“Accepting all that you are will lead you to live your best life and will allow you to be free and your true authentic self.” – Camille Kostek
As part of my challenge to improve my writing, one of the 10 types of short stories that I will be attempting to experiment with for today is a feghoot. Yes, just like you, I thought that the name was funny and that is not even the only funny thing about this type of story. Apparently, a feghoot is a type of short story that is also known as a story pun or a poetic story joke because it usually ends in a pun.
Today’s feghoot is a playful yet meaningful tale about choosing your own path in life, even when those closest to you offer different advice. In this story, a man is constantly guided by the opinions of his parents and relatives, who think they know what’s best for his future. However, deep down, he knows the path that aligns with his passion and sense of purpose. The twist in this feghoot reminds us that living a life true to ourselves often leads to the most fulfilling outcomes, even when it goes against the expectations of others.
This story allowed me to explore the balance between family expectations and individual freedom, a reality that many can relate to. I wanted to use the story to give anyone who needs it the courage to follow their instincts, trust their inner voice, and embrace a career or life direction that speaks to their unique strengths and desires. It’s your life, after all, you should be living it according to how you envision it. Be careful though to consider the wisdom of others so that we don’t blindly pursue a path that will not be profitable in the end.
As mentioned above, feghoots usually include some kind of humour. The humour in the feghoot format gave me the chance to deliver this serious message in a light-hearted way.
So, I hope you enjoy my first feghoot.
The Authentic Life of Chukwudi
Chukwudi, an ambitious young man from Nnewi, had always been told what he should do with his life. His father insisted he become a doctor, his mother prayed for him to become a priest, and his uncles pressured him to go into the family’s import-export business. But deep down, Chukwudi had always known what he wanted—to become a professional drummer.
He loved the sound of the udu, the traditional Igbo drum. Since childhood, he’d beat rhythms on any surface he could find—pots, pans, even his father’s prized table. But no one took his dream seriously. They saw it as an unserious hobby, not a career.
Despite the mounting pressure, Chukwudi secretly practised his drumming skills, sneaking out to perform at small events in the local village square. His talent soon became undeniable. A renowned music producer from Lagos heard him play and offered him a chance to tour across Nigeria. It was everything Chukwudi had ever dreamed of, but he hesitated, knowing his family would disapprove.
But one night, after a heated argument about his “foolish” dreams, Chukwudi made a choice. He packed his bags, left home, and joined the tour, determined to live life on his own terms.
Years later, he became one of Nigeria’s top drummers, performing at festivals around the world. When he returned to Nnewi, his family was there to greet him, proud of his success. His father, who had once scoffed at the idea of drumming, shook his head and said, “Chukwudi, you’ve truly beaten all odds.”
Chukwudi smiled, his hands tapping an imaginary beat, and replied, “Well, Dad, it’s the rhythm of my life, and I’ve always drummed to my own tune.”
Moral of the story: The best life you can live is the one that’s true to you, even if it means beating to your own drum—literally!
As I continue experimenting with various storytelling forms, I hope that this feghoot has succeeded in reminding you that the most important life choices are the ones that align with who we truly are. Staying true to yourself is the greatest gift you can give to your present self, to your future self, and the world around you. It makes it easier to live your life and live with the decisions you make along the way.
P/s: If you have any questions about creating content, writing, or the story above, please leave a comment below or DM me on Instagram!
