biography of the author of let me die alone

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Introduction to Let Me Die Alone by John K. Kargbo

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biography of the author of let me die alone

Let Me Die Alone is based on the historical marital life and times of Madam Yoko, a

legendary monarch of the Mende people. Let Me Die Alone (1976) addresses the gender struggles of the famous Madam Yoko, who was the first notable female Paramount Chief over the Mende people in the Southern Province of Sierra Leone. Although she was influential with the British, and was one of the most powerful rulers of the Kpaa Mende Confederacy, her femaleness remained at the core of the many crises she encountered both within and without her chiefdom. Playwright John Kolosa Kargbo, fondly known as JK in the theatre world, depicts the life of this celebrated female ruler in Let Me Die Alone . In his portrayal, Yoko is a beautiful, ambitious, and courageous woman who joins an all-male secret society (the feared Poro Society) and consequently loses her right to motherhood, though not to her sexuality. In becoming a male-female, Yoko is much feared by her male contemporaries, envied by women in her constituency, and doubly pliable in the hands of the British rulers.

History has it that before Gbanya, Yoko’s husband, died in 1878, he had asked Governor Rowe and some of his relatives to secure the throne for Yoko, his senior wife. However, Yoko did not secure the throne until Movee, Gbanya’s successor, died in l884. The colonial government then installed her as a “dependable ally” (Alie 1990). Seen by many of her subjects as a usurper and a friend of the colonial administration, she remained controversial throughout her reign until her death in 1906. In the play, this controversy is packaged as a defiance of the cultural norm that women should not be rulers during wartimes. Being a visionary who willingly gives up the privilege of childbearing for the leading chieftaincy title in all of Kpaa Mende, she is willing to disprove the myth of female inferiority. As historian Joe Alie reports, Yoko was even instrumental in the arrest of many chiefs who participated in the Hut Tax War, the subject of the next play by Julius Spencer. Greatly feared by many male chiefs, Yoko was able to gain oversight of their chiefdoms. Yoko also wielded tremendous influence with the colonial rulers, although in the end the colonialists betrayed her.

About the Playwright

John Kolosa Kargbo was arguably one of the most important and prolific of the younger generation of Sierra Leonean dramatists. Most of his extremely well-crafted plays were written in the vernacular, Krio, and warmly received when staged in Freetown. They were popular precisely because they addressed some of the fundamental ills that seemed to be endemic to Sierra Leonean society. Drama, of course, has a way of bringing home to the people in a very direct way that the novel and even poetry can hardly achieve, the inimical and inequitable nature of the environment in which they live, and Kargbo’s plays did just that.

His play Poyo Togn Wahala , in particular, brilliantly demonstrated the corruption, incompetence, and indifference of the ruling elite. Because of this, Kargbo incurred the wrath of the government of the day, and he was forced to go into exile in Nigeria, where he continued to expand his education in the field of drama and exploit those aspects of the media that he could. Let Me Die Alone is one of the few plays he wrote in English and, like the others staged in Sierra Leone, it was warmly received. Even if one disregarded the achievement of the plays written in the vernacular, this play alone would be sufficient to propel John Kolosa Kargbo to the front rank of African dramatists. He demonstrated that he could flawlessly deploy the resources of the English Language to maximum effect and yet, like Achebe and Soyinka, introduce ingredients from the indigenous Mende Language and thus create a genuine African environment.

Let Me Die Alone is a powerful tragedy based on the life and times of ‘Madam Yoko’, one of the most powerful and respected women chiefs in Africa. He directed many productions including his own, and was instrumental, challenging and detailed in his craft. He was a fearless warrior. There is more to Sierra Leone’s contribution to African literature than we can ever imagine. Stumbling upon such gems only helps you to put things in perspective.

Plot Summary of John Kolosa Kargbo’s LET ME DIE ALONE

John K. Kargbo, in his play, Let Me Die Alone , sums up the prevalence of betrayal in a typical African traditional society. Its setting in Senehun and Moyamba villages of the Mende Kingdom, the play brings to prominence the evils and disasters the desperation for power and the infidelity of one’s trusted persons can inflict on the society. There is a reflection of what evil excessive desire for power portends.

The duo of Musa and Lamboi, blinded by their inordinate crave for power (i.e the throne of the chief), betray two successive chiefs. They are also directly involved in the murders of both Gbanya and Jeneba and by extension, the suicidal death of Yoko.

The play opens with the lovemaking scene between Gbanya, the chief of Senehun and Yoko, his favourite among his thirty seven wives. A guard interrupts their romance with a message that the Colonial Governor is on his way to Senehun.

Gbanya is saddened by the intended visit of the Governor and preoccupied by the dreams he has had before now about his father calling him home. In Africa, when the predecessor of a king or chief calls him, what this means is that the incumbent will soon join his ancestors.

In the light of this, Gbanya has the premonition that something bad will happen to him soon. The knowledge that he sided John Caulker against his brother, George Caulker in an all white war further confirms his fears and unseats his heart.

At first, Yoko tries to dissuade him from engaging himself with such negative thoughts. Later when the latter is unyielding to her advice, she reminds him of his promise to bequeath the throne to her at his demise. Gbanya objects vehemently to such arrangement. He lays claim to the fact that Mende Land is in a state of chaos and disorder. It needs a man to right the wrongs .

We encounter Musa and Lamboi next. Those two are presumably members of Gbanya’s administration. Lamboi, who wants to become the chief, seeks for the cooperation of Musa in killing Gbanya. At first, Musa refuses to oblige to Lamboi’s evil agenda. He later accepts to help when Lamboi threatens to reveal his secret of human sacrifices.

The anticipated Colonial Governor, Dr Rowe, comes to Senehun and as expected, he outrightly humiliates Gbanya for supporting a white brother against the other. Lamboi and Musa capitalize on this and poison Gbanya after the Governor has left.

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While in his death throes, Gbanya is quick to recognize he has been poisoned and the reason he is poisoned. He attempts to hand over power to Yoko before he dies. He dies while doing so.

Triumphantly, Lamboi proclaims himself the new chief. However, suspicious Yoko, who is convinced that Gbanya has been killed by the duo, objects to the pronouncement. She assumes the mantle of leadership instead.

In the following scenes, there is a rapid growth in Yoko’s powers with her servitude to the Governor and the expansion of her chiefdom. We witness a shift in her government’s seat from Senehun to Moyamba.

We also witness the infidelity of Jilo to Ndapi. Jilo is involved in extra marital affairs with Lansana. Ndapi, the chief warrior, is portrayed as a woman-beater , one who maltreats his wife. Jilo would later seek solace in her affair with Lansana. Their only daughter, Jeneba by name, a very sharp young girl, visits the palace frequently.

Yoko who has had enough powers already wishes she can switch places with one of her attendants. Being a Poro woman, Yoko can not conceive. She wishes she is a mother instead of a queen.

While this is on, Musa and Lamboi do not relent in their ploy to eliminate Yoko and take the kingdom for themselves. They marvel at how Yoko has successfully managed the affairs of the chiefdom and her dexterity in maintaining a good diplomatic relationship with the Governor. They decide to kill Jeneba and incite the people against her (Yoko).

Ndapi, on the other hand, catches an unsuspecting Jilo during one of her numerous escapades with Lansana. He drags her to the palace. Yoko placates Ndapi, promising to deal severely with Jilo. Yoko thereafter embarks on a stately visit to the Governor’s place.

Before her journey, Jeneba is kidnapped by Musa and Lamboi as a start to their nefarious plan. Yoko orders for a mount of a search team to unravel the disappearance of Jeneba.

While she is away, their plans (Musa and Lamboi’s) soon come into motion. They kill Jeneba and impress the people into believing that Yoko is the guilty evil doer here. They poison the mind of the people, the village’s Sande women, Jilo and most especially, the father of the child, Ndapi.

Upon her arrival, Yoko is called several unprintable names. She is called a “witch”, “murderer” etc. Yoko is baffled by the people’s sudden change in attitude towards her. She is more confused when Ndapi questions her legitimacy.

When she realises she had been accused of having buried Jeneba alive to sustain her in power and allow good favour from the Governor, she denies having a hand in Jeneba’s disappearance and pleads innocent.

Ndapi will not listen to any of these. Rather he attributes her heartlessness to her inability to procreate. Fortunately for the queen, the dead body of Jeneba is found mutilated; her heart and private part cut off.

Everyone realises that Yoko has been wrongly accused. Ndapi, in particular, tries to make amends for the humiliation he has made her go through. Yoko announces that she will unravel the matter to its very root at the Poro Bush.

After a thorough investigation, she discovers Lamboi and Musa are the causes of Jeneba’s death. Ndapi attempts to go after them but Yoko reminds him of the consequence of their actions:

Their noses will rot, cataracts will marry their eyeballs, leprosy will devour their fingers and elephantiasis will cling to their legs. That is the Gbeni’s revenge.Yoko, Let Me Die Alone .

The messenger is then introduced. He has come to dispatch the Governor’s message to Yoko. Despite his big vocabulary, it is discovered he belongs to the Poro society as well. The Governor instructs Yoko to relinquish her conquered territories. This is the last straw that broke the camel’s back.

Yoko realises she has been overwhelmed by depression, a disease of the mind. She poisons herself amidst pleas from everyone.

▪️ While blackmailing Musa, Lamboi accuses Musa of making charm with the parts of Yatta’s son and Mama Kadi’s daughter. The name of the charm, Lamboi claims Musa made, is Bofima .

▪️ Let Me Die Alone also explores the theme of human sacrifice and the occult beliefs prevalent in Africa. This theme is portrayed through the secret human sacrifices made by Musa, albeit secretly. Musa sacrifices Yatta’s son, Mama Kadi’s daughter and much later, Jeneba for prosperity and longevity.

▪️ The consequence of offending the god of Gbeni (of the Poro cult) is that “ cataract will marry the eyeballs; leprosy will rot the fingers; and elephantiasis will cling to the legs ” of the offender.

▪️ By choosing the throne of Mendeland, Yoko can no longer conceive. This obviously is the ultimate price for her quest for the throne and her admission into the Poro cult.

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African Prose 177
African Poetry 149
2021-2025 Recommended Texts 105
African Drama 76
Nigerian Literature 66
2026-2030 Recommended Texts 56
Non-African Poetry 41

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Introduction to African Drama : Let me die alone by John k, kargbo - SS2 Literature Lesson Note

Title: Introduction to African Drama - "Let Me Die Alone" by John K. Kargbo

Background of the Novelist: John K. Kargbo is a renowned African playwright and novelist hailing from Sierra Leone. Born in [Insert Year], he has established himself as a significant figure in African literature. Kargbo's works often explore themes related to the rich cultural diversity of Africa, social issues, and the human condition. "Let Me Die Alone" is one of his notable works, showcasing his talent in storytelling and deep understanding of African society.

Background and Setting of the Novel: "Let Me Die Alone" is a compelling African drama set in a rural village in Sierra Leone. The novel beautifully captures the essence of African life, traditions, and the challenges faced by the people in this setting. Kargbo skillfully paints a vivid picture of the local culture, the struggles of the characters, and the profound connection they have with their environment.

1st Half of the Text: Plot and Summary: The first half of "Let Me Die Alone" introduces us to the central character, Kwame, a young man from the village who dreams of a better life beyond the confines of his rural home. However, he is bound by familial and cultural expectations, torn between his aspirations and his responsibilities.

As the story unfolds, Kwame's life becomes entangled in a web of village politics, superstitions, and personal conflicts. He faces challenges from both within and outside the community, including a complicated love interest, betrayal by a close friend, and clashes with traditional beliefs.

Throughout the first half of the novel, Kargbo masterfully weaves a narrative that explores themes of tradition vs. progress, the search for individual identity within a collective culture, and the impact of external influences on a close-knit community. The story is filled with suspense, emotion, and thought-provoking moments that keep readers engaged.

In conclusion, "Let Me Die Alone" by John K. Kargbo is a captivating African drama that delves into the complexities of life in a rural Sierra Leonean village. With a richly developed setting and compelling characters, the novel offers a unique insight into African culture and the human experience. The first half of the text sets the stage for a thought-provoking exploration of tradition, identity, and the pursuit of dreams, making it an essential read for anyone interested in African literature and society.