Damilare Kuku’s second novel, Only Big Bumbum Matters Tomorrow, is as captivating and unfiltered as its provocative title suggests. Beneath its humor and cultural flair lies a deeply resonant exploration of societal beauty standards, family dynamics, and personal insecurities in contemporary Nigeria.
Following the success of her debut, Nearly All the Men in Lagos Are Mad, Kuku continues to examine life’s complexities through a distinctly Nigerian lens. This time, the story centers on Temilade Toyebi, a 20-year-old OAU graduate living in Ile-Ife. Temi’s journey begins with a bold declaration: she plans to undergo a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) in Lekki. Her announcement, made at the reading of her late father’s will, sparks outrage and confusion among her relatives, setting the stage for a family drama laden with secrets, regrets, and unresolved tensions.
A Family Portrait in Multiple Voices
Kuku employs a polyphonic narrative structure, alternating between Temi’s perspective and those of her mother, sister, and a host of larger-than-life aunties. Each voice brings a unique depth to the story, offering glimpses into their histories, traumas, and motivations. From Hassana, Temi’s half-Hausa mother, grappling with unhealed wounds, to Ladun, her sister, who battles the burdens of beauty and societal expectations, every character is both flawed and human.
This narrative choice allows readers to piece together the family’s shared struggles. Through flashbacks, we learn about Hassana’s fears, Jummai’s unfulfilled dreams, Big Mummy’s desperation for validation, and Temi’s lifelong insecurities stemming from bullying and societal pressures. These reflections enrich the novel, grounding its humor in the realities of pain and resilience.
The Pursuit of Perfection
At its heart, Only Big Bumbum Matters Tomorrow is a commentary on the relentless pursuit of physical perfection in a world that places immense value on appearances. Temi’s fixation on achieving a “perfect” body stems from years of internalized shame about her slim figure. Her decision to seek surgery is influenced by social media’s glorification of curvy bodies, societal pressures, and a personal longing for validation.
Kuku deftly illustrates the duality of body image through Temi and Ladun. While Temi views a fuller figure as the key to happiness and acceptance, Ladun’s experience as the embodiment of societal beauty standards is far from ideal. Her struggles with unwanted male attention and objectification highlight the darker side of being seen as “perfect.”
Culture, Comedy, and Conflict
Kuku’s writing is unapologetically Nigerian, rich in cultural references and laced with sharp wit. Her dialogue is as authentic as it is hilarious, capturing the rhythm and cadence of everyday Nigerian speech. The comedic exchanges between characters—whether it’s Big Mummy’s dramatic outbursts or Aunty Jummai’s candid anecdotes—bring levity to a story that tackles heavy themes like domestic violence, grief, and societal expectations.
The non-linear storytelling, moving fluidly between past and present, keeps the narrative engaging. The book’s pacing mirrors the tension in the Toyebi household, building up to revelations that upend long-held assumptions and force the characters—and readers—to confront uncomfortable truths.
Room for Growth
While the novel’s humor and cultural specificity shine, some readers may find its exploration of certain themes a bit surface-level. Issues like trauma, religiosity, and Temi’s complicated grief over her father’s death are touched upon but not deeply unpacked. This leaves room to wonder how much richer the story might have been with more nuanced emotional exploration.
Only Big Bumbum Matters Tomorrow is a bold and entertaining read that captures the complexities of family, identity, and societal expectations in modern Nigeria. Damilare Kuku skillfully balances humor with heart, offering a narrative that is both relatable and thought-provoking.
If you’re in the mood for a story that combines biting humor, unforgettable characters, and timely commentary on body image and societal pressures, this book is worth your time. Beyond its laughter and drama, it challenges us to question how much of our self-worth we tether to society’s ever-changing standards of beauty—and whether we truly see ourselves as enough.
So, would you take the plunge into Temi’s world? And perhaps more importantly, what would you do if you were in her shoes?