The Weird, Wild, Wacky World of Cryptozoology: Ladies and Gentleman, Allow Me To Introduce Popobawa.

Africa, as a continent, is still considered to be a land of great mystery where many secrets are still hidden away from the watchful eye of our modern technological world. For centuries strange stories of bizarre animals that just should not be have made many cast a curious eye towards the dark continent and wonder if perhaps Africa plays host to such creatures as living dinosaurs and the ancient ancestors of mankind that have failed to evolve past their more primate appearance. However, despite these ancient tales of living fossils a more recent addition to the ever expanding cryptozoo has made it’s presence known and basically scares the shit out of those who claim that this creature is a very real threat. Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce, Popobawa.

Popobawa, if it exists, is one of those bizarre cryptids that goes so far beyond the imagination it is almost impossible to pin down. The creature who’s name means simply, “Bat-wing” in the Swahili language, has been described in so many different ways many believe this animal could possibly be a shape shifter that can appear in any form that it desires to whomever is unfortunate enough to witness it’s appearance. However, the most common description given by witnesses describes a creature that is three to four feet tall, a human like body colored in a deep blood red, a giant single eyeball is set in the center of the beast’s head and giant bat like wings are said to sprout from the creatures back. The one physical attribute that scares the bejeezus out of many most specifically men, is the giant continously erect penis that the creature sports quite possibly making this evil gargoyle like entity the poster child for viagra.

The women of the Tanzanian island of Pemba, where the creature is believed to haunt need not fear a visitation from this horny little winged imp, however the men are the ones that seriously need to worry for Popobawa craves one thing and one thing only, choice, prime, grade A man booty. It is said that Popobawa pays a visit to a different male subject every night to get it’s proverbial freak on. Popobawa is said to annouce it’s arrival by scratching on the roof of the house of his victims and before it is to late the creature attacks pinning it’s victim to the bed anally raping it’s male victim time and time again before leaving at the break of dawn. When considering the attacks of the Popobawa one can not help but be reminded of the stories that arose out of medievel Europe of succubus and incubus attacks upon humans as they slept. Others believe that what the victims are experiencing is a form of sleep paralysis. The more scientific explanation seems plausible if it were not for the fact that practically every dude in Tanzania has reported being attacked by the evil little beast at least once in their lives.

Like the Chupacabras of Latin America, Popobawa is a fairly recent addition to the world of Cryptozoology. The most popular story concerning the origin of this winged weirdo centers around an insane Sheihk who in the late 1960s, created the beastie from practicing black magic to take revenge upon his enemies. Unfortunately the mad Sheihk lost control of his demonic creation and Popobawa started it’s campaign of being a pain in the ass (Pun totally intended) on the lives of the male population of Tanzania. One curious story from 1971 speaks of a young Tanzanian girl who was possessed by the demonic creature and warned all those present that if they did not spread the word of his existence his attacks would become more furious and more dangerous. Needless to say by the end of the day the dude population became very aware.

Many researchers are highly skeptical concerning the existence of the Popobawa for very good reason. It is widely believed that the creature was a brilliant ploy by the government to create mass panic among the uneducated and highly superstitious populace to keep them in line. When you think about it what better way to keep the male urge of rebellion silent by creating a story of a demonic creature that seeks to rob them of their masculinity. However to play devil’s advocate if the Popobawa does exist just thinking of his depredations sure makes my butt hurt.

Rick E. Hale
t_seeker@hotmail.com