What comes to mind when you hear the term “village people“?
Well, I can tell you they’re certainly not talking about some disco band of gay icons that reigned in ages past. It’s a Nigerian concept. And today, I implore Nigerians to take a breather from never-ending problems and consider something that is now common in our everyday banter.
The concept of village people.
Do you know you have a natural talent? What is it, you wonder? It’s “shifting blame” to others who may or may not be responsible for your ill luck. Try it right now. Just pick one of your problems and blame someone else for them. Tell your conscience to be quiet. Keep pinning the blame on someone until you almost believe it. Feels good, doesn’t it?
Innately, human beings are professional in attributing blame to others. Many of us don’t want to believe that it is normal for one to experience bad luck. We don’t want to accept any tough time as a process of getting to our destination.
And who better to blame than the village people?
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Origin of The Phrase
Knowing Nigerians, I’m sure we have dozens of conspiracy theories about this and I would have loved to just pour them out for you, but I have not the time.
Here’s what I believe. Nollywood is to blame, especially their village-era movies. Those featuring the likes of Gift Iyumame and Sola Sobowale in their prime. What I found odd in those movies was that, despite their varying themes, the plotline was usually the same. A young man or woman leaving their decrepit village to find greener pastures in the city. Sometimes successful, sometimes not. In the latter case, the characters would return to their village with the caustic stench of shame.
So did the term village people become a definitor of failure. Even now, many believe that any disruption or failure is because of these so-called “village people”.
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My Experience With Village People
I was a varsity student at the time. We had a lab session scheduled for the following morning. I spent the night before pulling out all the stops. I washed my lab coat until it was whiter than snow. Even went to bed early. And that is really saying something; I hardly go to bed early for any reason.
But that night was the exception. Sweet dreams held me close until I awoke shortly before 7 to a horrific reality.
It had rained during the night. Even worse, my lab coat was soaked and stained. The breeze had helped me deliver it straight into a gutter two floors down. Drenched and disgusting, the material was beyond saving, and I was out of time. Hastily, I borrowed a lab coat from a friend and rushed to class. It was at the threshold I realized I was not wearing shoes, which is a requirement for any lab class. Already 15 minutes late, now imagine having to run back all the way to my hostel, about a ten-minute walk, and return again.
No way. I just looked toward the heavens and silently vented my frustration. When I got back to my hostel and told a busybody who couldn’t mind his business, he laughed and said, “Your village people don catch you!”
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Village People: What It Means
After that lab fiasco, I sort of took a liking to the phrase. Of course, my better judgment told me there was no possible way a bunch of strangers in my home community were gathered around some chalked circle, holding talismans or what-have-you and chanting my name. It’s not possible unless you’re into Nollywood and it has sorely corrupted your brain.
Nevertheless, it feels good to blame something that’s not you. Even when the problem is directly your fault. Especially then, in fact.
Anyway, village people, to most people, is a kind of self-judgemental failsafe. Meaning you can blame village people for anything, including things that are your fault.
Your car tire burst? Village people are rejoicing.
Did you lose money? Your village people are helping you spend it.
Failed to wake up early and missed an important meeting? Your village people probably sang you a lullaby.
Having a series of unfortunate accidents? They are on your case with MTN 5G connectivity.
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Significance Of Village People
Village people, according to Nigerians, are responsible for failure in any form. We see them as witches and wizards, or maybe those elders, who aim to wreck other people’s lives. It has become a common belief.
According to Nigerians, “village people” operate from the village and they follow their target anywhere. Whether in Nigeria or outside the country. They follow just as quickly as anybody can follow another on social networks.
In as much as I am not disputing the notion that “village people” are operational in the lives of people, I still insist that the road to success is not without failure, ill luck, and challenges. It is often said that nothing good comes easy. I agree. You will surely experience upheavals on the ladder of success.
Even The Son of God experienced challenges in the course of His sojourn on earth. Now, imagine if He had attributed those challenges to “village people” and done nothing about the situation; He would have failed outright.
No one is indispensable when it comes to challenges. Therefore, seeing every pitfall as the handiwork of “village people” is the apex of ignorance. Understanding the basic principles of life will help us to see most of the obstacles that besiege us.
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A Final Word From Battabox
That you keep failing in what you’re doing might not be the fault of your village people. You could be adopting the wrong approach, doing the wrong thing or it’s not just your time. Perhaps your failures are a test to determine if you can pursue your vision no matter the number of times you fail.
In a nutshell, not every ill fate you suffer is masterminded by village people. So rest with a capital R.
If you have any questions, let us know below.
