An African Abroad

by Olabisi Ojala

An interesting glimpse into the world during the late 50s and early 60s, an African traveller visiting India, Russia, Iran, Middle East,Israel, Egypt and Australia. Describing his varied receptions and experiences by locals and government officials.

256 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1963

Reviews

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

Olabisi Ajala. A fabled man even long after his death. His legendary travels around the world on a scooter; and breathless, lurid stories about his "sexual exploits" globally. And the famed music composed in his honour by a music icon. Yet, focusing only on his work here, Ajala was a damned good journalist and writer, proficient in world history, politics, geography, intrigues. In this book he tells all about his travels, complemented with a number of exciting photos. His adventures happened well over 50 years ago, and we can be struck by his confidence at the time (he was very much a black man from Africa), his intelligence, his bravado, or stubbornness, depending on the perspective. He was an intriguing personality as he moved from country to country on his scooter, including Australia where he muses on the Aboriginals. On a personal, individual level he made friends easily (and at the time even married an Australian woman). But it is his contributions to world geography, history, politics et al that the author should be commended. A remarkable book, just like its author.

[KUNLE AWONIYI · Rating 5 out of 5]

Olabisi Ajala, the author protagonist remains a controversial figure in Nigeria, the myths surrounding his life very much there for succesive generations. One of the greatest philanderers in the world, with women and children around the world, an incredible epicurean, his awesome zest for life, jollity, music and wine...

But as this book shows, Ajala was also a world class journalist, reporter, historian and writer. A cosmopolitan, urbane gentleman - regardless of all the dark, murky, sinister connotations/speculations that surrounded his private life, and still recur - decades after his death. In his lifetime, musicians waxed lyrical about him and his life, but alas not all of them were positive ("Fine bara" eg, made hundreds of thousands of his brethren wince).

But nevertheless, this book remains a monument to Ajala's greatness as a man of letters, a man who travelled all over the world, met world leaders Presidents, and many other statesmen. It is a classic in its own right.

[Chris · Rating 2 out of 5]

https://www.theparisreview.org/blog/2...

Interesting subject matter does not equal well written

[Paul Lothane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think the photos in this work alone are priceless, as we realise the author is - was - a very special being indeed. He not only travels the world but meets political leaders male and female, and has extensive intelligent discussions with them. And proof of this can be seen in the many photos. Anybody still remember Golda Meir for example? Nor me...

[Oluseyi Bakare · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rather dated now of course, but brilliant

[Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book.

It was especially interesting to discover the geopolitical environment of the 1960s from an African perspective.