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The Prophet of Zongo Street

Plot Summary

The True Aryan

Set in the late-night streets of Manhattan, a young man (the story’s narrator) finishes work and climbs into the first available cab. The narrator immediately notes the driver’s “thick Eastern-Mediterranean accent” and describes his behaviour towards “cabbies” as passive-aggressive because they only pick him up if business is slow. After the narrator places his drums in the trunk of the cab, the two set off. It is revealed that the narrator works as a musician in an African-Jazz quintet. The cab driver asks the narrator where he is from, to which the narrator replies that he is from Ghana. The cab driver says he is proudly from Armenia and asks the narrator to sit in the front seat next to him. He pulls over to allow the narrator to sit in the front.

Once in the front seat, the cab driver explains that he likes people from all over the world, and although most cabbies won’t pick up black people, he does. It is now understood that the narrator typically does not get picked up by cabs because he is black. This also explains his passive-aggressive behaviour towards cab drivers. The narrator, unbothered by the comment, ignores the cab driver and calls his live-in girlfriend, Francis, to let her know he is coming home. He begins thinking of his own troubles; he has yet to tell his girlfriend that his parents are attempting to set him up with “a nice girl back home.” The narrator’s thoughts are interrupted by the cab driver exclaiming that he is also a musician and that musicians are different from other people because “they don’t hate.” The cab driver explains that he plays the harpsichord, an instrument originating from his home country. The narrator disagrees, arguing that the harpsichord was created in West-Africa. They agree to disagree.

The cab driver changes the subject and begins questioning the narrator on Armenian history. After the narrator demonstrates his knowledge of Armenian history, the cab driver is surprised and exclaims that he is a “smart black man.” The cab driver quickly realizes the folly within his own comment and begins rambling on about Armenian history once again. The cab driver feels that Armenians and their culture have been oppressed, to which the narrator exclaims “What can be done about these human cruelties?” and implies that nothing can be done. The cab driver responds by exclaiming “the tiger will never attack a lion or leopard; he attacks the animals that aren’t strong and don’t protect themselves.” The cab driver continues, stating that “this is the problem with blacks, you keep quiet, you stop fighting.”

The driver once again discusses Armenian history and asks the narrator if he has heard of Zarathustra. The driver explains that Zarathustra was a prophet and a god before Zeus, who Armenians worship. He explains that Zarathustra was originally from Caucaus and therefore, Armenians were the first “Caucasians” and the “true Aryans.”

Upon reaching the narrator’s address, the cab driver refuses payment and gives the narrator his phone number, telling him to call anytime. The cab driver’s name is revealed to be Sarkis. The driver shakes the narrator’s hand and says “savat tanem,” which, he explains, means “I’ll take your pain.” The narrator, overwhelmed by the statement, replies simply by saying “I will take your pain too” before walking away.

Ward G4

The narrator explains that when he was eight, he realized he could detect death but, for fear of judgment, never told a soul. The narrator gives the example of his Grandmother’s brother, Baba Sala, falling sick, and that after one look, the narrator knew he wouldn’t live more than three days. When Baba Sala died three days later, the narrator felt he had a hand in his death.

The narrator talks about how as a child, he learned of a tree in heaven with the names of all humans written on its leaves. At the approach of death, the leaf would turn yellow and fall to the ground. Each morning, the Angel of Death, Azara-il would check the ground for fallen leaves and send messengers to earth to take the lives of the people whose names were written on the leaves.

The narrator next discusses the local hospital, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH). As a child, the narrator saw it as a place where sick people went to be “finished off” as many people he knew never returned. The narrator recounts that when he was twelve, he was admitted to Ward G4 in KATH with symptoms of malaria and an uncontrollable fever that turned his eyes yellow. On the first day (before going to KATH), his mom gives him parcetamol and quinine pills bought from the local pharmacist, “Teacher.” After neither helps, Mother takes him to the Manhia Polyclinic, where a doctor prescribes the same drugs and gives him a shot of penicillin. On their way back from the clinic, they make a stop at Teacher’s pharmacy to buy Vitamin B. The narrator exclaims that anyone on Zongo Street would lecture you on the benefits of the small yellow tablets. Teacher tells the narrator and Mother not to go back to the clinic, since he can give them the same drugs for half the price. The narrator explains that Teacher was neither a doctor or a pharmacist, but instead an actual teacher asked to operate a drugstore. Aside from selling and prescribing drugs, Teacher also sold codeine and eventually performed abortions using an herbal blend of his own creation. The narrator exclaims that Teacher’s business prospered until the 1979 revolution led by J. J. Rawlings, when soldiers came and dragged Teacher off.

The narrator continues recounting his illness and states that after visiting Teacher’s store, Mother gave him two codeine tablets. After taking the pills, the narrator immediately falls asleep. He eventually awakes to his mother crying. The narrator notes that during the time, his father was away on a business trip to Nigeria. The young narrator continues to daze in and out of consciousness until his Uncle arrives to take him to KATH. Uncle pays off the hospital guard to allow the narrator to be placed at the top of the waitlist. The narrator’s name, which is revealed to be Yaro, is called and as he stands up, he faints and wakes up in Ward G4.

Yaro exclaims that he was hooked up to many “machines and tubes.” He eventually forgets that he is ill because so many people come to visit him and bring him gifts. When the visitors are later asked to leave, Yaro cries and asks Mother to bring him his father, Baba’s, pocket radio. Yaro later meets two other patients in the room; both of whom are very old. One man complains of severe leg pains and says he has “diyabitis sickness.” He tells Yaro he is waiting to have his leg amputated. The other old man complains of chest pains and tries to become friends with Yaro. The old man tells Yaro he would like some of the food visitors brought as gifts for Yaro and instructs Yaro to tell the nurse he is offering the food to him without asking. The nurse, Felicia, immediately says no and exclaims that she knows the old man is lying. Eventually, she reluctantly gives the old man some of Yaro’s food.

After falling asleep, Yaro awakes to find that his mom has brought the pocket radio. He immediately finds his favourite station, GBC2, the Ghana Broadcasting Corp. Mother also tells Yaro that Baba is on his way. Yaro eventually falls asleep once again and wakes to see another patient, Bonifice, for the first time. Bonifice has been hidden under bed covers since Yaro’s arrival. As Yaro awakens, Bonifice is sitting straight up in his bed and asks Yaro to “look here.” Yaro reluctantly looks and sees the face of death in Bonifice’s eyes. Yaro notes that “where he is from,” death is always depicted as female and he does not know why. Terrified, Yaro forces himself to fall back asleep. He awakes to find Mother and desperately asks when he is allowed to leave. The old man who took food from Yaro tells Mother that Yaro is a good boy and asks that she tell the doctor that Yaro is experiencing chest pains. Yaro speaks to Mother in Hausa tongue, so the old man cannot understand, and tells her the old man is lying to try and get more food.

Shortly after, the doctor visits Yaro and says he is allowed to go home today. After the doctor is gone, Baba arrives and gives Yaro a new pocket radio of his own. At the same time, Yaro notices two men carrying a large, white bag and sees the Bonifice is no longer in his bed. He understands that the old man’s “leaf has fallen” and his life has been taken by Azara-il. Yaro forces himself to listen to his new radio and thanks his Baba.

Rachmaninov

A visual arts school in Manhattan is having an art-opening. Felix, the narrator, goes to the event to support a former classmate. He heads to Manhattan’s West Side to attend. Upon his arrival, he finds his friend, Zach, with a group of people including his ex-girlfriend, Amanda. Felix soon meets the rest of the group; Zoot, a quirky man with a bald head and “crazy” sideburns, Christina, whom Felix likes, and Daisy, who is quirky like Zoot. The group has a deep discussion about money, which Felix leads. Felix argues that rich people don’t like discussing money with poor people. Zoot agrees with Felix, yet Christina looks uncomfortable. As the discussion continues, another woman with blue eyes and blonde hair joins them. The woman eventually introduces herself as Greta. She and Felix make small talk and discover that they are both artists. Felix says he is from Ghana and has only been home once since college. Greta states that she has just graduated and plans to travel for the year.

The group decides to go out to a bar and, upon arriving, are told they must wait for a table. Felix, Daisy, Zoot, and Greta all wait outside and begin smoking week. Felix states that he is currently cat-sitting for a friend, which he is happy to do because it means he can sleep in a real bed. Felix currently lives in an art studio and sleeps on the floor. However, Felix likes living in the area because he feels that as a black man, he doesn’t stand out as much on the East Side. Felix states that all of his friends are white, which makes him feel isolated.

Soon the group finds that they have smoked all of Zoot’s weed. Greta offers them more and whispers to Felix that they can smoke the rest later. By the time the group finally enters the bar, they are all stoned. They immediately order food and drinks and Felix, being broke, orders only a soup. Greta, who reveals that she is very wealthy, orders wine for everyone.

Greta now beings narrating and contemplates her obsession with black people. Felix is the first black man Greta has ever been close to and Greta feels extremely attracted to him. Felix and Greta go outside to smoke more weed and begin kissing in the street. Greta thinks of how her fantasy is finally happening. Felix thinks of all his ex-girlfriends and how they are all white. Felix believes he is not black enough to date black women. The two go back to the house where Felix is cat-sitting and have sex. After, they lay naked on the floor and continue drinking. As Felix looks for music to play, he finds both a record of Rachmaninov and a stash of weed. Felix notices an unfamiliar substance within the weed, but because he is already stoned and drunk, he ignores it. After both smoking the weed, Greta begins to panic, stating that she feels like she is going to die. She orders Felix to call an ambulance. However, the drugs have also hit Felix and he can no longer tell time. Greta begins coughing and Felix attempts to call 9-1-1 but cannot remember the number. Eventually, he manages to call his friend, Jim. Jim tells Felix not to call an ambulance because they will turn it all on Felix since he is black and Greta is white. Jim suggests the two go for a walk or have sex.

Felix decides to get some fresh air and goes for a walk with Greta. Greta is still panicking and claims that someone is following them and trying to kill them. Greta also suddenly exclaims that Felix looks like Bill Cosby. The two go back to the apartment and Felix begins taking off Greta’s clothes. She is unresponsive. The cat, Zeus, suddenly appears and rubs against Felix’s leg, which he interprets a good spiritual sign. Felix begins having sex with Greta and at first, she does not respond. Greta suddenly screams “Yes Cosby!” and feelings takes this as another good sign. They continue having sex as Greta yells “Felix, Cosby, Felix, Cosby!” as Rachmaninov plays in the background.

Characters

The Story of Day and Night

• Uwargida: “Mother of the house.” Oldest wife/grandmother

• Baadiya: A childless mother. She is mocked by other wives. She asks Kentamonto for a baby and is told she will receive a devil child in nine months.
• Kantamonto: Oracle of the slippery sand in the universe where the sea and sky meet. Defends the village where sea and sky meet against Mewuya and creates night.
• Mewuya: Devil child. Plays with knives and has the ability to control people. He kills Baadiya and all other animals and humans in the village. Fights Kantamonto and creates day.

The Prophet of Zongo Street

• Kumi: Main character. Seen as well-dressed, educated man. Liked by the people at first but eventually assumed to be mad. Preached sermons in the street. He disappears after a great storm. He is found dead in his house with a book.
• Narrator: Four years old at the time of Kumi’s Death. Given a book by Kumi. Goes home to read a passage from the book after Kumi’s funeral.

Live-In

• Shatu: Main character. She is a live-in maid for an old woman, Marge. She is under orders from Roger, Marge’s nephew.
• Marge: The old woman Shatu cares for. She is resistant to Shatu’s care.
• Tammy: Clerk at the grocery store. She helps Shatu look for the lost money.
• Rakiya: Shatu’s sister. Lives in New York. She helped Shetu get the job as a live-in maid.
• Roger: Marge’s nephew. He is in charge of Marge’s affairs. Hi is also interested in Shatu.
• Alison: Shatu’s employer from Home Health Care.

The Manhood Test

• Mr. Rafique: Main character. Husband to Zulaikha. He is a well-dressed, educated man.
• Zulaikha: Main character. Wife to Mr. Rafique. She is beautiful and sought after by multiple men.
• Lafiree: Head of the group of women. She is part of the manhood test.

The True Aryan

• Narrator: African-American musician. He plays in an Afro-Jazz quintet. He has a hostile   attitude towards cab drivers due to their habit of not picking him up because he is black.  
• Sarkis: An Armenian cab driver. He is a proud Armenian and friend to everyone from anywehere.
• Francis: The narrator’s live-in girlfriend.

Ward G4

• Yaro: Main character. He can predict death. Story is told from his point of view as a twelve year old boy with malaria.
• Mother: Yaro’s mother. She cares for him while he is sick.
• Baba: Yaro’s father. He is away on a business trip while Yaro is in the hospital.
• Teacher: The local pharmacist and drug-seller. He is not a real pharmacist and sells codeine behind the counter.
• Uncle: Yaro’s uncle. He takes Yaro to KATH and pays off the guard to put Yaro at the top of the  waitlist.
• Old Man 1: An elderly man suffering from diabetes. He is awaiting a leg amputation.
• Old Man 2: An elderly man pretending to suffer from chest pains in order to remain in the hospital. He takes food off of Yaro and lies to the nurses.
• Bonifice: The third patient in Ward G4. He dies at the end of the story.
• Azara-il: The female embodiment of death.

Rachmaninov

• Felix: Main character and narrator. He is a poor African-American artist living in Manhattan.
• Greta: Main character and narrator. She is a wealthy white artist with blonde hair and blue eyes. She also lives in Manhattan.
• Zoot: A quirky man with a bald head and sideburns.
• Daisy: A quirky woman with multiple tattoos and piercings. She is Zoot’s love interest.
• Christina: A curvey, brown-haired woman whom Felix likes.
• Zach: Felix’s friend whose art is being shown at the event.
• Jim: Felix’s friend. Felix calls Jim when he and Greta have a bad reaction to drugs.
• Zeus: The cat Felix is watching.

Mallam Sile

• Mai Tea: Tea seller who has a shop on Zongo Street.
• Mallam Sile: Narrator. Sells beverages on Zongo Street. He speaks only Northern-Sisila and broken Hausa. He left home at the age of sixteen. He was nicknamed “pygmy” for being                 short.
• Abongo: Owner of another tea shop. Known for being mean and not feeding the poor.
• Abeeba: A woman Sile claims is his wife. She is kind to customers and made fun of for being overweight. She is nicknamed man-checker for beating up Samadu.
• Samadu: The neighbourhood tough guy. He is forced by Samadu to pay his debts to Sile.

Faith

• Suf-yan: Main character. On judgement day, worries he will go to hell because he is not a “model Muslim.”
• Pas-cal: Suf-yan’s wife. She is presumably killed in the falling building.
• Archangel: Assesses the human lives to see whether they will go to heaven or hell.
• Samad, Razak, and Kabir: Former friends of Suf-yan. They are sent to hell for their extremist behaviour.