Ojemba
Tony Agbapuonwu on his kindred
In Igbo, the word “Ojemba” carries with it a sense of wonder and it loosely translates to “traveler” in English. In the context of my selected family photograph, Ojemba embodies the notion of renaissance and the transcendence of time into eternity. This is a photograph of my maternal grandparents, Captain Jeremiah a.k.a Ojemba and Mataefi Comfort Chude taken years before the tumultuous Biafran war—a time when their love was unburdened by the storm of conflict.
Ojemba, the traveler, signifies not only physical journeys but also the spiritual odysseys of the heart and soul. In the journey of my grandparents, I find the embodiment of Ojemba. Their love, resilience, and unity carried them through turbulent times of their era. Their story is a testament to the enduring power of love and empathy for humanity, a legacy they have passed down through generations.
Born in 1995, I never had the privilege of meeting my grandparents in person, Yet, whenever I look at this photograph, a sense of belonging and familiarity washes over me. My grandma’s warm smile and my grandpa’s hand feel familiar, as well as their shared gaze piercing through the image. It is as if their spirits have transcended time to reach out to me as a guiding light. For me, this photograph is more than an image; it is a bridge that connects me to my roots, allowing me to feel the love and wisdom that continue to flow through my family’s veins.
In Tender Photo’s archive, Theresa holds a photograph of her late husband. Like my grandparent’s picture, this photo serves as a lifeline to the past and an anchor to memories. It is a silent reminder of the enduring connection we share with those who have passed on to glory. These photographs in their stillness evoke emotions and keep the flame of remembrance alive. They serve as a beacon of continuity and remind us that love, even in the face of adversity, is timeless. As I reflect on my family photograph, I am reminded that their journey, their love, and their legacy continue to shape my own path. ¶
About the Contributor
Tony Agbapuonwu is a curator and writer interested in themes related to healing, spirituality and the human psyche. He is the founder of Art Bridge Project, a community-based visual art organization working at the intersection of artistic exchange, creative knowledge production, and curated projects with a mandate to educate artists and stretch the breadth of their practice. He lives in Lagos, Nigeria.
This is the #6 edition of KINDRED, a series on TENDER PHOTO. Each contributor selects a photograph from their family or personal album, pairs it with another photograph from the Tender Photo archive, and writes a short reflection on why they have selected both photographs. The idea is to find an analogy between two photographs that might be similar or dissimilar, but connected to an experience, emotion, or idea.
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Emman's Photos, Second to None, caught my eye. I am fascinated by entrepreneurs. The ability to build a business, especially before the age of the internet, brick and mortar, is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. A Google street view search shows that 33 New Market Road, Abakaliki is now home to other entrepreneurs including Nwajec Business Centre and Nwa Chineke Uncle Ben Electricals and Electronics, new entrepreneurs building their own legacy, which unfortunately might not be as lasting as Emman's Photos.