Adamma and the Witch Who Stole Voices

In Umuokwu, Mama Ojo is feared for her powers and mocked for her harsh, croaked voice. Bitter over the village’s beautiful singers, she makes a vow to the Silent Swamp: anyone with a sweet voice will become mute. One by one, the drummer, choir leader and storyteller lose their voices. Only Adamma, the Daughter of the Rain, remains untouched. Her singing brings hope to the people and answers from the sky. During the New Yam Festival, Mama Ojo steals Adamma’s voice and traps it in a black gourd. The rain disappears with it. As drought grips Umuokwu, Adamma journeys to the Silent Swamp to free every voice Mama Ojo has taken. This folktale explores jealousy, cruelty and forgiveness. It reminds us never to mock another person’s voice, because every voice may carry a storm we cannot see.

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