Friday, July 13, 2007

Laspapi- The Man, The Myth...

"Who has seen the wind?
Neither I nor you.
But when the leaves hang trembling,
The wind is passing through.

Who has seen the wind?
Neither you nor I.
But when the trees bow down their heads,
the wind is passing by."


This poem came from a card given to me by my very good friend, jumoke, when we were at the university in Ife.

How did the name, laspapi, come about. One day, many years ago, I stood in conversation with my brother, Jinta. We called Lagos, 'las gidi', as many do and then he uttered the word, las papi in reference to Lagos. It struck me and a name was born that day. It first fastened to me through regular use by my my nephew, Ifeoluwa, in his very English accent as we had mock wrestling matches.

There is Wole the playwright and lawyer, then laspapi, then the Whisperer...

The Whisperer's articles seem to have developed a following amongst women. It is a good thing. My friend, and big brother, Jahman Anikulapo, gave me the avenue to display it in the Guardian and I decided to blog it regularly. I speak to females as a brother, a very good friend, someone who's been there or knows who's been there. I do not moralise. I tell of caution. How do I know so much? Why do so many women agree with me? Look at the Rudyard Kipling poem in my profile. I was really like that. I "rogued and ranged" in my time. I didn't start off for it to be like that but it happened. My short attention span didn't help. And so today, I don't preach from a moralistic point of view. My word is not God's commandment. I am no Saint, nowhere near it, but I talk to those who find my writing informative or amusing or both, as I would talk to my biological sisters.

But basically, we're all adults, and it is everyman (and woman) for himself in the end, really no one's business. The Whisperer Articles are not a compilation of the 5th Gospel.

I have two masters degrees- Both from the University of Lagos, and some people claim to know of my exploits from the days of the LL.M, eons ago. It's amusing, sometimes, and at other times, sad. I try to ignore it, as I see that a decade on, people are still obsessed by me and my supposed acts years ago.

I do not remember these people, and if by some chance, on the grassy lawns of the University of Lagos or by the rocky hills that surround the Obafemi Awolowo University, light years ago, I broke your friend's heart and it hurts you, I'm sorry. One more thing...You need to get a life. Time is passing by.

I find I am credited with much more than I have done. It's usually the opposite, men take credit for what they haven't done.
laspapi's older and wiser now, and the days of rage are behind. If you still can't stand me, keep your distance. Oju orun t'eiye fo, la yi f'ara kan 'ra (The skies are wide enough for birds to fly in, without touching each other). Hopefully I won't need your approval before they make me a Minister in the Government and hopefully you won't need mine under similar circumstances.

An anon came on my blog and wrote -"I've been to two of your shows at the Muson Centre. You ain't that hot". It wasn't related to the issue being blogged about. Since she took the time to write that, I knew she really found me hot. hehe. I mean, why come to my shows repeatedly if you despise me?

I want to thank my friends in the world of blogging. Thank you for being friendly. I hope never to take you for granted.

May we live in happier times.

laspapi

33 comments:

♥♫♪nyemoni♫♪♥ said...

Nice way you got your name........ Lagos Papi... I geddit...excuse me for asking, but how you you know for sure the the anon is female? I'll turn on my feminist side oh! Have a good weekend anyhow!

uknaija said...

Great post- lyrical and funny and wideranging. And yes, I bet she found you HOT!

Awapointe said...

I think you should remain anonymous -- it kinda makes you hotter.

Jumi said...

Laspapi, I was having a 'Jumi moment,' hence the invitation only status of my blog for a few days. That was temporary though, so you can go back and access it now. Apologies for the inconvenience.

Concerning this your post, I am a teeny weeny bit concerned o. Se no be sey somebori dey stalk you o, so tey hin see you finish come think sey: "wetin sef, hin no even hot and I jus dey waste my time." Anyway, to your tents, oh Israel. I hereby return to my corner of the world. :) I hear Lagos is sweet and rocking right now. Make una dey enjoy am o, but leave small enjoyment for we wey dey follow una o. :)

Have a beautiful weekend.

Mamarita said...

Personally, I tend to ignore negativity from anonymous commentators, if you have something to say, take the time to register and don’t be afraid to be traced, worse case, I’ll tell you to go stick it where the sun don’t shine. I guess I can’t stand people that fake liver; if you have mouth, don’t be afraid to put a name to it.
So escapades, when do we get to read about them?

Perfectly Human said...

lol @ that lady. Se hotness la ma jeni? And why did she deem it necessary to point out your unhotness(not a word) if she wasn't attracted? For those preoccupied with your past escapades, they are not very busy people, lol.

Anonymous said...

lol.. i love this post... and I think you're beautiful... in and out... you already know how i feel about you... and your 'papi-ness' and your plays and your 'exploits'(lol... maybe not so much this one... but you go hear AM!).. i'm not exactly sure if you meant it to be... but this was funny!

Chude! said...

I can't even find the offending comment o....

Eyin'ju Oluwa said...

How do you know it's a girl Laspapi?Any girly girl who doesnt like you has serious issues. I'm sure its a guy hating on you, he wishes he had as many 'girlfriends' hehehe. All these chicken head anonymouses sha, omg they're so irritating. Anyways, i hope that didnt get you and hot and bothered, thats just some 'logoless', spineless, hating somebody. I went to Unilag staff school, so i claim Unilag sometimes, hehehe. Have a great weekend Laspapiscosco. Dont mind that rubbish person.

laspapi said...

nyemoni, that anon was female, one knows these things. What's a guy's own with my "hotness".
Abeg, don't do "feminist" on my blog. :P
you have a great weekend too. Nyemoni, attend my shows o!

@ uknaija- I think she did, UK. You know how some people are.

@ awapointe!- I'll be more reclusive now. Honest.

@ jumi- lol @ jumi moment. I'll stop by again. Lagos rocks, trying to add my bit through the theatre arena.

@ mamarita- I agree with you -put a name to the face if you want to do name-calling and you're that bold. Let me look long and hard at you instead of the sneaky passes that are often practised.

On the escapades, those days are long gone now and the lone ranger sits placidly amidst the ruins of the old city staring at cocky strangers with a smile on his face...

@ jj- you're wonderful. You took the words right out of my mouth.

@ Storm- I know you would stand by me even if they led me to the gallows. I bless God for the day I met you. Really.

@ chude- papi musing, sahib...

Ms. Catwalq said...

1. LET ME START BY SAYING THANK GOD FOR MAKING ACCESS TO YOUR BLOG EASIER. YOU DON'T KNOW ALL THE WAHALA I WENT THROUGH EACH TIME I TRIED TO FIND YOU AND THEN I WOULD BE FIVE OR SIX POSTS LATE. I WILL NOW START LEAVING COMMENTS LIKE SOMEONE ON...

2.I HOPE I GET TO ATTEND YOUR SHOWS. MAYBE ONE DAY, GOD WILLING WE MIGHT WORK TOGETHER.

3. YOUR PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE: I KNOW FOR A FACT THAT NOTHING CAN BE WIPED CLEAN BY THE SLATE OF TIME EXCEPT MEMORIES. HOWEVER, FOR EVERY ACTION, THERE IS A COMPLETE AND TOTAL REACTION. AND ALL YOU DO, YOU HAVE TO FACE. IT;S CALLED KARMA DARLING AND EVERYONE HAS TO "ENJOY" IT WHETHER FROM THE GRASSY KNOLLS OF UNILAG OR OTHERWISE.

4. WHY I LOVE YOUR BLOG: I DON'T KNOW. I JUST DO. PLEASE DON'T LEAVE O. BOORISH WENT AND ABANDONED ME, AFTER I HAD ONLY JUST FOUND HIM. *SOB*. I STILL HAVE YOU SHA... *SNIFF* *SNIFF*
...DO I?

laspapi said...

@ omosewa- Thank you for being so supportive, beautiful child. I don't know why I assumed it was a girl. Nyemoni asked me the question you did too.

Ok, I wont be presumptious. You wore that staff school uniform? I know gazzillions who were there.

You enjoy your weekend too.

@ catwalq- you and toyin tomato made me discover I didn't have a link on the profile page. Thank you.

It would be good to have you attend one of these shows. Are you into the Arts?

But why are you trying to frighten me, catwalq? Which one is Karma in this matter? What's done is done and there shall be no remembrance of those things.

Boorish stopped blogging? I've met many great people here. I'll stick around.

My 2 cents said...

Hi Laspapi, I just discovered your blog and I must admit the reassuring maturity is refreshing.

The idea behind blogging is as a sounding period!

The facelessness of anons and anonymity makes their remarks or comments worthless, that's why I wonder why anyone takes them serious.
As we say in the big apple"It is what it is" We leave and we learn. You never know, your writing and art might just be changing or enriching someone's life. Always remember that!!

laspapi said...

I'm glad you like the blog, 2 cents.

You're right, though. I hope in some way, I have been able to enrich other lives in my own way.

Anonymous said...

Lagos Papi!! Nice. You're also a 'Great Ife' Alumni...sweet! Never did get into O.A.U, but spent some time with my cousin there in Sport's Hall.
Thanks for sharing and for the anon lady, I guess she fancies ya!

For the love of me said...

uWas the anon talking about you or your work?

laspapi said...

@ akin aworan- "Great Ife!!!!" I never stayed in the Sports Hall I was an Awo-ite) but spent many hours wandering its corridors.

You do great photography. There's one of a lady singing by a mic you put up a couple of months ago.
I look at her when things are quiet. She seems so content.

As for the anon- pah!

@ for the love of me- Ah! forgive my immodesty but my work is hot o! (hehe)
She was talking abut me, however. She went on to say I'd declared myself a fineboy on my blog. Apparently, she came to see if it was true. Maybe she's mixed my blog up with Mr. Fineboy's. She concluded with "one man's meat is another man's poison."

Bet I'm beter looking than her boyfriend (if she ever gets one)
:P

...toyintomato said...

ehh.. what am i hearin , you were in Awo-ite, nonsense.."hissss..your bloke facto-meter has dropped drastically.that Razz hall, where all the horny guys are housed..lol, No wonder !.
as a Moremi chick, you can already can, the beef has started. serious beef..lmao.
don't mind the anon, your hotness was too much for her to handle.heheh

Anonymous said...

Keep on ignoring such people and comments as you already do.They should go get a life.Keep up the good work Papi.

Anonymous said...

hiiiiiiiiiiiiii GROUPIE!!!!!!!!! UR HOT HOT HOT especially with those your fanta-bulous articles you write :) :) dont mind them jare. All beefers

Anonymous said...

hahahhahhahahaaaaaaaaaa............lawl!!!!U r too much!!!

laspapi said...

@ toyin tomato- on behalf of "my family and other animals in awo hall", I apologise for our behaviour.

@ anon- thank you for your words.

@ ~mimi~ thank you very much, jare. I'm your groupie for life.

@ anon 2- I tire.

Cheetarah said...

Ur 2 funny Mr. Laspapi W2, i came by to wish you happy birthday, Im cool work has just been really crazy. Catch you soon and have a great day and an even better year.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAPI

Anonymous said...

I tell you what. I could spank you with my paddle brush as punishment for all the 'rougin'. I mean, you do have to appease the womenfolk don't you? This way, Karma doesnt come back to bite you in the arse.


Let me know. LAWL.

Ide.

Anonymous said...

laspapi personally i think you are full of shit and any girly girl who falls for u should have her brain checked and re-checked.You are the type of guy who makes ladies not trust men because they will have the view that every guy is like you.
You just like getting satifaction in making this ladies fall for a fictional laspapi that only exist in their fantasies.i can keep going on but you are not worth the energy.

HAVE A NICE DAY M@#$$%F@##$!KER

Naija Vixen said...

Ha ha...why did she pay money to see your show then?Twice sef!....uhmm!!! I lyk ur name's origin...your love for the land strong no be small!!! How are you doing???

Anonymous said...

happy happy happy happy happy bday to u!! happy bday to u las papi, happy bday to......

i would probably have the man himself sing it to u if u had the capability.

Idemili said...

WHERE IS GIRL WHISPERER?!

laspapi said...

Thanks cheetarah, for taking the time out to wish me well. May we all live as long as we want to, and want to, as long as we live.

@ ide- that karma thing catwalq spoke about, spooked me. Let's look at it this way- I was a young man with little experience and what should have been a strength became weakness. I'd look at the world and think, "so many women, so little time". (No one must get upset o! Its not my present frame of mind)
If its just a paddlebrush, ide, I'll take the punishment. ;P

@ 'cussing anon'- I had to publish this so everyone would see the kind of vitriol I'm blocking. There was another one who said I'd die a poor man. That showed the mindset of that person. She must have had a really deprived childhood. hehe. I'm not doing too badly now though, so maybe she's organizing a hex for a reversal of fortunes.
"Can't we all put away the weapons of war and love one another?" I was kidding, anon. I don't do psychos.

@ vixen- home boy's still standing o! We always try to push the Naija Agenda that our land may gain a foothold again.
I didn't know laspapi had enemies, dem try, no be small. How are you doing, dami?

@ sherri- thank you, sherri. I was tapping my feet to the rhythm. Looking forward to having you in the next edition of blog idol.

@ ide- comning, ide, coming...

Anonymous said...

To the nasty anon, I want to say you need some therapy. Get a grip of yourself and don't let life's events knock you so hard.

This is clearly a transferrance of emotions. You need to see a shrink or better yet get some stress therapy.

I know Laspapi personally and he's nothing like you've described. I don't think he's ever written his whisperer series and titled it as the gospel truth. What's the issue?

You many not like someone's ideals and thier views on issues but it no reason to criticize with such vitrol.

I'll suggest you take a deep breath, count to five and smile a lot. Everyone needs a sanity check once in a while and this comment of yours just put you on blast.


Papi..no wonder you enabled this moderation thingy...Were..craze pessin plenty for market not just aro abeokuta...but in blogsville as well.


Hope your enjoyed your bday...wait how old are you again.....21.....ahhhhhh...don't worry I won't tell....

Noni

laspapi said...

@ noni- na so I see am. Thank you for the reference to transferred aggression. I hope the troubled anon finds peace.

My birthday was fun- what better way than to watch a full length stage drama- "Death and the King's Horseman"? (I can see some people grimacing...)

How old am I? Too old to cry and too young to die...

Actually, one is never too old for either but this is a happy blog.

Noni Moss said...

I somehow seemed to have missed this I think. Happy Birthday! Kinda late but hope you enjoyed it. And what interesting "friends" you have. :-) I like that you're able to just brush it off and carry on with your business. Your fortitude is an inspiration ;-)

laspapi said...

What they seek to do is paralyse, noni moss, engage you so you sink to that level, that's what you must remember. Shake it off, stomp on it and rise a little higher.