SAKADELLI: So, When is it Okay?

Everyone has a story inside of them - a story waiting to be told, and heard. 

Sakedelli is one of such stories, and it is told in colourful and poignant language … a sing-song writing of lyrical prose birthed in a collection of witty short stories.

Sakadelli’s poetry is evocative and its prosaic undertones are dare-devily. The 244-page masterpiece is scripted in a multi-layered dimension, interlocking everyday personalities with uncomfortable situations through characters living the ‘savoir faire’ life. As society would put it, they have politically correct imperfect lives. Sakadelli’s characters own their sorrows as well as their joys, their disappointments as well as their exhilarations. But out of these experiences - many en-route to literal and metaphorical mountain tops or valleys - comes a melting pot of self-awareness, acceptance and, yes, wisdom … all of which make Sakadelli such a powerful read.

Sakadelli is a celebration of life in all its beauty and chaos; a cautionary tale about right and wrong choices alongside their consequences. It is an eloquent protest against socio-cultural ills and subtle injustices we ignore. 

Written in the first-person narrative voice of the eccentric heroine, Sakadelli, the narrator glides through each story to create a string of provocative and humorous narratives confronting pervasive social norms. Sakadelli Volume 1 is a mirror depicting us in humorous ways; appreciating our follies and laughing at ourselves while deeply reflecting on the rules of engagement in life - including living & loving.

Sakadelli will take you from innocence bygone to adulthood redefined, particularly as reflected in contemporary Africa. Sakadelli’s ideal readership includes a wide community of voting adults and mature audiences in their role as parents, guardians and mentors to the young and free-spirited.

Some stories in Sakadelli like “Enyiocha & Enyiocha” are reminiscent of a sheltered childhood, complete with doting parents but marred by a sudden loss of innocence through the war. Stories like “The Covo: Our Girls, Our Daughters, Our Sisters” and “The Men Our Mothers Raised” are an examination of cultural norms on gender, marriage and the place of the female in a patriarchal African society. 

Stories like “So The Card Makes It Okay?” and “Retirement Plan” chronicle a satirical account of the taboos Nigerians engage to secure residency, citizenship or simply comfortable lives in the United States - often leaving a trail of heartbreak, tears and in some cases, blood. 

“The Virginity Dialogue” story deals with the crisis escorting burgeoning sexuality, and the tragic, yet avoidable errors that can unfold. “The King Of Self Pleasure” describes the adverse effects of masturbation and how uneasy a choice it is for many young men today. Sakadelli is awash with timeless, light-hearted parenting hacks. In many instances, it feels like having a conversation with your great-grand-mother who’s wearing skinny jeans and stiletto heels, while swiping an iPhone! 

Sakadelli is written with passion and pathos on critical issues in this modern world. It is indeed a millennial book. Its unique and fresh perspectives laced with humor in verse makes Sakadelli a sumptuous literary feast to savour for a long time to come.  

Sakadelli is that 18+ conversation you could never have with your African mother! It is published by Pyxidia House in Dallas, Texas and available on Amazon, Kindle, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Nook, Kobo and Google Books].

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Uri Ngozichukwuka is a Communication Consultant, Content Entrepreneur, and a TV and Radio Presenter. She is currently, the CEO of April Benjamin and Dawn Communications Limited and Author of the new book,  Sakadelli: So When Is It Okay? published by Pyxidia House in Dallas, Texas, USA.

Uri is a social inclusion advocate and the founder of Empathy Driven Women Internationall Initiative (EDWIIN) – a non-governmental organization focused on persons with disabilities, especially women. She has written several articles on social issues and organized many socially inclusive programs for persons with disabilities, which earned her an honourary spot on the prestigious global platform for a Ted Talk at TedX Mende Women 2017.

Uri is also a singer and a recording artist, often making songs out of any and every conversation. She is a mother and grandmother.