Adieu to 2016

As we see out the final hours of 2016 to make way for 2017, I pray that you all have a wonderful New Year ahead,
filled with blessings, success, joy and an abundance of Love.

For those who have experienced difficult times this year, may you be filled with hope, and find comfort in the coming year
For those who have had a great year, may your new year be greater still!.

I'm about to get my 'glad rags' on

Snoop ( our cat) is back home
Thankfully after receiving the initial prognosis that he'd need an operation costing almost £2k and having to leave him overnight, the call came this morning that he would be able to come home after all, and the operation wont be required

Thank god.
Poor little thing is looking much better anyway
( and Snoop's looking better too... lol)

Do you like my new reading glasses?
I do... I look so darn smart right? heehee..
I'm just getting used to them anyway




There has been an abundance of good music this year as with ever year.
I usually like to offer a musical rundown of the year but this time I'll just offer again for your listening pleasure the last tune that warmed me all over

Pressure Buss Pipe... you're up my singer!

Happy New Year in Advance my darlings
Stay safe
Stay blessed x

Sheyman - Ball Properly

Muslims Like Us Episode 1 of 2 BBC Documentary

Skinny Fabulous - This Island is Mine & Watch Thing

Hailing from St. Vincent & the Grenadines - Skinny Fabulous is proving himself one of Soca music's leading men

Skinny Fabulous - Pompous & No Broughtupsy

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So funny!..
Carnival 2017

Calypso Rose - Leave Me Alone ft. Manu Chao (Kubiyashi Remix ft. Machel Montano)

Nice 1 Calypso Rose..

Fadda Fox Ft. Runtown - All Day All Night

Runtown from Nigeria and Fadda Fox from Barbados collaborate to produce this nice Soca track

George Michael

There are many songs Of George Michael that I love.
I was a big fan of Wham growing up back in the day, and have loved George ever since.
I was too hurt to even discuss it, and I still won't really. Just one of those things.. very sad.

Here's one of my favourite performances anyway

Peace

Bunji Garlin - Turn Up

Have you begun shaking off 2016?...
How you all doing?

and what a year it has been.
Do I say that every year?
It- is- highly- likely.

If there was ever a year where the masses took a hard look at themselves, Identity and nationalism.. and did not shy away from deciding where they stood either way..it was this one
If there was ever a year for personal stresses for many people.. and political curveballs, again..it was this one..
If there was ever a year when a country a 'peaceful' as The Gambia looked on the brink of serious civil conflict.. it was this one
If there was ever a year when despite the 'nonsense' hope and love sprang eternal.. it was this one
Yes, I know the year isn't behind us to qualify it being referred to in the past tense, but really.. 2016?.. really? Yikes..lol!

However, its been interesting and It hasn't been all bad, not at all, and there remains a great deal to be grateful for
So I'll just say that I'm grateful for the good things that have transpired over the year
.. grateful for life
thanking god for the wisdom and mercy
life is a journey..
yada, yada, yada:)

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Our Snoop is unwell at the moment, so taking care of him as best as we can
Trip to the Vet for him today, our dear Snoop has never really been unwell before. Ti's pride and joy, and the cutest little thing.
Hope he's better soon.

Its cold out.. very cold so here's a tune to warm your dancing feet

Nice tune, nice vibes, fun vid
Good job Bunji Garlin
Turn Up!

Pressure Buss Pipe - Red Rose

Speaks for itself, but this really is an incredibly beautiful song.. Pressure Buss Pipe!
I'm hearing Jah Cure on a remix should they ever collaborate, Tarrus Riley too.. Hmmmm

Toofan - "TERÉ TERÉ"

Skales - Temper Ft. Burna Boy (Remix)

Majah Hype Interview

Tarrus Riley - Crime Free Christmas

The African Bar Association meet with *President Jammeh

Anyone struggling to get to sleep tonight.. this might help! lol

I jest of course

There's a strange irony here.. they adopt and denounce western protocols at the same time :)
Anyway.. there is truth and monotony to be found here.. I'll watch the remainder tomorrow
I salute their stamina.. and the women who are present, I salute them also for their feminine restraint
Yes.. we can do that sometimes.

What is the Bar Associations purpose here?
Lawyers...
Pan africanism was never a mission of navel gazing..
It's time for progressive action, founded in love
A progressive Pan Africanism is required, yet even before than, a rekindled understanding of what P.A truly means




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M.anifest - 100% ft. Worlasi

Awww..Christmas is pretty much upon us..
Hope you all enjoy the break
Had to fit in some late night shopping, so time for bed and a quick post.
Westfield is a trip! You can easily spend hours there walking around, taking in the sights
I did well anyway, just little miss and little man remaining
TOYS!
Yawn... ok...that's all for now, Goodnight x

Manifest= gifted
Nice combination, love the mix of beats

Damian Marley - Everybody Wants To Be Somebody

The story of Bob Marley

The Congo Dandies: RT Documentary

Christopher Martin - Good Good & Dexta Daps - Feel good

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Christopher Martin - Have Your Self a Merry Little Christmas / Big Deal

I Octane dem nuh real

The 'What on Earth?!' bit

This pic amused and disgusted me in equal measure
Not sure how this little gem passed me by but... how funny is that lol!!!
Actually. Forget disgust...It's bloody hilarious!! :)
Well done!.

I - Octane - Chatty Mouth

"The only secret Is that which is never spoken"..
People will talk all they don't even know, and swear blind it's gospel
Let them talk
Your actions will speak for you
Shower them with love, laugh, and move on

Nice tune Octane ( aka Mr handsome)

I-Octane - So We Bad

In love with me

Ode to me...

I take care of me
I care what happens to me
I'm considerate and kind to myself.. at least I try to be
I'm not vengeful towards myself, nether do I actively try to deceive myself
I pay my bills and expect nothing in return other than the services agreed
I appreciate my time and my efforts
I believe in my dreams and my aspirations
I set aside time for myself to nurture and feel my presence
I am loyal to myself
I respect the person I am.. and the person I'm becoming
I enjoy my jokes, my scarcasm, and my wit
I do not bully myself, neither do I try to undermine myself
I keep myself clean, and wash my clothes
I tidy up after myself
..cook for myself..
..and feed myself as best I can
In fact. I care whether I've eaten or not, slept well, or not, and how my day has been
I take myself out
I enjoy my company
I genuinely want the best for myself, and try my best to get it
I buy myself gifts
Every so often i'll by myself flowers...and not moan about the price, just because.. they're beautiful
..same with wrist bangles..
I select playlists for myself to cater to my moods
I take care of my responsibilities to the best of my ability
I encourage myself to keep learning..
..keep growing
..keep improving
I tend to eat well but when the mood takes me and I want to splurge.. I splurge.. and do not criticise, or attempt to make myself feel guilty about it
I appreciate my body, each curve every angle.. every length..
I love the colour of my skin and attach no negative associations to it
I've taken the time to discover what turns me on
..and what turns me off
Ive noted both
I'm patient with myself and when not. I remind myself.. with respect.. to be patient
I respect.. me

I love myself because despite my flaws and failings..
Ive stuck by me
For all these years
Through every glorious moment..
every high..
every low..
every trial
and tribulation
through abundant times
and though scarcity..

and.. I always will
In fact.. I'm the greatest friend, and love , I've ever had





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Oh by the way I nearly forgot!

If I haven't said it yet..
I'll say it now......
Merry Christmas darlings x



I'll be home for xmas, all will be sampling my cooking god willing

Iyanya ft. Don Jazzy & Dr Sid - Up To Something

.."you know we got the master plan to make the money pile up look what you made me do..'

Turbulence - Who are u

Turbulence - Cry

Turbulence sings beautiful love songs

Nonso Amadi - Radio - Prod. Juls

Good morning x

Morgan Heritage ft Chronixx - Child Of Jah

Freestyle in Freetown, Emmerson Bockarie

Studio time now Emmerson..

FELA

The Dangers Of Being Dutiful

Interesting

Would you marry a rich man... that beats you?: Battabox

I couldn't pass this one
For so many women to say that they would choose the woman beating rich guy is a very poor indictment on the poor guys, and the country as a whole
Seriously.. how bad are the poor guys..?
The reality is that poor guys beat women too, poverty can blight relationships
Fact is.. imho.. no-one should be beating anybody.
That my dears.. is not love

Tekno - Rara

I love this track
This song sums things up... and does so very well...
take heed

Great job Tekno



Salute! Fela lives on

African leaders and power

I was so impressed when Yahya conceded defeat so quickly and graciously..
well... U turn baby U turn..

It didn't last long
Apparently investigations were conducted which implies that the result had never really fully been accepted, hence, the thorough investigation

I honestly don't know what it is with some men and power.

God help Africa at this rate
like a dog chasing its tail.. we seem to go around in circles

I wonder what next. If the President refuses to go, what will be his next move?
I have no idea whether he is right or wrong in his assertions but honestly.. tell me... if you were President, and so many voted in favour of your opposition.. what would you do?
Overly long speeches and flamboyant rhetoric..
When you consider that many leaders in the poorest countries in Africa often preside over an uneducated masses, do you think it's fair?

In a democracy people can choose whether to vote, or not
Or so I thought
Is the suggestion that huge swathes of people were coerced manipulated or tricked into not voting? well, if so, that would be very serious indeed
We need a Garvey
Wake up Africa


Oh Yahya.. I spoke so highly of you.. wetin happen now
Wetin be the problem with men and power
Lets hope they find a peaceful resolution. If they go to the polls again, and the result remains the same.. what then?

I naively thought they were happy with the incorruptible marbles!

Perhaps if people had allowed him to leave gracefully and didn't insult him or his mother, he wouldn't had felt such a change of heart. He's a man after all.
...and men.. can have very fragile egos




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Weekend Wow Factor : A mixed bag

9ice's voice gives me shivers sometimes...
When he sings.. yep something kinda sexy
Nice vibe, positive sentiment




On the subject of sexy voices, here's the Official video from Mr Daps for 'Mi c mi bed n miss u'



Money 'sweetens'... but not all the time
Ive noticed that men, more often than not tend to be less forgiving than women when it comes to cheating
They can't handle the thought of it really
This lot however....
'..Of course na....I will definitely forgive her..." lol


hmmm !!..


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Funny :)
The man wants the kind of public toilets they have in America or Canada
after all.. 'we're not animals'
'So people who use these ones?..'
"dey animals.."



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Should we be more concerned about the rise in far right ideology?.
It's being reported frequently that there has been an increase in racist attacks across the UK, which may or may not be due to the 'fear of' ..and the hostile rhetoric on the migrant crisis;
Who knows
I will remind however.. that racist attacks can be stealthy.. and any system set up to discriminate must survive covertly by not only maintaining a defensive stance, but be primed also, for perpetual attack

I digress...
My question is .. do the powers that be see far right political parties as just as much of a 'threat' to stability as Isis?

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Farewell Castro..



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Welcome President Barrow
( ..and to think... I've shopped in Argos for years.. a weh di rarse... wrong branch my dear lol!)



Have a great evening x

Sunday home zone. ft Freddie McGregor Bandulu & Back to my Roots

Home renovations can be a real upheaval. It takes time, starts off stressful and can feel quite unsettling, as you annihilate your 'comfort zone' in order to make way for something new

However, I've come across a few things I thought I had lost
I looked back at my degree pictures, found baby pictures, 'modelling' photoshoot pictures, certificates, all kinds of things

One of which is this back in time picture of me and Freddie McGregor
It's one of my favourite pics.. I thought it was gone for good



He voiced a tune for me, a remake of Bandulu. I produced and built the riddim, then watched him voice it effortlessly.
The master is not in my hands though, so unless I stumble across the tapes I wont be able to upload for your listening pleasure

Awww..look at my baby-face! :)



This is the original anyway
.. and as nice as my version was... it can't touch the original.

So here you are..




and here's his most recent track

Freddie!!
Good afternoon all from a bright yet chilly East London x

President Yahya concedes defeat

Very honourable



To concede defeat quickly and with dignity



There were many protests leading up to the elections and many will consider Yahya's reign as autocratic and cite human rights abuses

Yet Gambia has witnessed the end of an era, and in learning more, I'm finding Adama's story quite fascinating.
Imagine, having worked as a security guard right here in London whilst studying, returning home and setting up a business
Now.. he is President
He's also and Arsenal supporter - big tick

Gambian's make up one of the largest ethnic group of migrants to Europe, with many attempting the perilous journey across the mediteranean that we have heard so much about.
Gambia will need to offer more opportunities for sure, education, employment development

In truth, both of these men are impressive
Over time, we will witness the changes Adama will bring. I'm hoping Gambian's remain realistic in their expectations, but with the level of support Adama currently has, one can only hope he will be able to implement the positive development the nation seeks.



I have a vague memory of meeting Yahya
vague because I was with a few people at the time and I really wasn't paying attention
I was awestruck by one of his soldiers (forgive me)

I was taking a walk early one morning and he was simply standing at the corner..with his gun.. looking awesome.
I will say this about Gambia. I felt completely safe.
Especially as a woman
Even when a guy 'jacked' my necklace in the market... I felt safe
Someone chased him down
Gambian people are some of the nicest people you'll ever meet
very cool, very accommodating, very embracing.. in the main; decent.
Most thought I hailed from their part of the world so were quite familiar, yet perhaps more protective when they discovered I was from London

I enjoyed my time there 100%

Yahya's phone call to Adama was very humble
I like him
I respect him for relishing power (after 22yrs) with so much grace

Nigeria's ex President Goodluck Johnathan was also gracious in conceding defeat, so I'm not suggesting it never happens.
When it does.. it's a beautiful thing
It's just that with Yahya having been In power for so long, it's a testament to his strength of character
That's why he... Yahya..was the boss.

Goodbye Yahya

.. you have cemented your name in History

Wow.

Adama Barrow has won the election in The Gambia, becoming the new President, and ousting a man I never thought could be moved... [click]
Gambia's longest serving leader... Yahya Jammeh



Jammeh, was only 29yrs old when he came to power following a coup
Regardless of what anyone says, Jammeh, has been an extremely strong and powerful leader
Respect is due for his achievements over the years

Gambia may need 'change', but I still feel a sense of sadness at his losing
I'll cry for you Yahya



Congratulations Adama
Gambia's new President

A Woman..

Got this via fb from the wonderful Keturah
I actually quite love it
Yep..Know thy self baby..

What's up with Kanye?

What's going on with Kanye West?!

I'd been ignoring the reports that the may have had a breakdown because I thought it was just gossip initially.
Yet it appears, there may be some truth in it
I hope he recovers well from whatever is going on for him
..he is talented of that there is no doubt

Sometimes, what highly successful and talented men of Kanyes ilk need is a humble woman of substance to help keep them grounded

Try... to stay grounded
Fame aint always easy.
However, one can have that.. and still fall apart

We wish him well
Whatever it is

Lets take a look back at some of his early tracks

Hot music and strong leaders - rock my world. ft Wizkid & R2bees

Tonight tonight tonight

I have my outfit ready and am looking forward to the evening.
But first order of business, is to take care of business
I've had the busiest week, but am starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel
Thank god.

Friday vibes

What an amazing talent Wizkid has. He looks set to become a legendary Nigerian artist, with international acclaim and fans worldwide
Well done guys



On the political front, Gambia are still counting marbles.
Will Jammeh lose this election?
Apparently it's close
If he does lose... wow is all I can say.

Whilst Gambia experience an internet blackout the rest of the world will look on and wait keenly
Political changes this year all round

Beyoncé - All Night