We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Oba Olff a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

OBA, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

I’d like to share a story about my deceased father, Anthony Johan Olff.

One day, my father asked me if I had fed our dog. I lied and answered yes.
2 days later, my father cooked my favorite dish, Chilli. As he prepared the food to eat and set the table, I noticed that my father didn’t set a place for me.
When I asked him where my plate was, my father responded that my food was in the same place where I fed the dogs the other day.
He then looked at me sternly and stated, “You lied to me…”
To which I replied yes.
He continued, “The difference between you and the dog, is that the dog can not open the door to the refrigerator and fix himself something to eat. Which means the dog relies on you and me eat. So when you don’t feed the dog, the dog peers through the door watching you eat while the dog hasn’t.”

In that moment, I realized that my father was teaching me responsibility. That If I don’t feed the dogs or give them water, they don’t get to eat or drink. And when I lied, why then do I deserve a meal to eat, when I neglected to feed my dog.

This is just one example of how he taught me the many lessons I needed to learn to grow from a boy into a man.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am a 3rd generation African American Priest, Palero, and Omo Ana in the Yoruba-influenced Lucumi Spiritual System of Cuba, and my origins stem from some of the pre-eminent Black American Ocha houses in New York City.
When I was initiated, it was prophesied that I would be an advocate for my community. When this prophecy was ordained, I was 28 yrs old, married with no children. A new path was carved out for me to help educate outsiders in the ways of our customs.
In doing so I was inspired to write a book about the concepts and misnomers of Spiritualism/Ancestral Worship. I was forced to self publish and market my first book called “A Glass of Water and a Candle” ( https://a.co/d/2ff3GPB ) in 2017, which has gone on to become a cult classic. I am grateful that I have sold over 10,000 copies of this book independently to date, without any support outside of a few black platforms that continue to support my work.

In addition to my book on spiritualism, I have also designed the first online curriculum for people who are new to the Lucumi Spiritualism system. We initially launched our classes on Spiritualism in 2020, before Covid. This was a Godsend, because we started our classes before the lockdowns. This opportunity gave our members the opportunity to have a grounded focus in developing themselves spiritually, at a time when the world was in much upheaval and chaos. These classes continue to live online, and are available to rent/buy. ( https://vimeo.com/omidinaprod )

The follow up to my first book is an intergenerational coloring book about the Orisha called “Kere Kere Ya” – A coloring book for all ages, designed for parents to learn alongside their children. This book is published in English ( https://a.co/d/fKzdXTv ), Spanish ( https://a.co/d/irUhfFd) and French ( https://a.co/d/8kXpONr ) to capture children of the Diaspora worldwide .

My latest book is a Sci fi story inspired by Orisha traditions, titled ” The Rites Of Passage Of Taiwo and Kehinde ” ( https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/TLCJLR6BF9UW8 ). Recently released on February 6th 2025, this is a new book series I am very excited about that will create a bridge between the existing books I have released into the market.

And finally, we keep our prayers up / build spiritual muscle in our monthly patreon group: https://www.patreon.com/c/omidinaprod.
This is a place where people get to engage with me directly about spiritual concepts. We explore ritual nuances, as well as spiritual “works” to create the change we need in our lives.
They say that we don’t get to God without honoring our Ancestors first.
When we know better, we do better.

It is a Blessing, to live and walk a life of purpose, however it is no easy road. My faith is constantly challenged, as I do not fit mold, so to speak.
Nonetheless, I am dedicated to fulfill the destiny that was set for me, 19yrs ago. And this is what my work and business is all about.

Anyone that is interested can learn more at www.OMIDINA.com

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

In 2003 I was the victim of a terrible House fire in Brooklyn. I was 26 yrs old, newly married and devastated. We lost everything. I was only able to obtain pictures of my deceased parents through other family members over the last 20yrs.
We were able to eventually bounce back after a year and a half, where my ex wife and I relocated to the Bronx . She was able to go back to school and graduate. While I was able to draw and paint my first books into existence.
It wasn’t easy, however the lesson of perseverance and discipline assisted me in not succumbing to the depression and despair.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Bringing my projects to completion is the most rewarding part of my process. The formation and ability for ideas to be brought into reality, never ceases to peak my interest.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.Omidina.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omidinaprod
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Omidinaprod/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@OmidinaProductions

Image Credits

Image credit- Omidina Productions ( omidina.com )