Simon, the Father of Superfine Africa Nuts
Superfine CEO John Mwangi Giving a Speech After Unveiling Simon’s Statue (Image By Amadi Kwaa Atsiaya)
On Friday the 23rd of June 2023, Superfine Africa Nuts staff gathered in one of their godowns over lunchtime for a special ceremony that has become part of the company’s tradition. There was only one item on the agenda, which was to remember the late Mr. Simon Kariuki Ng’ang’a, the young entrepreneur whose dream gave birth to the now big company known as Superfine Africa Nuts Limited.
Different Touch
Superfine Staff Perform During the Memorial Ceremony (Image By Amadi Kwaa Atsiaya)
The solemn event was different from what happened on the same date a year ago when the company employees, family, friends, and acquaintances of the late Simon gathered to give thanks in celebration of the last day that the great Simon shared with everyone. Granted, there’s a common saying that the deceased are everyone’s darling but there was no spec of doubt about the sincerity in the tributes that all the people who knew Simon have continually poured out whenever they remember him.
Love for Nuts
Mr. Kariuki’s Family Posing at the Statue (Image By Amadi Kwaa Atsiaya)
A man who valued his job, Simon had this rare love for macadamia nuts. His happiest time was when he was receiving nuts at the factory. He always wanted to have a tactile feel of the nuts and never minded dirtying himself in the process. During this time, he was indistinguishable from the rest of the workers, because he donned the appropriate PPEs and got straight to work, just like an ordinary employee of his.
Simple Simon
Following Up the Events (Image By Amadi Kwaa Atsiaya)
Simon was simple to the core. I remember telling him one time that now that he was the boss of such a big company, he was supposed to be hanging out in big clubs with golf courses, where he would be swinging the club as he talked business with the folks of his class. He looked at me with a certain unusual spark in his eye, to suggest that I had strayed. As he dropped the gaze, his face melted to his usual smile. “That’s not me. I am a simple man and I do what I enjoy. I don’t think I would enjoy what you are suggesting.” I had been beaten ten-nil.
Comedy and Wrestling
Superfine Staff In a Groove During the Ceremony (Image By Amadi Kwaa Atsiaya)
As I sat in the congregation listening to the tributes and prayers, I couldn’t help hearing his voice as he talked about his passion -wrestling. He even shared quite a few jokes from the Nigerian content creator, Mark Angel Comedian, and I too wanted to get it from the source. If there is a character who posed a threat to Simon’s ribs, it was D.J. Afro. That’s how I learned some Kikuyu slang for a big powerful guy – kimoda.
Two Years, Fresh Memories
Superfine Staff Mark the Second Anniversary (Image By Amadi Kwaa Atsiaya)
It’s been two years, but it seems like yesterday. It seems unreal that he indeed has transitioned, but in our midst, Simon is alive and guiding us as we continue doing the work, he left us to do. He positively touched so many lives that if we were given time to incessantly pay tribute to him, there would be no stopping, as is attested to by the dedication his team has towards what he valued. Thank you, Simon; your spirit lives forever.
Written By Amadi Kwaa Atsiaya
