2024: TRIUMPHS, TWISTS AND TALES
If 2024 were a screenplay, it would be a genre-defying blockbuster—a mix of heartfelt drama, laugh-out-loud comedy, and plot twists worthy of Tarantino himself. It had highs, lows, and moments so surreal they felt scripted. And let’s not forget the standout cast of characters who made it unforgettable.
First up, my family—my homegrown, award-winning ensemble cast. My wife, the muse of all muses and queen of feedback (and my heart), hit a milestone birthday this year. I won’t reveal her age—lest I end up sleeping on the balcony with her bougainvilleas. We also celebrated 20 years of marriage—two decades of travel, love, and spirited debates over soft-shell versus cut crab. (Pro tip: always double-check the shopping list.) She’s the mastermind behind her bougainvillea-parenting initiative, tolerates my hair experiments with Batana oil (still no miracles), and joins me in face-mask selfie sessions.
Then there’s Kokko, our 13-year-old whirlwind of energy. Alhamdulillahi, this kid had an incredible year! He juggled school, basketball, and soccer like a pro while I balanced ferry rides, script deadlines, and debated whether to charge him for taxi services. Watching him clatter away on Instagram with my phone during commutes has become a quiet joy—a moment of calm amidst the chaos. And when he solves the crossword faster than I can, I wonder if he’s auditioning to be the lead in my life’s next chapter. Fist bump!
The real showstopper? Kokko brought home not one but two golds this year. His team clinched the Plate Championship in the International Junior Soccer Tournament U14 held in KL, Malaysia, and his school triumphed in the U13 Inter-School Basketball Tournament. Watching him play felt like the climax of a sports movie—sweat, grit, victory, and me in the stands, trying not to ugly cry.
Professionally, 2024 was a whirlwind. Kamanaa, my latest blockbuster, proved that a well-told story can captivate audiences. Behind the scenes, a difference in perspectives over the worth of “words on screen” served as a quiet reminder of the nuances in creative partnerships. Lessons learned, dignity preserved, and the audience’s cheers were far louder than any quiet undervaluation.
And then came Roboman: The Movie—my personal redemption arc. A clean, family-friendly flick, it proved I could leave behind my infamous double entendres and still deliver a hit. Watching it with Kokko and seeing him predict the ending before the climax? Pure gold—as a writer and a dad.
Another standout moment of 2024 was winning Best Screenplay for the MNU drama Manaal at the NCA Officer Teledrama Competition. It was humbling to see my work recognized after a long hiatus. Manaal, a story about familial bonding and women’s empowerment, explored themes close to my heart. The award was a reminder that storytelling, when done with sincerity, resonates deeply—and moments like this make the countless late nights at the keyboard worth it.
Creatively, I dove into a new story in late December, carrying me into the New Year with fresh energy and ambition. This project feels raw, emotional, and layered, pushing me to explore uncharted storytelling territory. Outlining will be both challenging and cathartic, and I’m hoping this script sets the tone for a year of creativity and growth in 2025.
2024 wasn’t just about writing stories; it was about living them. From Kokko’s victories to celebrating two decades of marriage, this year reminded me that life’s best plots aren’t planned—they’re the unexpected twists that shape us.
Oh, and a special shoutout to February 2024—the month my jaw got rearranged. Yes, ouch—it still hurts. Life, as always, leaves its marks in the most unexpected ways.
As the curtain falls on 2024, I’m reminded that life, like a good script, thrives on twists, growth, and moments of brilliance—planned or otherwise. If 2024 taught me anything, it’s that the best stories are written not just with ink, but with courage, resilience, and a sprinkle of chaos.
So here’s to 2025: a fresh page, a new act, and countless opportunities to turn life’s plot twists into masterpieces. And remember, if life hands you a messy first draft, don’t be afraid to rewrite—or stretch a little, especially if screenwriting has you flirting with tennis elbow.
Happy New Year, everyone!












