Saturday 30 June 2018

Weekend WOW Factor. The Irony of the French National Team, and what we we do without the DRC

Chilling with the little madam



as little man takes in some music



Too bad Nigeria are out of the World Cup

Wizkid agrees..



With Senegals departure that left the African representation to..

France!?

I kept hearing that over social media.. hmmmm

well... they certainly done away with Argentina



I watched a great documentary on BBC4 in the week, presented by Dan Snow. An insightful documentary that looked at the impact of slavery, colonialism, the Cold War, industrialisation and the world's connection to ( and dependance on) Congo.

I was concerned there would be an omission of Patrice Lumumba but I needn't have worried. Sure enough the betrayal of Mobutu of the great Lumuba came to the fore. We watched as Queen Elizabeth shook hands with the man exploited the Congo similar to the colonisers before him, and surely wondered of the Integrity of the British.



It was compelling to watch and Dan Snow provided a balanced and non patronising account.
The program itself brought to the fore many questions and is definitely worth a watch.

Sunday 24 June 2018

Weekend WOW Factor: The Secret Lives Of Baba Segi's Wives - A Review

Born in Ibadan Nigeria, award winning author Lola Shoneyin's debut novel has been brought to life on stage right here in London
Lola continues to live in Ibadan where she runs an annual book festival, and is married to the son of Wole Solyinka

Lola Shoneyin


The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives is an intriguing tale of a polygamous family headed by Baba Segi.



Wife number 1, does a good job as queen mother managing the clan, but it is with the arrival of fourth wife Bolanie, things begin to change substantially!



The play has been adapted by award winning playwright Rotimi Babatunde.

I was fortunate enough to be granted pretty much a front row seat, and had nabbed the only remaining ticket of the night.

Writer Rotinmi Babatunde, who resides in Ibadan Nigeria.



It was full house, as the audience were entertained from start to finish with beautiful Yoruba songs, music and dance. Parables were used to the finest, as we were given an insight into the mind of Baba Segi.




A horny man it's fair to say, however, a man of great pride, and an almost blind loyalty to his culture. Not a new man in any sense, but Baba Segi finds himself having to face tough decisions, as he is forced to face the reality that his culture cannot and does not live in a vacuum.

How I felt about Baba Segi ( and his big penis) was never static! (he plays the flute beautifully btw)



The cast includes the wonderfully talented Usifu Jalloh (on the right), Sierra Leonian drummer and storyteller extraordinaire.
Cast members double up on roles and the humour is effortless.



If you haven't already seen it, I highly recommend
Takes you on a journey and ticks all boxes



The Secret Lives of baba Segi's Wives is showing at the Arcola Theatre until 21st July 2018.



Wednesday 20 June 2018

Follow Your Passion

Improvements all round. very good.
I love this quote

"If your desire is strong enough
It doesn't matter what you believe, your desire will triumph"

Abraham Hicks

Great quote for the World Cup too, well done Senegal!



Sunday 17 June 2018

Time Will Tell

So my mum was taken to hospital, and on reflection of my conversation with the doctor, it doesn't seem as if she will be returning home.

I was presented with the task of telling the others, which I cant say I will do. What do I say?
The words they used were, the beginning of the end... and asked if I understood.
Yes, I understand.
How does anyone really prepare for losing anyone other than to become numb to it, and let it pass.
My sister, ever the optimist told me that there have been many times a bleak prognosis is given and the person involved goes on to beat the odds.
But my mum is up in years now.

Im my head I felt nothing but my eyes welled up abit so I must have felt something very deeply.

I was thinking about my mum recently.
I thought about her life.
Thought about how it had been filled with work...
work work work, helping others.... and more work.
I'm sure if I asked her if she could think of a time she was happy , she may tell me yes.
Childhood days perhaps, if her childhood was devoid of exploitation.
But as we know, young girls in the Caribbean back then didn't always have any easy time.
I hope she was happy tho.
I know we all made her laugh many many times, whenever we all got together , meal times Christmas times
Mums food has been the best,
Mum was my 1st ever nutritionist back when I was an athlete
Always at the finish line, rarely if ever missing a meeting

Mum thinks I'm brave
and I guess that's what will be called for over the next few days or perhaps months
Mums story in many ways has been typical of a Caribbean woman who came here in the 50's
and perhaps knowing that, makes me sad

I hope that my mum knew joy and happiness, I hope mums life has been one which she can look back at as a life well lived, and not too many ( if any) regrets.

I'll tell you something. After my bro, I think mum has simply lost the will... to carry on.

Anyway,
In recalling tracks my mum simply loved and would sing from start to finish - this is one

Bless you mum, and thank you for everything x
We'll hold on as long as you choose





Weekend WOW Factor: Pre Carnival Soca Time

Carnival season is upon us and already I have my favs!







Monday 4 June 2018

Weekend WOW Factor: Visit Rwanda

England beat Nigeria 2-1, in the friendly at Wembley - oh no say it aint so!.
Ha



**

Fans cued up around the block at Niketown, as early as 6am for the store opening on Oxford Street for the new Nigeria kit, and it's looking good



You know I'm supporting Nigeria in the World Cup, 2nd team Ghana, then England.
It aint just football, no this shit's personal lol! :)

**

The Human Spiderman Mamoudou Gassama, we've all heard so much about was contacted by the President of Mali and asked to return to Mali... and join the army.
He has apparently declined the offer and accepted the internship with the French Fire Service, and can you blame him?



He did an amazing thing.
What was interesting was the response and the quick reaction of the French President to grant him citizenship and a job.
Is this what our parents meant when they said you have to be twice if not three times as good to break even?
How many other migrants have amazing skills and qualities are being treated poorly because of lack of knowledge of unwilling host nations?
Many migrants have already risked the lives to get to countries such as Turkey or France, yet in order o be seen as fully human, appear to need to overtly and demonstrably risk this lives again, to be given a chance.
Mamoudou is strong young fit and caring. Qualities abound across the continent. I hope his act of bravery and selflessness triggers a deeper understanding in others who may struggle with the issue of migrants.

**

President Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, visited ministerial office to see who was at work on time. SURPRISE!!.
He left a note for one minister who was late. I'd love to know what it said lol!

watch at 1:50



**
Rwanda sponsors Arsenal




This kit has caused much debate as to whether President Kagami should be spending so much on a sponsorship deal ( alleged £30 mil) when in receipt of significant International Aid





I do think it will have a positive impact. But I'm an Arsenal fan so maybe I'm biased.