Adeyinka Ajakaiye grew up in Lagos, Nigeria, moving to America in 2022 at 16. He had always planned to come to the U.S., alone, for education and professional opportunities, also desiring to escape his “regimented” family. But when his mother was transferred to New York for work, the family moved together. Looking back, he is grateful; he believes he would have felt lost without that family unit.

Every Sunday, Adeyinka and his family attend their Nigerian church’s services over Zoom. Additionally, one room in their Staten Island home is dedicated solely to cooking Nigerian food. Knowing he will have “great food on Saturday and Sunday,” Adeyinka doesn’t “miss home,” as these routines stabilize him while he builds a life in America.

Adeyinka joined high school his senior year. He didn’t form close friendships, though music helped him connect to others. At Hunter College, he found a lasting community through his Fellowship, all his friends coming from many backgrounds. Regarding whether he gravitates toward fellow Nigerians, he said, “if you’re good, you’re good.”

Adeyinka hopes for a future moving between Nigeria and America. He sees opportunity in both places, though corruption in Nigeria, and fears around re‑entry even with permanent residency, make returning feel uncertain. New York City reminds Adeyinka of Lagos, with many opportunities, great schools, different places to visit, and a variety of people to meet.

His object is the talking drum, an instrument he has played since age 2. Through Juju music, he carries the sound of home with him in America.

– Simone Oduola

Relationship:  Im/migrant Im/migrant