Okonkwo’s echoes in Koffi Olomide’s moment of madness

Koffi Olomide, aka Le Grand Mopao. In a span of five days, the self-styled “Great King” of soukous had dramatically kicked his way to a jail stint in his own country, thanks to a fleeting ignominious display of fury at Nairobi’s JKIA. PHOTO| FILE

What you need to know:

  • The series of misfortunes that have since befallen Koffi arising from the infamous kick easily paint him as a tragic hero comparable only to Okonkwo, the lead character in Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart.
  • Both Okonkwo and Olomide are prone to rapid anger and violent reactions judging by the many kick fights that Koffi has been embroiled with various dancers and cameramen across the world.
  • Interestingly music, Olomide’s forte, is one of the things that Okonkwo derided and regarded as symbol of weakness. This is because his father, Unoka, liked music and was poor.

The biggest story on the arts scene this week was the breathtaking fall from fame to shame of one of its own leading lights, Koffi Olomide, aka Le Grand Mopao.

In a span of five days, the self-styled “Great King” of soukous had dramatically kicked his way to a jail stint in his own country, thanks to a fleeting ignominious display of fury at Nairobi’s JKIA.

Olomide, one of Africa’s richest and most popular musicians, had come for a much-anticipated concert at the Bomas of Kenya in Nairobi, whose entry tickets had already been sold out.

But no sooner had the flamboyant singer, dancer and composer star kicked into the country Friday last week than he was seized by a terrible “moment of madness” at the airport. He literally flew into a kicking rage that has since kicked up a chain of troubles both in Nairobi and at home in Kinshasa.

The singer was caught on camera showing an undeserved act of violence against a seemingly shocked dancer. The video depicts him aiming a vicious kick at the girl’s belly and charging menacingly at her as she retreated in terror from her boss.

The series of misfortunes that have since befallen Koffi arising from the infamous kick easily paint him as a tragic hero comparable only to Okonkwo, the lead character in Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart.

TITLED MEN

Greek philosopher and writer, Aristotle, invented the term “tragic hero” and defined him as a man whose misfortunes come from his own error of judgment (or character flaw) rather than through vice.

He identifies harmatia (tragic flaw) and hubris (excessive pride and disrespect for natural order) as basic characteristics of a tragic hero.

Whereas Okonkwo is a fictional character and a virulent defender of the Umuofia culture in the novel, Olomide is a physical flesh-and-blood music superstar who has rocked the stage with his songs and raunchy dances for over 30 years.

Both men, who are heavily built, use their physique to intimidate their victims. Okonkwo is a stocky character and walks with a spring. Olomide easily appeared head and shoulders above visitors and security officers as he charged at the poor Pamela at JKIA.

Both Okonkwo and Olomide are prone to rapid anger and violent reactions judging by the many kick fights that Koffi has been embroiled with various dancers and cameramen across the world.

Okonkwo, too, is quick to action with his gun and machete to quell even a domestic tiff with his wife while Koffi deployed his thick limbs (slaps and kicks) to crush even mundane disputes with his troupes. It would appear that a degree in economics and a Masters in mathematics have not given Koffi the formula for soft skills in anger and human resources management.

Both are titled men: Okonkwo won many titles from his community for his hard work and war exploits. His obsessive fear of weakness and poverty powered him to acquire wealth and dominant status in his society. On the other hand, Olomide has won many international music awards including four Kora Awards. He was voted Best African Artiste of the decade, the award that earned him the monicker “the quadra kora man.”

Interestingly music, Olomide’s forte, is one of the things that Okonkwo derided and regarded as symbol of weakness. This is because his father, Unoka, liked music and was poor.

One of Okonkwo’s lowest moments is when he hacks Ikemefuna to death even as the lad rushes to him for safety, shrieking “father, they are killing me.” Obierika, his friend, reminds him that he shouldn’t have killed him because “that boy called you father.” This irrational act of bravery against a hapless child would later drive Okonkwo into depression.

Watching the video of Koffi attacking young “koffiette” (his bevy of dancers have been nicknamed koffiettes), one could echo the same Obierika cry: Koffi, that girl calls you father!