Alẹ́ Ìtùnú (Night of Comfort)

This music came about during a lonely night
After a disappointing day – Taiwo had set off for an interview for one of 19 jobs, and when he arrived, he realised there were more than 3,000 candidates for those few positions. It wasn’t the first such encounter for him, and he knew it would not be the last – where he would have to wait long into the night and yet nothing would come out of it.
With a heart full of pain and a mind exploding with all sorts of ideas for which he knew he would have no opportunity to develop, he returned home empty-handed.
Beyond the pain of unemployment despite having slogged for a university education, he worried about what the future would hold not just for himself, but for those younger than he was, and for those not yet born, too.
“I was close to despair at the thought of what Africa could hold for the children of Africa during these difficult times,” says Taiwo.
That night, he considered the financial challenges he faced. He had graduated from university with a heart full of hope and dreams, yet to have just two meals a day was a challenge. It made him feel depressed.
“I just needed something to cool off my hot brain and thundering heartaches, so I picked up my guitar,” says Taiwo, but there was no tune. No melody. Just strings jangling in his hands. Then a blessed voice spoke to his mind and comforted his heavy heart, which would eventually yield this tune.
“Taiwo, count all of your blessings and think deeply. Though life is so horrible for you now, it will never be for long, You were not born on this earth for nothing. You have talent. You have a purpose. And you are the best reason to live,” he elaborates.
“The voice said to the Taiwo who was so deep in despair that he wanted to take his own life, ‘Do you know who you are? You are a treasure to Africa, You are a real African, and you are stronger than who you think you are. Your worst is the best of another Man and don’t ever think it’s over with you, Taiwo. You are born to serve your country and Africa and the world. You have the strength to overcome whatever challenges you may be facing right now. Success will be yours if you make the right choice, so focus, and you will not lose.”