Chapter 1: I Have a Dream

*MAIDUGURI*

In the distant outskirts of Molai, a neighborhood in Maiduguri, Hamza toiled under the relentless sun, where the scorching heat made work almost unbearable without risking dehydration. The sun beat down, casting long shadows over the landscape as Hamza tended to the crops.

His name sliced through the hot air like a blade, and he straightened up, squinting against the glaring sun as he replied, "Yes, Mallam?" He reluctantly abandoned his task, muttering beneath his breath. Laughter erupted from behind him, the mocking voices of troublemakers who took delight in his discomfort. A reassuring presence approached him, and Hamza turned to see his friend, Shamshudeen, offering a comforting look.

"Are you tired?" the man inquired, a hint of concern in his voice. Hamza responded quickly, his tone masking his fatigue, "Of course not." Yet deep inside, he carried the weight of labor and unspoken dreams, trapped by the circumstances he found himself in.

Hamza, a 17-year-old Fulani native, carried with him a history marked by resilience and determination. His family's story was a vibrant tapestry woven from threads of love and cultural diversity. His father, a Yoruba man, and his mother, a Fulani woman, had embarked on a love story that defied expectations.

In their youth, Hamza's parents had fallen deeply in love, but their union faced resistance from Hamza's grandparents. Cultural differences and traditions cast shadows of doubt over their relationship. Faced with opposition to their love and an unwavering determination to be together, the young couple made a bold decision. They ran away from their respective homes, determined to create a life that celebrated both their Yoruba and Fulani heritages.

This courageous choice led them to a remote corner of their region, where they built a life together, far from the watchful eyes and judgments of their families. Love blossomed, and they welcomed two children into their home: Hamza and his cherished younger sister, Zara.

Despite life's trials, Hamza's parents shared a deep passion for music, a love they instilled in their children, fostering an appreciation for both Yoruba and Fulani cultures. Hamza's father often regaled them with tales of their family's musical legacy, nurturing his son's love for music from a tender age.

By the time Hamza turned nine, his musical talents began to emerge. He exhibited an uncanny ability to play traditional instruments like the kora, Kalimba, and guitar. At eleven, he had become a local sensation, celebrated as a young prodigy, whose music transcended cultural boundaries, resonating throughout their community.

Amidst his journey, Hamza forged a profound bond with his best friend and brother-figure, Shamshudeen. Their friendship offered unwavering support, a beacon of companionship amid life's challenges.

Yet, their harmonious existence was shattered when tragedy struck. Hamza's parents fell victim to a violent encounter with Boko Haram insurgents, leaving Hamza and Zara orphaned. In the wake of their grief, the siblings were determined to honor their parents' legacy and follow the dreams instilled in them.

In moments of sadness, music became Hamza's sanctuary. It served as a companion, a wellspring of motivation, and a testament to the love and resilience that defined his family's extraordinary journey.

After his parents' tragic demise, Hamza made the agonizing decision to abandon school and assume the role of a farm laborer to provide for his younger sister, Zara. By day, he toiled in the fields, ensuring their basic needs were met. By night, his melodious voice graced the patrons of a local bar, where he shared his musical talents.

Hamza's appearance bore a striking blend of features, a reflection of the rich tapestry of his heritage. Standing tall at 1.7 meters, his deep, soulful eyes mirrored the depth of his character. His face bore the echoes of both his Yoruba and Fulani ancestry, a living testament to the unity of his family's love.

Fueled by unwavering determination, Hamza embarked on a path to carve a brighter future for himself and Zara, driven by a promise to make his parents and sister proud. His dreams soared high, fueled by music, and he aspired to become a superstar, using music as a vessel to overcome adversity and reach the zenith of his aspirations.