A slum in Lagos
Looking for Bono is set in a fictitious slum in Lagos, Nigeria, known as Palemo. It is the story of Baba, an ageing semi-illiterate man living penniless in a one-room multi-tenanted accommodation known as “Face Me I Face You”. And of Munira, his voluptuous wife, willing to do anything to keep the roof over their heads by carrying on with the landlord.
The cause
Baba has conceded to this humiliating arrangement and wakes up each morning to hang out with his favourite local crooked mechanics who spend their day stealing parts from cars given to them to repair and to watch the news. Palemo, like many other areas in the country, suffers from a lack of running water.
He happens to be watching the news one day when he sees that the musician Bono will be coming to Abuja, the capital city, on a charitable visit. Baba then begins a mission to ensure he visits Bono in the capital and pleads for him to bring running water to Palemo.
Baba in trouble
And that is where Baba’s trouble begins. In Looking For Bono, the cause becomes bigger than him when it is taken up by the local radio and an NGO. Munira, who always aspired to be a Nollywood actor, decided to take charge and further her ambition. In the middle of this is a confused baba who becomes known throughout the country and grows uncomfortable with what so-called fame has brought to his life.
Theme
Waiting for Bono had several themes running through it. It shines the light on abject poverty and lack. More than anything, it talks about how charitable causes and NGOs could exploit people experiencing poverty and pursue their ambition.
Funny
I enjoyed reading this book because it was also funny. And I laughed out loud in some places. In Looking For Bono, Abidemi has a way of showing the humanity and greed of her characters. Even though they are flawed, as all humans are, they still have desires and show vulnerability.
