Olivier Farwell’s visit to Goree Island was a poignant reminder of the complex and often painful history that lies beneath the surface of this small, yet historically significant landmass off the coast of Dakar, Senegal. As he stepped foot on the island, he was met with a mix of emotions – a sense of reverence for the millions of souls who once passed through its infamous “Door of No Return“, and a deep appreciation for the island’s tranquil atmosphere.

Olivier Farwell in The crystal clear water of Goree Island wearing a big beautiful smile

The island’s history is a haunting one, marked by the brutal transatlantic slave trade that saw an estimated 20 million Africans forcibly taken from their homes, sold into slavery, and shipped across the Atlantic to the Americas, never to return. The House of Slaves, a historic building now turned museum, stands as a stark reminder of this dark past, its cramped cells a testament to the inhumane conditions endured by those who were once held captive within its walls.

Olivier Farwell in a Yatch

As Olivier walked through the island’s picturesque landscape, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe at the stark contrast between the island’s serene atmosphere and the brutal history that unfolded there. The pastel-colored buildings, palm trees, and crystal-clear waters seemed to whisper secrets of the past, their beauty belied by the atrocities that took place within the island’s walls.

Olivier Farwell on black Sunglasses

The Door of No Return, a small doorway located at the back of the House of Slaves, was the last glimpse of freedom for millions of enslaved Africans. Once they passed through it, they were forced onto ships bound for the Americas, never to see their homeland again. Such a scary and tragic experience for the slaves.

Oliveir Farwell watching the beauty of God’s creation

As photographer Samba Ba Ka Lo captured Olivier’s moment on the boat, the businessman couldn’t help but smile, perhaps in reverence to the island’s complex history or simply enjoying the serene atmosphere. Whatever the reason, Olivier’s visit to Goree Island was a testament to the enduring power of human connection and the importance of preserving our collective history, acknowledging and learning from the past.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is back, and it feels like a long-lost friend has finally returned. After more than a decade since her last novel, Americanah, she gifts us

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Dream Counts a book that is as much about storytelling as it is about survival.

This isn’t just another novel; it’s a deeply personal journey, shaped by grief, self-doubt, and the healing power of words.

Why This Book Feels Different

For years, many of us wondered why Adichie hadn’t written another novel. She kept giving us essays, speeches, and short fiction, but something was missing.

Then, she lost her father in 2020. Less than a year later, her mother passed away too. These tragedies silenced her in a way she had never experienced before.

In a recent New York Times interview, she admitted she thought she might never write fiction again. But poetry saved her.

In the depths of grief, she turned to poetry not for publication, but for herself. And slowly, those poems led her back to storytelling. That’s how Dream Counts was born.

What’s Dream Counts About?

This book tells the story of four African women, Chiamaka (Chia), Zikora, Omelogor, and Kadiatou each dealing with love, loss, ambition, and identity. Their lives intertwine in ways that feel both unexpected and deeply real.

Dream count

Adichie has always been a master of human emotions, and here, she explores:

• Sisterhood and female solidarity: How women uplift, challenge, and sometimes betray each other.

• Diaspora struggles: The balance between longing for home and embracing new worlds.

• Love, power, and justice: What it means to fight for yourself in a world that tries to silence you.

One of the most talked-about characters, Kadiatou, is inspired by Nafissatou Diallo, the woman who accused Dominique Strauss-Kahn of sexual assault.

Reading Dream Counts Feels Like…

Reading this book is like sitting across from Adichie herself and listening to her tell a story over tea. The words flow effortlessly, the emotions hit hard, and the characters feel like people you know.

It’s the kind of novel that makes you pause, reflect, and sometimes even whisper, I’ve felt this before.

There’s pain here, but there’s also hope. There’s loss, but also strength. And more than anything,

there’s the reminder that even in the darkest times, stories still count and so do our dreams.

Why You Should Read It

If you’ve ever loved an Adichie novel, this one will feel like home. If you’ve ever felt lost, it will remind you of your strength.

And if you’ve ever doubted your own voice, Dream Counts will make you believe in its power again.

Chimamanda is back. And she has something important to say.

For Tiwa Savage, being a global music icon isn’t just about sold-out concerts and chart-topping hits—it’s also about being a devoted mom. Balancing a thriving music career with motherhood is no small feat, but Tiwa Savage makes it look effortless.

How does she do it? Let’s dive into the inspiring life of this Afrobeat queen to uncover her secrets to juggling two demanding roles with grace and authenticity.

A Superstar and Icon

Tiwa Savage

Tiwa Savage is a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. From winning international awards to performing on the biggest stages, she’s built a legacy that puts African music on the global map. But beyond the glitz and glamour, Tiwa plays her most important role yet: being a mom to her adorable son, Jamil.

For Tiwa, motherhood is not a task—it’s her source of strength. She has often said in interviews that her son is her biggest motivation and the reason she continues to push boundaries in her career.

Her Secrets to Balancing Both Worlds.

1. Prioritizing Quality Time

Tiwa Savage and her son, Jamil

Despite her busy schedule, Tiwa ensures she spends quality time with Jamil. Whether it’s taking him along on international tours or sharing candid moments on social media, she prioritizes being present. These moments remind us that even superstars cherish the simple joys of motherhood.

2. Surrounding Herself with Support

Behind every successful woman is a strong support system. Tiwa has spoken about the importance of her family and trusted team in helping her manage her dual roles. Having a reliable circle ensures she doesn’t feel overwhelmed, even during her busiest days.

3. Setting Boundaries

Tiwa Savage is known for her incredible work ethic, but she also knows when to say no. She’s intentional about creating boundaries to ensure she doesn’t miss out on important milestones in her son’s life.

4. Involving Jamil in Her World

Tiwa Savage spending spending bonding time with her son

From cute backstage moments to appearances in her music videos, Tiwa has seamlessly integrated Jamil into her world. This not only strengthens their bond but also gives her fans a glimpse of the human side of their idol.

Tiwa Savage’s journey is a testament to the fact that women can have it all—with the right mindset, support, and balance. She’s an inspiration to working moms everywhere, showing that it’s possible to chase your dreams while nurturing your family.

She often uses her platform to celebrate motherhood, reminding fans that being a mom doesn’t mean giving up on personal ambitions. Instead, it’s about finding a rhythm that works for you.

Tiwa Savage, music icon and amazing mom.

Balancing these two demanding roles hasn’t been without challenges. Tiwa has openly shared the struggles of being away from Jamil during long tours and the pressure of being a single mom in the public eye.

But her resilience shines through. Tiwa embraces the imperfections, showing that being a mom and a superstar isn’t about perfection—it’s about persistence and love. Her ability to beautifully balance being an icon and a mother has earned her the heartfelt admiration of fans all over the world.

Also See : Tiwa Savage Releases Her New Song – Forgiveness 

Tiwa Savage continues to inspire women to embrace their multifaceted identities. As she juggles her iconic career and motherhood, she serves as a reminder that women are unstoppable when they set their minds to something