The real NwanyiOcha!
Who is the woman behind NwanyiOcha?
Have you ever wondered who is hiding behind the stage name "NwanyiOcha" on social media? Launching my first children's book, I have decided to "come out" with my true identity and reveal who this "white woman" really is. And for those that have never heard of me before, welcome to my world! So who is NwanyiOcha?
The family perspective
My mother says I am an allrounder and a multi-tasker. My father describes me as someone that never stops talking and whose mouth would have to be killed separately the day I die. My brother says I am a 100% person - that anything I do, I do it with 100% passion, energy, and commitment. I guess my children would say that I am too strict and my husband keeps on telling me that I am his soulmate (except for when I am on the steering).
The outside perspective
Most of my followers appreciate my interest in the Igbo language and culture. Many have said that I have a good sense of humour and that I am skilled in writing. I have a talent to notice small differences and point out the obvious and never shy to also laugh about myself. Some critics think that I have lost my own identity and that I am too Igbo-focused (I will answer that in a different blog post). I have also been accused of appropriating the Igbo culture and "sharenting". But I hope this blog will give me the opportunity to address these topics more in detail.
How I see myself
There is no smoke without fire - and as a Swiss, "neutral" person, I guess I am a bit of everything. I do not have a plan for everything in life but rather embrace whatever comes my way. I am passionate about what I do and try to always keep an open mind. I am outgoing and at the same time shy. I get scared when being introduced to new people but enjoy being the centre of attention around friends and family. I believe that everything happens for a reason and I am learning to be more intentional about my life.
My real name
I have been active on social media for several years. From Facebook to Instagram and Twitter, my followers have grown beyond anything I could have ever imagined. Throughout the years, I have felt very comfortable hiding behind my "stage name" NwanyiOcha. While becoming well known in Ala Igbo, nobody (except close friends and family) in Switzerland knew about my second identity on social media. But with the launch of my first children's book (Ala Nnam), I feel it is the right time to reveal the true me. So here it is: My real name is Janine Udogu and I am ready to share just a little bit more of me on this Website.
So what can you expect?
Well, as I said, I do not like to plan things. I am starting this blog to have more ways to express myself. You will read about my life, my family, my art, my book, and my passions. I might share my favorite recipe or tell you about the challenges of making a multi-cultural marriage work. But most importantly, I will express in more detail what I used to have to summarize in a few words for social media (as people do not really read beyond the titles on the net). I do not know where this journey takes us, but I am excited to start a new chapter!
And what can you do?
I invite you to not only read but actively engage on my page. Leave a comment if there is a topic you want me to write about, a question you have always wanted to ask me, or something you feel I should address. Ka anyị hụ ebe nke a ga-akpọrọ anyị!
