The Madness, The Mischief, The Man – A review of Tonwa Anthony’s The Crazy Nigerian

Title: The Crazy Nigerian

Author: Tonwa Anthony

Number of Pages: 135

Year of Publication: 2012

Tonwa Anthony is one of those people Nigerians fondly call an IJGB, I Just Got Back. Some IJGBs are amusing, others can be a bit much, but Tonwa is in a league of his own. Perhaps that’s why he boldly titles his book The Crazy Nigerian.

And honestly, who wouldn’t want to read about a fellow “crazy” Nigerian? Nigerians are known for having a little streak of madness, usually the fun, harmless kind. If a Nigerian doesn’t pick up this book, a curious foreigner certainly will, eager to uncover what truly makes a “crazy Nigerian.” Thankfully, Tonwa doesn’t disappoint. This is one book you can breeze through in one sitting and still laugh out loud.

Tonwa is indeed “crazy” not in a worrying way, but in a brilliantly humorous, wildly relatable way. At some point, you might wonder what the overall purpose of the book is, but the message is right there, tucked neatly between his countless stories… that is, if you don’t get carried away by the sheer entertainment of it all.

What truly sets this book apart is his ability to hide deep, meaningful themes inside playful, mischievous storytelling. His jokes and stories about growing up in Nigeria, navigating adulthood, and working in the UK are so funny that you could miss the subtle message woven into every chapter.

The book itself refuses to be boxed in. Is it a memoir? An autobiography? A collection of gist? Don’t bother trying to label it, the real joy lies in how clearly it reveals the man behind the madness. And if you share even a fraction of his craziness, you’ll probably wish you could meet him in person.

A few pages in, it becomes obvious that Tonwa was and perhaps still is a rebel. Teenagers will love him instantly and feel that immediate, almost personal connection. He is as real as real gets.

If you grew up in the ’80s or ’90s, you’ll enjoy his gist the most. Younger readers might think he’s exaggerating and in fairness, he sometimes does but you won’t mind. You’re too busy enjoying the ride. His similes pop up everywhere, almost like he’s “dropping it like it’s hot” in every chapter, and the cute sketches scattered throughout the book will make you smile. Honestly, only someone very serious-minded would find this book boring.

After everything, one thing is clear: Tonwa truly is a “crazy Nigerian,” and we’re more than happy to indulge his brand of craziness. In fact, he definitely owes us a sequel, we need the latest gist about his life. He can’t just leave us hanging like this, craving more of his mischief and madness.

About the reviewer

Titilade Oyemade is a business executive in a leading organisation and holds a degree in Russian Language. She’s the convener of the Hangoutwithtee Ladies Event and the Publisher of Hangoutwithtee magazine. She spends her weekends attending women conferences, events and book readings. She loves to have fun and to help other women have the same in their lives. Email: [email protected] Social: @tiipreeofficial

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