A look at - Eric Moussambani & the Sydney Olympics

Do you remember 'Eric the Eel?

Eric Moussambani Malonga from Equatorial Guinea was the only swimmer to swim his heat at the Sydney Olympics in 2000.
It was so funny!
He became a worldwide sensation.
In the the short film below Eric talks about his journey to the Olympics, and re-tells the story of his experience.
Despite the fact that I laughed almost uncontrollably initially whilst watching a 're-run' of the 'race', the film itself is actually quite moving, and I have a great deal of respect and admiration for him for the courage and determination he displayed.

Whilst I dont know what he's doing now, I really hope he is doing well and was taken care of on his arrival back home, as an Olympian should be.

I was reminded of Eric as I watched the 'all American' boys take gold. ( congratulations to them, and the great Michael Phelps) Britain can stand proud with their silver medal as the American team is an outstanding team.
But as I watched the not very diverse (yet diverse) podium I thought about the stereo type I've heard on occasion, that black people dont, or cant swim.
I thought about a very bad joke I came across recently which said something along the lines of not being able to swim yet loving boat rides.

The bad joke and the stereo type, gave way to me contemplating the African experience with water. Water has played and continues to play a very significant role in the lives of the African.
The transatlantic slave trade and the psychological terror of hundreds being thrown over board. Men women children living and /or dead, food for sharks and other sea creatures, tales of sea creatures who reside in the sea; of water spirits who take people at will, water shortages, or floods, right up to the present day terror of people trafficking, rocky boats on the Mediterranean sea, over flowing with people desperately seeking a better life.

What resides in the subconscious of the African mind when it comes to water?
Heck... that's some scary stuff.

Fortunately, I learnt to swim, so I can confirm that the theory that we are unable to float is untrue :~)
My interesting suggested theory of potential psychological distress due to historical horrors with waters deeper than baths aside, and the potential to connect it with a post traumatic slave syndrome theory - in reality..... it's probably down to a lack of resources( an Olympic sized training pool, trainers) and nothing else.

Much love to Eric :)

[Watch]

Female, Black, & from the Favelas - Brazils 1st GOLD Medalist

Congratulations to Rafaela Silva, who won the 1st gold medal for Brazil.

Her win has been viewed as a great triumph for Brazil, not only because it's their first gold medal of the games, but because of where she has come from, (her background) and the colour of her skin.
In Brazil, being black ( or having dark skin) is often viewed with disdain.

An unfortunate aspect of Brazil which harks back to African chattel slavery.
( Rafaela has reported in the past that she has been the recipient of numerous racist messages - and ironically, she isn't even that dark skinned;
that's how deep rooted colorism and anti dark skin sentiment can be)

Brazil's wonderful opening ceremony paid homage to the contribution of Africans, which was great, but changing hearts and minds is rarely as 'easy' as planning or putting on a show.
If only it was.



The notorious slums of Brazil, the Favelas, are no doubt filled with talent. Talent, black skins and the desire for change.


But they can also be filled with hope.

It doesn't matter where you come from or how poor you start out
It may be the beginning of the journey but it doesn't have to be the end



You're a star baby
Nice 1 girl x



[For More info - see BBC Article]

10 Signs You're Overstressed (And Don't Know It) by Infinite Waters

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Flavour live in concert - One Africa Music Fest (July 2016)

Nice 1

His band are amazing.. as are those white pants ;)

Diaspora. ft May D ft. Wizkid – Bamilo

Exotic erotic
that dark skinned fetish
Have you heard about it?
The colours the sounds
RED earth
GREEN hills and mountains
BLACK skinz


Don't fetishize me
just love me
If a land could talk perhaps that's what it would say
To Africans across the diaspora, who march on for reparations
I admire your spirit my children
I really do
But I'm not perfect by any means, and I pray I never disappoint you
Place me not on high
Just keep me in your heart where it matters most
Deep within your values
Your integrity
Will speak of me
Through actions
You see...I can never leave you
I'm the blood that runs though your veins
the carbon in your hair
Feel me

You couldn't lose me if you tried
and I can never be taken away from you
For I am yours
and you are mine
Yes, perhaps that's what it would say
If a land could speak
Relax.

Tekno - Pana

I must admit to getting very caught up with watching Richard Kruse trying to win a bronze medal in Rio.

He came so close after making a great come back, then ... it was all over.

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Cool n easy

Mo Farah - Race of his Life [documentary]

A great film, and I can strongly relate to this.
It's been awhile that I've sat down to watch anything, but I'm that glad I did..
Not long now before the greatest show on earth commences..
Good morning x

It may still be available on YouTube if not try Iplayerx*