Once Upon A Time In Sokoto: Intra-African Slavery Explored 2026

Inua Ellams' latest play, Once Upon A Time In Sokoto, offers a vibrant and educational exploration of intra-African slavery, set against the backdrop of the Sokoto Caliphate from 1865 to 1903. This exuberant history lesson, currently on stage, delves into a complex pre-colonial era, challenging audiences to confront a lesser-known chapter of African history.

Unpacking Intra-African Slavery in Once Upon A Time In Sokoto

Ellams, known for his inventive storytelling in works like Barber Shop Chronicles, turns his lens to the intricate dynamics of slavery within Africa itself. The play spans 24 scenes, moving from the emirates of the Sokoto Caliphate to Libya and Egypt, and highlights the agency and struggles of both enslavers and the enslaved. Through characters like Zinari, a matriarchal entrepreneur, and Nafisa, her former slave, Ellams paints a nuanced picture of power, gender, and freedom.

Key Themes and Historical Context

The narrative is anchored in traditional Hausa storytelling, with call-and-response chants that immerse the audience. It reveals a society where women could hold significant economic power, yet patriarchy and religious law often limited their autonomy. The play also touches on the arrival of British colonial rule under Lord Lugard, which ultimately crushed local resistance.

Comparative Analysis: Intra-African Slavery vs. Transatlantic Slavery

While the transatlantic slave trade is widely studied, intra-African slavery differed in scale, purpose, and integration. The table below outlines key distinctions as depicted in the play and historical records.

Why Once Upon A Time In Sokoto Matters Today

This play is more than a history lesson; it's a mirror to contemporary discussions on race, identity, and reparative justice. By highlighting intra-African slavery, Ellams complicates the narrative of victimhood and complicity, urging a more holistic understanding of the past.

• Educational value: Sheds light on pre-colonial African societies and their complexities.
• Cultural resonance: Uses traditional storytelling to engage modern audiences.
• Feminist lens: Explores early feminism and its limitations within the culture.
• Historical accuracy: Based on extensive research of the Sokoto Caliphate.

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