Uchay Writes

African Time. This common term used for Africans who seem to think time is a dear friend rather than something that shows no mercy. African time has also become a major stereotype and fed into identity politics.

I have always wondered where this came from. Has it always been like this? If I were to go to Nigeria now and attend an event, will they also behave the same as us here in the UK? Or is ‘African Time’ just a terrible excuse to allow lateness?

I wrote this contemporary poem on African Time:

‘asoebi’ – dressing code/style in Nigeria and other African cultures

The Party Starts @6pm

what time does it start?
it starts @6pm
45 minute drive
15 minute leeway
don’t get caught in the traffic hive

@2pm decide the outfit
open the gates to asoebi heaven
jollof orange? pepper red? Nigerian green?
what’s this hidden in the fold?
champagne gold

@3pm quick shower
it’s time to change
fitted to perfection, figure too sweet
rented red beads and golden dust
quick gloss swipe, a sweet spritz

@5pm it’s time to go
wait
where is everyone?
what’s that smell?
dove oat milk and honey

@7pm bundle into the hall
deep sighs and furrowed brows
endless tables, decorated white
seated guests and booming speakers
the stage is set but no celebrant in sight

–

I remember for my Mum’s 50th birthday party, she was adamant on not being late. We set up on time, got ready and STILL managed to start 30 minutes after the hour. Could this just be part of our DNA?

Maybe we should start changing this stereotype as this African Time or even ‘Black People Time’, gives us a bad name. We also greatly feed into this problem by making light of the concept. But do I think this will happen anytime soon? No – What do you think?