What does it mean to be a man? Surely, it’s not one thing. It’s a series of little moments that add up. Man Like is a weekly Zikoko series documenting these moments to see how it adds up. It’s a series for men by men, talking about men’s issues. We try to understand what it means to “be a man” from the perspective of the subject of the week.
We’re way past the halfway mark of 2021 and we’ve seen some interesting stories feature in the Man Like column. We’ve read warm stories of fatherhood and seen terrible examples of fathers. We’ve read stories of death and loss. We even talked to an Ifa Priest about what it’s like being one.
1. People Are Afraid Of What They Don’t Understand — Man Like
Today’s Man Like is Osunniyi, a 30-year old Ifá priest and the Oluwo (Chief priest) of Ile Oluwo Idingbe Temple. He discusses growing up with his grandfather, how he became the youngest-ever Oluwo at the age of 23 and the stigmatisation of traditional religions in Nigeria.
This is one of my most memorable interviews because of how open and honest Osunniyi was about being an Ifa priest.
2. Raising Daughters Made Me More Sensitive — Man Like Tex
This week’s Man Like is Tex, a father, lawyer and satirist. He talks growing up as the first child with three brothers, raising three girls in a patriarchal society and experiencing grief when he lost his friend.
Of course, my interview with Rotimi makes the list. In it, we discuss how he navigates being a father in the modern world. It was nice to get a refreshing dose of progressive parenting.
3. My Father’s Warmth Taught Me How To Be A Man – Man Like Andy
Today’s Man Like is Andy Obuoforibo, a 40-year-old politician and product manager. He tells us about how his father’s warmth and work ethic taught him the real meaning of masculinity, how his mother’s foray into politics influenced him to participate in politics and why he supports the LGBTQ+ movement as a Nigerian politician.
What do you get when you raise a child with a healthy relationship with authority, an appreciation for curiosity and learning and a huge serving of love? You get a Man Like Andy!
4. Losing My Parents And Two Siblings Scared Me Shitless — Man Like Imoh
Today’s “Man Like” is Imoh Umoren, an indie filmmaker. He talks about losing both his parents at the age of 15, surviving a tough divorce and fathering his nephew and his son.
Although this subject experienced death and loss from an early age, he maintains a positive attitude towards life and is hopeful about his future with his son.
5. I Quit Banking To Become A Bartender —Man Like Dare Aderinokun
This week’s Man Like is Dare Aderinokun, a 34-year-old Nigerian man who went from being a banker to a bartender. He talks about making this career switch, his impostor syndrome and internal conflict around being the provider and how this change is improving his relationship with his kids.
A tale about taking a leap of faith, this young father tells us about how he ditched a lucrative banking career for bartending.
6. I’m Too Focused On My Salon To Date — Man Like Ifeoluwa
This week’s Man Like is Ifeoluwa Adeyoonu, a 28-year-old barber. He talks about his difficult relationship with his father, how he faced resistance when he wanted to start his salon, and how his business gets in the way of his romantic life.
Scorned by his father for being an unwanted child, Ife talks to us about growing up under constant disapproval from his father and finally deciding to become a barber, against his parents’ hopes for him to study law.
7. The Worst My Work Can Be Is Average — Man Like Anny Robert
Today’s Man Like is Anny Robert, a photographer. He talks about leaving graphic design for photography after seeing a down sum payment and how his career affects his romantic relationships.
How do you deal with imposter syndrome, even when you’re one of the biggest players in your field? Anny Roberts talks to us about his work and how his focus on his career prevents him from fully pursuing a romantic relationship.
Check back every Sunday by 12 pm for new stories in the Man Like series. If you’d like to be featured or you know anyone that would be perfect for this, kindly send an email.
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