Naija Videos

I heart Nigerian music. So here are some songs that have done quite well and that I heart.

D'Banj



P Square Featuring Akon



The Antenna Dance



And, of course, the Azonto, a Ghanaian dance, that has gained in popularity.

Summer Videos

M.I.A. put out "Bring the Noize" in June. It's deep.




Miley Cyrus' new image is quite enjoyable. She's expressing her new self in "We Can't Stop".

Rich as the Night is Afro Blue..

Listening to some jazz music today and heard the Poncho Sanchez version of Afro Blue...

Here's the original by Mongo Santamaria (1959):



Here's John Coltrane's version (1963):



And, of course, there is a more recent version by Robert Glasper featuring Erykah Badu (2012):

Wale featuring Nikki Minaj and Juicy J: "Clappers"

I heard this song on the radio today, so I am sure that it will soon be played out. Plus it is just hilariously ignorant sounding enough that the radio will be sure to have it on heavy rotation. Still, I like it because it reminds me of 80's rap - LL Cool J and Experience Unlimited. Shout out to New Orleans bounce music and DC go-go music. Check out Wale's new song, "Clappers":

Book Review: Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe

As the daughter of two Nigerians, when I saw Chinua Achebe’s “ThingsFall Apart” on my optional reading list in high school I neglected to see the added value in reading it. I chose to read something else and went along my way for years unknowing of what I had missed.

As time went by, people kept telling me that it was a great novel. My family members had all read it. A month ago, a good friend suggested that I read Chinua Achebe’s “Things Fall Apart”, and by some naturally occurring phenomenon I picked up my sister’s copy and read it.

Cover to cover, it was a great novel. More than that, it tells the story of interconnectedness that so many of us choose to ignore. But, if we choose to read about it, it can open us up to the wonders of who we are and where we come from.

It tells the story of an Ibo village in Nigeria not so long ago. Like a folktale about tradition, family, beliefs, and customs it invited me into a life that only my grandparents and those before them knew in totality. Though my parents and relatives know these elements well, as immigrants who were brought up in a country “fallen apart” so to speak, they have carried on with traditions mixed with an imposed cultural ideology.

Thankfully, I chose to broaden my knowledge of what I have had a limited understanding of. Reading “Things Fall Apart” led me to questions and exploration of my own family history. It brought back memories of my parents’ sharing of ideals and values. More significantly, it captured my imagination and my heart.

I know Okonkwo and his father’s duality. It exists in every family, generation after generation. I have heard of Ezinma and have seen Ekwefi’s struggle. It tells a beautifully unabashed account of a people- their livelihood, land, and customs - through proverbs, symbolism and vivid detail.

First published in 1958, “Things Fall Apart” has several sequels that share the stories of the main character’s family members. An acclaimed Nigerian author and accomplished professor, Chinua Achebe passed away on March 21, 2013.

Read the NPR Article on Nigeria's reflections of Chinua Achebe's life.

Solange: Stillness is The Move Song

Tonight is the much-anticipated Solange concert! I am excited to hear all the songs from her Sol-Angel album, which is my favorite one so far, and "Losing You". On You Tube this morning I came across this song, which I think is quite good.

Solange Knowles: Losing You Music Video

As a fan of Solange Knowles for her authenticity and love for fashion, art, and music, I am happy to say that I finally got tickets to see her in concert! Last time she performed in this city, the tickets sold out in a day! Here's is her very true to form video, "Losing You". It was taped in Cape Town, South Africa.