WHITE DOVE

The Roots of Adventure

I was born in a lively city called Ibadan in Nigeria, during the '90s, my early years were infused with a passion for adventure and a fascination for diverse cultures. As I navigated through my childhood, the innate desire to shape my character artistically emerged.

Upon completion of my secondary school education, a pivotal moment arrived— I wanted to create a unique identity for myself. It felt like being an artist who changes their style, a juncture where I felt compelled to fashion a unique identity. In the spirit of artistic self-creation, I sought a nickname, a personal embodiment akin to an artist constantly reinventing oneself. The initial thought was "Snooze," but upon contemplation, "Snoz" emerged as a more fitting choice—evoking a deliberate pace in the face of life's swift movements. It served as a reminder not to slumber when alertness is required and to recognize the continuous power we possess to contribute to our evolving selves, influenced by those around us and the societal shaping we undergo each day.

Thus, the moniker "Snoz" became an integral part of my artistic journey. It wasn't just a name; it was a reflection of my personality, exuding a sense of coolness and smoothness. As the adoption of "Snoz" gained momentum, it seamlessly integrated into daily interactions, eventually becoming the name by which everyone addressed me.

My father who is an Immigration officer came from a big family that stretched across Nigeria and other West African countries. He loved sharing stories about our family, especially those about our grandfather who sadly passed away just before my dad finished high school. These stories sparked my interest, and as I grew up, I started exploring the history of the Ajayi family.

Whenever my late grandmother visited us (may her soul rest in peace), she would bring us snacks and toys. I always looked forward to her coming, and during those times, she would sing to us the Oriki of Ajayi, a special Yoruba praise poem that covers various aspects of Yoruba culture.

In these precious moments, my grandmother would also share stories about our grandfather. Despite having many wives, he was respected and dearly loved by his family.

My father spoke about him like he was a wonderful man who took care of everyone. I often wished I could have met him to experience the greatness my family talked about

While my father's family extended far and wide, my mom's side was close-knit. We lived close by, and I was familiar with all my mom's relatives. Mom is both a businesswoman and a fashion designer, and she's consistently punctual when it comes to serving at the church.

My parents blessed me with siblings – an older brother named Gabriel also called Abiodun, a younger brother named Israel, and our little sister Deborah, who held a special place in our dad's heart. Maybe it was because she was the only girl until our youngest, Imisioluwa, came along. Imisioluwa, the most creative and charismatic among us, had a birth that held special significance for our family, as you'll discover in the later chapters.

Father never failed to bring yoghurt and meat pie from a fancy pastry shop named Mr Bigs for Deborah whenever he returned from work while he was stationed in Ibadan city, creating a special bond. However, the boys rarely got such treats, a source of good-natured banter in our household.

Growing up, I learned about our heritage and realized that many sons of Ajayi might not know their roots due to the slave trade before I was born. This knowledge added a deeper layer to my understanding of our family history.

My father is a devoted parent who never misses our academic inspection when he's at home. During these sessions, he instructs each of us to bring out our school notebooks, and thoroughly examine them. On occasions when we fail to account for our school notes, he doesn't hesitate to employ his cane as a disciplinary measure. Both my brother and I have experienced moments of kneeling with our hands raised for several minutes before he administers the cane, portraying a typical African father's disciplinary approach. While I often perceive him as strict, and there is a certain fear associated with him, this upbringing ensures that we diligently maintain complete and up-to-date notes before inspection days.

When I was a kid, I loved exploring the nearby forest. I wore a jacket with tools, like a little explorer. It felt like a magical place where I could be the hero of my adventures, just like in the movies.

I climbed trees and imagined each branch was a doorway to a new world. It reminded me of Arnold Schwarzenegger, my favourite actor. I admired how he played different roles in movies like The Running Man, Jingle All the Way, and Commando.

The Running Man was intense, with Schwarzenegger fighting for survival on TV. Jingle All the Way was a funny holiday movie, showing a different side of his talent. Commando had action and cool lines, making me admire how he could be so versatile.

These movies not only entertained me but also inspired my adventures in the forest. I pretended to face challenges, overcome obstacles, and be the hero, just like Schwarzenegger's characters. My jacket with tools became my superhero outfit, and every tree I climbed felt like a castle to conquer.

In the solitude of the forest, I discovered the joy of creating narratives and scenarios, influenced by the cinematic magic I witnessed on the screen. Arnold Schwarzenegger's dynamic performances served as a wellspring of inspiration, motivating me to explore different facets of my creativity. I wondered how he could bring such authenticity to every role, and this curiosity spurred my quest for self-discovery.

As I grew older, my admiration for Schwarzenegger evolved from the cinematic to the personal. Beyond the characters he portrayed, I became intrigued by his journey as an individual – from bodybuilder to actor to politician. His resilience, determination, and ability to reinvent himself resonated with me, shaping my understanding of the transformative power of passion and dedication.

The forest, once a backdrop for my childhood adventures, became a metaphor for life's boundless possibilities. In the footsteps of my cinematic hero, I embraced the diversity of experiences, understanding that, like Schwarzenegger's varied roles, life presented an array of challenges and opportunities. And so, the enchantment of my childhood forest escapades, fueled by the spirit of adventure and the inspiration drawn from a cinematic icon, laid the foundation for the journey ahead

As the tapestry of my life continued to unfold, I found inspiration in the realms of music and art, shaping my identity and steering my journey into unforeseen territories. Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, emerged as my musical idol, his mesmerizing performances and groundbreaking contributions resonating deeply within me. Concurrently, the enigmatic street artist Jean-Michel Basquiat captivated my artistic sensibilities, despite the tragic end that cast a shadow over his brilliance.

The omnipresent thought of mortality lingered as I delved into the lives of these icons. Michael Jackson, with his unparalleled talent and global impact, left an indelible mark on the world, yet the fragility of life underscored the transient nature of even the most extraordinary existence. Similarly, Jean-Michel Basquiat's meteoric rise and untimely demise served as a poignant reminder of the ephemeral nature of artistic genius.

Even though my parents weren't big art fans, my mom loved local and foreign music, showing her creative side. In Nigeria, American entertainment had a big impact, mixing with our own culture.

Eager to discover my purpose, during my freshman year at the University of Technology Ladoke Akintola in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, I made the decision to leave Nigeria for Malaysia on March 13, 2013. At that point, I anticipated returning within a month.

The nature of my father's job facilitated a smooth visa acquisition process. Life, as I soon discovered, undergoes constant change, and each phase resembles a distinct chapter in a book. My sojourn in Malaysia unfolded as a significant chapter, illustrating the transformative power inherent in life's journey.

I heard echoes of Michael Jackson's music and felt Jean-Michel Basquiat's rebellious spirit as I navigated Malaysia. They kept inspiring me, helping me understand who I am and what I'm meant to do.

Residing in Malaysia, I discovered that the essence of life extends beyond merely achieving a goal; it encompasses relishing the entire journey. Every encounter with new faces, exposure to diverse perspectives, and the fusion of various cultures contributed significantly to the chapters of my narrative. It felt as though we were the protagonists of our movies, and attempting to skip certain scenes proved futile; the true essence lay in embracing each moment.

The realization dawned upon me that the most fulfilling times unfolded during the process of becoming, where experimentation and creation coexisted. However, I also acknowledged the dual nature of this power – the ability to shape and, at times, alter the course of my reality. It became evident that the emotional landscapes I found myself in were often crafted within the realms of my mind long before manifesting in the tapestry of reality. In essence, the journey itself became a canvas upon which I could experiment, create, and, in some instances, deconstruct – a powerful realization that added depth and richness to my ongoing narrative.

I realized that life is always changing, like a masterpiece made of different threads. Unexpected moments shape who we are, and I embraced the power of these experiences to shape my story and the chapters yet to come.