In the year 1832, in a tiny village on the west coast of Africa, lived a twelve-year-old boy named Dembe. Although small for his age, Dembe made up for his size with his large personality and determined spirit. You see, Dembe always believed he was destined to achieve something great. Not because he wanted others to admire him or thought himself better than everyone else, but simply because deep inside, some would say deep in his soul, he heard Mother Africa’s beautiful voice telling him so.