How I Found Out

Tonight, over a lively debate about movies, I discovered something incredible about my friend Seli: he’s an artist. I’m still reeling from the realization. Who would’ve guessed?

We were trying to pick a film for the cinema—Ryan Coogler’s Sinners or Tom Cruise’s latest Mission: Impossible. Both were gripping options, but choosing one was tough. The theater’s schedule made the decision for us: Sinners’ last showing was an hour ago, so Mission: Impossible it was. With two hours to kill, we settled onto the couch at Seli’s house and started talking about TV shows.

We’re both hooked on Mobland, a series we love not just for its action but for its compelling storyline. I’d seen the latest episode, and Seli hadn’t, so I teased him about its jaw-dropping cliffhanger without spilling too much. We laughed, pointing at each other in a jinx moment, bonded by our shared obsession with a good story. Seli mentioned he’s rewatched The Wire and Game of Thrones—50-60 hour-long episodes each—at least five times. Five times! I was floored. Who has that kind of devotion to a show?

Then it hit me: Seli’s passion for these stories isn’t just fandom—it’s the mark of an artist. In my experience as a creative, people who immerse themselves so deeply in art, who feel its pull that intensely, often have the spark to create something just as powerful. I pointed at him and said, in our shared Ghanaian pidgin, “Seli, you be artist!”

He grinned, then admitted, “You know, I’ve thought about it before.”

That sealed it. He’s an artist, no doubt. This moment happened just minutes ago, and I had to write it down. I’ve urged Seli to explore his creative side, and I’m hopeful the world will soon see his genius. Fingers crossed.

This just happened.