Reclaiming Anansi from Hollywood back to our folktales

I love Sleepy Hollow and have been an avid fan of the show since I watched its trailer prior to its 2013 premier, revolving around two witnesses- Abbie and Ichabod- as foretold in the book of Revelations, who must thwart the forces of evil, primarily Moloch and his four evil horsemen to save the world… BUT, there is one misleading part that still troubles me till today, especially as one who is rooted in her African Stories.

Remember during episode 9 of season 2, Jenny, Abbie’s rebellious sister, recites a spell to save her. Well guess what? What she recited was not gibbrish, it was actually in my language, Twi (Spoken in Ghana by the Akan tribe!!)

Now before I go deep into what troubled me, let me let you listen to it first and I will tell you what she said. (Lindie Greenwood speaks Twi)

Transcription of what Jenny bravely says:
Anansi honhom, Odaadaafoo ma Asantefoo, Mesre wo, beyi yen firi, Nneema dada yi ase, Firi yen so

Translation of what Jenny bravely said:
Spirit of Anansi, Deceiver for the people of Asante, I implore you, deliver us, From these deceitful things, Away from us

Imagine sitting comfortably, enjoying your favorite show, and suddenly hearing your native language spoken on screen—only to be jolted out of that moment when a character explains the words as a “West African invocation to expel witch doctors who have arisen from the dead.” Wait, what? Since when did Kwaku Anansi, the iconic trickster of African folklore, become a villain?

Hollywood’s portrayal distorts the rich narrative of Anansi (Some also spell it Ananse), casting him in a negative light that’s far removed from our cultural roots. In the tapestry of African storytelling, Anansi is not a demon but a cunning and wise figure, teaching us the importance of intelligence and moral values, much like Aesop’s fables. The Anansi I know is far from Marvels version—a family man with a wife, Aso, and four children, not what they’ve turned him into. (Now the good news!)

This image is clickable to our luxury Red Africa Fannypack Bag

In a time where reclaiming our stories is crucial, We (Orijin Culture) are on a mission to change the narrative back to where it’s suppose to be.–revive and modernize the legacy of Anansi, the beloved trickster from African folklore. By blending cutting-edge fashion with the innovative use of AI, Orijin Culture breathes new life into Anansi’s tales, making them resonate with today’s generation while preserving the rich heritage of African storytelling.

Orijin Culture goes beyond fashion—it’s a powerful vehicle for storytelling. In a world where “if you don’t know who you are, anyone can name you,” the brand stands as a beacon for the African diaspora, helping individuals reconnect with their roots. Their African Name Bracelets and distinctive Africa bag collection are not merely accessories; they are symbols of identity, lineage, and pride. These luxury pieces, hand-stamped in Ghana and plated in gold, allow us to carry our heritage with elegance, blending tradition with contemporary style.

Orijin Culture’s dedication to preserving our stories shines through in their visual storytelling, seamlessly integrating the legacy of Anansi with modern technology. This approach ensures that timeless African tales remain relevant and accessible, reminding us of the importance and luxury of knowing and celebrating our identities.