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“THE IMPOSTER”: A Poem by OneDa for Black History Month - Atwood Magazine

“THE IMPOSTER”: A Poem by OneDa for Black History Month - Atwood Magazine

      To celebrate Black History Month, Atwood Magazine has invited various artists to contribute essays that explore themes of identity, music, culture, inclusion, and more.

      •• •• •• ••

      Today, Manchester rapper OneDa presents her poem, ‘THE IMPOSTER,’ which delves into the struggles of being both Black and British, and describes her experiences as a British woman with recently discovered Nigerian roots, as part of Atwood Magazine’s Black History Month initiative!

      OneDa, an artist who resists being categorized, lets her music speak for itself. Her tracks, characterized by her bold demeanor and skillful wordplay, blend influences from Manchester's hip-hop and drum and bass scenes with an eclectic mix of afro-trap and hints of afrobeats that draw from her Nigerian heritage. Beyond her lyrical prowess, OneDa's talent lies in seamlessly blending her dynamic poetic verses with ever-shifting rhythms. Her remarkable linguistic ability positions her as a distinctive talent and a skilled artisan. Recognized by ‘The Face’ as one of the prominent MCs driving the eh renaissance, OneDa is a versatile artist dedicated to empowering others. She is now launching her journey with her self-produced debut album, ‘Formula OneDa,’ set to release in 2024 through Heavenly Recordings.

      Inspired by passionate American rappers like Eve, Nas, Missy Elliott, and Lauryn Hill while growing up, her distinctive Mancunian accent infused with Pidgin English results in a sound that is unmistakably OneDa. Raised in Hulme in a devout Nigerian household, her heritage prominently shapes her music, reflecting her commitment to incorporating her authentic self into her work. Her musical journey began at age six with music reading lessons, followed by a move to Gorton at seven, and performing in the gospel group ‘In Depth,’ which led her into Manchester’s hip-hop scene. For years, she toured as the lead rapper with The Mouse Outfit and recently became involved in the city’s vibrant drum and bass scene, which has nurtured talents like Zed Bias and Trigger. Her signature hashtag #MannyOnTheRise is a recurring theme in her art and social media. "Manchester is where I was born; it’s where I fell in love with music," she states. "I see Manchester as an integral part of who I am, even though I am a Nigerian woman; this has always been my home. I envision myself rising, and Manchester is a part of that."

      Read OneDa’s poem for Black History Month below, and check out her recently released album on your favorite music streaming platforms!

      •• ••

      by OneDa

      The struggle of being Black and British and how I navigate my life as a British woman with a newly discovered Nigerian heritage.

      * * *

      British girl from an African home

      African girl with a British touch

      Two sides of the same coin with distinct meanings

      At times, this feels like my home

      Other times, I contemplate leaving,

      Even

      I struggle to distinguish between the two

      My viewpoint shaped by my perspective.

      When I look at my family, I'm a Nijai girl, Igbo

      Tribe Proud as A people Oh

      Make sure you study hard because they don’t see you as equal Oh

      And then I consider the place that gave birth to my body,

      Which gave me my voice, my accent, I’m Manny

      Up north, where we mix Bud with Baccy!

      Rainy for most of the year, but during the two weeks of summer, we rejoice.

      It feels like Africa holds my spirit while Britain has my body.

      But there’s no body without a soul

      And of course there’s no body without a soul,

      I eat Pounded yam on a Monday,

      I don’t chew; I just swallow the yam whole.

      No knives and forks accompany my plate and bowl

      Hands and fingers getting involved.

      Soul food

      To most Brits, it’s an unknown cuisine

      The kind of food in Primary School you’d keep hidden,

      Embarrassed by the questions that followed the meal

      Feeling like the imposter, a Black face with a British accent I borrow

      True

      I look in the mirror, feeling conflicted,

      Afro hair stays elevated.

      Melanated and Gifted

      Cultural constraints

      Keep me restricted

      Concluded Misfit

      Why is this?

      IMPOSTER

      They say a Black man has a specific

      Posture

      A Black woman has a distinct attitude

      British girls don’t pronounce their T’s

      But drink tea; when they eat their tea

      Still confuses me.

      Accepting I am akin to both

      Ingesting their cultural misconceptions

      Leading me to choke

      Half a pint and a bag of smoke

      Flexing my agua under my parka coat

      Both sides of the coin

      Unique to myself

      Self-hatred at a cost,

“THE IMPOSTER”: A Poem by OneDa for Black History Month - Atwood Magazine “THE IMPOSTER”: A Poem by OneDa for Black History Month - Atwood Magazine

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“THE IMPOSTER”: A Poem by OneDa for Black History Month - Atwood Magazine

Manchester rapper OneDa presents her poem, ‘THE IMPOSTER,’ which explores the struggle of being both Black and British. She reflects on her experiences as a British woman with Nigerian roots in Atwood Magazine's Black History Month series.