Black Art Prints - African American Art - African Art

sweet mom

It began with a kiss of love graduated to nine months of mixed feelings which ended in hours of horrible pains and regrets. In the sight of your babe came a sincere smile of success. You didn't know how strong you were Mom. No shock absorber could have been better. You stayed strong like a giant Iroko tree in the midst of turbulent winds of life You are my hero mama. You patiently carried on the tedious job of nursing regardless of burdens and pains, Denied yourself comfort to make me happy. Your baby I will always be. Mummy you are sweet, tender and loving.

© 1997, Chidi A. Okoye

"Sweet Mom" by Chidi Okoye

"Mama 4" by Chidi Okoye

"In Arms of Mother" by Chidi Okoye

Mother's Dance

Drums and songs of mothers jubilation of the past, present and future. Drums and songs of mothers strengthening strings of communities in face of time. Mother’s dance; Mother’s dance In celebration of life mother’s dance, sang in fullness of spirits to reactivate our loose ends of life. Mother’s dance; Mother’s dance Celebration of womanhood. Mother's dance dynamic and colorful dance of our land. Mother's dance, joyful fountains of the communities. Mother’s dance; Mother’s dance A celebration of Mother Earth and bonding of mothers in the prime of life. Mother’s dance, a glamorous procession of dignity and womanhood like the colorful and ceremonial parade of ostrich in praise of a new season. Mother’s dance, a seasoned dance in squares of life.
Chidi Okoye © 1998

mama Africa


There is no smoke without fire and the child who said that his mother would not sleep should be prepared to be the night guard. It is said that no matter the speed of snail she will never leave her shell behind. Our ancestors said that denial of an offence committed is a second crime. We have betrayed ourselves for joy, to earn sadness and sorrow, solitude and sorry We have lived from abundance to nothing, abandoned the path of old and truth for the highways of ruin to loose direction and self-esteem. We destroyed lives to live in misery; traded on our lives for greed and peanuts to earn your wrath. In tears and guilt we have come from North to the South, East to the West reaching out to you, Mama Africa. Our weaknesses and hospitalities have allowed your foes to rape your sacred places while we stood and watched. We were naïve and stupid to give up our grip for strange cultures and values that defaced you; only to be divided and ruled by monsters without faces. Our shallow minded nature have caused the first to become the last; our sacrifices for atonements have brought us doom because of the filthiness of our hands. Hence, we have come before you, Mama Africa on our sore and shaking knees appeasing you for the healing of the land. We have claimed innocence of the deeds of our ancestors for too long, but the fact is that we cannot inherit only the riches and good wills but debts and guilt as well. We have dented your image and pride to be seen as a dark continent, a place of hell and hunger. We have lived ages wandering like motherless children not knowing whom to turn to; often times denied who we are and where we come from to look cute before others. Most of those who call themselves friends of yours have been nothing but wolves in sheep garments. Hence, we have come before you with all energy left in us to salute you for everything that we have been through and asking for your forgiveness and compassion. We have experienced corruption like a woman in labor experiences pain; left only with scars of evil done to the land. We have repeatedly been led by fruits of evil to come so far behind; foolishly drained your well of wealth to enrich your foes. We have allowed outsiders for selfish gains to use your treasures and shed innocent blood on your face. We have made you a laughing stock before those who use your diamond, gold, oil and others to adorn their streets We have given your foes the guts to present you as a beggar, when you have all the resources mouth can say. Hence, we are here in spirits, souls, minds and hearts drumming and dancing in praise of your comfort and care. We are praying that you warm us in your embrace, pardon and empower us for a new beginning because none but ourselves can restore your glory and honor. Mama Africa; we salute you.
© 1996, Chidi A. Okoye



"Blue Mom 2" by Chidi Okoye