Shigidi and the Brass Head of Obalufon by Wole Talabi

 Keith’s choices

*THEME: Revenge *

Thursday 12th February 2026

READ: Shigidi and the Brass Head of Obalufon by Wole Talabi

Wole Talabi's Shigidi and the Brass Head of Obalufon is a non linear, genre mashup of Yoruba mythology, heist thriller, and modern fantasy. 

Many in HBG are still traumatised by Mythago Wood, a fantasy book choice that looms large in HBG lore. Many reported Mythago Wood vibes from Shigidi and the Brass Head of Obalufon.

Keith nominated it for the LOLs. He wanted to go for a left-field fun choice, secure in the knowledge that he’ll have a second bite of the choosing cherry later in 2026. Whilst he found plenty to enjoy ultimately he felt it was a bit of a dud. 

We appreciated elements of it: the appearances of Fela Kuti and Aleister Crowley, the idea of religions as corporate entities fighting for market share and profit, and the way the deities had their own political agendas, personal failings, and grudges held over centuries. And of course Nigeria, which we agree is fascinating.

If you are someone in thrall to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, or similar, then this might work. HBG alas are not too fussed. The writing is often quite clunky too.

Sporadically enjoyable but ultimately tosh, which we were glad to be finished with.

Nick 2 / Tristan 6 / Nigel 4 / Keith 3 / Robin 4 / Hamish 6 / Roland - did not read

LISTEN: Jagged Little Pill (1995) by Alanis Morissette

A good fit with the theme. Some had never heard this LP before. It won five Grammys and is one of the bestselling albums of all time, with over 33 million copies sold worldwide.

The angry, female-centric lyrics were doubtless a breath of fresh air for many listeners likewise the poppy, post grunge sound hits the perfect sweet spot between alternative and accessible. Kerching💰

A surprisingly popular choice amongst many of the HBG cognoscenti. Nick liked it

Nick - / Tristan 10 / Nigel 2 / Keith 9 / Robin 6 / Hamish 3 / Roland - did not listen 

WATCH: The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017) - dir by Yorgos Lanthimos

A psychological horror-thriller rooted in ancient Greek tragedy that presents as a cold, clinical nightmare. The bland suburban setting underlines an immersive, deadpan and unsettling atmosphere

Barry Keoghan’s performance is off the scale good and the spaghetti scene is one of many memorable moments.

All the dialogue is spoken in a flat, monotone, and hyper-literal way. 

It all adds up to a powerful and original horror film that avoids all the genre cliches to create something fresh that we have no doubt will linger long in the HBG hive mind.

We all loved it except Robin who was angry! Angry! Angry! We had a fantastic discussion as we tried to deconstruct Robin’s reaction. It had echoes of the infamous Room discussion but less heated. We’re older and wiser now.

Nick loved it

Nick - / Tristan 7 / Nigel 8 / Keith 8 / Robin 1 / Hamish 10 / Roland - did not watch 

HBG endorse it: 9 January 2026 - 12 February 2026

TV

Rebus (BBC iPlayer)

Waiting For The Out (BBC iPlayer)

Bowie: The Final Act (Channel 4)

Small Prophets (BBC iPlayer)

Bleak House (BBC iPlayer)

FILM

Shiva Baby (Mubi)

Hamnet (Cinema)

No Other Way (Cinema)

PODCASTS

Desert Island Discs

Mark Steel: WTF is Going On? Ep 177-178 with Robin Ince

BOOKS

American Tabloid (1995) by James Ellroy

The Heart’s Invisible Furies by John Boyne 

Putin by Philip Short

PLACES

North Norfolk/Walsingham