By Ata Ukuta –

Years ago, I purchased a dry trado-medical bottled medicine made of roots and herbs. The herbalist’s instructions were that I should either add alcohol or water to the dry medicine, shake vigorously, and allow it to settle for about an hour before taking it. When I informed some of my friends that I prefer to use the medicine with water, they immediately called me a woman for opting to use water. In the conversation that ensued, I asked them to state their reasons for calling me a woman. They explained to me that it is only women that would opt for water instead of alcohol. And that a real man would definitely prefer using alcohol. After hearing their reasons, I asked a second question: why do men use alcohol? At the end of their answers to my second question, it became clear from their explanation that men usually use alcohol for different reasons that range from managing stress to boosting their confidence or even to be bold enough to commit a crime. Our conversation continued and branched into the use of Marijuana popularly called Igbo in Nigeria. We also concluded that most men use Igbo in ways that are similar to their use of alcohol. 

It was at this juncture that I remembered the chorus of Burna Boy’s latest hit – “Last Last” which featured elements of Toni Braxton’s “He Wasn’t Man Enough,” which peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2000. The chorus is a chantlike rendition saying – I need Igbo and Shayo (alcohol). Burna Boy achieved his first No. 1 on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart with this song. The musical video of the song shows Burna Boy in various scenes smoking what would most likely be Igbo. As I thought about the accusation that I am a woman or weak because I prefer water to alcohol, I started thinking about what the definition of a man is. Definitions are important because they directly or indirectly guide or influence our perceptions, mindset, and corresponding actions. The difference in the outcome of most communities, tribe, nation or even race can be linked to their definition of manhood or masculinity. 

Masculinity can be said to be the social expectations of being a man. It includes the roles, behaviours and attributes that are considered essential for boys and men in a society. These definitions have social, historical and political undertones that have multiplier effects that determine the socio-economics of a society or nation. I recently shared a post on Instagram where I stated my personal understanding and definition of a man. For me, a man is a male that provides shelter, clothing, food, education, leadership, and love for his family. One of my male followers who I think felt that this definition is too burdensome disagreed with this definition. But I explained that if the average boy growing up has this definition at heart, he stands a greater chance of being a responsible husband, father, and citizen. Going back to the use of alcohol and Igbo, I realised that the most accomplished men and entertainers I admire like Denzel Washington and even the unpredictable Kanye West are not substance abusers. The entertainers who abuse substances either die young or die unceremoniously from either drug overdose or associated illnesses. This use of soft or hard drugs DOES NOT promote creativity or signify or validate manliness. 

Ata Ukuta, Editor – Towncryyers