Childhood Memories in Tenement Buildings, aka “Face Me, I Slap You”

The One with Olabimpe — On Our Experiences Growing up in Ebute Metta and Somolu: Episode 20 (2023)

“I grew up in a tenement building, almost like section eight housing, with a mixture of rich and poor. The revolving door of people coming in and out due to cheap rent created overcrowding and challenges. This childhood experience left a lasting impact, leading to a need for control and cleanliness. Despite the housing issues, my parents prioritized education, and I excelled in school, attending one of the best international schools in the area.” — Mo! (2023)

Welcome back to another thought-provoking episode of our podcast! This week, we have the privilege of being joined by the inspiring Olabimpe, who shares her heartfelt experiences of growing up in tenement buildings, also known as “Face Me, I Slap You” houses. It was also a part of my life that I never thought I’d share publicly, but I believe it’s crucial to empower others through our stories.

As you may know, tenement buildings are communal spaces where multiple families reside, sharing kitchens and bathrooms, often facing poor living conditions and overcrowding. During this episode, we delve into the unique challenges and intricate relationships that come with this living arrangement. Our journey takes us back to the shame, retraction, and challenges we faced while living in such spaces and how these experiences have impacted us as adults.

Olabimpe shares how her childhood in a tenement building made her extra cautious and jumpy in unfamiliar places. For me, it sparked an obsession with cleaning and maintaining a tidy space, a habit I developed as a way to exert some control over our environment. Growing up in these conditions was truly eye-opening. We discuss the reluctance to invite friends over due to stigmatization and the emotional impacts that living in such conditions had on us, almost akin to PTSD…