The News Keeps Coming.....
BAD WEEK
CBS News Family/Journalism Profession: The news of Ed Bradley's death today has not just CBS news but the entire journalism profession.
Republican Party: American's spoke and the GOP lost quite a number of seats in the House and Senate in the November 7th primaries. The Democrats now have control of Congress after 12 years and it's going to be a rough and tough next two years for the Bush administration. It is so tough that the Republican Committee chair Ken Melhman is stepping down. And where is Karl Rove, the ultimate super campaign strategist that the GOP boasted so braggadaciously about in the past? I wonder.
President George Bush: No disrespect meant to Mr. President but is he shaking in his cowboy boots or what? He's certainly not a happy camper due to the out come of the election. He gave some speeches yesterday and today and you could hear the tension in his voice. Hopefully now he will understand the need for a change in his administrations policies and rhetoric. Only in America sha... but I see Nigeria is learning little by little.
Donald Rumsfeld: You're Fired!! Old Rummy got the 'snake hand' from 'Dubyah'. The major casualty of the power of Voting. I am sure there'll be more. Gosh Darn it!!! Now I wish I had gone to vote though.
FOX NEWS & Bill O'reilly: Oooohhhh are they licking their wounds right now. How about this afternoon they had a commentator talking about how the media is to blame for the Democrats win. OK? Why does the media get blamed all the time even by fellow media. Crazy innit?
Saddam Hussein: Perhaps the only thing that has gone well in the War in Iraq. Ironically it is the only thing that the Iraqi insurgents agree with the US on. He deserves whatever is served to him. However I do not support capital punishment and I believe he is worse off if he is locked up in jail so that he can think about how bad he has been. All in favor of a 'time-out' for Saddam say I.
Andy Uba: Former aide-de-presidente to Obasanjo is regretting he stole from the national cake. His alleged girl friend Loretta Mabinton is also implicated for collecting money to purchase a Mercedes Benz for Mr. Uba.
K-Fed-Ex: Mr Britney Spears also known as Kevin Federline, the rapper, got kicked to the curb by a 'K-Fed-Up' Britney Spears. Ok ya'll it is so sad that everybody cheered and was happy about this divorce. As pathetic a couple as they were, since when did we start rooting for people's marriage to fail. Is that what America has come to. I think in the next election there should be a measure or proposition to Ban marriage for Celebrities/Public figures andmake them have at least a 5 year commitment before they can be allowed to diverce. Lol. Anyways K-Fed was wacker than crack, I just hope he can find a job. I call on Fed-EX to 'pick-him-up' for an ad or something so that his last claim to fame will be beneficial. Other's not having such a good week in the marriage arena include Chris Rock and his wife, Reese and Ryan and according to one of those grocery store tabloid headlines, George and Laura (whatever Enquirer)
GOOD WEEK
Democrats: Those flaming liberals now have a hold of Congress. Let just pray they don't go crazy on their marijuana and approve every leftist bill. Ok that's me being cynical. YEA!!!!! the Democrats have come to deliver America from the clutch of the Rrepublican maladministration. It's about time we have some fresh meat on the hill. Let's just pray the don't 'F-up' before 2008 and kill all homes of having Obama or Hillary running for President in 2008. They also nee dto find a solution to the War in Iraq. The ball is in their court.
Nancy Pelosi: Of all the liberals to put in charge of Congress, America chose one form San Francisco. Wow!!! Am I on another planet or what? The new Mrs. Speaker is not only the first woman speaker of the house, but also the third in line to the presidency. This means that if someone does something really stupid like may be go hunting with Dick Cheney or lets Dick Cheney pilot Airforce One and he has a heart attack, Nancy Pelosi could become president. Never has a woman been that close. The past two years has been producing a lot of first for women. The Spice Girls were way ahead of their time. This now is Girl Power!!!!
Nigeria: We are no longer the most corrupt country in the world. We not even the Top Ten neither are we the top in Africa. This week we fell woefully from 6th last year to clinch the 18th spot on Transparency Iternationals list of corrupt countries this year. WOW!!! A whole 12 point jump. Amazing. We can't even boast of being curropt anymore can we. That's RAD!!. Thanks to EFFC and Mr. Ribadu, also OBJ and Madam Okonjo-Iweala. Lets just pray we keep falling and falling further down the list. Nigeria is also in talks witha British company to launch our 2nd satellite. I still don't understand that one but OK.
China: Beijing welcomed with open arms to come and colonize Africa. This time they promise to do it better than the West did in the past.
Borat: He is definitely laughing all the way to the bank.
Ok I can't think of anything else.. did i miss anything
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ADD: Today was the 11th Anniversary of the murder of Ken Saro-Wiwa. Do this weekend Remember Saro-Wiwa , the others that made up the Ogoni 9, the Ogoni people and those in the Niger Delta whose land and resources continue to be pilliaged by major oil companies without recompense.
Friday, November 10, 2006
Thursday, November 09, 2006
ED BRADLEY: THE ANCHOR MAN WITH THE EARRING
1941- 2006
Another shockingly huge loss for the TV news profession, all Americans but Black-America especially. Veteran broadcaster and icon Ed Bradley died today at the age of 65. He had leukemia. Ed Bradley was a pioneer reporter, one of the first black male journalists to be on a major network (and stay). He earned his stripes,took risks (went off to be a freelancer for CBS in Paris on his own savings) and opened many doors for minority journalists. Even though I'm a PJ girl, I watched 60 minutes because of Ed Bradley and Andy Rooney (please God give Andy more years abeg). They can write like mad. Anyways, there are many veterans in the industry clocking old age and discovering ailments, I am afraid of the talent the industry will lose when the creator calls. We owe these guys immeasurable gratitude for their contributions. I know they may never get to read Adaure's silly blog but I just want to say a big thank you and give a cyber-hug to all the 'old-heads' of Television news; Barbara Walters, Andy Rooney, Lesley Stahl, Larry King (I sat in his chair the other day...i'll explain later), Walter Cronkite, Mike Wallace, Dan Rather, Tom Brokaw, Charlie Gibson, Charlyne Hunter-Gault and anyone else I may have unintentionally left off the list. Oh yes and before there was cable to bring CNN, and moving o yankee to get CBS and ABC there was our good old NTA Network News. Therefore, I mustn't forget Nigeria's Yinka Craig, Patrick Oke, Siene Razak Lawal, Ruth Benemisia-Opia and ofcourse the ever talkative Frank Olize, because before I started really watching American news, I was tuning into Newsline on NTA just to catch Frank and his 'don't say I told you' stories. Thanks folks!!!
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
YOU DON VOTE?
One Bad American and My Nigerian Embassy phone conversation .
So this almighty election day has arrived oh. If you have been following the news you would think that this November 7 some divine miracle is being expected. This year has been very interesting though, particularly with all the wahala that the Republican party is swimming in. This year I decided to boycott the polls. Yeah I know, I am a bad American. The worst of the kind, especially when I know that people in other countries, particularly Nigeria, die and hustle just so that they can vote. Actually, I take that back, Nigerians hate elections. I remember the last election that I witnessed on June 12 1993. I know enough people who complained about how they know their votes would be wasted because 'Maradona' would annul it of course. I also always wondered whether it was by choice that my mom and aunt were always working as poll workers on election day. My mom would be gone for days because she was training poll workers. She even appeared in one of the local newspapers, in a picture with her showing some elderly woman how to vote. We were tripped in our house meeen. I used to be like, yeah my mom is doing her civic duties and blah blah blah. Which is true, but she hated it. Lol. She always came back with sore throat and raspy voice from shouting at Nigerians. Once there was a little fracas at the polling center and they were tear-gassed. I am sure she wished not to be a poll supervisor again, but I am sure she was probably assigned to it again. I digressed.
So back to being a bad American. I decided not to vote. I can give you so many reasons, but I don't care to get into it all now. Ok so I was just being lazy and didn't bother. The one disappointment was that I was hoping this would be the year for me to break into the Republican party, but lately the word Democrat doesn't sound like a curse word. I had been contemplating the switch for the most mundane reason. Black Republicans seem to get ahead in life. Shallow? I know, but the Republican party has begun to look attractive for minorities and if you align yourself right, whether locally or even at college level, there are some gains. Anyways I will save my 'Uncle Tom' aspirations for when I am a soccer mom, right now all the only election I care about is November 2008. I don't care where I would be but I shall be doing the absentee or even flying back just to come and vote. Lol. It is that serious. Anyways I am going to work at 9am today because of election coverage. That's one part I cannot avoid, I can't even feign being sick sef. Lol. I know there are some angry people out there who will tear me apart for not voting. Guilty as charged, don't crucify me please. I will make up for it next time. All I can do is pray that the rest of you went to vote. If you didn't what were your reasons. For those of you who are unable to vote, do you wish you could have voted today and why.
Some Other Randomness
So I sent my passport to be renewed last week. I had a bad feeling something would go wrong so I was calling them at the Embassy in DC all through last week. I kept leaving messages but nobody cared to return my call to say they received the packet. I kept getting the receptionists and in my frustration this was the exchange I had with them;
ADDY: Hi, I have been trying to reach someone in the passport section. I have left several messages all week and no one has called me back.
WOMAN: (in a rich igbo flavored accent) Lemme send you back there. (sent twice)
ADDY: Sorry to bother you again but it went straight to voice mail. Is there someone I can talk to.
WOMAN: I can(t) see dem in de office so I don(t) know wuz goin' on in d'yeh ( t in parenthesis represents unvoiced)
ADDY: (trying hard not to laugh) Oh ok.. I will call back later then.
Just before 11am Pacific/2pm Eastern
ADDY: (Same thing as above)
MAN:(this time in a thick yoruba laced accent) Call back at 2 o'clock
ADDY: Isn't there anyone in the office that I can talk to?
MAN: Iz it 2 0'clock?
ADDY: (looking at the time and rather puzzled by the man answering my question with yet another question) Err.... you tell me, I am on the West Coast and it's 10.58, so I imagine it is also 2 minutes to 2.
MAN: But iz not 2 o'clock yet.
ADDY: (puzzled a bit more and trying to keep a straight face and not laugh)Err... it is only 2 minutes to 2 o'clock... Are they on break or something.
MAN: Ehn .. dey are on break
ADDY: So are you saying everybody in the office went on break at the same time or that the office closed and reopens at 2pm.
MAN: I say dey are on break .... call back in 10 minits.
ADDY: But you said they will be back at 2....it is 2 o'clock now.
MAN: You want toe go to voicemail?
ADDY: No.. I would like to get somebody
MAN: Ok call back in 10 minits den
ADDY: Ok.. Thanks. (hangs up phones and has a good little chuckle...Only when Nigerians are involved that one can have a rather colorful conversation)
(MORE RANDOMNESS IN WAY OF PHOTOS COMING LATER)
Ps. My blogging will be very very sporadic and probably on a weekly basis for the next month due to being too busy and then i'll try to send dispatches from Nigeria through much of December, NEPA permitting. So watch out for that by the Grace of God.
So this almighty election day has arrived oh. If you have been following the news you would think that this November 7 some divine miracle is being expected. This year has been very interesting though, particularly with all the wahala that the Republican party is swimming in. This year I decided to boycott the polls. Yeah I know, I am a bad American. The worst of the kind, especially when I know that people in other countries, particularly Nigeria, die and hustle just so that they can vote. Actually, I take that back, Nigerians hate elections. I remember the last election that I witnessed on June 12 1993. I know enough people who complained about how they know their votes would be wasted because 'Maradona' would annul it of course. I also always wondered whether it was by choice that my mom and aunt were always working as poll workers on election day. My mom would be gone for days because she was training poll workers. She even appeared in one of the local newspapers, in a picture with her showing some elderly woman how to vote. We were tripped in our house meeen. I used to be like, yeah my mom is doing her civic duties and blah blah blah. Which is true, but she hated it. Lol. She always came back with sore throat and raspy voice from shouting at Nigerians. Once there was a little fracas at the polling center and they were tear-gassed. I am sure she wished not to be a poll supervisor again, but I am sure she was probably assigned to it again. I digressed.
So back to being a bad American. I decided not to vote. I can give you so many reasons, but I don't care to get into it all now. Ok so I was just being lazy and didn't bother. The one disappointment was that I was hoping this would be the year for me to break into the Republican party, but lately the word Democrat doesn't sound like a curse word. I had been contemplating the switch for the most mundane reason. Black Republicans seem to get ahead in life. Shallow? I know, but the Republican party has begun to look attractive for minorities and if you align yourself right, whether locally or even at college level, there are some gains. Anyways I will save my 'Uncle Tom' aspirations for when I am a soccer mom, right now all the only election I care about is November 2008. I don't care where I would be but I shall be doing the absentee or even flying back just to come and vote. Lol. It is that serious. Anyways I am going to work at 9am today because of election coverage. That's one part I cannot avoid, I can't even feign being sick sef. Lol. I know there are some angry people out there who will tear me apart for not voting. Guilty as charged, don't crucify me please. I will make up for it next time. All I can do is pray that the rest of you went to vote. If you didn't what were your reasons. For those of you who are unable to vote, do you wish you could have voted today and why.
Some Other Randomness
So I sent my passport to be renewed last week. I had a bad feeling something would go wrong so I was calling them at the Embassy in DC all through last week. I kept leaving messages but nobody cared to return my call to say they received the packet. I kept getting the receptionists and in my frustration this was the exchange I had with them;
ADDY: Hi, I have been trying to reach someone in the passport section. I have left several messages all week and no one has called me back.
WOMAN: (in a rich igbo flavored accent) Lemme send you back there. (sent twice)
ADDY: Sorry to bother you again but it went straight to voice mail. Is there someone I can talk to.
WOMAN: I can(t) see dem in de office so I don(t) know wuz goin' on in d'yeh ( t in parenthesis represents unvoiced)
ADDY: (trying hard not to laugh) Oh ok.. I will call back later then.
Just before 11am Pacific/2pm Eastern
ADDY: (Same thing as above)
MAN:(this time in a thick yoruba laced accent) Call back at 2 o'clock
ADDY: Isn't there anyone in the office that I can talk to?
MAN: Iz it 2 0'clock?
ADDY: (looking at the time and rather puzzled by the man answering my question with yet another question) Err.... you tell me, I am on the West Coast and it's 10.58, so I imagine it is also 2 minutes to 2.
MAN: But iz not 2 o'clock yet.
ADDY: (puzzled a bit more and trying to keep a straight face and not laugh)Err... it is only 2 minutes to 2 o'clock... Are they on break or something.
MAN: Ehn .. dey are on break
ADDY: So are you saying everybody in the office went on break at the same time or that the office closed and reopens at 2pm.
MAN: I say dey are on break .... call back in 10 minits.
ADDY: But you said they will be back at 2....it is 2 o'clock now.
MAN: You want toe go to voicemail?
ADDY: No.. I would like to get somebody
MAN: Ok call back in 10 minits den
ADDY: Ok.. Thanks. (hangs up phones and has a good little chuckle...Only when Nigerians are involved that one can have a rather colorful conversation)
(MORE RANDOMNESS IN WAY OF PHOTOS COMING LATER)
Ps. My blogging will be very very sporadic and probably on a weekly basis for the next month due to being too busy and then i'll try to send dispatches from Nigeria through much of December, NEPA permitting. So watch out for that by the Grace of God.
Thursday, November 02, 2006
THE GODS ARE NOT TO BLAME
Borishade Reappointed but not fired?
Thanks Bella for the heads up on Obasanjo Reappointing his friend Borishade as the Minister of Culture and Tourism instead of firing him for the poor job he did as Minister of Aviation. In the words of Queen B and as Oyin put it, all I can say is WARAMESS!!!! We better watch out for an epidemic to hit and kill all the animals in the zoo and resrves because it appears this guy carries some bad luck with him from ministry to ministry. I am told he was once the Minister of Education too. I'll be back to misyarn about this one soon.
Thanks Bella for the heads up on Obasanjo Reappointing his friend Borishade as the Minister of Culture and Tourism instead of firing him for the poor job he did as Minister of Aviation. In the words of Queen B and as Oyin put it, all I can say is WARAMESS!!!! We better watch out for an epidemic to hit and kill all the animals in the zoo and resrves because it appears this guy carries some bad luck with him from ministry to ministry. I am told he was once the Minister of Education too. I'll be back to misyarn about this one soon.
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Been Gone Till November
Blow a Kiss to My Mama
Alright, I know, I have be slacking on the blogs lately but it is not my fault. Things are crazy where I am sitting. So much to do and so little time on earth to do it. I have not spent a weekend at home since September. No, not parties, just more work and more work. But I aint complaining. Anyways, as Andy said to Merit in Living In Bondage, 'Rapu, n'ife adigo nma'.... things are better. Omo, that is one movie I want to watch again. I always wanted to act an Igbo film because of that movie. The Igbo dialect they used was just too romantic. As in can a hot looking brother rap to me in such a beautiful manner. Can I get an 'Nne ogini bu afa gi' not 'Nne What is ya name?'
Anyways November will be an interesting month. Especially for you wedding fans. Yes Addy has a wedding to go to. Yippie. I got my plane ticket to NC to attend Remi and Babs wedding and see my darling friends Ndidi, Singto and Des as well as folks from church. I miss all ya'll. One problem though, I hope it is not too cold there. I am allergic to cold weather. Anyways I'll bring you some coverage of this one. Also look out for my dispatch on Funmi and Tunde by the grace of God barring any interruptions in the nature of Village trips. Will probably crash a few weddings in the East in December. I also hear they are doing them on Thursdays now.
On a random note, why is it that every time I want to enter my house I have this 'duh' moment. On several occasions I have attended to open my house door with my car's 'keyless entry'. As in I am standing in front of my door and clicking and wondering why the door hasn't popped open. Sometimes I surprise myself.
Anyways not much else is happening. I am trying to do a garage/ house/wardrobe cleaning sale. I am having hair-esteem issues. Considering getting a perm even more seriously. I washed my car, made spaghetti. The last time I cooked was when I made 'Lasagna' almost two months ago. Did I tell you guy's about that. Hmh... I am too embarrassed to show you the pictures. I tossed it after eating it the third time. It just came out wrong. And it is getting COLD.
Ok let me not bore you with rubbish gist. There are pressing matters at hand, such as who will take the blame for this plane crash. Oh yeah Mr. Borishade is blaming the dead pilot. Imagine that. I shan't even comment further. President Obasanjo needs to fire Borishade immediately. Or is he waiting for the 'angry muslims of the north' to go on a rampage before he does. Because it appears that's the only time when 'gofment' acts. I am surprised there's not been an uproar yet considering the magnitude of the loss or have I spoken to soon yet again. Meanwhile the nepotism only continues as the Battle for Sokoto begins. It will be a shame if the Nigerians and the media allow themselves to be distracted by that rather than focus on the critical issues. Hopefully the 6 months left in Obasanjo's regime will not see any more victims of Borishade's tenure. And they say they want to boost tourism...more like boosting terrorism. That is, the terror of flying Nigerian skies.
But bros, how we go do for Christmas. Nowadays, riding a donkey or camel seems to be the safest means of transportation in Nigeria. You say you wan enter CANOE, Delta hoodlums and kidnappers no go gree make you pass. You say you wan swim, na so alligator and crocodile go use pesin chop yanfu yanfu. You say make you enter Bicycle or Okada or just bone for you leg-edes benz, na so one bloody 19 guy for Mercedes go wan jam you enter bush or splash 'poyopoto' for white brocade. You say make you kukuma drive ya own Car, na so armed-robber go bust ya tire car the moto go. You say make you enter Molue or luxurious, na for inside lagoon pesin go meet God. Nna na wetin? Abi na 'broom' we go wan begin dey use comot like 'winch'. The thing don pass me o.
ADDENDUM:) Here is a link to a petition calling for Borishade's firing. Don't know if it will make a difference even considering there's just about 6 months left in the administration. It will take longer than six months to fix the industry. But if it will saves some lives by putting someone competent in that role for only 6 months, I say fire away.
Then I have been reading that people are saying 'don't blame Mr. Minister, he is not God,' it is 'Allah's Will' and 'God allowed it to happen' blah blah blah. I am in no position to put together a well written argument on the issue but here's what i have to say. I guess the real culprit then is God not Borishade right. So we should fire start a petition to fire God and Allah if that is the case then. COME THE 'F' ON PEOPLE..... ARE WE REALLY SERIOUSLY GOING TO LEAVE IT AT THAT. 5 PLANE CRASHES IN ONE ADMINISTRATION IS TOO MUCH TO BE THE WORK OF GOD. MAN HAS RESPONSIBILITY IN THIS WORLD TOO. (The devil must be celebrating because he hasn't be blamed yet) See the comment section for more and please fire away your comments.
Alright, I know, I have be slacking on the blogs lately but it is not my fault. Things are crazy where I am sitting. So much to do and so little time on earth to do it. I have not spent a weekend at home since September. No, not parties, just more work and more work. But I aint complaining. Anyways, as Andy said to Merit in Living In Bondage, 'Rapu, n'ife adigo nma'.... things are better. Omo, that is one movie I want to watch again. I always wanted to act an Igbo film because of that movie. The Igbo dialect they used was just too romantic. As in can a hot looking brother rap to me in such a beautiful manner. Can I get an 'Nne ogini bu afa gi' not 'Nne What is ya name?'
Anyways November will be an interesting month. Especially for you wedding fans. Yes Addy has a wedding to go to. Yippie. I got my plane ticket to NC to attend Remi and Babs wedding and see my darling friends Ndidi, Singto and Des as well as folks from church. I miss all ya'll. One problem though, I hope it is not too cold there. I am allergic to cold weather. Anyways I'll bring you some coverage of this one. Also look out for my dispatch on Funmi and Tunde by the grace of God barring any interruptions in the nature of Village trips. Will probably crash a few weddings in the East in December. I also hear they are doing them on Thursdays now.
On a random note, why is it that every time I want to enter my house I have this 'duh' moment. On several occasions I have attended to open my house door with my car's 'keyless entry'. As in I am standing in front of my door and clicking and wondering why the door hasn't popped open. Sometimes I surprise myself.
Anyways not much else is happening. I am trying to do a garage/ house/wardrobe cleaning sale. I am having hair-esteem issues. Considering getting a perm even more seriously. I washed my car, made spaghetti. The last time I cooked was when I made 'Lasagna' almost two months ago. Did I tell you guy's about that. Hmh... I am too embarrassed to show you the pictures. I tossed it after eating it the third time. It just came out wrong. And it is getting COLD.
Ok let me not bore you with rubbish gist. There are pressing matters at hand, such as who will take the blame for this plane crash. Oh yeah Mr. Borishade is blaming the dead pilot. Imagine that. I shan't even comment further. President Obasanjo needs to fire Borishade immediately. Or is he waiting for the 'angry muslims of the north' to go on a rampage before he does. Because it appears that's the only time when 'gofment' acts. I am surprised there's not been an uproar yet considering the magnitude of the loss or have I spoken to soon yet again. Meanwhile the nepotism only continues as the Battle for Sokoto begins. It will be a shame if the Nigerians and the media allow themselves to be distracted by that rather than focus on the critical issues. Hopefully the 6 months left in Obasanjo's regime will not see any more victims of Borishade's tenure. And they say they want to boost tourism...more like boosting terrorism. That is, the terror of flying Nigerian skies.
But bros, how we go do for Christmas. Nowadays, riding a donkey or camel seems to be the safest means of transportation in Nigeria. You say you wan enter CANOE, Delta hoodlums and kidnappers no go gree make you pass. You say you wan swim, na so alligator and crocodile go use pesin chop yanfu yanfu. You say make you enter Bicycle or Okada or just bone for you leg-edes benz, na so one bloody 19 guy for Mercedes go wan jam you enter bush or splash 'poyopoto' for white brocade. You say make you kukuma drive ya own Car, na so armed-robber go bust ya tire car the moto go. You say make you enter Molue or luxurious, na for inside lagoon pesin go meet God. Nna na wetin? Abi na 'broom' we go wan begin dey use comot like 'winch'. The thing don pass me o.
ADDENDUM:) Here is a link to a petition calling for Borishade's firing. Don't know if it will make a difference even considering there's just about 6 months left in the administration. It will take longer than six months to fix the industry. But if it will saves some lives by putting someone competent in that role for only 6 months, I say fire away.
Then I have been reading that people are saying 'don't blame Mr. Minister, he is not God,' it is 'Allah's Will' and 'God allowed it to happen' blah blah blah. I am in no position to put together a well written argument on the issue but here's what i have to say. I guess the real culprit then is God not Borishade right. So we should fire start a petition to fire God and Allah if that is the case then. COME THE 'F' ON PEOPLE..... ARE WE REALLY SERIOUSLY GOING TO LEAVE IT AT THAT. 5 PLANE CRASHES IN ONE ADMINISTRATION IS TOO MUCH TO BE THE WORK OF GOD. MAN HAS RESPONSIBILITY IN THIS WORLD TOO. (The devil must be celebrating because he hasn't be blamed yet) See the comment section for more and please fire away your comments.
Sunday, October 29, 2006
BREAKING NEWS: YET ANOTHER PLANE CRASH
Sokoto Bound Plane Crashes in Abuja
DAAAAAAAAAAAANG!!!!!! THIS IS BAD!!!!! VERY VERY VERY BAD!!!!!! I posted this around 5.30am pacific but I am bringing it up because of the 'implications' of the crash.
According to this Yahoo Article: "Among the passengers was the sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Maccido, who is the spiritual leader of Nigeria's Muslims, according to Mustapha Shehu, spokesman for the Sokoto state government.Shehu said the sultan's son, Muhammed Maccido, a senator, also was on the flight, along with Abdulrahman Shehu Shagari, son of former Nigerian President Shehu Shagari, who was in office between 1979 and 1983."SORRY TO BE A FEAR MONGER BUT JUDGING FROM THE PAST AND CONSIDERING THIS IS ELECTION ANXIETY PERIOD THIS IS VERY VERY VERY VERY BAD!!!THERE WILL BE MANY CONSPIRACY THEORIES THAT COULD EXACERBATE MATTERS!!! IT IS NIGERIA!
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Woke up to this news just hot off the wires. It is like dejavu all over again because the same thing happened this time last year with the Bellview and Sosoliso incidents. They say it is storm related. I am not too sure about that. Condolences to any who is affected. Safe travels to all who will be venturing on journeys.
See CNN
See BBC
See article in the Nigerian Tribune Overview of the Aviation industry from Oct 26See One man's account of surviving a plane crash in Nigeria
By the way does anybody know where one can get Nigerian radio or TV station stream online? It is not a trick question. Just would like to know. And I don't mean like an online music database. Once upon a time I believe we could get Rhythm FM's(i think it was) live stream direct from their studio but the connection was some how.
DAAAAAAAAAAAANG!!!!!! THIS IS BAD!!!!! VERY VERY VERY BAD!!!!!! I posted this around 5.30am pacific but I am bringing it up because of the 'implications' of the crash.
According to this Yahoo Article: "Among the passengers was the sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Maccido, who is the spiritual leader of Nigeria's Muslims, according to Mustapha Shehu, spokesman for the Sokoto state government.Shehu said the sultan's son, Muhammed Maccido, a senator, also was on the flight, along with Abdulrahman Shehu Shagari, son of former Nigerian President Shehu Shagari, who was in office between 1979 and 1983."SORRY TO BE A FEAR MONGER BUT JUDGING FROM THE PAST AND CONSIDERING THIS IS ELECTION ANXIETY PERIOD THIS IS VERY VERY VERY VERY BAD!!!THERE WILL BE MANY CONSPIRACY THEORIES THAT COULD EXACERBATE MATTERS!!! IT IS NIGERIA!
*****************************************************
Woke up to this news just hot off the wires. It is like dejavu all over again because the same thing happened this time last year with the Bellview and Sosoliso incidents. They say it is storm related. I am not too sure about that. Condolences to any who is affected. Safe travels to all who will be venturing on journeys.
See CNN
See BBC
See article in the Nigerian Tribune Overview of the Aviation industry from Oct 26See One man's account of surviving a plane crash in Nigeria
By the way does anybody know where one can get Nigerian radio or TV station stream online? It is not a trick question. Just would like to know. And I don't mean like an online music database. Once upon a time I believe we could get Rhythm FM's(i think it was) live stream direct from their studio but the connection was some how.
ELDEE'S TRIBUTE TO MORAKS
Sun Re
A friend sent this link to me. It's Eldee tribute to Moraks. It is titled Sun Re. Absolutely beautiful song. I'll be jamming this one for a while. I hope to hear the DJ's spinning this one back home. Love it !!!Love It!! Great way to keep his memory alive. I don't need to say anymore. Kudos Eldee.
A friend sent this link to me. It's Eldee tribute to Moraks. It is titled Sun Re. Absolutely beautiful song. I'll be jamming this one for a while. I hope to hear the DJ's spinning this one back home. Love it !!!Love It!! Great way to keep his memory alive. I don't need to say anymore. Kudos Eldee.
A ROCK AND A HARD PLACE
Congo Makes Tough Choice at the Polls
Today my 'bacongo' (as I called my Congolese friends) people head to the polls to democratically elect a leader. This is an election that's being called the most important in Africa since the end of Apartheid. It is a great thing that African countries are really turning towards Democracy. The challenge is usually maintaining it and transferring it to society, the economy and turning it into food on the table for the average man. As you all know that is a 'gigantumous' struggle for lack of a word in the dictionary to express the 'grandness' of the matter.
Speaking of grand, my Congolese brothers and sisters are having to pick from a not too grand option. Well actually one is quite larger than life, a mere evidence of good living as a billionaire. He is also a 'reformed crony' of the infamous Mobutu Sese Seko. The other, well he is the son of the leader who was assassinated while in power and was ushered in to replace his father. While he has made efforts to open the doors for this election, I detest his kind. But I don't fault him, being president in Africa is like being a king. In fact a 'Super King' because you are superior to the many kings we have. Some feel it is their birth right, family right and even social baton that has to be passed down from 'padimi' to 'padimi' (buddy to buddy)See 'Paddy Paddy Government'. Hence it had become necessary for Sudanese Billionaire Mo Ibrahim offer a bribe so they will do it the right way.
Anyways these are the men who are beckoning on Congolese to vote for them. What do you think of their legacy so far. Do they strike you as having the potential to be good leaders void of the corruption? Do you think they deserve to be even in power considering the fact that they are part of the older government (by birth and association) that pillaged and plunged Congo into its current state. Do Congolese need to reward them? I guess all that on is too late to be asking right now, the question truly is who will emerge victorious and why and will Congolese make the right choice? What say ye?
Joseph Kabila
Son of Late and former rebel leader President Laurent Kabila who over threw Mobutu Sese Seko. He is described as shy and soft spoken and came into power in 2001 at the mere age of 29 after his father's assassination.
Pros: He is young and not mean looking:). Appears squeaky clean. Is from the Patrice Lumumba allied camp (and you know everybody loves Lumumba). Reaching a peace agreement to end the war, forming an all inclusive government and ushering in this election.
Cons: Once a soldier, always a soldier. Rose through the military ranks by nepotism because of his father, hence resulting in the presidency. (don't have much outside the ordinary on him)
As a Soldier
As a Civilian
Jean Pierre Bemba
A multi-millionaire by all standards. He was Mobutu's personal assistant and his sister is married to Mobutu's son. He is one of 4 vice presidents, 45 years and also a former rebel leader. While not directly responsible for his assassination, he put a lot of pressure on Laurent Kabila's government.
Pros: He has money that can solve problems and business connections. He seems very charismatic from the interviews.
Cons: Mobutu!! Mobutu!! Mobutu!! I think anyone who has ties or admires Mobutu is bad news. Rebel leader (potential of being a problem if he losses) and arms dealer. I question how he got all his money because we know it is not just through business. He looks mean. Quite an ego according to reports.
As a Soldier
*By the way thanks so much for all the lengthy comments on the adoption issue. Great insights and opinions. In the coming days we'll delve more into that and figure out ways we can turn the discussion away from Madonna and on to the Children and the issue because that's really what it is about.
Today my 'bacongo' (as I called my Congolese friends) people head to the polls to democratically elect a leader. This is an election that's being called the most important in Africa since the end of Apartheid. It is a great thing that African countries are really turning towards Democracy. The challenge is usually maintaining it and transferring it to society, the economy and turning it into food on the table for the average man. As you all know that is a 'gigantumous' struggle for lack of a word in the dictionary to express the 'grandness' of the matter.
Speaking of grand, my Congolese brothers and sisters are having to pick from a not too grand option. Well actually one is quite larger than life, a mere evidence of good living as a billionaire. He is also a 'reformed crony' of the infamous Mobutu Sese Seko. The other, well he is the son of the leader who was assassinated while in power and was ushered in to replace his father. While he has made efforts to open the doors for this election, I detest his kind. But I don't fault him, being president in Africa is like being a king. In fact a 'Super King' because you are superior to the many kings we have. Some feel it is their birth right, family right and even social baton that has to be passed down from 'padimi' to 'padimi' (buddy to buddy)See 'Paddy Paddy Government'. Hence it had become necessary for Sudanese Billionaire Mo Ibrahim offer a bribe so they will do it the right way.
Anyways these are the men who are beckoning on Congolese to vote for them. What do you think of their legacy so far. Do they strike you as having the potential to be good leaders void of the corruption? Do you think they deserve to be even in power considering the fact that they are part of the older government (by birth and association) that pillaged and plunged Congo into its current state. Do Congolese need to reward them? I guess all that on is too late to be asking right now, the question truly is who will emerge victorious and why and will Congolese make the right choice? What say ye?
Joseph Kabila
Son of Late and former rebel leader President Laurent Kabila who over threw Mobutu Sese Seko. He is described as shy and soft spoken and came into power in 2001 at the mere age of 29 after his father's assassination.
Pros: He is young and not mean looking:). Appears squeaky clean. Is from the Patrice Lumumba allied camp (and you know everybody loves Lumumba). Reaching a peace agreement to end the war, forming an all inclusive government and ushering in this election.
Cons: Once a soldier, always a soldier. Rose through the military ranks by nepotism because of his father, hence resulting in the presidency. (don't have much outside the ordinary on him)
As a Soldier
As a CivilianJean Pierre Bemba
A multi-millionaire by all standards. He was Mobutu's personal assistant and his sister is married to Mobutu's son. He is one of 4 vice presidents, 45 years and also a former rebel leader. While not directly responsible for his assassination, he put a lot of pressure on Laurent Kabila's government.
Pros: He has money that can solve problems and business connections. He seems very charismatic from the interviews.
Cons: Mobutu!! Mobutu!! Mobutu!! I think anyone who has ties or admires Mobutu is bad news. Rebel leader (potential of being a problem if he losses) and arms dealer. I question how he got all his money because we know it is not just through business. He looks mean. Quite an ego according to reports.
As a Soldier
We can only wait for the results to see who wins and who will be the bad loser. Good luck Congo, we are praying for you babes.
While we are on the election topic. How far with Nigeria's April 2007 elections? Who are the top contenders? That is one election I really am not looking forward to.
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*By the way thanks so much for all the lengthy comments on the adoption issue. Great insights and opinions. In the coming days we'll delve more into that and figure out ways we can turn the discussion away from Madonna and on to the Children and the issue because that's really what it is about.
Saturday, October 28, 2006
EXCUSE MY FRENCH BUT WHAT THE F***
ARE WE FOR REAL
This is the kind of s*** that pisses me the hell off. This news below has made me irrate today. Can you imagine. Is this now a Reality Game show...The Best AFrican Leader? WTF!?! I know it is the man's money and he can do whatever the hell he wants but is he serious? As if them being in power (and obtaining...may be not looting) is not enough for thier pocket. By the way isn't Darfur in this man's country and is the Sudan in debt? May be he is doing some things that we don't know about to help Darfur and Sudan. Kudos to him for that, but $5M to leaders for doing 'what they are supposed to do'...not for over doing and going beyond the call o... but just for doing what they are supposed to do(but then again, that too is new in Africa...not counting Nelson Mandela's reign because that would be insulting him, plus we were in Kumbayah mode on that one and celebrating the end of Apartheid, a grand feat). I have read in several places that our very own President Obasanjo is a top contender for this prize money. For real !?!? I am just annoyed at how that $5 M will be such a waste when there are pressing matters than need just quarter of a million to solve. I guess he has money out the wazoo to afford to do that. Umh...Now I see why it will take Madonna, Jay-Z and friends to come and solve our problems. This one don pass America Wonda...as in WELCOME TO AFRICA!!!
Do you think there is wisdom in this? Me I say ABSOLUTELY NOT. What do you say?
Thursday, October 26, 2006
MR. BANDA SPEAKS TO UNCLE JEFF
On Madonna Adopting David
These photo of Madonna's new family was released by her publicist today. While I don't think releasing the photos was neccessary (feeding the frenzy) David looks happy and I guess that's really what matters.
Jeff Koinange interviewed Mr. Banda and the interview will be on Anderson Cooper 360 Tonight. If you miss it you can catch it on Live with Kyra Phillips and Don Lemon at 1pm eastern. Why is CNN the only US network to have an exclusive interview(not just sound bite) with a key player in this whole adoption fiasco? Because they are the only ones in Africa. Sooner or later Uncle Jeff will have the Wesley-Snipes-Explains-his-tax-evasion exclusive because Namibia is right up his alley. You can read a preview of Mr. Banda's interview. I will try to get the transcript for those of you who don't have cable.
These photo of Madonna's new family was released by her publicist today. While I don't think releasing the photos was neccessary (feeding the frenzy) David looks happy and I guess that's really what matters.
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
MADONNA EXPLAINS HERSELF
UPDATE:
Here's a summary of what Madge had to say according to CNN.
I guess if Aunty O gives her full support to Madonna, then it's all good. On another note I commend Oprah for waiting till next week when we enter the November sweeps/ratings period. Not like she needs it. We'll also be watching Madonna on the NBC TV Concert special on November 22. May be she'll say something about the issue. The platform is neccessary. But it appears the crux of the matter is really about the violation of the law that prohibits foreign adoption in Malawi and expediting the process for Madonna because of her celebrity status. Anyways good luck to Madonna and her new family. David Banda-Ritchie will definitely have a better life as Madonna's child.
Having said that, Charity begins at home. There are thousands of 'poor, black babies', african american children, hispanic, caucasian children littered in orphanages and foster homes. They need loving homes too. You don't have to cross the ocean to adopt a child before you can MAKE A DIFFERENCE. Take the log out of your own eyes before you look for the needle in another. That applies to all of you and me too. We need to do what we can to make a difference in our homeland. We should not have to wait for foreigners to come and show us that we have an elephant in our living room. Me I have done some small little widows might in the past (including helping to bring electricity to my village and helping found/fund charities albeit with much naivete). I know I will do more in the future God willing because it's teh right thing to do. What have you done and what are you doing?
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TODAY'S OPRAH
Material girl Madonna sets the record straight about her adoption of the Malawian boy, David Banda. Here is a preview from Reuters. Check your local listings to see the full interview.
Here's a summary of what Madge had to say according to CNN.
I guess if Aunty O gives her full support to Madonna, then it's all good. On another note I commend Oprah for waiting till next week when we enter the November sweeps/ratings period. Not like she needs it. We'll also be watching Madonna on the NBC TV Concert special on November 22. May be she'll say something about the issue. The platform is neccessary. But it appears the crux of the matter is really about the violation of the law that prohibits foreign adoption in Malawi and expediting the process for Madonna because of her celebrity status. Anyways good luck to Madonna and her new family. David Banda-Ritchie will definitely have a better life as Madonna's child.
Having said that, Charity begins at home. There are thousands of 'poor, black babies', african american children, hispanic, caucasian children littered in orphanages and foster homes. They need loving homes too. You don't have to cross the ocean to adopt a child before you can MAKE A DIFFERENCE. Take the log out of your own eyes before you look for the needle in another. That applies to all of you and me too. We need to do what we can to make a difference in our homeland. We should not have to wait for foreigners to come and show us that we have an elephant in our living room. Me I have done some small little widows might in the past (including helping to bring electricity to my village and helping found/fund charities albeit with much naivete). I know I will do more in the future God willing because it's teh right thing to do. What have you done and what are you doing?
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TODAY'S OPRAH
Material girl Madonna sets the record straight about her adoption of the Malawian boy, David Banda. Here is a preview from Reuters. Check your local listings to see the full interview.
Friday, October 20, 2006
JAY -Z HITS SA FAN?
Caught on Video
Sorry to Kill the JAY-Z love going on but have you guys seen this video of JAY Z allegedly punching a South African woman on the AND network site. It is making its rounds in SA.
Is it real? This article says NO... that it happened a while ago and it is not a fan in SA but some one on his crew. What do you think? Looks like an attempt to cast a negative light on JAY-Z.
(the above is a timely break out to the real topic)
There have been some opinions about the This Day concert that featured JAY-Z and Beyonce about the cost of the tickets and the fees they were paid. Here's one sent in by a reader...
"Adaure, i was wondering why you didn't cover the This day Music festival as many other blogs did. I was waiting to post my opinion when you did, but anyways, here it is: I really don't know if I'm the only one who feels this way but something is totally amiss with the concept of the This day festival, i can't stand to watch it without getting angry; the reason? It could be that we, Nigerians have our priorities utterly misplaced. First the people dancing for 53hrs straight to break some world record, now this? HOW IN THE WORLD CAN PEOPLE PAY UP TO 100K for a show promoting foreign artistes- in a country struggling to promote our image economically and culturally?! I understand the festival's role in promoting cultural tourism but not through a misguided festival for Nigerians. We are meant to sell ourselves to the world, In my opinion, this is excessivness at its worst."
I'll share my opinion later but what say ye... do you share or oppose this reader's view?
Plus Madonna's Adoption of a Malawi boy. It's celebrities and their Africa Pet projects.
All that coming soon...in the mean time I want to hear what you have to say.
Sorry to Kill the JAY-Z love going on but have you guys seen this video of JAY Z allegedly punching a South African woman on the AND network site. It is making its rounds in SA.
Is it real? This article says NO... that it happened a while ago and it is not a fan in SA but some one on his crew. What do you think? Looks like an attempt to cast a negative light on JAY-Z.
(the above is a timely break out to the real topic)
There have been some opinions about the This Day concert that featured JAY-Z and Beyonce about the cost of the tickets and the fees they were paid. Here's one sent in by a reader...
"Adaure, i was wondering why you didn't cover the This day Music festival as many other blogs did. I was waiting to post my opinion when you did, but anyways, here it is: I really don't know if I'm the only one who feels this way but something is totally amiss with the concept of the This day festival, i can't stand to watch it without getting angry; the reason? It could be that we, Nigerians have our priorities utterly misplaced. First the people dancing for 53hrs straight to break some world record, now this? HOW IN THE WORLD CAN PEOPLE PAY UP TO 100K for a show promoting foreign artistes- in a country struggling to promote our image economically and culturally?! I understand the festival's role in promoting cultural tourism but not through a misguided festival for Nigerians. We are meant to sell ourselves to the world, In my opinion, this is excessivness at its worst."
I'll share my opinion later but what say ye... do you share or oppose this reader's view?
Plus Madonna's Adoption of a Malawi boy. It's celebrities and their Africa Pet projects.
All that coming soon...in the mean time I want to hear what you have to say.
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***********UPDATE**********
JAY-Z , This Day Concert, Madonna and the African Pet Projects
I have been waiting for the right opportunity to discuss this and I have somethings on my mind. First of all let me give all kudos to my fellow bloggers, Bella, Taureanminx and Don Chi for their exceptionally brilliant and impressive 'point-to-point-team coverage' of what was undoubtedly the biggest hip-hop concert to hit the shores of West-Africa. If I owned my own darn TV station I would hire ya'll and we would give Entertainment Tonight a run for their money Africa Style. As in did they literally put the organizing news magazine to shame or what? I hope This Day execs get to read this...SEND THE REPORTER ON THAT BEAT TO DESK DUTY FOR 2 WEEKS FOR GETTING SCOOPED ON YOUR TURF. One would think that in this day and age of New Media that a major news leader, for whom I imagine has a large number of Internet readership based in the diaspora, as is with many online Nigerian newspapers, did not provide any coverage online save for a few poorly written articles and poor quality photos. Their complete wrap up came a week later after the bloggers had floored them and the sizzle had ultimately fizzled. I hope the Internet version does not reflect the hard copy coverage. That having been said the organizers, This Day truly out did and surpassed expectations and deserve due credit. It is easy to sit at my computer, millions of miles away and lambaste, criticize and theorize about their choices, motives and our priorities as a nation. That's a mental exercise that some of us burden ourselves with when in actuality no body gives a flip. The concert is like so over, Jay-Z, Beyonce and Busta are gone and I am freaking bitter. As much as I would have sworn not to pay the ridiculous amount that was the cost of the ticket (ranging from an equivalent of $200 -$800 depending on who you ask), as a typical Nigerian girl, I would have shamelessly found an 'Aristo' or 'interested-fellow' to foot the bill, not just because paying such an excessive amount on a concert or item of limited value goes against my principles but because there is less guilt in spending someone else's money. As a last resort a puppy face for my old-man or a series of 'successive-obtainments' from him would have done the trick and gotten me either the cheapest possible ticket available or the VIP ticket respectively. Again, the later being highly unlikely because of prudence. I probably would have pocketed the money and tried to get a FREE press pass.
But hypocrisy, fan flare and aspersions aside, it begs to question, what was this concert about because it appears to be double faced in the way it was presented versus what it was really about. And did our senators and governors get courtesy tickets or did they seriously pay $1000 to attend a hip-hop concert while their constituents live on a less than a $1 a day (Scratching my head...skewered priorities?). I am sure I am not the only one asking this or who was thinking this as I read down the list of dignitaries who attended? I also have to ask did we really need 'foreign' musicians to front line a music festival about 'Nigerian Independence'? It looked more like a 'July 4th' celebration on 'October 1st' because it was not about Nigerian music but American music. Truth be told no one really cared about the Nigerian acts, they were there just to fill up time.
Then what is up with Jay Z masquerading what is indeed an 'Africa Tour' ahead of his album release as a UN mission and about water conservation. Who are we kidding? For all intents and purposes bringing awareness to the water shortage is noble but after reading this article, not asking whether this whole thing is less about water shortage than his comeback is simply fatuous. This is a classic form of patronization. I would probably differ in opinion if Jay Z and co turned around and gave back their concert fee to a cause in the places they visited but since all the buzz I am yet to read anything about either of these people making any donation to either the water project or the places they have visited in Africa. My 'google news alert ' has been known to be slow on delivery so fill me in if you have any information that shows otherwise. And if I may borrow the words of Y.A and I quote "I don't remember any (US) state governor having Styl-Plus help open power plant(re:borehole) when they came over here o". Lol... seeing Jay Z in the Emir regalia though was priceless and showed he was really into his trip.
Truth be told lending his image to the cause will help turn the world eyes to the continent and the issue. In addition the success of this concert has been kinda positive for Nigeria. I say that hesitantly because the concert is what it is, entertainment...that's being used as part of an image building campaign. Without the facts behind the deal (relying on news articles)I can't say too much but let me put it in a term that paints a clearer picture. This would be like giving incentives and tax breaks (performance fee) to lure Transnationals (high profile celebrities) sample our market (entertain us) and help refine our crude oil (improve our image) by shipping it out of the country (positive media coverage and buzz) so that it becomes more attractive and is of more value. The success of which is expected to result in more Transnationals and conglomerates to becomes interested (foreign investment) so as to boost our economy. Hmh...I don't know about that over simplified theory but that seems to be what is most implied. Misguided as it may be it makes small sense and could actually work. It is still to soon to call the jury out on that. But over all, the concert was entertaining, Nigerians loved it, it brought business for some people, and took away other people's pocket money. It was hip-hop at its best with a promise of more to come. Hopefully P.Diddy, John Legend (whom ever else is famouse that year) May be it is just us in the diaspora, and those who have high speed internet and extra times on our hands, but I am hoping we can get to a point where we won't have to ask these hard questions and just see things as mundane as this on the face value for what they are. But who am I kidding, it's Nigeria we are talking about and sometimes that's kinda hard.
Coincidentally another celebrity was also in Africa making the rounds just like Jay Z, Anderson Cooper, George Clooney etc. I guess the past month it has all been about somebody famous or the other going to Africa. Truth be told celebrities have good intentions and mean well to lend their images to certain causes but some of them make it about themselves that they defeat the purpose and essence of why they were there in the first place. Our dear Madonna and her adoption issue for example. Is she copying Brangelina or this is just Madonna being Madonna? Attention Seeker.... I just wonder? This whole adoption of a 'poor unfortunate African baby' is beginning to look more like a fad than anything. One reminiscent of the Hollywood celebrity and their Chihuahua and toy-puppy phase (@ Calabar Girl I drew this parallel before your comment so let's just say great minds think alike). These are children we are talking about not goods or animals at Petco. What should we expect next Paris and Nicole adopting African babies too. Believe you me that's coming soon to your next tabloid stand. Let's also not forget the rave that it was also for Americans to adopt Asian children. If I recall correctly didn't some of them end up in the sex trafficking trade?
So now that Malawi's government has expedited Madonna's adoption of the child does that now mean that the law that disallows adoption by non-resident is no longer valid? This again is another between a rock and hard place situation because Madonna's situation is bringing well needed and over due attention to the many Aids orphans but does it have to be about her as well. Some of these celebs should take a cue from Oprah and Bono who have mastered the art of being entertainment celebrity philanthropist without casting too much of the spotlight on themselves and turning it into PR. George Clooney and his dad are also doing it well with the Darfur matter. The more the merrier but this should not be an exercise in egotistical splendor. When people start questioning your motives then perhaps it is time to reacess and say 'Wait a minute' because you must have sent the wrong unintended message. Africa has been exploited enough, there is not need to exploit us any more. Rather than all this misplaced need to give a child a 'loving home' away from home how about sponsoring the child's upkeep and education, build and maintain a school for the orphans, build, equip and sponsor an Aids of Fistula clinic, buy sewing machines for the women in shelters to learn a trade. These would go a longer way than shopping for a baby to bring into a dysfunctional lifestyle that the Hollywood celebrity life can be. One day one marriage another divorce, custody battle, paparazzi problem. Life in the quiet African Village without electricity begins to seem more appealing amidst that chaos . Many of us are afraid to say this but I will... lets pray some of these children don't turn into your stereotypical Hollywood kids who are strung out on drugs and alcohol by the time they are legal.
Again who the hell am I? If it bother's me that much perhaps I should step away from my computer and go and that which I think is proper. It is not my place to judge or question people's personal or business choices and motives. What they do with their time, money and fame. I am merely an observer, a citizen-Kane expressing my opinion. Am I right? I don't expect to be and don't have to be. Could this all be an incoherent pointless diatribe? Perhaps so, Perhaps not, I have put it out there, you decide. Do you have to agree with my point of view? Absolutely not, but do take one. Should you ask questions and think critically about some of the, albeit, mundane things that happen in our world today? To that I say an unequivocal 'You betcha you should'.
The Floor is open....fire away
Thursday, October 19, 2006
AWWW DAMN
Cramps, Headache and Back pain
It is going to be another rough day today. No amount of Midol seems to ever work. God why!!! why!!! why!!! do we really have to go through this every freaking month just because of a freaking apple. It wasn't even a Granny Smith. And this is just the good part. I haven't started complaining about the 9 months of a potruding belly, clothes stretched outta shape and 9 hours of labor. There's gotta be a way out that's normal...not the 4 a month thing. Ok enough of my raving.. I am off to work....I'll be high on Midol today so that I don't bite anyone.
It is going to be another rough day today. No amount of Midol seems to ever work. God why!!! why!!! why!!! do we really have to go through this every freaking month just because of a freaking apple. It wasn't even a Granny Smith. And this is just the good part. I haven't started complaining about the 9 months of a potruding belly, clothes stretched outta shape and 9 hours of labor. There's gotta be a way out that's normal...not the 4 a month thing. Ok enough of my raving.. I am off to work....I'll be high on Midol today so that I don't bite anyone.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
R.I.P MORAKS
Morakinyo Akinkoye Feb 25th 1979- Oct 13 2006
I only got the sad news this morning. Moraks was a special friend in our family...the Ex-brother-In-Law. I remember my friends (Aase and Enuka) and I making fun of how he and his friend Babs made the brownest KC white-and-white uniforms look whiter than they really were because they were just too black. I didn't know him very well then, had met him a few times after lesson through Stan and Babs and had heard his name enough times from them that he was the invisible musketeer. It wasn't until I had reason to have a wanted poster and a bounty on his head (inside joke) that I got to know him. He joined my IM list, sent me emails and even called me a few times just to see how I was doing with school(even though I was out of school). I was thinking to myself...hmh this cat is using style to suck up for approval and trying to get in good with the big sis all the way in 'Ame'. Genius. He succeeded in charming his way and every now and then we'ld jam online and just say wassup. I don't have much to say because our time shared was very limited but your loss has been deeply felt in my family. You will be sorely missed Moraks. Our family joins the Akinkoye family as they go through this tough and sad period. We pray for only laughter, smiles and fond memories instead of tears. Rest in Peace Moraks.
Read his blog Droppn-It-Like-its-Hot
Check out his HI-5
See Olawunmi's Tribute
Also see Bhookey's memories of Moraks who was his cousin and Life Through Tinted Glasses's Last conversations in HE DIED
In this circle of life we are all connected, we feel the ripple when there's one more drop or a stone thrown into the pond. Love and cherish your friends and family because they are important. Don't forget the people you meet in life, even if it is only for one minute, that minute was a destined one. Love, respect and treat your fellow human being with dignity and respect because they are the image of God on earth. Live life to the fullest, like it is your last, tomorrow continues to elude us so enjoy today while you still have it. Don't let any thing hold you down. ((((hugs))))
The comment section is silenced in his honor. Leave any condolences at this site created in Morakinyo's Memory
I only got the sad news this morning. Moraks was a special friend in our family...the Ex-brother-In-Law. I remember my friends (Aase and Enuka) and I making fun of how he and his friend Babs made the brownest KC white-and-white uniforms look whiter than they really were because they were just too black. I didn't know him very well then, had met him a few times after lesson through Stan and Babs and had heard his name enough times from them that he was the invisible musketeer. It wasn't until I had reason to have a wanted poster and a bounty on his head (inside joke) that I got to know him. He joined my IM list, sent me emails and even called me a few times just to see how I was doing with school(even though I was out of school). I was thinking to myself...hmh this cat is using style to suck up for approval and trying to get in good with the big sis all the way in 'Ame'. Genius. He succeeded in charming his way and every now and then we'ld jam online and just say wassup. I don't have much to say because our time shared was very limited but your loss has been deeply felt in my family. You will be sorely missed Moraks. Our family joins the Akinkoye family as they go through this tough and sad period. We pray for only laughter, smiles and fond memories instead of tears. Rest in Peace Moraks.
Read his blog Droppn-It-Like-its-Hot
Check out his HI-5
See Olawunmi's Tribute
Also see Bhookey's memories of Moraks who was his cousin and Life Through Tinted Glasses's Last conversations in HE DIED
In this circle of life we are all connected, we feel the ripple when there's one more drop or a stone thrown into the pond. Love and cherish your friends and family because they are important. Don't forget the people you meet in life, even if it is only for one minute, that minute was a destined one. Love, respect and treat your fellow human being with dignity and respect because they are the image of God on earth. Live life to the fullest, like it is your last, tomorrow continues to elude us so enjoy today while you still have it. Don't let any thing hold you down. ((((hugs))))
The comment section is silenced in his honor. Leave any condolences at this site created in Morakinyo's Memory
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
HOMEWORK DON LAND....PLAY TAG
The Four Memes (or whatever)
I have been tagged by Icy...ngwa begin read and get to working on your own tag too
FOUR JOBS YOU'VE HAD IN YOUR LIFE
1. Video Production Assistant (aka Camera Woman)
2. Aunty Adaure (aka House girl/Hair Braider/ Babysitter/ Laundryman and Cook)
3. Bojangles Customer Service Rep (aka Fast Food Cashier...quit the job after two weeks and became vegetarian)
4. Journalist with local ABC and CBS stations, a newspaper and an intern for a cable network (aka busting my ass for that resume)
FOUR FICTIONAL JOBS YOU WISH YOU HAD
1. Princess Adaure of the Serengeti (it is a tough job ruling a Kingdom)
2. President (haven't decided what country that's why it is fictional)
3. First Woman to Play in the NBA
4. Music Video Ho (I actually wrote a poem about it because it is so unattainable for me)
bonus: Bollywood Actress :)
FOUR MOVIES YOU COULD WATCH OVER AND OVER AGAIN
1. Sound of Music
2. Franco Zeffirelli's Romeo and Juliet (the one with Mary from Jesus on Nazareth)
3. Kuch Kuch Ho Tai
4. Eve's Bayou
CITIES YOU'VE LIVED IN
1. Lagos, Nigeria (Iwaya Rd Onike, Oworonshoki, Akoka)
2. Charlotte NC
3. Durham, Chapel Hill NC
4. Santa Maria CA
FOUR TV SHOWS YOU LOVE TO WATCH
1. Anderson Cooper 360/ and whatever else I catch on CNN
2. Desperate Housewives
3. Girlfriends
4. ANTM
FOUR PLACES YOU'VE BEEN ON VACATION/TRAVELED TO
1. Orlu/ Owerri/ My Village ...Imo State Nigeria
2. Benin, Edo State
3. Disney World, Orlando FL
4. Myrtle Beach SC....I felt like I was going to get lynched any moment
FOUR WEBSITES YOU VISIT DAILY
1. Yahoo
2. Blogger and Company
3. CNN
4. Google
FOUR OF YOUR FAVORITE FOODS
1. Ramen Noodles or Banquet Microwave Dinner(Na Condition make Crayfish bend)
2. Freshly pound yam and Ofe Owerri with Eju and Isam (veg. soup with snails and periwinkle)
3. Garri with Ogbono with Bitter leaf and assorted
4. Rice and fried goat or cow meat stew
FOUR THINGS YOU WON'T EAT
1. Akpu (pounded cassava fufu)
2. Sushi
3. Amala
4. Cherries (allergic....they cause my ears and throat to itch like crazy)
FOUR THINGS YOU WISH YOU COULD EAT OR DRINK RIGHT NOW
1. SHRIMP, lots of it, as in I am in cloud 9 thinking about it ....but I am allergic.
2. Ribena or Lucozade
3. I am kinda craving Chinese as I type
4. A good fufu meal with Egusi Soup (just regular is manageable for me)
FOUR THINGS IN YOUR BEDROOM
1. A hot mess ( shoes, clothes, cups and plates everywhere)
2. No bloke
3. Knife and Fork
4. a packed mini-suit case
FOUR THINGS YOU WISH YOU HAD IN YOUR BEDROOM
1. A water bed
2. A jacuzzi
3. A chilled bottle of Don P.
4. John Legend
FOUR THINGS YOU ARE WEARING RIGHT NOW
1. Brown ankara/abada Wrapper with blue stars
2. Brown bra and pant to match
3. slippers
4. ok.....count my braids in too (I Swear I am not making this up)
FOUR PLACES I'D RATHER BE RIGHT NOW
1. On a Mediterranean beach with John Legend
2. Rocking some runway in Paris or Milan
3. In Iraq or Afghanistan covering the War
4. In Nigeria (it'll be kinda crowded don't ya'll think)
FOUR FICTIONAL PLACES I'D RATHER BE RIGHT NOW
1. Under the Sea ( Little Mermaid)
2. A World with PEACE
3. The Land of Milk and Honey... from the Bible
4. Lagos without Smog and Traffic Jam
FOUR PEOPLE YOU’D REALLY LOVE TO HAVE DINNER WITH
1. Oprah
2. Nelson Mandela
3. Christiane Amanpour
4. John Legend
FOUR THINGS YOU ARE THINKING RIGHT NOW
1. hmh.... I am not sure if I can reveal what's 'really' on my mind
2. Packing up for Christmas in Nigeria
3. Why do I have breasts and periods
4. My next career move
FOUR OF YOUR FAVORITE THINGS
1. My family
2. the love of my life
3. my dear friends
4. Just being Me.... plain ol' Adaure....ya'll know there's none better than the original
FOUR PEOPLE YOU TAG
1. Kulutempa
2. Onada
3. Nneka
4. Aba Boy
bonus: All of you as Mr. Tortoise would say
I have been tagged by Icy...ngwa begin read and get to working on your own tag too
FOUR JOBS YOU'VE HAD IN YOUR LIFE
1. Video Production Assistant (aka Camera Woman)
2. Aunty Adaure (aka House girl/Hair Braider/ Babysitter/ Laundryman and Cook)
3. Bojangles Customer Service Rep (aka Fast Food Cashier...quit the job after two weeks and became vegetarian)
4. Journalist with local ABC and CBS stations, a newspaper and an intern for a cable network (aka busting my ass for that resume)
FOUR FICTIONAL JOBS YOU WISH YOU HAD
1. Princess Adaure of the Serengeti (it is a tough job ruling a Kingdom)
2. President (haven't decided what country that's why it is fictional)
3. First Woman to Play in the NBA
4. Music Video Ho (I actually wrote a poem about it because it is so unattainable for me)
bonus: Bollywood Actress :)
FOUR MOVIES YOU COULD WATCH OVER AND OVER AGAIN
1. Sound of Music
2. Franco Zeffirelli's Romeo and Juliet (the one with Mary from Jesus on Nazareth)
3. Kuch Kuch Ho Tai
4. Eve's Bayou
CITIES YOU'VE LIVED IN
1. Lagos, Nigeria (Iwaya Rd Onike, Oworonshoki, Akoka)
2. Charlotte NC
3. Durham, Chapel Hill NC
4. Santa Maria CA
FOUR TV SHOWS YOU LOVE TO WATCH
1. Anderson Cooper 360/ and whatever else I catch on CNN
2. Desperate Housewives
3. Girlfriends
4. ANTM
FOUR PLACES YOU'VE BEEN ON VACATION/TRAVELED TO
1. Orlu/ Owerri/ My Village ...Imo State Nigeria
2. Benin, Edo State
3. Disney World, Orlando FL
4. Myrtle Beach SC....I felt like I was going to get lynched any moment
FOUR WEBSITES YOU VISIT DAILY
1. Yahoo
2. Blogger and Company
3. CNN
4. Google
FOUR OF YOUR FAVORITE FOODS
1. Ramen Noodles or Banquet Microwave Dinner(Na Condition make Crayfish bend)
2. Freshly pound yam and Ofe Owerri with Eju and Isam (veg. soup with snails and periwinkle)
3. Garri with Ogbono with Bitter leaf and assorted
4. Rice and fried goat or cow meat stew
FOUR THINGS YOU WON'T EAT
1. Akpu (pounded cassava fufu)
2. Sushi
3. Amala
4. Cherries (allergic....they cause my ears and throat to itch like crazy)
FOUR THINGS YOU WISH YOU COULD EAT OR DRINK RIGHT NOW
1. SHRIMP, lots of it, as in I am in cloud 9 thinking about it ....but I am allergic.
2. Ribena or Lucozade
3. I am kinda craving Chinese as I type
4. A good fufu meal with Egusi Soup (just regular is manageable for me)
FOUR THINGS IN YOUR BEDROOM
1. A hot mess ( shoes, clothes, cups and plates everywhere)
2. No bloke
3. Knife and Fork
4. a packed mini-suit case
FOUR THINGS YOU WISH YOU HAD IN YOUR BEDROOM
1. A water bed
2. A jacuzzi
3. A chilled bottle of Don P.
4. John Legend
FOUR THINGS YOU ARE WEARING RIGHT NOW
1. Brown ankara/abada Wrapper with blue stars
2. Brown bra and pant to match
3. slippers
4. ok.....count my braids in too (I Swear I am not making this up)
FOUR PLACES I'D RATHER BE RIGHT NOW
1. On a Mediterranean beach with John Legend
2. Rocking some runway in Paris or Milan
3. In Iraq or Afghanistan covering the War
4. In Nigeria (it'll be kinda crowded don't ya'll think)
FOUR FICTIONAL PLACES I'D RATHER BE RIGHT NOW
1. Under the Sea ( Little Mermaid)
2. A World with PEACE
3. The Land of Milk and Honey... from the Bible
4. Lagos without Smog and Traffic Jam
FOUR PEOPLE YOU’D REALLY LOVE TO HAVE DINNER WITH
1. Oprah
2. Nelson Mandela
3. Christiane Amanpour
4. John Legend
FOUR THINGS YOU ARE THINKING RIGHT NOW
1. hmh.... I am not sure if I can reveal what's 'really' on my mind
2. Packing up for Christmas in Nigeria
3. Why do I have breasts and periods
4. My next career move
FOUR OF YOUR FAVORITE THINGS
1. My family
2. the love of my life
3. my dear friends
4. Just being Me.... plain ol' Adaure....ya'll know there's none better than the original
FOUR PEOPLE YOU TAG
1. Kulutempa
2. Onada
3. Nneka
4. Aba Boy
bonus: All of you as Mr. Tortoise would say
Monday, October 16, 2006
NEW BROTHAS ON CNN
Don Lemon and TJ Holmes
I am sure you guys have noticed the new 'brothas' on CNN. Don Lemon and TJ Holmes recently came on bored. Hmh...all I can say about that is they surely know how to read the news. I mean Leon Harris and Bernard Shaw were clean but they look like my dad. Lol. I am still warming up to Don being paired with my girl Kyra. I got so used to her doing the solo thing and rocking the show that Don getting in the mix was a bit jarring at first. I will catch on soon. But Tj Holmes....Tj Holmes... let me allow you see why I called his name twice. (By the way he looks like he could be named Terrence Jamal Holmes or something)
Now 'sistuhs' ya'll can get used to waking up to that on the weekends. I will now await Singto to attack me about my light-skinned men syndrome. You can catch Mr. Holmes on Saturdays and Sundays with Betty Nguyen.
Meanwhile staying on the theme of AIDS Awareness, kudos to Don Lemon for a series of reports he did for his station in Chicago about AIDS in Africa. This picture below is not the most flattering. Catch him on the show weekdays with Kyra between 11am and 1pm eastern.
Is it just me or do they look just a tiny bit alike? They do sound alike too.
By the way Oprah fanatics... her house in Hawaii is fine according to ET. Only her vases and books took the brunt of the jolt. I'm sure she'll be aight.
Sunday, October 15, 2006
FELABRATION IS ABOUT AIDS AWARENESS
LET'S FIGHT AIDS TOGETHER
Africa's Greatest Musician
Fela Anikulapo-Kuti
Born: October 15 1939 in Abeokuta Nigeria
Died: August 2 1997 in Lagos Nigeria
Cause of death : complications resulting from AIDS
TO FELA AIDS DIDN'T EXIST BUT IT KILLED HIM
BROS AND SIS... AIDS IS REAL
E NO DEY SHOW FOR FACE
GO AND GET TESTED
ALWAYS USE A CONDOM
STICK TO ONE PARTNER
DON'T SHARE NEEDLES
STAY OFF DRUGS
IT IMPAIRS YOUR JUDGMENT
TAKING PRECAUTIONS LETS YOU LIVE LONGER
IT WILL HELP AFRICA DEFEAT AIDS
SPREAD THE MESSAGE
WHO NO KNOW GO SABI
AND WHO NO WAN SABI...
NA FOR INSIDE COFFIN E GO KNOW
VIVA AFRICA!!!!
Thanks for hanging with Addy during Felabration even though some of you were bored by the second post. Anyways I have done my part to educate you on Fela and Afrobeat. I hope you have learned something. Best students to get 10 over 10 for commenting, Aba Boy, Singto, PSB and anonymous. Go to McDonald's and buy yourself a Big Mac otherwise if we jam, drinks on me, Pure Water that is. Ok ok make I raise you small. Fanta?
Friday, October 13, 2006
GEN X AFROBEATERS
The New Sounds and Faces
In my effort not to teach you nonsense, I have been also educating my self on Afrobeat. Ther is power in knowledge and Education folks (duh). I have learnt so much over the past week about this very important part of our culture that I actually feel like an 'expert'. Today's lesson is about Afrobeat in the 21st century. The soldiers who are now carrying the torch and the message of Fela to the young Nigerians and the rest of the world. But before we go into that we have to look back and see who the people are that set the pace along with Fela. This part of today, lecture is called Sankofa; looking back into our past and understand why and how we got to today so we can move ahead to the future . If there's anyone that I am missing from this list or if you have some inside story you want to share, please leave it in the comment section. If you don't participate, I will send Fela's Area Boys to obtain from you and you know what that means.
SANKOFA
You know, Fela indeed is Afrobeat because as I was searching for people who may have been his contemporaries, I discovered they were all his former band members and friends. What a way to hold a monopoly....
Koola Lobitos was the name of Fela's band before he relocated to the US and changed it. They included Tony Oladipo Allen who was the co-founder of afrobeat and Fela's lead drummer. Fela once said, and I paraphrase without Tony Allen there would be no Afrobeat.
Dede Mabiaku was Fela's friend and protege and they had a some resemblance
Segun Damisa and the Afrobeat Crusaders who died July 17, 2006 was a Kalakuta resident
Lekan Babalola played with Fela as well, not sure if he fits under here, but his stuff is pretty good
The Future of Afrobeat
Femi Kuti was not the only one who is keeping the spirit of Afrobeat alive. Here are some new breed afrobeaters of our generation. They are helping to spread the essence of the music to a diverse audience. A Detroit newspaper calls them Fela's Children. A number of them are on independent labels so you may want to scour the internet or your local indy-music shop for their stuff. Listen to their stuff....do they match up (because none can compare) or are they just half bad.
Ade Bantu and the Afrobeat Academy. Visit the Bantu Crew website for more (psssst...hotness:)
Seun Anikulapo-Kuti and his Egypt 80 band (the remix)
Kokolo
Ramses Revolution
Boston Afrobeat Society
Afro Beat Down
Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra
Ayetoro. Also visit his Myspace page
Akoya
Chicago Afrobeat Project
I could not find many women who were band leaders. I guess that was not on the agenda, especially with the way Nigerian society is. And judging from some of Fela's lyrics and things that he has said, I can imagine him saying something like 'A woman does not play drum or blow trumpet.' Sorry if this offends anyones sensitivities but indeed Fela was an unapologetic chauvanist who objectified women. Interestingly his mother was the leading women's and human rights activist so I can't explain some of his positions. Anyways share your thoughts on this lesson and add any of the new generation that I may have left out. I will try to post pictures but now I have to run out of the house.
THE SPIRITS OF THE FIRE DANCE
Tribute to Abami's Dancing Queens
In Afrobeat, dance is the sister to the music. No african musician infused the two as a main stay in their act better than Fela (and now Femi). Back then it was Fela and his girls, now we talk about Femi and his girls. Growing up I remember watching URTNA and music interludes on NTA. Fela was one of the musicians that would show up. Back then I did not appreciate the music genre and thought he was the worst singer because his voice was so croaked up from smoking and then the songs were boringly long. But the only thing that would hold my attention were the half-naked, chalk-dotted faced women dressed in nothing but beads. Some times we would be lucky to catch them topless with great big breasts jiggling to the rhythm of the drumbeat. This forbidden sight, watching naked breasts, could get you a sound beating in my house but somehow we found our way around it and by hiding behind the chair when we were sent to our room. I used to secretly wish that I could be so free-spirited and dance like them, shake and wriggle my tiny body as gracefully as they did. But their reputation of being nothing but mere prostitutes and wayward girls, the drugs and the kind of dance they did...welll ya'll know that story. I eventually got a chance to dance as wildly one christmas when I insisted on joining the girls' dance troupe in my village. I was only 8 or 9 and my cousin and I had a blast. By 10 I decided I was a babe and was not going to parade my self to make money. Then I set my eyes for the Cultural dance troupe, but tribalism was at play as the dances were traditional yoruba dance, it appeared only Yoruba girls could be in the troupe. Their non-yoruba friends ended up drumming or shaking the shekere. By the time I got into SS1 little did I know that I would be forced into heading the Igbo Cultural dance troupe at my secondary school. It was fun but I had to sum up courage and confidence to do that. I loved it and when I got to UNC it was no surprise that I would start dancing again and even got some professional training first with some random modern dance teacher with the NC Dance theater of Charlotte and then a student with Durham's Chuck Davis Dance company.Every where I hear drums, I find it hard to just nod my head and tap my feet. I have been told by one pastor that I was possessed by dancing spirits. Even though he wa strying to be funny, I couldn't agree with him more. There are dancing spirits inside me, Fela's girls moving and shaking, dust rising at every stump of my feet. When I hear the sound of the drums, it is like a call.... 'rise up and dance.' Like a Zombie, every dead bone wakes up tothe beat.
If you have seen any of the videos or stage performances by the Kuti's you know for certain that there is no ounce of dead bone in them. They took their dancing seriously and most of all that's really what got them off the streets. I don't need to go into the negative aspects of the 'Fela Girl Syndrome' but all I have to say is that we start giving them credit for exporting african culture, rather than debase them because of the circumstances of life. After all no be condition make crayfish bend. They were as much the attraction as was Fela and his music. Below are some photos that I found. There aren't that many of them on stage online. If anyone finds some, please alert me.
Fela and His Wives by Derek Stanovsky
Ngozi's Story of life as a Fela girl
Daddy's girl Yeni Kuti the AFROBEAT DANCE PRINCESS is working hard to reverse the perception of being a dancer at Fela's Shrine. She is also trying to make dancing recognized. I am not sure how far she has gone to establish her dance school/classes as the article states, but ladies in Lagos, ya'll need to take advantage of it because dancing is a way to get toned, keep fit and shed pounds.
Check out Femi's Dancers at WOMAD 2006 (his girls are the hottest dancers on earth...Beyonce has nothing on them)
While we are on teh topic of dancing, do check out the fire dancers of UNC, OASIS's very own dance troupe now known as ZANKILIWA (Addy and company used to get down on some djembes and makossa way back when it was just 'oasis members present a dance'...lol...ok some how i ended up making this post about how i love to dance...lol... hope you enjoyed it sha...by the way na me dey fly like atilogwu dancer for that first picture:)
STILL MORE FELABRATION COMING.... 2 MORE DAY'S TO BABA'S BRITHDAY..HOW ARE YOU ENJOYING THE 'FAAJI' LIFE OF AFROBEAT?
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
KALAKUTA AFROBEAT ACADEMY
ABC's of AFROBEAT
AFROBEAT means different things to different people. This is the Afrobeat alphabet and what I think it means. I know I have been giving ya'll assignment and you have been using style to dodge by not leaving comments. But y'all need to get involved. What is AFROBEAT to you? See the rest of the assignment in the original post.
Afrobeat is AFRICA
Afrobeat is BOLD, BLACK AND BEAUTIFUL
Afrobeat is a CULTURE not just a LIFESTYLE
Afrobeat is DRUMS and DANCE
Afrobeat is ECLECTIC AND ECCENTRIC EDUCATION
Afrobeat is FELA ANIKULAPO-KUTI; Afrobeat is FIRE and FUNK
Afrobeat is GROOVE, GRASSROOT AND GOOD GOVERNMENT
Afrobeat is HIGHLIFE
Afrobeat is INTERNATIONAL
Afrobeat is from the JUNGLE JAZZ
Afrobeat is KALAKUTA REPUBLIC
Afrobeat is a LEGACY and LANGUAGE about LIFE in LAGOS
Afrobeat is not just MUSIC for the MASSES but a MOVEMENT of thePEOPLE (M.O.P)
Afrobeat is NIGERIA
Afrobeat is OJUELEGBA STRAIGHT
Afrobeat is POWER, and the POLITICS of the POOR
Afrobeat is the QUEENS of the SHRINE who shake to the beat
Afrobeat is RHYTHM
Afrobeat is SUFFERING and SMILING SORROWS AWAY to the SOUNDS of the SAXOPHONE
Afrobeat is about TRUTH and TRADITION
Afrobeat is huge part of the UNDERGROUND CULTURE of AMERICA...Will it go mainstream?
Afrobeat is VIBRATION
Afrobeat is WISDOM (not from the weed) and WHATEVER YOU WANT IT TO BE
Afrobeat is 'X-OTIC'
Afrobeat is YABIS GALORE
Afrobeat is ZERO TOLERANCE FOR CORRUPTION IN LEADERSHIP & SOCIETY
You want to become an Afrobeat student? Here is Fela's Incomplete Discography which you can find in you music store or download. You should also check these books out at your local University's library or on Amazon (some are thesis that are available at individual universities)
Fela: Life And Times Of An African by Michael Veal
Fela: From West Africa to West Broadway by Trevor Schoonmaker
Arrest The Music!: Fela and His Rebel Art and Politics (African Expressive Cultures) by Tejumola Olaniyan.
Femi Bankole Osunla: My Black President: 23 Years With Fela Anikulapo Kuti by Fela Kuti and Femi Bankole Osunla
Black President: The Art and Legacy of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti by Fela Anikulapo Kuti and Fela Anikulapo-Kuti
Study of the Music and Social Criticism of African Musician Fela Anikulapo-Kuti (Studies in the History and Interpretation of Music) by Niyi Coker
For Women and the Nation: FUNMILAYO RANSOME-KUTI OF NIGERIA by Cheryl Johnson-Odim and Nina Emma Mba
Creativity and protest in popular culture: The political music of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti (Revolutionary monographs on culture and society in Africa) by Iyorchia D Ayu
Use of music to create political awareness and mobilization: A case study of two Nigerian musicians (Fela Anikulapo-Kuti and Sonny Okosun) by Joseph Amali Shekwo
Afrobeat: Fela and the Imagined Continent by Sola Olorunyomi
AFROBEAT means different things to different people. This is the Afrobeat alphabet and what I think it means. I know I have been giving ya'll assignment and you have been using style to dodge by not leaving comments. But y'all need to get involved. What is AFROBEAT to you? See the rest of the assignment in the original post.
Afrobeat is AFRICA
Afrobeat is BOLD, BLACK AND BEAUTIFUL
Afrobeat is a CULTURE not just a LIFESTYLE
Afrobeat is DRUMS and DANCE
Afrobeat is ECLECTIC AND ECCENTRIC EDUCATION
Afrobeat is FELA ANIKULAPO-KUTI; Afrobeat is FIRE and FUNK
Afrobeat is GROOVE, GRASSROOT AND GOOD GOVERNMENT
Afrobeat is HIGHLIFE
Afrobeat is INTERNATIONAL
Afrobeat is from the JUNGLE JAZZ
Afrobeat is KALAKUTA REPUBLIC
Afrobeat is a LEGACY and LANGUAGE about LIFE in LAGOS
Afrobeat is not just MUSIC for the MASSES but a MOVEMENT of thePEOPLE (M.O.P)
Afrobeat is NIGERIA
Afrobeat is OJUELEGBA STRAIGHT
Afrobeat is POWER, and the POLITICS of the POOR
Afrobeat is the QUEENS of the SHRINE who shake to the beat
Afrobeat is RHYTHM
Afrobeat is SUFFERING and SMILING SORROWS AWAY to the SOUNDS of the SAXOPHONE
Afrobeat is about TRUTH and TRADITION
Afrobeat is huge part of the UNDERGROUND CULTURE of AMERICA...Will it go mainstream?
Afrobeat is VIBRATION
Afrobeat is WISDOM (not from the weed) and WHATEVER YOU WANT IT TO BE
Afrobeat is 'X-OTIC'
Afrobeat is YABIS GALORE
Afrobeat is ZERO TOLERANCE FOR CORRUPTION IN LEADERSHIP & SOCIETY
You want to become an Afrobeat student? Here is Fela's Incomplete Discography which you can find in you music store or download. You should also check these books out at your local University's library or on Amazon (some are thesis that are available at individual universities)
Fela: Life And Times Of An African by Michael Veal
Fela: From West Africa to West Broadway by Trevor Schoonmaker
Arrest The Music!: Fela and His Rebel Art and Politics (African Expressive Cultures) by Tejumola Olaniyan.
Femi Bankole Osunla: My Black President: 23 Years With Fela Anikulapo Kuti by Fela Kuti and Femi Bankole Osunla
Black President: The Art and Legacy of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti by Fela Anikulapo Kuti and Fela Anikulapo-Kuti
Study of the Music and Social Criticism of African Musician Fela Anikulapo-Kuti (Studies in the History and Interpretation of Music) by Niyi Coker
For Women and the Nation: FUNMILAYO RANSOME-KUTI OF NIGERIA by Cheryl Johnson-Odim and Nina Emma Mba
Creativity and protest in popular culture: The political music of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti (Revolutionary monographs on culture and society in Africa) by Iyorchia D Ayu
Use of music to create political awareness and mobilization: A case study of two Nigerian musicians (Fela Anikulapo-Kuti and Sonny Okosun) by Joseph Amali Shekwo
Afrobeat: Fela and the Imagined Continent by Sola Olorunyomi
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