For Nigerians living in the south east area of London, there is one part of town which gives them a buzz. A week is incomplete without visiting what could be called a meeting point for them, to shop or window shop.
This place is no other than Peckham. Peckham to Nigerians is the heart beat of the community in many aspects. A new visitor from Nigeria to Peckham might be forgiven for thinking he or she is in Isale Eko, downtown Lagos. The actual melting pot of activities in Peckham is Peckham Rye and Peckham high street. Peckham welcomes its Nigerian visitor with the warm greetings of ‘‘e kaa bo’’, welcome in Yoruba hung on banners attached to street lights.
Its ‘‘normal’’ on Peckham high street or Peckham Rye hearing the sounds of loudspeakers blaring out the music of Psquare, Davido, Olamide, Whizkid etc from different points simultaneously. These areas have a laid back character synonymous with most parts of Lagos. With music in the air people of different nationalities go about their businesses without any form of hindrance. While in Peckham most Nigerians feel free to express themselves more, away from their homes.
The market in Peckham takes anyone back to those of Oyingbo, Oshodi or Yaba in Lagos. Expectedly there are ‘‘Nigerian shops’’ selling varieties of products. The typical Naija store caters for the needs of Nigerians specifically and others generally. They are well stocked with food products such as Garri, Yam Flour (Elubo), Semolina, Black Eye Beans, beverages like Bournvita, Milo, and popular alcoholic drinks such as Star, Gulder, Nigeria Guinness etc.
To cash in on the Nigerian market, Asian Butchery shops sell Nigerian delicacies such as smoked Cowleg (Bokoto), Tripe (Shaki & Abodi) and Goat Meat. Customer Service plays an important part in the relationships that exist between Asian shop keepers and Nigeria customers. This informs their interest in Nigerian languages. It is not uncommon to see both customer and shop keeper trading banter in some Nigerian languages, such is the relaxed atmosphere in Peckham.
Eateries commonly referred to as ‘‘Bukas’’ in Nigeria serve Nigerian favourites of Amala, Eba, Poundo Yam with assorted stew like Efo, Egusi, Nkwobi and Afang. The atmosphere at these ‘‘joints’’ is not different from what obtains back home.
Peckham adds to the religious spice of Nigerians with churches tucked in buildings on both sides of Peckham Rye and the high street. So while some Nigerians go to Peckham to buy groceries others go there to worship, not only on Sunday. Noise pollution is an exemption in this part of London as the loud sound of church services rings out repeatedly.
The weekend comes alive on Friday evenings in Peckham, when African venues play host to parties of all sorts. Nigerians decked in colourful Aso Ebi patronise the entertainment hubs to celebrate and have fun. Now that its summertime, Peckham is in for a real thrill.
Peckham has come to symbolise the spirit of Nigeria in a foreign land . It is a place where Nigerians can claim to be theirs with pride.
By Olugbenga Adebanjo
This place is no other than Peckham. Peckham to Nigerians is the heart beat of the community in many aspects. A new visitor from Nigeria to Peckham might be forgiven for thinking he or she is in Isale Eko, downtown Lagos. The actual melting pot of activities in Peckham is Peckham Rye and Peckham high street. Peckham welcomes its Nigerian visitor with the warm greetings of ‘‘e kaa bo’’, welcome in Yoruba hung on banners attached to street lights.
Its ‘‘normal’’ on Peckham high street or Peckham Rye hearing the sounds of loudspeakers blaring out the music of Psquare, Davido, Olamide, Whizkid etc from different points simultaneously. These areas have a laid back character synonymous with most parts of Lagos. With music in the air people of different nationalities go about their businesses without any form of hindrance. While in Peckham most Nigerians feel free to express themselves more, away from their homes.
The market in Peckham takes anyone back to those of Oyingbo, Oshodi or Yaba in Lagos. Expectedly there are ‘‘Nigerian shops’’ selling varieties of products. The typical Naija store caters for the needs of Nigerians specifically and others generally. They are well stocked with food products such as Garri, Yam Flour (Elubo), Semolina, Black Eye Beans, beverages like Bournvita, Milo, and popular alcoholic drinks such as Star, Gulder, Nigeria Guinness etc.
To cash in on the Nigerian market, Asian Butchery shops sell Nigerian delicacies such as smoked Cowleg (Bokoto), Tripe (Shaki & Abodi) and Goat Meat. Customer Service plays an important part in the relationships that exist between Asian shop keepers and Nigeria customers. This informs their interest in Nigerian languages. It is not uncommon to see both customer and shop keeper trading banter in some Nigerian languages, such is the relaxed atmosphere in Peckham.
Eateries commonly referred to as ‘‘Bukas’’ in Nigeria serve Nigerian favourites of Amala, Eba, Poundo Yam with assorted stew like Efo, Egusi, Nkwobi and Afang. The atmosphere at these ‘‘joints’’ is not different from what obtains back home.
Peckham adds to the religious spice of Nigerians with churches tucked in buildings on both sides of Peckham Rye and the high street. So while some Nigerians go to Peckham to buy groceries others go there to worship, not only on Sunday. Noise pollution is an exemption in this part of London as the loud sound of church services rings out repeatedly.
The weekend comes alive on Friday evenings in Peckham, when African venues play host to parties of all sorts. Nigerians decked in colourful Aso Ebi patronise the entertainment hubs to celebrate and have fun. Now that its summertime, Peckham is in for a real thrill.
Peckham has come to symbolise the spirit of Nigeria in a foreign land . It is a place where Nigerians can claim to be theirs with pride.
By Olugbenga Adebanjo
3 comments:
So true..I prefer Oshodi to Isale Eko..lol
Peckham like Lagos!
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