People of the City’ is What’s On Africa’s version of the Proust questionnaire. We ask exciting people across the city a series of questions. They can answer as seriously or as flippantly as they like. Expect by the end, to have a slightly more personal connection with interesting personalities doing innovative things.
This week, WOA connected with Sarah Lapido Manyika , author of Like a Mule Bringing Ice Cream to the Sun under Cassava Republic Press, (Cassava had their London Launch in April).
How did you get here?
I came by mule bringing ice cream to the sun.
Are you stressed?
Questionnaires can be stressful. Take, for example, the next question.
Who would you snog, marry or avoid?
In fiction my replies to all three options are endless. In real life, I snog my husband and do my best not to avoid anyone.
What advice would you give to a younger you?
Enjoy your frizzy/curly hair because one day it will be fashionable.
Which living person do you most admire?
Survivors and carers.
What’s the most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened to you?
I’m almost always in a rush to get dressed which occasionally leads to my wearing of clothes back to front, inside out, not zipped, not buttoned etc.
Are you scared of death?
I think I’m more afraid of my loved ones dying than I am of my own death.
Which film character do you most identify with? And why?
Having just watched Creed as well as The Lady in the Van, I’ll choose both Adonis Johnson and Miss Shepherd for their courage and perseverance – one in youth, one in old age.
Name one book you think everyone should read?
Whichever book gets you hooked on reading beyond that one book – that book!
What has been the peak and pit of your day?
Meeting the wonderful people at Book & Kitchen and buying Ben Judah’s This is London. Pit – not being able to stay longer at Book & Kitchen.
What’s your walking style?
It’s generally one leg after the other.
What’s trending for you?
Cassava Republic Press.
Who is in the party in your head?
Cassava Republic Press and all her fans and friends.
If you could change one thing?
Right now it would probably be America’s criminal justice system.
Who would you vote for as president of the United States of Africa?
Mother Earth for President and Bishop Tutu as Vice President.
What’s the most unwise purchase you’ve ever made?
Most recently, the unwise purchase was a stunning pair of stilettos that cost a small fortune but which, sadly, I can only stand in for about 5 seconds and walk in for even less!
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Procrastination, which takes many guilty forms. Chocolate, web surfing, Scandal, House of Cards, Nollywood etc. etc.
Sarah Ladipo Manyika was raised in Nigeria and has lived in Kenya, France, and England. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, and currently teaches literature at San Francisco State University. Her writing includes essays, academic papers, reviews and short stories. Her second novel, “Like a Mule Bringing Ice Cream to the Sun” is due to be released on April 1st, 2016 and is published by Cassava Republic Press (Abuja-London). Sarah’s first novel, In Dependence, is published by Legend Press (London) and Cassava Republic Press (Abuja-London).