If the hospitality when I arrive is anything like the hospitality I’ve been getting prior to arrival, Johannesburg may be home. The number of doors that have opened, the dinner and drink invites, the event invites, and the love are all amazing.

This is my first time to Johannesburg. Hell, my first time below the Sahara, having visited Marrakech once upon a time, and I am quite excited, and nervous at the same time. I’ve had several opportunities to visit neighboring places, like Grahamstown, and whatever town Brandi Hill lived in, but I feared losing my cool at the first sight of foolishness, then being deported. Brandi told me the story about a white shop owner smacking her Black shop assistant because she dropped something. I can’t handle it. I can’t handle anyone being smacked really, but given the history, and me being black…you get it.

Anyway, I’m headed over. My film, Seeking Asylum, was accepted into the RapidLion Film Festival, and I must attend to meet other creative spirits, and continue the search for Asylum.

This experience will be great, and I welcome everything it will bring. The people, the food, the laughs, possibly even this Nicki Minaj concert I’m considering.

Johannesburg is calling. I’ll accept.