Fairytales are more than just stories. Embedded with life lessons and courageous characters, they have come to play an integral part of a child's identity formation. Omobola Imoisili encouraged her daughters to read these fables to gain a sense of individuality. But people of colour have either been stigmatised or erased from western folklore. So Imoisili decided to write her own story – one that was brimming with black pride and empowerment.
After immigrating from Nigeria to the United States, Imoisili noticed the misrepresentation of Africa’s diverse cultures and history in mainstream media. Everywhere she looked, images of poverty and violence debased her home. “There's more than just the stereotypical images,” Imoisili says. “We have so much to offer and I want people to see that.” To alter the narrative, Imoisili took on the pseudonym Simisayo Brownstone and started writing the children’s book series, Feyi Fay. Incorporating African folklore and legends, the fantasy fiction follows the fairy-like creature known as Feyi Fay, who helps children in their time of need with the aid of a magical app.
Today, Imoisili’s two-part series is being read in schools and homes around the world, imbuing black youth with self-esteem and confidence. “There is so much knowledge we can learn from African stories,” she says. Through the enchanting plots, Imoisili tackles issues children might be facing such as bullying and social exclusion, while also showcasing African characters and culture. By reimagining the representation of people of colour, she has created a world where children can envisage themselves as powerful individuals. “I wanted kids to know that they could be the heroes of their own stories,” Imoisili says.
