Thursday 31 December 2020

Farewell 2020

Its been memorable. A historic year of global sociopolitical change . The year the veil was lifted.
If you're reading this, you have survived the turmoil, and that, is certainly something to be thankful for. It has been a year of revelations, reflections, uprisings and achievements against the odds. A year of many losses, yet many gains. Hope amd despair, fear and fortitude. Laughter and tears. Balance. The universe is in control.
My prayer for you/us, is a simple one.
For peace, justice, good health, wealth, wisdom, joy, and understanding. That you feel secure within yourself, fulfilled and loved.
That you focus more on your strengths, and less on weaknesses. That you are able to live your best life, each and every day
All the best for 2021 I'll end my musical year with Chike. A beautiful voice for all time Stay blessed.. beacause you are x

Tuesday 22 December 2020

Emmerson - Telescope

How is the impact of the great Conjunction treating you so far? Celestial forces right... Personally, I'm still working ( nursing a cold awww) but thankfully will be off soon. Happy days.. lunchtime. Back in time with Emmerson..

Monday 21 December 2020

Heavy K in 2020

Anytime I listen to this track, I long for a flight to SA. I had planned to head South this year, Joburg in partcular, pre 'Jumanji' that is. But it's okay, because truth is...music really is quite amazing in that you can actually feel yourself there anytime you would like. It conjours up images, the sights, the sounds, the aroma... everything. If you close your eyes .... ( but open your heart) you may agreee with me. Heavy K had a good year musically..

'African' Music of 2020

AG and Kizz Daniel provided one of my favourite songs at the start of this year. It has been an amazing year for music, simply put, it just gets better and better AG was on my playlist all summer long Chike and Mayorken gave us this cute singalong track Kizz Daniel helped my garden grow...warm evenings outside, good food, good music...another great summer track Burna Boy blazed crazy Igbo fire across the globe and amazed the world again with a stunningly cool album WizKid's 'Made in Lagos' album continues to remind the world of the talent that emerges from Lagos, and the beauty of collaborations between artists. Tiwa Savage, our very own 'African Bad Girl' 'Raised her consciousness up a notch and 'called out' so called leaders... and promptly got 'called up' by the DSS as did Yemi Alade We salute the ladies, 'Nigeria's' real 1st ladies for sure. I havent even touched on music across other African countries yet, but I think it's fair to say that the biggest track out of Africa ... and we're heading South people...in 2020 ....was non other than........

Sunday 20 December 2020

Phyno - For the Money ft. Peruzzi

Aiye - one family! Phyno and Peruzzi too much niceness.

Fally Ipupa - Un coup feat. Dadju

Weekend WOW Factor: I'm very proud of my new arrival!..

My 1st childrens book, has been published and is available for you over at Amazon. Set in Ghana, it follows a little Princess on a rather magical journey. The 1st in a series, that I hope you enjoy reading, as much as i enjoyed writing
Ideal for children aged 4- 8yrs. If you get a copy, Thank you!...and please leave a review if you can!
Thanks in advance ...and happy Sunday x

Monday 7 December 2020

Fally Ipupa - Attente

Back in time....

Fally Ipupa - Posa

Fally Ipupa - Message

Domestic violence is not something to be 'managed'

I honestly don't understand some people sometimes Imagine a leader being 'praised' for aledgedly reconcilling a man with his wife he beat so badly Why would he do that? Maybe someone can explain it to me
Would the 'Governor' advise his daughter to return to an abusive marriage with a man who beats her, cheats on her, and had being doing so for six years?. What kind of system would promote the idea of marriage over being single at any cost? Sure marriage is beautiful, but so is not being beaten fearful and afraid, and not having what should be a safe space turning into a war zone. No one deserves that.
Perhaps there needs to be a movement against domestic violence as big as EndSars. It's possible, if they invetigated it, that more women are brutalised by their husbands than those affected by police brutality. Who knows.... It's just a thought. Anyway, I feel that this governor set a bad example in my humble opinion, to the abuser, the abused, the community, and the entire country,that somehow domestic violence is not a serious issue, but rather something thst can be 'managed' Did he not see her face? Did he not hear her account? Did he not hear her child?. He said... 'mommy don't cry. mommy sorry. Well....... Maybe he didn't see..

Friday 20 November 2020

Timaya - The Light

Umu Obiligbo - Amara

This week has gone by so quickly. Happy Friday!. Lunch-time vibes, although I'm working through it today. I swear everytime I listen to this I feel a connection to my ancestors, it's deep. Simply spiritual. The voice, the flow, the background vocals ( you can tell I love it right?) Yep. Enjoy!

Sunday 8 November 2020

Brymo - Them Dey Go

Weekend WOW Factor: The African Female Presidents we easily forget

Ellen Johnson Sierleaf became the 1st female President of Liberia in 2005. Elected President of the Republic of Liberia just 2 years after the nation's bloody civil war ended.
A civil war which claimed the lives of approx 250.000 people. As brutal as it was, Ellen was couragious enough to stand, and win the election that took place in 2005. Whilst one can debate her success and failures as head of state during her tenior, one can't deny her courage, and intellect.
There are some who feel that countries across the continent could benefit significantly from a female head of state. That is, however to assume, that the female posesses the compassion that women are often known for. Compassion which some may argue, could potentially restore broken trust, restore humanity, and ignite a sense of belonging to otherwise waring fractions. Those are debates for other days, but until Africans in the diaspora begin to recognse the achievements, strengths and struggles of our people on the continent, a continent by the way, that provides the majority of the entire 1st worlds resources, many of us will continue to flounder in the wilderness like lost sheep.. We need women who will speak compassion and fairness to their husbands. speak of loyalty, love, intregrity and honour.
Women often possess great gifts, and often insight. Yet in these confusing times, many of us continue to search for our gold in coalmines. Maybe it's time to support our African female leaders more in thier endeavours, in whatever way we can. They may not command the 1st worlds media spotlight... but they are there. Even if that support is just raising awarenss. *** Other Female African Presidents... Rose Francine Rogombe, Interim President of Gabon (June 2009 – October 2009) Joyce Hilda Banda, President of Malawi (April 2012 – May 2014) Catherine Samba, Acting President of Central African Republic (January 2014 – March 2016) Sahle-Work Zewde, President of Ethiopia ( October 2018 – Present). Happy Sunday x

Saturday 7 November 2020

Sunday 1 November 2020

Happy Sunday, and Happy New Month!

...time to chill

What President Buhari failed to notice

One thing the Presidents Advisor, failed to inform him on, is that the African diaspora is far more informed and far more connected than either of them could have ever imagined. The entire 'Presidency' failed to read the mood of the people. I wonder how it could have been possible, for any of the current crop of leaders to overlook the unity that exists between the people of Nigeria, and the international community. Nigerian artists are loved the world over. It's spiritual. Singers, musicians and artists are the true bastians and existential custodians of culture, and often resonate futher and far more effectively the old colonial styled paramount chiefs. Harm to one, is harm to all. Had the President been made aware.. he would have known that to attempt to disparage the international community, would only serve to prove, how out of touch he has become. ** Article: Chieftaincy and Security in Nigeria Past, Present, and Future

Weekend WOW Factor: Southern Cameroon

The awareness of the genocidal attacks on the people of Southern Cameroon is growing . The recent attacks on the school in Kumba, in southwest Cameroon, which was subsequently touted by some media outlets as an attack by seperatists, should beg the question... why would seperatists plan an attack on their own children. It's an ludicris theory that makes no logical or 'humane' sense Regardless, it was a crime against humanity, and unfortunately, one of many.
In the not too distant future the world will speak in one voice to condem what has been occuring in Cameroon for far too long, and demand answers.
For those who are reluctant in thier willingness to comprehend the issue, one way to begin an inner dialogue, or area of research is to ask yourself... Why would any part of Cameroon, want to leave? Does anyone ever desperatly want to leave a happy marriage? Our French speaking Cameroonian brothers and sisters still have time to get on the right side of history, and speak out against the hatred being meted out on their brothers and sisters.
Or they too may be members of the scrapheap of a dissapointing mix of self hating greedy failed seeming unfeeling Kleptocrats. **

20 10 20 - Burna Boy

the ending makes you wanna cry..

Monday 26 October 2020

Maiyegun's Diary Politico

What we can all learn from Rwanda

That President Paul Kagami was able to unite his country after the genocide and build Rwanda into the beautiful country that it is, is nothing short of amazing.
Over the course of 100 days, almost 1million people were killed. Do you realize just how horrifc that must have been?
One thing the President did, was abolish the notion of 'Tribes'. All... are Rwandese. You can learn about the history of Rwanda, across the country, the history of the Kings, Art, music, and of course you can visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where once outside, you leave the past behind, and breathe anew.
Many leaders can learn alot from both him, and the Rwandese people. When you learn the stories of forgiveness, and acts of kindness that occured as part of the truth and reconcillation process, and witness first hand, the commitment of the people to build a beautiful nation, it's an experience you never forget.

Sir Dauda - Logba Logba

Sunday 25 October 2020

Weekend WOW Factor: Elitism. The Gift that keeps on Giving

African Presidents and Leaders, minus perhaps 'one or two, still hold on to the notion of the African Strong-Man of Politics. The idea that one can rule by force, brute force if needs be. The idea the caring, or empathy equate to weakness. The idea that ones standing in life must be superior to anothers, whether earned, or unearned, and woe betide anyone who dares question it.
Whether it's Presidents who claim dubious election victories to cling to power as their country erupts into chaos, or Presidents who appear almost clueless to the pain and suffering of the masses, and prefers instead to appear on camera spouting passive aggresive rhetoric, blame shifting and dubious omissions Truth is, 'houston, we have a problem'. Several, in fact there are a multiplicity of 'problems', on the continent.
But today, rather than focus on the global, I want to focus, a little, on the local. You see, African Presidents did not fall from the sky. They are a product of their environments. Often they are educated abroad yes, but in the main, they are from the people they claim to wish to serve. The stubborn, emotionless behaviour often played out publically on the political stage, was honed, dare I say, in private. The idea, especially popular in the rasising of the male child, that brutish behaviour equates to strength, is simply, 'learned behaviour'. We know we as African people have been treated appallingly and our fairly recent History has been of subjugation and murder, exploiltation rape and so on. But we know it, and should therefore never seek to repeat it. I watched the public outrage as a police office in Nigeria was caught on camera beating a woman. Such was the correct response.... I felt re-assured. Yet women are beaten on a daily, by husbands or boyfriends in society, and for some reason, it's not considered an issue In fact, it is often assumed that the woman was at fault, and deserved such treatment. ** African leaders know their people. They know those who can be bought, those who can be sold, and those who may pose a problem. The third group are often labelled, 'troublemakers' African leaders know, that in the main, (up until now) they have managed to infantilize their population, by denying access to good education, food, health care, information, and opportunities. The reason that genuine development is not, and never will be on the agenda for some leaders, is the desire, to remain 'Elite' Very similar to the reason that some men do not want thier wives to be educated or work... a desire (actually rooted in insecurity )to remain Elite. Churches are filled with people who also would like to become 'Elite' ( by gods grace of course)
Cloak it how you will. Everyone seems to want to be the 'strong man', women included But perhaps instead of strong man - we could give 'good man'... a try
Of course Elitism is not a new phenomina, and right here in the UK, we have those who believe themsleves to be Elite, and will behave poorly as if it were not only a requisite of Elitism, but a brithright. The idea that they can be questioned, or dare I say, not idolized, appears to fill the so called Elite will horror.
Yet anywhere in the world that you may find yourslef. You will find an Elite class who believe they can only exist via the oppresion of another. This kind of master and servant relationship dance, will only survive as long as 'non Elites' are able to get by regardless.
Perhaps only if 'non Elites' may use their creativity, skills and hard work to alleviate thier own social standing as they see fit. The two may rub along together But what is important for African leaders in particular to realise is that, the rich can rarely rest easy as long as the poor remain hungry. The 'non Elites' may eventually take hold of the Elites posessions, or destroy the lot.
Our 'troubled' Nigeria has no functioning tax revenue system, to be able to provide adequate social services, and even if they did, the people no longer trust the governors, sentators, house of rep or assembly members et al to use the money for social development.... and can you blame them? No individual will easily submit to the authority of a seemingly corrupt power, Just as no woman willingly submits to a man unworthy of such 'submission'. That's just how it is.
Continue to be the Strong man of politics, as a country burns to the ground, and one may find themselves standing on nothing but a pile of ashes, where once there was a country. Elitism, a cute seductress indeed, but not for those of an immature mind or calamatous nature. Like herpes I suspect, it's the gift that keeps on giving. We need to balance our energies

Mamadou Diabate - Tunga

Saturday 24 October 2020

13TH | FULL FEATURE | Netflix

Now available. on Youtube. A must watch for those who haven't seen it. Sad, but really highlights how the US prison system works

Wednesday 21 October 2020

Enough is Enough : End the SLAUGHTER of African bodies. #ENDSARS

Last night, the Nigerian goverment unleashed the army on innocent and unarmed protestors in Lagos. As protestors clutched the Nigerian flag and sung the national anthem, defying the 4pm curfew, the lighting at Lekki toll gate was removed, CCTV disconeected, plunging the entire area into darkness... and at the moment, the army opened fire.
Currently, there are reports of up to 78 people killed.
And it was at that moment, that the 'democratically' led goverment headed by President Buhari, lost all integrity, and the country reverted back, to military rule.
It's no secret that the country has never really been 'united,' rather divided along tribal/ethnic and class fault lines, but last night's appalling act, pretty much buried any chance or hope of a true 'One Nigeria'. President Buhari has failed to unite the country, failed to deal with corruption, and failed to provide the much needed development the country desperately needs. Instead, corruption has been normalized, and fear is used to control the people, whilst substantial foreign loans from China. Remittances from Nigerian's in the diaspora are a lifeline for many citizens in a country with no social services, whilst Foreign NGO's often merely serve as a temporary plaster on what is a gaping wound, with the real beneficiaries being NGO CEOs.
For those who truly care about what is going on not only in Nigeria but Cameroon, DRC, and other oppressed nations, it's time to do something, no matter how small, to bring these so called leaders to account. What is happening across the continent is genocide, and if we don't care, who will? Continue to spread the word, support whoever you can, learn more, support petitions and continue to call for a better Africa. For some cessation is the way. They no longer believe unity is possible, they want to seperate.
Nigeria and Cameroon are failed colonial experiments. Ambazonians are seeking freedom. They are being killed daily by Cameroon forces reportedly supported by France. Biafra want thier freedom, they have suffered greatly . Freedom is a must.
The failure of any country, to unite the populace, provide security and respect human life renders that country's government no longer fit to govern. The abuse of African bodies across the globe must stop. Start at home. End the abuse, the self hate. Stand up for what is right, and simply refuse to tolerae abuse of any kind, and do not ... abuse others. It saddens me that there are those who will step over there african brothers and sisters, only to serve others with pride and dignity. It's time to put an end to mental slavery.
African are the only group of people who in the main, pray to a 'god', that does not resemble them . So perhaps it's no wonder, that to slaughter an African, for some, is seen to be of little importance. Whether dying in the sea, in homes, or on the streets. Enough is enough. Nigeria a county awash with lawyers, yet seemingly devoid of law. Corruption is everywhere, and the giving and recieving of bribes has been allowed to become a part of the culture. In the end, the true revolutionarys were not who we thought, but they were the silent masses all along, who others had brushed aside as poor cheap fodder. An 'underclass'. An 'underclass that in the end, turned out to be the ones with the courage to take a stand. Amidst scenes of what has become a landmark moment in Nigeria's recent history , there has been so much love on display and it is such moments of expressed humanity.... which gives us hope. In this global village, in what began as a protest to end SARS, the youths set aside old tribal barriers, For they know they wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Ephesians 6:12(Amended) **

Monday 19 October 2020

'Every day bucket go a well - one day the bottom mus' drop out'

Imagine...If Bob Marley and the Wailers had lived in Nigeria, would they have ben targetted for their dreads alone?.. if so, the world may have been denied the wonders of their music. In 2020, where dreads are now common-place...Imagine, a country with so much potential, reverting to such negative archaic views of what a person should look like.. or face judgement. FYI....Wearing dreads is just one of the things that a SARS officer would target about an individual... not in the year 1970+.. not the early days of rastafari, garveyism, or anti colonialism no.. but in modern day 2020. Imagine the potential that is being denied everyday..
The people of Nigeria have had enough of police brutality, corruption, economic hardship, insecurity and impunity. They want to be treated as human beings. We ( our ancestors) know what it's like to be a slave in another man's land. Now Nigerians have come to the realization that they have technically been enslaved ..... on thier own soil. and ... enough is enough. The meaning of the proverb Bob sang so beutifully is just that. They have said enough. They cannot take anymore. 'Every day bucket go a well...... one day the bottom mus' drop out'

Should the EFF speak more on Dis Nigeria Matter?

Like many others, I have a huge amount of respect for the EFF ( Economic Freedom Fighters) and am often impressed and inspired by their fearliessness, intellectual prowess, and commitment to improving the lives of black south africans post aparthied.
The EFF leadership is formidable
They continue to challenge the alledged corruption of the ANC, and to educate (politically and otherwise) the masses, to enable people to make better choices. So yes, I am a supporter of the EFF BUT...
Dis Nigeria matter o... this one concern me
Earlier this year the EFF released a statement in support of the people of Zimbabwe agaisnt police oppresion, as the people of Zim had begun to protest. Yet '12 days' in to the uprising in Nigeria, huge in number if compaired to the relatively and significantly smaller protests in Zimbabwe......and the EFF have said very little.
DR Handsome (not his real name) ... Please correct this matter right away..
Not for the 1st time, but as early as last year, there were numerous reports of xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa. Some reasons cited at the time were that Nigerians were selling drugs, taking jobs and other sociopolitical reasons, and atbthe time, Commander in Chief Julius Malema spoke out against these attacks.
But the EFF are publically a little quiet on this matter.
The EFF is a Marxist-Leninist Fanonian Economic Emancipation Movement, which fights for the economic rights of all Africans... and Julius Malema, an ardent and committed PanAfricanist, well....that's what he says. We know our minds can be pretty messed up with the self hate and such.. but hearing more from the EFF will help to dispell some of the subconsciously xenophibic attitudes that much of our people still harbour. To be lukewarm on this matter would be a massive fail
and for those who don't like that which I have said... relax. You can love a thing... and still tell it the truth This is 2020. **
** ** On Xenaphobia **