The Kompa Nanzi stories have been passed down for generations, echoing West African Anansi folklore mixed with the everyday struggles and humor of Curaçao and other Islands in the Dutch Caribbean.

One of the most famous Kompa Nanzi tales on the islands is how he tricked the powerful landowner Shon Arei and won one of his prized cows—e Baka Pintá. More than just one of Nanzi’s usual tricks, this story is a reminder of the struggles of the powerless against those who hold all the wealth and control.

 

The Story

The king, Shon Arei had a problem. One of his biggest fields was completely overgrown with stinging nettles, making it useless for planting or grazing. He needed it cleared, but he wasn’t about to do the work himself. So, he came up with a challenge:

"Whoever clears this field without scratching themselves wins my fattest, most beautiful cow. But if they fail, they’ll be hanged!"

Well, people loved the idea of a free cow, but not so much the hanging part. No one wanted to take the risk—except, of course, Kompa Nanzi.

At home, Shi Maria, his ever-wise wife, begged him to leave it alone.
"Nanzi, bo ta loko! That cow is not worth your life!" she cried.

But Nanzi, as always, was stubborn. He kissed his wife, waved goodbye to his kids, and strolled off to Shon Arei’s palace, whistling like a man without a care in the world.

When he arrived, the landowner laughed in his face.
"You? A tiny spider? You really that eager to die?"

Nanzi just bowed, grinning.
"Not to die, Shon Arei. To win my cow."

 

The Trick That Won the Prize

Before starting, Nanzi made one small request:
"Shon Arei, since I’ll be taking home a cow today, may I first choose which one will be mine?"

Shon Arei smirked but agreed, leading Nanzi to his prized herd.

Without hesitation, Nanzi pointed at e Baka Pintá—a big, fat, spotted beauty.
"That one, Shon Arei. The one with a spot here, a spot there, and another spot just over here."

"Fine, Nanzi. But you better win it!"

And with that, Nanzi was led to the nettles, where a group of soldiers stood watching him closely. The second he started pulling weeds, his skin began to itch. But he knew they were waiting to catch him scratching.

Then, he had an idea.

"Say, Corporal! You see my cow? You know which one is mine?"

"It’s the one with a spot here, a spot there, a spot over here, and a spot over there!"

And with every word, Nanzi scratched himself, pointing to his arm, his chest, his back—exactly where the cow had spots.

The corporal and soldiers, focused on the challenge, saw nothing strange. To them, Nanzi was just proudly pointing at his future cow.

For half an hour, he kept up his little performance, scratching in plain sight, but no one noticed. When he finished, the entire field was cleared—and the soldiers swore he never scratched once.

Shon Arei had no choice but to declare him the winner.

 

The Trickster’s Victory

And so, Kompa Nanzi returned home with his Baka Pintá, singing at the top of his lungs.
His wife and children rushed to meet him, laughing and cheering:

"Long live Papa Nanzi!"

The villagers chuckled, the soldiers shook their heads, and even Shon Arei had to laugh. He had been played, but a deal was a deal. Nanzi had outsmarted them all.

 

Legacy of the Story

The story of Kompa Nanzi i e Baka Pintá is still one of the most beloved tales on the islands. It even inspired famous musicians, like Randal Corsen and Izaline Calister, who made the song E Baka Pintá popular across the island.

And at the heart of it all, Nanzi’s story remains a reminder that no matter the odds, there’s always a way to turn things in your favor—if you’re clever enough to see it.

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