So, the Nigerian Twitter Map launched on October 1st, and so far, the feedback has been excellent. If you haven’t seen it yet, do visit: twittermap.ng
Thousands have since used the platform, with several contributing to the map with suggestions of new Voices and Topics to add. This is quite essential in improving the overall offering of this map, as it only gets better with more input.
However, there was something interesting that most people missed during the last 2 weeks of September, in the final 15 days to the launch: a cryptic collection of teaser rhymes published by @ID_Africa across social media.
Here are the verses with some annotation to provide clarity and context.
Verse 1
And at the appointed time, at the break of dawn
Anno Domini 2017 – first day of the tenth month
Heavy cloud parts and the mysterious veil lifts
The Map Maker on arrival, reveals wondrous gifts
Annotation:
Here, in the first verse, the poet clearly indicates the time, day and month that the mystery will be revealed, i.e the launch of Nigerian Twitter Map at dawn on October 1st, 2017.
It is also clear from this verse that what is being expected will be offered to people for free, thus ruling out the possibility of it being a commercial product.
Verse 2
Cloaked and hooded, The Map Maker cometh
Wisdom in his hand and ignorance runneth
Finds the one needle in a sack full of hay
So you can rest easy, and have a jolly good day
Annotation:
The second verse dwells more on the personality of The Map Maker.
Presented as powerful, mysterious and faceless, The Map Maker is also described as wise, intelligent, helpful and kind hearted. The visual creatives add to the mystique by implying a surrealness, other-worldliness and supernatural-ness about the being.
All this helps to prepare the audience, raising their expectations on the quality or value of what is to be received from The Map Maker.
Verse 3
The Map Maker; generous breaker of chains
By design, journeyed months to deliver gains
unto users of unlimited mobile & limited words
as they navigate the planet full of blue birds
Annotation:
The third verse delves into the work and effort behind the creation of Nigerian Twitter Map.
It hints at the origin of The Map Maker’s story, describing the journey and destination.
“…breaker of chains…” – this shows the power of The Map Maker, and ability to grant freedom – like Khaleesi from GOT!
“…by design…” – it literally took conceptualizers, designers and developers about 6 months to finish the work.
“…users of unlimited mobile…” – smart phones have no limitations in terms of their usage in modern life
“…limited words” – The character limit (140, now 280) of Twitter and a user’s ability to fully express self within the confines of their own timelines.
‘Limited Vs Unlimited’ – a good play on two opposite words
“…planet full of blue birds” – The Twitter logo is a bird. A blue bird. Twitter is the planet.
The poet is shedding more light on the ‘gift’ being expected, and hopes the recipients will appreciate the effort of The Map Maker to bring to life Nigerian Twitter Map.
Verse 4
Don’t be driven by wild waves, lost at sea
Where little birds of 140 behaviours breed and feed
Follow the wise Map Maker, to guide and lead
Through pathways beyond what your eyes can see
Annotation:
Here, the poet begins to explain how the Map will be used when it finally arrives and advises users on how to make use of a platform that offers guidance on how to use social media.
“…wild waves…“…sea…” – These are unpleasant social media experiences that many old and new users face, such as bullying, trolling and boring timelines.
“…little birds of 140 behaviours…” – another reference to the Twitter logo and its character limit
Finally, the poet advises the reader to seek guidance from The Map Maker, who can improve a personal experiences on Twitter.
Verse 5
Hear ye dark-skinned Netizens of the mobility era
Born of 350 tribes that dwell in the Niger area
Ye of 180 million tongues and a billion Voices
Behold The Map Maker, who wisely guides your choices
Annotation:
The final verse speaks directly to the people of Nigeria, Africa – the primary targets of The Map Maker’s gift – Nigerian Twitter Map.
“…350 tribes…” & “…180 million tongues…” refer to the estimated (sometimes exaggerated) country population and number of ethnic groups.
This verse gives the final notice, 3 days before The Map Maker’s arrival.
