine in China stemmed from a desire to bridge the cultural gap between China and Africa and to correct a common misconception among my Chinese friends and potential Nigerian investors, which was the confusion of Africa as a single country rather than a diverse continent with multiple nations. This inspired me to start BridgeAfrique Magazine, a platform designed to showcase the beauty, culture and investment opportunities of African countries to the world, one country at a time. The magazine also highlights the activities of Nigerians in the Diaspora and African Consulates and Embassies in China, fostering a deeper understanding between the Chinese population and African nations through their Ambassadors and officials. BridgeAfrique Magazine also serves as a vital bridge between African buyers and Chinese sellers, creating awareness of products and fostering business relationships between the two regions. Through the quarterly magazine, published in English, Chinese and French, we have significantly contributed to enhancing bilateral relations and promoting cultural understanding. In addition to the magazine, the BridgeAfrique Magazine MEDIA Network maintains 15 YouTube channels and other social platforms, each dedicated to showcasing various aspects of human existence and promoting a deeper understanding of African and Chinese cultures. The 10th edition of the magazine spotlighting Nigeria and Cameroon is coming soon. Yes, the environment in China is different from my homeland in terms of language, culture and societal norms and this is why it provides an opportunity to showcase African culture to a diverse audience and foster cross-cultural understanding. However, we have a similar identity in terms of hard work and respect for the elderly.
You left Nigeria long before Japa became a fad. Are Nigerians also flocking to China like they do Europe and America and what is your most embarrassing episode as a black person in China?
I left Nigerian in 2008 after spending three years at FAAN (Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria) as an Apron Controller. After I left for China, I saw some of my colleagues and friends also travelling to the USA, UK, among others, as if I opened their eyes to traveling abroad. I also noticed to my shock some Nigerians already present in some cities like Beijing, Hangzhou, Yiwu, Shanghai and Guangzhou in China! Although people may not be flocking to China in the same numbers as they are to Europe and America at that time, but we had some reasonable numbers around when I arrived in China. As a black person in China, my most embarrassing episode involved instances of cultural misunderstandings or racial stereotypes. However, these experiences taught me resilience, the importance of cultural sensitivity and the need to adjust by learning the language and behave well as a worthy ambassador or representative of my country Nigeria, the giant of Africa!
What do you miss mostly about Nigeria and what is the greatest misconception about your country among the Chinese?
Normally, I should say the things I missed most about Nigeria include the vibrant culture, delicious food, and the warmth of the people but having stayed here for more than 13 years, I am used to the people and their culture and we have many Nigerian women marrying Chinese men and Nigerian men marrying Chinese women and having the benefits of bringing Nigerian foodstuffs and starting African kitchen almost everywhere. So it’s easier to blend in, but then, no matter the level of comfort one enjoys abroad, I always believe that home is where real rest is assured, and this is why I always encourage my diaspora colleagues to try and invest back home. The greatest misconception about Nigeria among the Chinese might be the portrayal of the country solely in terms of negative stereotypes, such as poverty, corruption, or diseases but efforts from Embassy of Nigeria, Consulates, NIDO and good people around who keep seeing themselves as the country’s representatives as well as my effort through BridgeAfrique Magazine are counteracting these misconceptions by highlighting the positive aspects of Nigerian culture and positive achievements of our government and leaders.
You are married to a Nigerian. How did love find you and why not a Chinese lady?
Though love would have found me through connection with my Chinese female friends if I had allowed a serious bond. The decision to marry a Nigerian rather than a Chinese lady was based on personal preferences, cultural compatibility and individual circumstances. The marriage to my wife is a divine arrangement.
How much Nigerian food, music and socials do you get to enjoy in China and what was your reaction the first time you tasted a Chinese cuisine, especially the famed grasshoppers and worms?
To enjoy Nigerian food is not as difficult as before because we now have many of our students and other interests selling African stuff online and operating African Kitchen. Attending Nigerian events, and connecting with the Nigerian community also brings a feeling of home most times. Due to my adventurous spirit and willingness to try new foods my reaction the first time I tasted Chinese cuisine was a mix of curiosity, surprise, and eventually, appreciation for the unique flavors. For the records, I never tried grasshoppers and worms but I have tried Bullfrog, pig, snake and tortoise. Chinese believe these cuisines add glow to one’s life. In Chinese cuisine, the use of ingredients such as frog, pig, snake, and tortoise varies and is influenced by regional traditions, cultural beliefs, and personal preferences. Frog meat is considered a delicacy in some regions of China and is believed to have various health benefits, such as improving the immune system and treating skin diseases. It is often prepared in stir-fries, soups, or as a hotpot ingredient. Pork or pig is one of the most widely consumed meats in China and is an essential part of Chinese cuisine. It is used in various dishes, including stir-fries, dumplings, and roasts. Pork symbolizes wealth and good fortune in Chinese culture, and it is a common ingredient in festive and celebratory meals. Snake meat is consumed in some regions of China, particularly in Cantonese cuisine. It is believed to have medicinal properties, such as improving skin health and boosting the immune system. Snake soup is a popular dish in Hong Kong and Guangdong, especially during the winter season. While not as commonly consumed as other meats, tortoise meat is considered a delicacy in some parts of China. It is believed to have various health benefits, such as improving circulation and treating respiratory ailments. Tortoise meat is often prepared in soups or stews. However, it is important to note that the consumption of these meats may vary among individuals and regions, and some people may choose not to eat them due to personal beliefs or dietary restrictions.
Are you still the same OAU rocker or you are slowing down or have completely mellowed?
I am still the same OAU rocker but on low-key due to my personal interests and lifestyle and though I might have mellowed with age, my passion for writing, music and socializing still remains, albeit in different forms.
What are your future projections for BridgeAfrique Magazine? Any plan to stage a Nigerian outing?
We all know the future is now; so we are trying our best to penetrate Africa, starting from Nigeria through state to state edition. It is always a delight for us at BridgeAfrique Magazine to constantly bring new and exciting developments that add value to the world. It is in the light of this spirit that we produced the first of our “Lagos State Edition” which was inside the latest Nigeria/Sierra Leone Edition. We believe Lagos remains arguably the highest contributor to the Nigerian economy due to its ports, banking environment advantage, unequalled commercial activities as well as sports and entertainment offerings, while also not forgetting tourism. So to answer your question, yes, my projections for BridgeAfrique magazine include expanding its reach, diversifying its content, and organizing events that promote cultural exchange between Africa and China. We are currently working with our partners to stage a real Nigerian outing through publication and proper registration with necessary authorities in Nigeria. We are very open to exploring opportunities that align with the magazine’s mission and vision.
You must have met a considerable number of visiting Nigerian officials as a protocol staff of the Consulate. Would you want to share with us some of your experiences and those who left you with unforgettable memories?
Yes, as a protocol staff of the Consulate, I have met numerous visiting Nigerian officials. Some of these experiences have left me with unforgettable memories, such as witnessing significant diplomatic breakthroughs, engaging in meaningful conversations and attending prestigious events with them and showcasing these in the magazine and official platforms. I have also in my capacity as protocol staff, ensured our visiting Nigerian officials enjoy good tourist attractions in China as well as helping those who are buying stuff to get good bargains from Chinese companies. These interactions have enriched my understanding of international relations and the role of diplomacy.
What is your favourite music and what do you do for fun?
My favourite music is a reflection of my personal taste, which might include a blend of Nigerian and Chinese music, as well as other genres from around the world. For fun, I enjoy activities such as exploring new places, trying different cuisines, attending African parties, and spending quality time with friends and family.