When African Culture Meets European Living:  A Beautiful Fusion

As we go through life, we come across different cultures and people that creates a conflict between the traditions that shaped us and the new influences that challenge our beliefs. 

My African Woman, by Adeleke Oyenusi, explores this tension through the life of Biyi, a young Nigerian man who moves away from the sacred traditions of his homeland to the structured, modern world of England. 

His story paints a vivid picture of what happens when African culture meets European living, revealing the beauty and struggles of cultural fusion.

The Pull of Tradition vs. The Promise of Change

Biyi’s story begins in Irolu Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria, a town rich with tradition, where his family’s deep-rooted beliefs shape his destiny from birth. His parents, after enduring years of heartbreak and unanswered prayers, finally received the gift they had longed for—a son. To them, Biyi was not just a child but a divine blessing, an answered prayer bestowed upon them by the gods they had worshipped so faithfully. In gratitude and devotion, his life was dedicated to the spiritual forces that governed their existence.

From an early age, Biyi was expected to uphold sacred rituals, honour his spiritual obligations, and continue the legacy of his ancestors. Every aspect of his life was deeply intertwined with the customs of his people. He participated in traditional ceremonies, learned the ways of the elders, and was groomed to take on his role within the community. Like many who grew up in deeply traditional African settings, his path was seemingly set in stone, dictated by centuries-old beliefs and practices.

However, change arrived in the form of an English cleric, Father Paul Morgan, whose presence in the town signified the growing influence of colonial rule and Western ideologies. Father Paul introduced an entirely different way of thinking—one centred on education, Christianity, and structured societal norms that contrasted starkly with the spiritual and cultural heritage Biyi had always known. His teachings challenged the long-standing traditions of the community, sparking debates and conflicts within families, including Biyi’s own.

Despite the resistance from elders and his own internal struggles, Biyi found himself drawn to Father Paul’s teachings. The promise of education and the opportunity to expand his understanding of the world intrigued him. For the first time, he saw a future beyond the spiritual obligations imposed upon him at birth. The idea of learning, of embracing knowledge beyond the confines of tradition, ignited a curiosity within him that he could not ignore.

Love, Distance, and Cultural Identity

As Biyi’s life unfolds, he marries Comfort and starts a family, but his pursuit of Western education leads him to England, leaving his wife and child behind. The author uses this distance to symbolize the growing divide between his African roots and his evolving Western identity.

His relationship with Mary, an English woman, brings forth another challenge—cultural differences that prove difficult to navigate. Their romance, though passionate, ultimately succumbs to the complexities of conflicting values and perspectives. This mirrors the real-life struggles of many who seek love across cultural lines, only to find that deep-seated beliefs and traditions can be difficult to reconcile.

The Fusion: Finding Harmony in Two Worlds

Despite the trials, Biyi does not completely abandon his heritage. His decision to reunite with Comfort and their son, bringing them to England, signifies a conscious effort to blend the two worlds rather than choose one. Comfort’s journey into nursing and Biyi’s success as a lawyer showcase the resilience of African immigrants who adapt to Western life while maintaining their cultural essence.

Yet, this cultural fusion is not always seamless. Comfort’s illness, struggles, and longing for home reflect the sacrifices often made in pursuing a better life. The dream of returning to Nigeria remains alive—a reminder that no matter how far one travels, the pull of one’s roots is undeniable.

My African Woman highlights that embracing another way of life does not mean erasing one’s heritage. Instead, it is about finding a balance, honouring the past while embracing the future. When approached with understanding and respect, the fusion of African culture and European living creates something beautiful—a life enriched by the best of both worlds.

Grab your copy of My African Woman today.