An African Night’s Entertainment by Cyprian Ekwensi
As a student in secondary school, one of the most memorable novels I studied was An African Night’s Entertainment by Cyprian Ekwensi. This book, first published in 1962, is a gripping tale of desire, vengeance, and the consequences of unchecked ambition—a story that has stayed with me long after my school days.
Plot Summary
The novel is set in Northern Nigeria and follows two central characters: Mallam Shehu, a wealthy merchant desperate for a son, and Abu Bakir, a man consumed by revenge after Shehu steals his betrothed, Zainobe . Shehu, despite warnings from a diviner that his child will bring ruin, uses a love charm to win Zainobe over. She eventually bears him a son, Kyauta ("Allah be Thanked"), but this joy is short-lived.
Meanwhile, Abu, heartbroken and enraged, embarks on a perilous journey to exact vengeance. He loses an eye and an ear in his travels before finally acquiring a curse that turns Kyauta into a violent outlaw. The story culminates tragically—Kyauta kills his father, Shehu, and later, Abu himself falls victim to the same curse he set in motion .
Themes and Moral Lessons
The Destructive Power of Vengeance
The novel’s central theme is the futility of revenge. Abu’s quest for retribution consumes him, yet in the end, he gains nothing but suffering. Ekwensi warns against the cycle of vengeance, showing how it destroys both the seeker and the target .
The Consequences of Defying Fate
Shehu’s refusal to heed the diviner’s warning mirrors classic tragedies where pride leads to downfall. His obsession with having an heir blinds him to the prophecy that his son would be his doom—a lesson in the dangers of ignoring wisdom .
Gender and Power Dynamics
The treatment of Zainobe reflects societal attitudes toward women—she is treated as a commodity, traded between men. Her lack of agency highlights the patriarchal structures in traditional settings, a subtle critique that remains relevant today .
Why This Book Resonated with Me
Studying this book in school was eye-opening because it blended folklore with moral instruction. The storytelling style—reminiscent of oral traditions—made it engaging, while the tragic ending left a lasting impression. The glossary and comprehension exercises in some editions also helped deepen my understanding of Nigerian culture and Hausa idioms .
Final Thoughts
An African Night’s Entertainment is more than just a cautionary tale; it is a reflection on human flaws—greed, vengeance, and pride. Ekwensi’s prose is straightforward yet powerful, making it accessible to younger readers while delivering profound lessons. Even years later, the story’s themes feel timeless, a testament to its enduring relevance.
If you enjoy African literature, folklore, or moral-driven narratives, this book is a must-read. It remains one of my favorite literary experiences from secondary school—a story that entertains, educates, and lingers in memory.
