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10/08/2024

Fela's View on Ethnic Bias

INTERVIEWER: Fela, you are a southern Nigerian but you recently presented a special gift to specially thank Inspector General of Police M D Yesufu, who is a northern Nigerian prince. This raised eyebrows in some quarters especially due to the fact that many southern Nigerians avoid northern Nigerians. What's your take on this?

FELA: I don't care about any raised eyebrows, I care only about the person that saved my life and my career. During Gowon's regime, a certain policeman known as Sunday Adewusi made life unbearable for me. He promised me that I will never rest, and he made sure I never had rest because I was always arrested, beaten up, and charged to court almost on weekly basis on the orders of Sunday Adewusi. Now tell me, is Sunday Adewusi a northern Nigerian?

Let it be known that when Murtala came to power and made M D Yesufu the inspector general, my house was never raided, not even once. I have evidence of people going to meet M D Yesufu to raid my house and get me jailed but he always replied them that "...Fela is not a criminal..."Why do you think Obasanjo sent soldiers to burn down my house? It was because M D Yesufu refused to obey his orders to send policemen he controlled to do such an illegal thing. So is Obasanjo a northern Nigerian, and Murtala and M D Yesufu, are they southern Nigerians?

Even when Abiola owed me money, and I occupied his Decca building to force him to pay me my money, it was the same M D Yesufu that settled the matter. Instead of paying me my money, Abiola went to court to get a court order mandating police to arrest me and detain me but M D Yesufu refused to obey court order to arrest me but instead spoke to me like a brother. So, tell me, was Abiola a northern Nigerian, or was M D Yesufu a southern Nigerian?

Even when I sued Obasanjo to court for burning down my house, was Justice Dosunmu that threw out my case from court a northern Nigerian? Even Tunji Braithwaite that was my lawyer at that time, didn't he bungle my case from the beginning, using me to get popular in Lagos? Was Tunji Braithwaite a northern Nigerian?

I will never join anybody in believing that everything from southern Nigeria is good, and everything from northern Nigeria is bad. I've been helped by many northern Nigerians, and I've been victimised by so many southern Nigerians - Sunday Adewusi, Obasanjo, Abiola, Tunji Braithwaite, you name it. M D Yesufu was good to me, even though he is a northern Nigerian, so why won't I go to his official residence to present him the gift.

31/03/2024

Emotan is one of the heroines of Benin Kingdom. She was an ordinary trader who sold her wares at the exact point where her statue now stands.

She is credited to have founded the first informal creche in Benin as her hut was a popular make-shift nursery for the children of families patronizing the market.

Her hut also served as a solace and hideout for Prince Ogun. She showed immense kindness to the prince when he was fighting to gain back power from his usurper brother, Oba Uwaifiokun who reigned about 1432 AD.

Emotan played a significant role in helping Prince Ogun (who eventually became Oba Ewuare) ascend the throne. Oba Ewuare reigned as the 12th Oba of Benin in about 1440 AD.

Following Emotan's death a short while after Ewuare’s ascension to the throne, the Oba decreed that she should not only be buried in her hut, but that her grave be marked with an Uruhe tree and she should be deified as the conscience of justice. Every celebratory procession in Benin pays homage to the burial site.

Oba Akenzua II, in cooperation with the British Colonial authorities commissioned in 1954, a life size bronze statue of Emotan as a young woman, sculpted by Mr. John A. Danford, in his Chelsea, London, studio in 1951, from a miniature model cast by Igun Street artists.

12/08/2023

KISS OF LIFE"
In 1968, the author received the Pulitzer Prize for this photograph - one of the most prestigious awards in the United States, which is awarded for achievements in music, cinema, theater and journalism.
The picture shows two electricians, Randall Champion and Jay Thompson, hanging from a power pole. That day there was a strong heat and nothing foreshadowed trouble. The hum of air conditioners in July 1967 was heard throughout the state of Florida. Because of them, in the city of Jacksonville, there was an overload of power lines, and this caused a power surge.
Randall and Jay were doing routine maintenance on a live line when Randall accidentally touched one of the wires. A discharge of 4000 V passed through the body and his heart stopped. For understanding: during the ex*****on in the electric chair, a voltage of 2000 V is used
Randall's lifeless body hung from the harness. But his partner Jay did not lose his head, realizing that every second is precious, he began to give him artificial respiration right on the pole. It was very inconvenient, but there was no other way out. In such a situation, it is difficult to conduct a normal resuscitation, but Jay still tried to start his friend's heart until he had a weak pulse.
Only after that he unhooked his partner's insurance and, throwing him over his shoulder, went down to the ground. By the time the rescuers arrived (they were called by professional photographer Rocco Morabito, who happened to be at the scene), Champion was already conscious on the ground.
Not only was he saved, thanks to Thompson, but he lived another 35 years. The electrician died in 2003 at the age of 64.
Thompson is alive today.

25/07/2023

Rita Marley (Widow Of Bob Marley) Is 77 Today

Wishing Cuban-born Jamaican singer and the widow of Bob Marley, Alpharita Constantia "Rita" Marley, OD a happy birthday today (born 25 July 1946). She was a member of the vocal group the I Threes, along with Marcia Griffiths and Judy Mowatt, who gained recognition as the backing vocalists for Bob Marley and the Wailers.. Happy birthday Rita Marley.

30/06/2023

'For some strange reason, at least two biographers have written that my father never came to see me fight until I turned professional, which is totally untrue. My father's loud and dramatic encouragement spurred me on. He attended almost every fight I had in Louisville, only missing the ones that were out of town because we couldn't afford the travel expense. One writer of a picture book on my life even said my father beat me throughout my childhood, a claim that had all the Clays in Louisville laughing. My father raised his children like my grandfather had raised him. We were not to be struck by anyone inside the house or outside.

- Muhammad Ali

14/06/2023

Seven years without Stephen Keshi.😢

Today is the anniversary of the demise of former Nigeria international and manager who made significant impact in the history of Nigeria football.

The iconic Keshi played for Super Eagles between 1981 and 1995, then coached it between 2011 and 2014.

He won the Africa Cup of Nations in 1994 as captain of the Super Eagles and also led the team to success in 2013 as a manager.

Keep resting on Legend.

11/06/2023

Muhammad Ali in Egypt, on the river Nile, June 1964.

Muhammad Ali embarked on his first African tour in 1964 saying: "I want to see Africa and meet my brothers and sisters." His visit began in Ghana, the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to win independence from a European power.

Always and forever the best champion Muhammad Ali
He left a great influence in this world, RIP legend

09/06/2023

Emotan:

Emotan, whose real name was Uwarraye, lived during the 15th century in the ancient kingdom of Benin. She was a market woman at the Oba Market and played a significant role during the reigns of Oba Uwaifiokun and Oba Ewuare the Great. Emotan was not only known for her successful trade, but also for her compassion towards children and her pivotal involvement in Prince Ogun's (later known as Oba Ewuare I) journey to reclaim the throne.

Despite not having any biological children, Emotan opened her heart and home to numerous children. Parents would entrust their children to her care, allowing them to learn various trades under her guidance. Additionally, she provided shelter and training to many orphans, who went on to become valuable and industrious members of society.

Emotan formed a strong alliance with Prince Ogun, secretly planning to overthrow the usurper, Oba Uwaifiokun. She played a crucial role by providing invaluable intelligence to Ogun while he was in exile, ensuring his safety and aiding his eventual return to the throne. Emotan's humble abode at the Oba Market served as a refuge for Prince Ogun, becoming a sanctuary where she acted as his eyes and ears in the city. Owaifiokun, desperate to maintain his ill-gotten kingship, sought to eliminate Ogun, but the prince foiled his plans by swiftly confronting and defeating his younger brother.

Ogun's victory not only secured his rightful place as ruler but also ended the succession crisis that had plagued the kingdom. In recognition of Emotan's unwavering support, Ogun adopted the title Ewuare (Oworuare), meaning 'the heat has abated' or 'the trouble has ceased.' Emotan's passing occurred shortly after Oba Ewuare I's coronation. To ensure her memory endured, the newly crowned king issued a decree honoring her. He deified Emotan by planting a sacred Uruhe tree at her grave, which coincided with the spot she once resided beside the Oba Market. Oba Ewuare I also commanded that every titleholder and funeral procession pay homage to Emotan's grave.

The Uruhe tree, symbolizing Emotan's legacy, thrived for over three centuries until the reign of Oba Osemwende when it finally withered away. In its place, Oba Osemwende planted a new Uruhe tree approximately 150 years ago, providing support with an Iroko tree. However, due to a severe storm that struck 50 years prior, causing the last two trees to fall, the British Council in Benin, during the reign of Oba Akenzua II in 1954, replaced the Uruhe tree with a life-sized bronze statue of Emotan herself. This decision aimed to preserve her memory and honor her enduring legacy within the kingdom.

05/05/2023

If you know you really love Bob marley back then till now

Let's keep the legacy of a great legend moving forever~~

14/04/2023

Biography of Majek Fashek

Majekodunmi Fasheke, popularly known as Majek Fashek was a Nigerian singer-songwriter and guitarist.

He was best known in his home country for the 1988 album
Prisoner of Conscience , which included the multiple award-winning single "Send Down the Rain".

Also known as The Rainmaker , he has worked with various artists worldwide, including
Tracy Chapman, Jimmy Cliff, Michael Jackson, Snoop Dogg, and Beyoncé .

Fashek was born in Benin City to an
Edo Old Bendel State mother and a Ijesha father,(Osun State, but identifies with his Benin roots.

Various translations of his name Fasheke (Ifa-kii-she-eke) include "high priest who does not lie", "powers of miracles" and "(system or medium of) divination does not lie"

After his parents separated Fashek remained in Benin City with his mother, and soon joined the choir in his local Aladura church and learned to play the trumpet and guitar whilst composing songs for the choir.

In the early eighties Fashek, who at the time went by the stage name Rajesh Kanal, joined the group Jastix with McRoy Gregg, and Drummer Black 'Rice. They were best known as the in-house band on the show Music Panorama on NTA Benin , and toured with fellow reggae group The Mandators .

Jastix were also session musicians for upcoming reggae singer Edi Rasta, who would later be known as Evi-Edna Ogholi .
1988–1990: Prisoner of Conscience and I&I Experience

In 1988, shortly after Jastix disbanded Fashek, who now used the name Majek Fashek, signed with Tabansi Records and began a solo career by releasing the album Prisoner of Conscience and quickly became Nigeria's top reggae artist after the song " Send Down The Rain" became the most popular song of the year, and in 1989 he won six PMAN awards for "Song of the Year", "Album of the Year", and "Reggae Artist of the Year" among others.

Fashek's next album was I&I Experience which was released in late 1989 under the Tabansi Label.
1991: So Long Too Long and American invasion
After leaving Tabansi Records, he was signed to CBS Nigeria in the early 1990s and released So Long Too Long . It was included on Putumayo World Music 's first album. In 1990 he was signed to Interscope Records and released the critically acclaimed album
Spirit Of Love, produced by "Little Steven" Van Zandt . In 1992, he appeared on Late Night with David Letterman in support of his new 1991 album, and performed the song "So Long Too Long" for the television audience.

Flame Tree released The Best of Majek Fashek in 1994. He was later dropped by Interscope before moving to Mango, a division of Island Records , as it was more accustomed to marketing reggae internationally. His first album for the company included a cover version of Bob Marley 's "Redemption Song". He has recorded several albums for various labels since, including
Rainmaker for Tuff Gong (1997) and
Little Patience for Coral (2004).
Musical style
Fashek's musical influences include Bob Marley – whom he resembles vocally – Jimi Hendrix, and
Fela Kuti . He was one of the original Nigerian artists to be drawn to the music of the Caribbean, specifically reggae, rather than indigenous hybrids such as fuji , jùjú , but has been known to mix these genres into his own style which he calls kpangolo , and the song "My Guitar", an ode to his favourite instrument, was also heavily influenced by rock

Fashek played a supporting role in the 2000 Nollywood movie Mark of the Beast ,and starred in a commercial for non-alcoholic beverage Diamalt. He recently (2016) performed in a comedy show (with more than ten thousand audience in attendance) in Lagos, Nigeria, with a roundly power-filled and soul-lifting performance.
In December 2016 Fashek contributed the song "We Are Not Afraid" to a video featuring 200 celebrities to raise funds for the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and Human Rights Watch (HRW).

Fashek was married to Rita Fashek who inspired the song "Without You"; the couple had four children together, but have since divorced. In 2015, it was revealed that Fashek was bankrupt and battling drug addiction. After admitting that he needed help, he was admitted into a drug rehabilitation centre in Abuja,[20] but has since recovered, and returned to music.

Besides his struggle with drug addiction, other health conditions required his hospitalization on several occasions. He was rumored dead in September 2019 but his manager quelled the rumors, confirming that Majek had indeed been critically ill, hospitalized at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woolwich, England, and in dire need of financial assistance.

Billionaire businessman and philanthropist Femi Otedola has pledged to cover all the singer's medical expenses.
He died on the 1st of June, 2020 at 71 in the United States, after battling an unknown illness. His death was confirmed by his manager Omenka Uzoma, on the late singer’s official Instagram handle.

04/04/2023

Remembering Maya Angelou, who was born on this day.

(April 4, 1928 – May 28, 2014), She was a memoirist, popular poet, and civil rights activist. She published seven autobiographies, three books of essays, several books of poetry, and is credited with a list of plays, movies, and television shows spanning over 50 years.

Angelou is best known for her series of seven autobiographies, which focus on her childhood and early adult experiences. The first, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1969), tells of her life up to the age of 17 and brought her international recognition and acclaim.

03/04/2023

HISTORY!!!
The woman on the Nigeria 🇳🇬 twenty Naira note is Ladi Kwali. She was born in Kwali, Gwari region of Northern Nigeria, where pottery was a common occupation among women.

She was so skilled that her work became known in Europe, Britain, and America. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, her work was displayed in London at the Berkeley Galleries.
She became Nigeria's best-known Potter, was awarded a doctorate, and made MBE in 1963 despite not having a formal education..

01/04/2023

Ethiopians rode on Lions as if were horses During Haile Selassie I Reign

Did you know that Ethiopians trained Lions to capture the soldiers of the enemy and fought side by side with Cheetahs,bees,elephants and lions?

Ethiopian soldiers with their fighting lions.
The Ethiopians went to war with dangerous animals and insects such as bees, wasps, lions, elephants or cheetahs trained to capture the soldiers of the enemy camp, which enabled them to win all the wars of colonization against them and to be the only country in the world to have never been colonized. At the battle of Adwa Ethiopian warriors skilled in sword fighting called Shotel destroyed the invading Italian soldiers in hand to hand combat culminating into resounding African Victory in the battle of Adwa.

12/03/2023

Nigeria's first goalkeeper, Sam Henshaw Ibiam, had a unique goalkeeping record. He did not concede a single goal in eight of the nine years he represented Nigeria.

In all his nine years with the team, he conceded just five goals, which he did against one team - Ghana.

In recognition of his achievements, Sam Ibiam was awarded a trophy at the First National Sports Award for "Sports Heroes and Heroines of Yesteryear" in 1987.

09/03/2023

This is Bob Marley and his music teacher, Joe Higgs. Joe Higgs was once a popular artist in Jamaica, then, later on, started running informal music lessons at his house in Trench Town. He is the one responsible for teaching Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Bunny Wailer & many other popular Jamaican singers.

What fascinated me is how Bob remained close & submissive to his teacher, even when Bob became a major star. They say a picture says a thousand words, and just by looking at this picture, you can feel the bond between teacher and student. You can't also help but notice the humility in Bob's demeanor.

Higgs is credited with teaching his pupils breath control, melody, and guitar songwriting lessons. For all of you who boast of losing your voices after a church service, it's because of a lack of knowledge of vocal techniques. By applying proper vocal technique you won't lose your voice.

Sadly Higgs passed away on December 18, 1999, leaving a huge behind-the-scenes legacy.

When I think of Joe Higgs I'm reminded of great Zimbabwean teachers & mentors like Shephered Chinyani,Isaac Chirwa,Ambuji,etc.Give me more names tinzwe,tag a mentor & give them their flowers.

05/03/2023

Malcolm X and Babatunde Olatunji talking with Nigerian students in Harlem.

25/02/2023

"I'm living in a world of ignorance, where everything that is righteous is condemned.
When I come on stage, it's not to entertain and just smile, because my songs are not smiling songs.
My songs are a revolution. How can you sing a revolution, which you know is a threat to society and when you do these things, you become a threat to society So when you´re doing these things which are a threat which you know. Why should you smile? " --- Peter Tosh.

23/02/2023

THE UNTOLD STORY OF HOW AND WHY FELA KUTI MARRIED 27 WOMEN ON THE SAME DAY IN 1978 (A must read)

In 1978, the pioneer of Afrobeats, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, married 27 women in one day. This should not be strange to those who know the life and style of the Nigerian music legend nicknamed Abami Eda (strange creature).

Many of Fela’s band members became homeless after the devastating soldier attack on Fela’s commune (Kalakuta Republic) in 1977. In order to keep them together, Fela decided to do the unusual.

He gave a piece of paper to his female band members requesting the names of those that would like to marry him; the entire twenty-seven female band members put down their names.

After getting their consent, Fela Kuti married the 27 women on the 20th of February, 1978, at the Parisona Hotel in Anthony, Lagos, with the blessings of twelve Ifa priests. It was alleged that some parents of the ladies objected the marriage.

Fela married the women to protect and keep them together. The marriage ceremony was attended by Fela’s families, friends and other band members.

During the marriage ceremony, Fela rendered a short speech, pressed naira notes on his new wives’ foreheads and gave them marriage certificates. Fela embraced a rotation system of 12 wives at a time. After the marriage, Fela took his 27 wives to Ghana for honeymoon.

However, in 1986, shortly after his release from prison, Fela Kuti divorced his 27 wives on the claim that marriage brings jealousy. It should be noted that they were not forced to leave his house after the divorce; some lived with him till his death in 1997.

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