Sunday, 29 April 2018
Saturday, 28 April 2018
Weekend WOW Factor: Why we, in the diaspora, should care about what happens in Africa.
Political change appears to be sweeping across sub Saharan Africa. West Africa in particular.
Interestingly, the recent appointees to the office of President with the exception of Emmerson Mnangagwa in Zimbabwe, have been young men who have spent a great deal of time away from their respective countries. This is no coincidence.
There are times when in order to see a situation clearly , what is advised is to step back, thereby enabling you to see the picture fully.
There are many who say that Fela's real strength, or the rise of his political astuteness emerged after living in both the UK and UK, where he realised the plight of his people during the black power movements.
During the struggles against colonialism, the Pan African movement was led by those in the diaspora, breaking the yoke of tribal affiliations that prevent progress and opening the mind to new ideas, developing a unity and creating a bond stronger than differences, and they suceeded.
2019 Nigerian Presidential hopeful Omoyele Sowore
Whilst the struggle may have become an ongoing struggle against Neo colonialism, the truth still remains that it was the partnerships between those at home and abroad that created a force strong enough to fight a common enemy.
Of our recent appointees, few were politicians previously, with Adama Barrow working what many would consider a basic job abroad as a security guard at Argos, and Weah a former footballer, it remains encouraging refreshing that the requirements for the greatest role in office are shifting to a focus on ideas, integrity, and humanity. EFF leader Julius Malema, has emerged as one of the greatest leaders in South Africa, and I predict will become the next president of that country.
I say all that to say this.
We have a strong history of resistance against oppressors but have lacked the ability to remain free of corruption and focus on real development strong governance and nation building.
The emergence of Sowore's desire to run for office in Nigeria is generating interest both inside and outside of Nigeria.
Sowore who has lived outside of Nigeria for many years and has built one of the largest online media news platforms in Nigeria has every chance of succeeding in his mission.
His ability to communicate a clear message, an indication of his media savvy, works well to appeal to people otherwise far removed from political power.
The sleeping giant of Africa appears to be waking up.
Criticism's against him in that he is a small boy (despite being 47) is an indication into one of the things that is wrong in Nigeria.
47 whilst relatively young, is an age of experience often classed as middle aged. An age where you have gained some experience and wisdom, yet still have much to learn. Nigeria has been misleading its people by the implication that one is not mature until perhaps 60yrs.
If he is a boy, a man of 30yrs is what? 20yrs a baby?
I am not ageist, I think it's wrong to dismiss a leader because he is old, as was the case in Zimbabwe and even much of the criticisms of Buhari, but what do you think could be the result of such brainwashing, other than presiding over a nation of the docile and immature.
So why should we even care what happens in Africa? Why should we, you or I care who is Nigerias President.
Simple.
How Africa shows up in the world reflects on us. It remains our home and we are one people.
How Africa shows up impacts on how were are treated abroad. Much of our trials and tribulations are fuelled by the fact that the impression many have of us remains negative. That we can be used and abused, exploited and mistreated, and it go unnoticed.
Look at the Congo, mining, land issues.
We will be respected fully, when African nations are equally respected.
We will be respected , when we respect ourselves.
For too long, those in a position of power, be it tribal chiefs, pastors or elected politicians have been misusing that power, and it's time for a change.
Ok you may say, yet where are the women in all this
Relax I say, change takes time.
But It really is, only a matter of time
Fela lives on.
Gambian President Adamah Barrow
Worked at Argos UK
President Maada Bio of Sierra Leone
Earned his Masters degree in the United States of America
President George Weah of Liberia
Professional footballer
played for teams such as Chelsea and Manchester City
UN definition of Youth
**
Interestingly, the recent appointees to the office of President with the exception of Emmerson Mnangagwa in Zimbabwe, have been young men who have spent a great deal of time away from their respective countries. This is no coincidence.
There are times when in order to see a situation clearly , what is advised is to step back, thereby enabling you to see the picture fully.
There are many who say that Fela's real strength, or the rise of his political astuteness emerged after living in both the UK and UK, where he realised the plight of his people during the black power movements.
During the struggles against colonialism, the Pan African movement was led by those in the diaspora, breaking the yoke of tribal affiliations that prevent progress and opening the mind to new ideas, developing a unity and creating a bond stronger than differences, and they suceeded.
2019 Nigerian Presidential hopeful Omoyele Sowore
Whilst the struggle may have become an ongoing struggle against Neo colonialism, the truth still remains that it was the partnerships between those at home and abroad that created a force strong enough to fight a common enemy.
Of our recent appointees, few were politicians previously, with Adama Barrow working what many would consider a basic job abroad as a security guard at Argos, and Weah a former footballer, it remains encouraging refreshing that the requirements for the greatest role in office are shifting to a focus on ideas, integrity, and humanity. EFF leader Julius Malema, has emerged as one of the greatest leaders in South Africa, and I predict will become the next president of that country.
I say all that to say this.
We have a strong history of resistance against oppressors but have lacked the ability to remain free of corruption and focus on real development strong governance and nation building.
The emergence of Sowore's desire to run for office in Nigeria is generating interest both inside and outside of Nigeria.
Sowore who has lived outside of Nigeria for many years and has built one of the largest online media news platforms in Nigeria has every chance of succeeding in his mission.
His ability to communicate a clear message, an indication of his media savvy, works well to appeal to people otherwise far removed from political power.
The sleeping giant of Africa appears to be waking up.
Criticism's against him in that he is a small boy (despite being 47) is an indication into one of the things that is wrong in Nigeria.
47 whilst relatively young, is an age of experience often classed as middle aged. An age where you have gained some experience and wisdom, yet still have much to learn. Nigeria has been misleading its people by the implication that one is not mature until perhaps 60yrs.
If he is a boy, a man of 30yrs is what? 20yrs a baby?
I am not ageist, I think it's wrong to dismiss a leader because he is old, as was the case in Zimbabwe and even much of the criticisms of Buhari, but what do you think could be the result of such brainwashing, other than presiding over a nation of the docile and immature.
So why should we even care what happens in Africa? Why should we, you or I care who is Nigerias President.
Simple.
How Africa shows up in the world reflects on us. It remains our home and we are one people.
How Africa shows up impacts on how were are treated abroad. Much of our trials and tribulations are fuelled by the fact that the impression many have of us remains negative. That we can be used and abused, exploited and mistreated, and it go unnoticed.
Look at the Congo, mining, land issues.
We will be respected fully, when African nations are equally respected.
We will be respected , when we respect ourselves.
For too long, those in a position of power, be it tribal chiefs, pastors or elected politicians have been misusing that power, and it's time for a change.
Ok you may say, yet where are the women in all this
Relax I say, change takes time.
But It really is, only a matter of time
Fela lives on.
Gambian President Adamah Barrow
Worked at Argos UK
President Maada Bio of Sierra Leone
Earned his Masters degree in the United States of America
President George Weah of Liberia
Professional footballer
played for teams such as Chelsea and Manchester City
UN definition of Youth
**
Thursday, 26 April 2018
Tuesday, 24 April 2018
Sunday, 22 April 2018
Weekend WOW Factor: Are Nigerian Youths Lazy?
So why did President Buhari state that Nigerian youths are lazy?
In truth, they don't actually get free housing education and health care do they?. No, They struggle.
I believe that President Buhari is of an entirely different generation now and perhaps dare I say slightly out of touch?.
He will contest a second term, and the mischievous side of me hopes he wins, mainly because I don't believe ageism is a reason ( which too many express) for him to relinquish power.
I'm sure there are many senators who are over fed and lazy and are nowhere near as old as Buhari.
Not until one gets to grips with peoples voting habits will there be much if any change.
I think it's hard to accuse youths of being lazy where they remain actually untested. I know I saw many youths working hard in the sun to sell their wares, so no, they as a collective are not lazy.
I believe that a poverty aka hangout mentaility exists in poorer countries across west Africa, and volunteerism is unfortunately almost non existent, but until there is fair and balanced wealth and wage gap, it's simply unfair to cite those who are without opportunity as lazy.
So no Mr President, that comment may work at home on our own children but on the world stage we need to be a little more discerning.
Interestingly, If the President believes the youth are simply lazy, what efforts will he make going forwards to change the current status quo?
A functioning civil society and an adapted welfare state could transform Nigeria
Manufactoring, and services, increased vocational training and JOBS.
We will always find lazy. But it's preferable to give lazy a chance before we call it by its name
President Buhari increasingly reminds me of a stuck up uncle. You love him but he's stuck in his ways
**
On a lighter note.. if you can find a funnier pre election posturing debate than this I'd like to see it
" President my foot!"
ft Sowore of Sahara TV
In truth, they don't actually get free housing education and health care do they?. No, They struggle.
I believe that President Buhari is of an entirely different generation now and perhaps dare I say slightly out of touch?.
He will contest a second term, and the mischievous side of me hopes he wins, mainly because I don't believe ageism is a reason ( which too many express) for him to relinquish power.
I'm sure there are many senators who are over fed and lazy and are nowhere near as old as Buhari.
Not until one gets to grips with peoples voting habits will there be much if any change.
I think it's hard to accuse youths of being lazy where they remain actually untested. I know I saw many youths working hard in the sun to sell their wares, so no, they as a collective are not lazy.
I believe that a poverty aka hangout mentaility exists in poorer countries across west Africa, and volunteerism is unfortunately almost non existent, but until there is fair and balanced wealth and wage gap, it's simply unfair to cite those who are without opportunity as lazy.
So no Mr President, that comment may work at home on our own children but on the world stage we need to be a little more discerning.
Interestingly, If the President believes the youth are simply lazy, what efforts will he make going forwards to change the current status quo?
A functioning civil society and an adapted welfare state could transform Nigeria
Manufactoring, and services, increased vocational training and JOBS.
We will always find lazy. But it's preferable to give lazy a chance before we call it by its name
President Buhari increasingly reminds me of a stuck up uncle. You love him but he's stuck in his ways
**
On a lighter note.. if you can find a funnier pre election posturing debate than this I'd like to see it
" President my foot!"
ft Sowore of Sahara TV
Too Black Too Strong
* Benjamin Zephaniah
Was correct.
He turned down the offer of an OBE back in 2003.
His reasons should be obvious, yet for those who are unaware, he did so as to accept such an award, given what the British empire did to people of African and Caribbean descent; and still do, would have made a mockery of him, and all that he stands for
Benjamin Zephaniah has a revolutionary mind.
Yet how many of us could do that?
How many of us could, or rather would turn down one of the Queens highest honours if given the chance?
Not many I suspect.
No, the ego, peer pressure family pressure and subconscious belief that the British monarchy actually means enough for us to bow our heads in trifling shame, and be at their mercy, is strong.
This week Commonwealth leaders visited London. What we hadn't realised perhaps, is that since Brexit the UK had been seducing the Commonwealth once more. invites abound for staff, labour, workers to fill the gap left by European migrants (once they flee).
The shame of the Windrush scandal I fear will abate too quickly.
I've lost count of the number of people I've met telling me their employer had asked for a bio metric ( or other) card and they didn't have one
What card?
What the hell is that?
Despite working in the front line I had no clue.
There was no training, no memo, no concern.
But you've worked there for years.. why now?
I had heard stories of Caribbean people being deported, (mainly on social media), but at the time there was little or no backstory.
So now we know.
The Windrush children and descendants are British. but they will ever really be ...British.
The government should grant immediate citizenship to those who failed to get papers.
im not sure why many didn't apply for, or get passports years ago but that's by the way now.
fact is, these black African Caribbean people were invited here. they came, they worked they set up home.
Setting up home may have been a mistake but again, that's by the way now.
I know that had I experienced the type of nasty racism that they did; to leave would have been my first priority.
We as children had to live with the dichotomy of respecting our parents, yet disobeying them at the same time.
Cooning was enemy number 1.
We were not prepared to coon our way through life, and neither did we feel anything but a sense of pride in our identity and ability to fight back.
Whether the British want us or not we don't care. black African Caribbeans are here to stay and for some folk, even black folk....being too black too strong is too much to handle.
Tuff
There comes a time when the faux cockney accent won't work
That easy temperament that got you through at work and a deliberate tonal change doesn't cut it
a time when even even your friendship with Becky won't help
The neat fade or the 'Brazilian black'
A some point you'll be seen as too black too strong
Hostile environment?
Will they ever learn.
Was correct.
He turned down the offer of an OBE back in 2003.
His reasons should be obvious, yet for those who are unaware, he did so as to accept such an award, given what the British empire did to people of African and Caribbean descent; and still do, would have made a mockery of him, and all that he stands for
Benjamin Zephaniah has a revolutionary mind.
Yet how many of us could do that?
How many of us could, or rather would turn down one of the Queens highest honours if given the chance?
Not many I suspect.
No, the ego, peer pressure family pressure and subconscious belief that the British monarchy actually means enough for us to bow our heads in trifling shame, and be at their mercy, is strong.
This week Commonwealth leaders visited London. What we hadn't realised perhaps, is that since Brexit the UK had been seducing the Commonwealth once more. invites abound for staff, labour, workers to fill the gap left by European migrants (once they flee).
The shame of the Windrush scandal I fear will abate too quickly.
I've lost count of the number of people I've met telling me their employer had asked for a bio metric ( or other) card and they didn't have one
What card?
What the hell is that?
Despite working in the front line I had no clue.
There was no training, no memo, no concern.
But you've worked there for years.. why now?
I had heard stories of Caribbean people being deported, (mainly on social media), but at the time there was little or no backstory.
So now we know.
The Windrush children and descendants are British. but they will ever really be ...British.
The government should grant immediate citizenship to those who failed to get papers.
im not sure why many didn't apply for, or get passports years ago but that's by the way now.
fact is, these black African Caribbean people were invited here. they came, they worked they set up home.
Setting up home may have been a mistake but again, that's by the way now.
I know that had I experienced the type of nasty racism that they did; to leave would have been my first priority.
We as children had to live with the dichotomy of respecting our parents, yet disobeying them at the same time.
Cooning was enemy number 1.
We were not prepared to coon our way through life, and neither did we feel anything but a sense of pride in our identity and ability to fight back.
Whether the British want us or not we don't care. black African Caribbeans are here to stay and for some folk, even black folk....being too black too strong is too much to handle.
Tuff
There comes a time when the faux cockney accent won't work
That easy temperament that got you through at work and a deliberate tonal change doesn't cut it
a time when even even your friendship with Becky won't help
The neat fade or the 'Brazilian black'
A some point you'll be seen as too black too strong
Hostile environment?
Will they ever learn.
Saturday, 14 April 2018
Friday, 13 April 2018
Tuesday, 10 April 2018
Given a choice, would women choose Polygamy?
Your energy introduces you before you even say a word.
I'm not sure where that quote came from but great isn't it?
Do you know, in a world where so many of us seek perfection..
Your partner doesn't have to be perfect, just perfect for you...
I watched a short clip of a couple married for almost 50yrs. A sweet clip, where they spoke about the reality of marriage, not with regret or disappointment but with fondness. Between them they agreed that what has worked for them is the commitment to love, even if they don't feel loving. To recognise each others differences, and instead of seeing them as flaws, they see them simply as differences.
They believe in resolving disagreements within the home, not broadcasting them with the world, or badmouthing the other in a heated moment.
Your lover should compliment you.
Inspire continuous self development in each other and witness how sweet it can be.
**
A Kenyan politician recently advocated polygamy as a solution to family issues in Kenya, basically advocating that if the going gets tough or a man is irritated with his wife he should simply spend time with the other.
No introspection on self improvement required there huh.
Anyway, as you know I'm a romantic. Not in the cheesy sense, but in the real love sense.
It isn't always easy, no, being naive takes great skill lol!, but the result of such love is certainly fulfilling.
To led with love, in whatever you do in life, is a good thing
It takes courage to love, it requires a level of openness and vulnerability that can make even Kings quake.
Polygamy seems easy, but not for women.
Polygamy for women requires great sacrifice
Not sure what problems it can solve in Kenya.
Maybe Kenyan politicians should focus on the real issues at hand, and seek guidance on love related matters from women who have not totally given up on the idea that men can be loyal too.
Chale! this man horny sah..
Anyway, as long as they are happy...for sure, as long as they're all content.
Seems he has the resources to take care of them, and one can assume he's a good lover, worth waiting in line for.
Would you be a polygamous wife?
I'm not sure where that quote came from but great isn't it?
Do you know, in a world where so many of us seek perfection..
Your partner doesn't have to be perfect, just perfect for you...
I watched a short clip of a couple married for almost 50yrs. A sweet clip, where they spoke about the reality of marriage, not with regret or disappointment but with fondness. Between them they agreed that what has worked for them is the commitment to love, even if they don't feel loving. To recognise each others differences, and instead of seeing them as flaws, they see them simply as differences.
They believe in resolving disagreements within the home, not broadcasting them with the world, or badmouthing the other in a heated moment.
Your lover should compliment you.
Inspire continuous self development in each other and witness how sweet it can be.
**
A Kenyan politician recently advocated polygamy as a solution to family issues in Kenya, basically advocating that if the going gets tough or a man is irritated with his wife he should simply spend time with the other.
No introspection on self improvement required there huh.
Anyway, as you know I'm a romantic. Not in the cheesy sense, but in the real love sense.
It isn't always easy, no, being naive takes great skill lol!, but the result of such love is certainly fulfilling.
To led with love, in whatever you do in life, is a good thing
It takes courage to love, it requires a level of openness and vulnerability that can make even Kings quake.
Polygamy seems easy, but not for women.
Polygamy for women requires great sacrifice
Not sure what problems it can solve in Kenya.
Maybe Kenyan politicians should focus on the real issues at hand, and seek guidance on love related matters from women who have not totally given up on the idea that men can be loyal too.
Chale! this man horny sah..
Anyway, as long as they are happy...for sure, as long as they're all content.
Seems he has the resources to take care of them, and one can assume he's a good lover, worth waiting in line for.
Would you be a polygamous wife?
Monday, 9 April 2018
This African child.
So the tracing of my matrilineal line presented these results.
Interesting.
No real surprises here for me, but I need to go a little deeper. Also trace my fathers line, which I'm told can only be done via a male family member
It is possible to fine tune this search, also bare in mind arbitrary borders drawn up by colonisers.
Anyway, here you have it.
African/Caribbean Migrations
'Most African Caribbeans can trace their ancestry back to Western Africa from areas in present-day Ivory Coast, Ghana, Benin, Togo, Nigeria, the Republic of Cameroon, Republic of the Congo, and Mali. Over a three-hundred-year period, nearly 5 million people were enslaved and brought to the islands to work on sugar plantations. After emancipation in the early 1800s, they moved from island to island looking for seasonal work, usually returning home after the work was finished. Thousands journeyed to Panama, where they helped build the Panama Canal. Others moved to New York City and became successful business people and medical professionals'.
Interesting.
No real surprises here for me, but I need to go a little deeper. Also trace my fathers line, which I'm told can only be done via a male family member
It is possible to fine tune this search, also bare in mind arbitrary borders drawn up by colonisers.
Anyway, here you have it.
African/Caribbean Migrations
'Most African Caribbeans can trace their ancestry back to Western Africa from areas in present-day Ivory Coast, Ghana, Benin, Togo, Nigeria, the Republic of Cameroon, Republic of the Congo, and Mali. Over a three-hundred-year period, nearly 5 million people were enslaved and brought to the islands to work on sugar plantations. After emancipation in the early 1800s, they moved from island to island looking for seasonal work, usually returning home after the work was finished. Thousands journeyed to Panama, where they helped build the Panama Canal. Others moved to New York City and became successful business people and medical professionals'.
Sunday, 8 April 2018
Goodbye Winnie
Last week we lost an icon.
A woman, a mother a wife, anti apartheid activist, and hero to many. A leader.
A woman of amazing strength, who shone in her beauty and her femininity.
What were you doing the day you heard that Winnie Mandela had died?
Winnie was a Queen to many of us.
A symbol of an ongoing struggle against injustice.
Yet there was no outpouring of grief. I don't think I've had a meanigful conversation with any woman, about what Winnie meant to them.
There was no Princess Diana fanfare.
Not here, not London.
Winnie suffered.
She herself incarcerated. Kept away from her husband, dragged from her home in the middle of the night with her children, and placed under observation. locals ordered not to talk to her.
Winnie was feared.
Black women like Winnie often are
But we shouldn't fear her, nor be afraid to speak of her.
We should not allow the media to dictate to us who to honour. who is important, who we should mourn.
As important as her husband, yet Winnie will never be granted the affection of the British nation, and why would they
There is a difference between being tolerated and being celebrated
We know enough to know that our heroes are our heroes for a reason
and we love them
The Queen, the mother of South Africa is gone, but never forgotten.
A woman, a mother a wife, anti apartheid activist, and hero to many. A leader.
A woman of amazing strength, who shone in her beauty and her femininity.
What were you doing the day you heard that Winnie Mandela had died?
Winnie was a Queen to many of us.
A symbol of an ongoing struggle against injustice.
Yet there was no outpouring of grief. I don't think I've had a meanigful conversation with any woman, about what Winnie meant to them.
There was no Princess Diana fanfare.
Not here, not London.
Winnie suffered.
She herself incarcerated. Kept away from her husband, dragged from her home in the middle of the night with her children, and placed under observation. locals ordered not to talk to her.
Winnie was feared.
Black women like Winnie often are
But we shouldn't fear her, nor be afraid to speak of her.
We should not allow the media to dictate to us who to honour. who is important, who we should mourn.
As important as her husband, yet Winnie will never be granted the affection of the British nation, and why would they
There is a difference between being tolerated and being celebrated
We know enough to know that our heroes are our heroes for a reason
and we love them
The Queen, the mother of South Africa is gone, but never forgotten.
Thursday, 5 April 2018
Sunday, 1 April 2018
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)