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Have you heard about YorùbáMama?
Today, we have the opportunity to interview an important figure in Yoruba language learning for kids. In this feature, we’re excited to bring you an inspiring conversation with the one and only YorùbáMama, a brand built by a writer, language teacher and culture expert, who has made waves in the world of language learning. She is known for her easy-to-read children’s books and has continuously pushed boundaries and contributed meaningfully to Yoruba language learning, especially in the diaspora.
Let’s dive into our chat with Mrs. Ṣọlá and learn more about her incredible story! Also, read to the end for the chance to benefit from incredible gifts and discounts.
1. Tell us your name, qualifications, and about your business
My name is Ṣọlá Òjíkùtù Njoku, I am a writer, language teacher and culture expert. I used to work as an arts and culture journalist. I hold an MA in International Journalism. I am a mum to two children. My brand is called YorùbáMama. We publish language resources in indigenous Nigerian languages to help children and beginner learners get started on their language journey. We also provide private language tuition to adults and children alike.
The business began on a very personal note – I lived in a small English town in the UK and felt very dissociated from my culture. I decided to teach my children to speak Yorùbá and teaching them got me academically interested in the beautiful language and culture that I had taken for granted. My children learned beautifully and speak it fluently to the envy of all that they encounter. This made many parents and other adults approach me about teaching them or their children, and my brand has grown from there.
When I was teaching my children, it was difficult to come across good educational resources; many were written by people who did not even know the culture and were full of errors. I realised that as a culture worker, a writer and a Yorùbá speaker, I was better placed than most people to publish quality books. The #MoyoatiKayin series was a result of this realisation. And many more are in the works.
2. What products or services do you offer?
My published works can be found on Amazon. The series is called Moyo ati Kayìn Books. They are available in three language editions:
Moyọ̀ àti Kayìn Lọ sí Oko (Yoruba)
Zim na Zaram Na-Aga n’Ugbo (Igbo)
Ẹsẹ ve Ejiro Kpẹ Ẹghwa (Urhobo)
3. What problem does YorùbáMama solve for customers?
It gives customers a fantastic introduction to the target languages. Introduces vocabulary for greetings, foods, animals, colours, numbers, etc. It also models simple sentences through the speeches of the main characters. They have received fantastic reviews on Amazon since publication.
4. Who is your target audience?
Children and Language Beginners
5. Please share the special promotions or discounts currently running for your business here.
None currently. Happy to create a special discount for orders through Discover Yoruba.
(If you would like to purchase the book, send a message to her telling her you’re from Discover Yoruba platform to get a discount).
6. How can readers find your business online?
It’s @yorubamama on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and Tiktok. To purchase my books, search for Sola Njoku on Amazon. Prospective clients can also email enquiries to: solanjoku@gmail.com.
7. If you want, you can offer an exclusive discount for your products
Yes, my classes run termly and during the summer holidays. Enquiries welcome.
(For an exclusive 20% discount on any book, send a DM to YorùbáMama here, telling her that you’re from Discover Yoruba!)
8. What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?
Product quality is key—it speaks for itself!
9. Can you provide some tips for getting the most out of your product or service?
Don’t let it fall off your reading list. There’s so much to learn from it and build on. For lessons, baby steps are worth celebrating. Acquiring a new language is a journey of patience, perseverance and putting yourself out of your comfort zone. But it is rewarding and achievable!
10. What do you think about the Yoruba culture?
The Yoruba Culture – and language – was created by geniuses. It is highly cerebral and encompasses an amazing worldview. Do yourself a favour and engage with it, especially if you have been lucky enough to be born into it.
That’s it for our interview with Mrs. Ṣọlá Njoku, the creative behind the YorùbáMama brand. We hope you have found insightful gems in her story, like we did. You can follow YorùbáMama for more tips on language learning and check out the educational books for your young ones as well!
YorùbáMama has a mind-blowing gift for our dear audience. Do you know a family that has a child suffering from sickle cell anemia in Nigeria but lacks the funds for proper care? There is a huge opportunity for such a family to win a spot and get some money to support your child’s healthcare through the Discover Yoruba platform. Don’t miss out on our next Podcast on Discover Yoruba. To join the waitlist, please take the following steps:
- Email discoveryoruba@gmail.com with the child’s name, family name, phone number, and brief information about your child.
- Follow us on all social media platforms (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook) and also follow @Yorubamama on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and Tiktok
- In our next reel on the Discover Yoruba Podcast, comment: Thank you @Yorubamama.
A draw will be carried out to choose the lucky child and family. Please note that this gift is strictly for struggling families with children suffering from sickle cell anemia.
There is also an opportunity for everyone to win several other prizes and learn more about the Yoruba language and the sickle cell disease on the Podcast. Do have a listen and thank you as you do.
