Tuesday 26 December 2017

Ft Simi

I listened to the entire album just yesterday and thought I'd share two of my favourite tracks.
I'm just getting to know her really but I like her style..



Apparently these two are an item..

but don't quote me on it :)



The album is called simply.. Simisola

Boxing Day 2017

I hope you're all enjoying the festive season
I enjoyed prepping cooking and hosting very much!



I myself had Salmon, cooked Turkey for the others




I'm just chilling for an hour or two with 'Despicable Me' playing in the background
It's so sweet


I was watching news on the Liberian elections when Ti came in and asked me why I don't watch something I'll enjoy.. something happy.
I realised just how happy I was watching it so had to let him know.. I actually really do enjoy it.
I then thought I'd grab his interest by pointing out that Arsene Wenger used to manage the candidate most likely to win..
Did it work?
A little..
He's actually becoming ( by default) a lot more interested in African politics.. that... and Star Wars

I received skin care products and things of that nature, which Ive already started using. So I'll be looking out for the results every day..




All in all, can't complain.
Its been peaceful






**

Tuesday 19 December 2017

How Many Mistakes Will The ANC Make?

Cyril Ramaphosa has been voted the new President of the ANC and is to lead the party for the 5 years.
The great ANC
Imagine that!.




Cyril Ramaphosa may have been cleared in court of instigating the killing of the striking miners of Marikena, but his actions remain ( in my opinion) suspect.

As a member of the board of the mining company Lonmin, for him to also act as union representative was ludicrous. Cyril Ramaphosa's actions were to protect his own interests, and Cyril's interests were not the striking miners.. but Lonmin.

For Cyril Ramaphosa who is often cited as one of the richest men in Africa to be the President of the once great ANC does not sit well. The massacre alone should have ruled him out, but yet, he has been awarded the highest job in the ANC

I don't know If we have short memories or not, but the appointment of Cyril Ramaphosa is an insult to the memories of those miners who stood up for their rights and were brutally shot down

The ANC are finished.


Story of the strike leader who died for workers rights [click]


Sunday 17 December 2017

Michael Prophet - Love & Unity. A Musical Tribute.

Such sad news to hear of the passing of singer Michael Prophet



Words cannot describe
Condolences go out to his family and friends at this difficult time
..may they seek comfort in the Almighty

**

I do believe he spent a great deal of time not far from where I reside.
Just around the corner actually

It's actually quite difficult for me to listen to some tracks now, as they bring back so many memories that I'd rather not face...but here you are
I simply no longer do grief very well

But a musical tribute is a must. So here it is.
RIP Michael Prophet
Sigh




Many thanks to a great singer



Like so many of us, I grew up listening to his music, this album in particular






So many hit songs , and the soundtrack to our Youth. I lifted the lid and and they poured out. We give thanks for the way his music coloured our lives










Biography

'Michael Prophet has got one of the most distinctive and beautiful voices known in the whole reggae world. He was born Michael Haynes in 1957 and grew up in the western Kingston ghetto of Greenwich Farm, Jamaica. He began his recording career in 1977 when he was discovered by the legendary producer Vivian Jackson, better known as Yabby You. Yabby You took Michael to Channel One where he voiced his debut song "Praise You Jah Jah".
Michael recorded many tunes for Yabby You and scored his first hit with a cover version of the Heptones' "Fight It To The Top". However, it was the deeper, more rootsy material that began to hit with an international reggae audience. Cuts like "Gates Of Zion", "Mash Down Rome", "Turn Me Loose", "Warn Them Jah" and "Creation Rock" were massive sound system tunes in the UK and staple food for the likes of Jah Shaka, Quaker City, Sir Coxsone, Fatman and Moa Ambessa - the ruling UK sounds of the era'
[click for more]

**

Saturday 16 December 2017

Dexta Daps - Pray More

A Woman's Worth

A woman is capable of so many things
Yet so often... silenced
forced to play a role or be damned
to live a life, filled with pretence

In developing countries especially, far too many women are still denied..
denied agency
denied a voice
denied a right to say no
or even yes
denied equal access to opportunity
denied the right to speak up as a woman
denied rights over her own body
her emotions
her feelings
her joy
her pain
denied education
employment

Yet women are resourceful
they will take that denial and find peace in it
peace until the urge for freedom grows louder
they find peace through acceptance..
knowing that acceptance may not ignite change
still.. they carry on

Who really knows a woman's worth?
At times not even the woman herself
A woman's worth is found in every prayer of hope
Every sunrise, and every sunset.
in every beautiful thing you see made good by the hands of a woman
A woman at her best is simply a reflection of god.

**



Who shall stand in the way of such progress?

Thomas Sankara - on women's empowerment



Weekend Catch Up

The weather the weather.
Its been so cold, and the flu kept me in bed a few days, but I'm back, with an increased appetite , liquid iron, and a desire to 'do' Christmas minus stress, and look ahead to the new year.

Oddly enough I've not looked ahead too much, perhaps because the present has had my full attention. I do wish I'd saved some of my leave as now would be a great time to get away.
Still.. I have cooking responsibilities, so maybe not .

I say that quite frequently these days with increasing passion.


**

Brexit is pretty much dominating our politics, that and interest rates, and men 'feeling up' woman without their permission and being exposed. (who knew)

As I tune in and out of the news, I completely understand those who say they never watch or read it.
Biggest propaganda tool of our times influencing out thoughts and feelings on a daily basis.

**

I recently bought Ginger Wine, and Port , both of which were quite lovely, and shall be on my shopping list pre xmas.
I'm planning a low key and enjoyable one. A few days off is something not to be sniffed at.

**

I came across a live post recently where a guy was asking why it is that Africans fail to get the protection from the motherland one would expect. He challenged certain 'fighters'/groups who shall remain nameless, to venture to Libya to fight for and free their brothers and sisters, he was quite angry at what he saw as a consistency negligent continent with negligent leaders who seemingly allow Africans in the diaspora to be treated appallingly , yet have little to say.. or do.
I think perhaps they simply have their hands full.. at home

Its been mentioned before that the African voice has been too quiet over racism in America, or across Europe, yet ironically Obama wasted no time in telling African leaders to 'fix up!'
To a great round of applause.

**

Much praise was levied at Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo recently, who spoke very eloquently and passionately about the need for Africa and Africans to be less reliant on aid, and previous colonial power France et al, for support and guidance.
Alongside him stood President Macron

Most people will share his sentiments. Many have said the same
Yet unless the talk is followed by action they remain just fine words

Words are fine. they inspire and encourage, they motivate and can be visionary, leading to great things. Yet when they fail to be followed by concrete action, those same very fine words can anger, and frustrate, in equal measure.

Nice speech.

I remember A similar fine speech from Thomas Sankara.
Who was betrayed in the end..by a 'friend'.



**









Sunday 10 December 2017

Runtown - Energy

Beautiful song and beautifully shot video 10/10

'I just wanna get more money.. and live my life my way..'



'Free smoke free Hennessy, more life to my enemies... ah ah ah'

What really brought down President Mugabe?... ft music from Wizboyy

He loves his wife.




Yes ladies and gentlemen you heard it here.
The West tried for years.. and failed
The people of Zimbabwe couldn't do it.. at least they thought they couldn't..
until.. his 'unacceptable' love for his wife became so intolerable to the men around him, that the military stepped in

After all.. how dare his wife challenge an ole independence hero who'd be waiting in the wings for decades .. for leadership

No.. it is clear that when it comes to power.. once cannot place a woman .. or your love for a woman, anywhere near that power pulpit.

Well.. I hope he still loves her.
He's an od man now, ( has been for some time) and I hope he gets to live a happy life ( and she doesn't cheat on him of course)

The coup that was not a coup, or the coup which has been cited by some as the most amicable coup in African history, can also be renamed the anti wives coup..
Seriously... can you imagine

A hero of the liberation struggle being ousted for 'positioning his wife for leadership
As if Africa is new to corruption or indeed nepotism..

Do you remember Joice Mujuru?



Well she was ousted by President Mugabe and expelled from Zanu PF
Ousted in much the same way that now President Emmerson Mnangagwa was.
What did the military do?...
Nothing.
No coup .no public protests.. nothing..
..despite the fact that she too had been part of the Zimbabwe liberation struggle.

This anti woman sentiment across parts of Africa needs to stop.
we are more than just pretty, cooks, cleaners, and supporters of our men
We are actually people too.. with feelings.. to be honoured. imagine that

**

Prince Harry & Megan Markle got engaged and social media and the media in general was in a frenzy
Harry's marrying a 'black woman' came the cries..

Well good for them, love is a beautiful thing

However, some of the statements Ive heard have caused me to raise an eyebrow or two..
reason?

When Serena Williams became pregnant with her boyfriend ( fiancé ) who happened to be a white male, she faced a barrage of abuse. To the so called conscious community she had betrayed her 'people'. Black men in their droves were upset

Yet, no backlash towards Megan whatsoever..
Can someone please tell me.... as I really don't know ( wink wink)
What is the difference?



or should I say...
Spot the difference



**

One lady who has much to smile about lately is the sister of Imo State governor Rochas Okorocha



..she has been appointed minister of happiness and purpose fulfilment [click]
Nice


My brother my brother I await my appointment
Imo State will officially be the happiest state in Nigeria [click]

Happy Sunday x

Weekend Catch Up ft music by J Martins

What a busy time it has been...

Snow in London today and its been beautiful!

Fresh snow.. I actually like it.
For some reason I forget about the cold when snow falls.. however, it has been cold, which calls for, not one.. but two pots of red pea soup!
Nice!





Early morning in Hackney.. calm and nice, and really quite pretty




Zimbabwe's new President - Emmerson Mnangagwa...



hands back land to white farmers [click]

How long before the people of Zimbabwe stop celebrating and start to complain again... hmmmm..we're watching

**

Libya's treatment of black Africans has been highlighted recently, and demonstrations against Slavery in Libya were in force this weekend.

However distressing the pictures are.. this is not new

Yet for some reason people of African descent continue to flock to places like Dubai.. to shop and enjoy luxury,seek Arab money.. and I dare say will continue to do so
African women will continue to travel to work as domestics, ( only to be treated often times) as slaves
and... the world will keep turning.
Its a shame that the black African is still being treated in this manner, and I really hope things change
Perhaps things will change.. when we change

Libya is an African country, yet North African Arab states do not appear to see themselves as African at all. The belief in a racial hierarchy remains strong, with black Africans at the bottom.
What a shame it is, when skin tone continues to dictate how people are treated.





**

I've learnt a few things of late..
One thing to remember in life is that your dream/s.. is/are not everybody dream
So don't be upset if your passion.. whatever it may be... is not felt, outside of you
Just continue to follow your heart , and live your dream/s
whatever It/they may be

**


Music time!





I searched hard for Flavour in the vid . but alas.. not this time
Nice track