IHRAM’s African Secretariat’s Cameroon Director, Dr. Geraldine Sinyuy in conversation with Bradford Based Tony Tokumbo Eketa.

Geraldine Sinyuy: Hello Tony. Thank you for granting us this opportunity to interview you. Please can you tell us about yourself? Who really is Tony Tokumbo Eketa? But before you speak, I wish to comment on the fact that you have a musical name.
Tony Tokumbo Eketa: It is a pleasure to be on the platform. I am a published writer, MC, Mentor, Promoter and Founder of Africa4u. I am also a peace ambassador for The Universal Peace Federation.

Geraldine Sinyuy: I see that you dance a lot during some of your programmes on the Tony Tokumbo Show. Where did you get the love of music from?
Tony Tokumbo Eketa: Tony Tokumbo Eketa: I don’t really use a lot of music on my show. My show is an international podcast aimed at promoting the true life and success stories of African and Caribbean achievers around the world. The link is www.youtube.com/user/etekatoks.

Geraldine Sinyuy: What do you think about human rights activism as a writer? Does your writing reflect concerns on human rights?
Tony Tokumbo Eketa: A writer has a very strong role to play when it comes to human rights, but I also feel that human rights is a specific aspect where a writers voice and words are important.  A writer has a bigger role to play in also representing the truth as well as the needs and priorities of everyday people. 

Geraldine Sinyuy: You are known to be an ardent traveller and one can hardly pinpoint your place of residence. Now, tell us. Where is your base?
Tony Tokumbo Eketa: I live in a city in the United Kingdom (UK) called Bradford which is probably one of The UkK’s most underrated cities in the country in my opinion.  It is also a city blessed with so many creative artists and entrepreneurs. I am received well but I most say there are loads of amazing people in Bradford doing great work.

Geraldine Sinyuy: From the look things, you like playing music during your shows.
Tony Tokumbo Eketa: I do not tend to dance much to be honest (only on special occasions). Dancing is therapy to the soul. It is probably just a handed down culture but bear in mind I am just an average dancer.

Geraldine Sinyuy: I agree with you. Every African dances. There is a saying that music is part and parcel of Africa and so it is normal for a people who love music to be able to dance. I know of course that there are some African people who are more gifted in dancing than others. Alright, that said, when do you find it best to write?  
Tony Tokumbo Eketa: I write anytime I feel inspired.  I never force it. The art of Silence is great energy for the source of writing.

Geraldine Sinyuy: I like the idea of silence. William Wordsworth said that poetry is a spontaneous overflow of powerful emotions recollected in tranquility. However, as a writer myself, some inspirations come in very noisy places like markets, football fields or churches. Who are your favourite African writers?
Tony Tokumbo Eketa: Chinua Achebe, Ben Okri and Okot Bitek are my favourite writers.

Geraldine Sinyuy: What can you say about African Literature in this digital age?
Tony Tokumbo Eketa: African literature in the digital age is fast evolving with a wealth and range of amazing writers who have taken the world by storm. It is filled and blessed with so many strands, experiences, imagery and voices.

Geraldine Sinyuy: What do you love doing most?
Tony Tokumbo Eketa: My passions are travelling (I have been to over 41 counties, writing, organising events and bringing people together to celebrate their stories. My podcast show came about with the need and desire to promote the success stories of Africans.

Geraldine Sinyuy: That’s amazing. What pushed you into travelling so widely?
Tony Tokumbo Eketa: I have always had a passion for travel, culture and people and this is why I travel. I navigate different cultures through doing my research. In addition, I have a very adventurous spirit so I tend to visit many places which you do not hear much about in the news. For me- travelling is education and has taught me to think and …

Geraldine Sinyuy: What do you think about human rights? Do you sometimes dedicate your writing to human rights?
Tony Tokumbo Eketa: A writer has a very strong role to play when it comes to human rights, but I also feel that human rights is a specific aspect where a writer’s voice and words are important. A writer has a bigger role to play in also representing the truth as well as the needs and priorities of everyday people.
I do not tend to dance much to be honest (only on special occasions). Dancing is therapy to the soul. It is probably just a handed down culture but bear in mind I am just an average dancer.

Tony Tokunbo Eteka Fernandez is a *Multiple Award Winner*, renowned *Author*, *Online Broadcaster*, *MC*, and an *Ambassador for Peace* with the Universal Peace Federation. He is also the Founder of AFRICA4U ASSOCIACTION AND FRIENDS CIC. His passion lies in promoting the success stories of Africans and Caribbeans around the globe, highlighting their achievements and contributions to society. He has received 26 awards, visited over 40 Countries and written and published four books. Born in London and originally from Nigeria, Tony has also lived in several parts of South and North England as well as North, West and South South Nigeria. In 2018, Tony was inducted into The Nigerian Diaspora Global Hall of Fame as one of the most productive Nigerians in the Diaspora.