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.

Lupe Fiasco: B* Bad video

This is why I love Lupe Fiasco's music. It has a message that actually makes you think.

Lupe Fiasco - Bitch Bad from Gil Green on Vimeo.

Design House: Marimekko

All because of Google, I delightfully discovered Marimekko today. Apparently, the design house had SJP donning its bright and vivacious wares on Sex and the City. As I perused through the clothes and interior design, some of the products looked familiar to me. And by doing a bit more research I found that not only do they sell their products in multiple brick and mortar clothing stores, but one of these stores includes Anthropologie. It's one of my favorite shops and also a previous place of employment. Not only was Anthro a blissful memory of working days and a blissful past time, Anthro is also a place of artful expression and unique finds, such as Marimekko!

From the Marimekko Converse Collection

Pic Credit: http://us.marimekko.com/

Pic Credit: http://usstore.marimekko.com/apparel/women.asp

New Songs

Red Cafe & Ryan Leslie feat. Rick Ross  "Fly Together"



Here's the instrumental, which is quite good.



Other New Songs:
Rihanna feat. Calvin Harris "We Found Love"

Drake "Headlines"




This isn't new, but it's too good to not be included.
Sade "By Your Side" Remix by Cottonbelly
www.redhot.org

The Hunt for EVCO {pron. ee-vee-cee-oh}

My hunt for Extra Virgin Coconut Oil (or for what I've suitably dubbed- EVCO) began shortly after watching a you tube video. Just yesterday, I found myself you tubing videos on healthy hair when I stumbled upon some advice to use coconut oil for healthier hair.

Because I like to have good reason for all I endeavor, I did my research. It turns out that coconut oil- virgin and certifiably organic, unrefined, unbleached etc. etc.- has incredible health benefits due to its lauric acid and other properties.

As a reminder for those of you who may not be current on nutrition facts, lauric acid is found in a mother's breast milk. It contains many of the nutrients that help newborns fight disease and boost their development. For adults the product should be outstanding used topically for skin and hair, as well as for easing infections and chronic illnesses when eaten raw or used in cooking certain foods.

It only took 3 hours for me to find it. First stop- Wal-Mart. After perusing through the pharmacy aisles, I asked a salesperson who barely spoke English and apparently thought I meant cocoa butter. Then, I asked the lady at the pharmacy counter if they had it. She mumbled something about having big bottles but now only having little bottles. I scanned the rows she had pointed to row-by-row. Nothing.

Next stop was Trader Joe's. I walked down every aisle, and still nothing. The third place I tried was a Caribbean/African foods store. At least it offered three types of coconut water and four brands of coconut milk. And when I had to GPS a GNC, I came across a Whole Foods. And there it was! In fact there were two different brands to choose from. It was a lovely moment. Lesson: If all else fails for extra virgin anything, check Whole Foods.

Since I have been using the product, for three hours to be exact, it has made my skin smooth and shiny. Plus, my hair is no longer dry and it is full of life! Good job EVCO! Good job!

Publicity Stunt, Anyone?

Let's be real: Kanye West's outburst was a four-tiered publicity stunt. Taylor Swift increased her fan base because now everyone feels badly for her. Kanye West increased his publicity because now everyone is checking his website for an apology. Beyonce increased her publicity because now everyone is you tubing her "Single Ladies" video to see what exactly Kanye was talking about. And lastly, MTV has also increased its usual VMA buzz because not only was there the MJ Tribute, but the even more talked about Kanye West outburst happened as well. As always, Mr. West's usual verbal diarrhea during live events has taken control over the mainstream and tugged at the average entertainment consumer's heart strings. (And, yes, it has misguided fans' attention away from Janet's prowess of performance.) The celebrities seem up in arms about Kanyeezy's upstage, but I'm sure in a month they'll be back in his producer-rapper true talent grille. They know he sells records. Fans, too, know we love his tracks. Kanye has conviction and gumption; he exhibits - at times inappropriately- what many people don't have the heart to. So, snaps to Kanye for not disappointing us on that end. Three cheers to the accomplished Taylor Swift for being able to muster through that small trauma. A sardonic clap to Beyonce for covering up her pure glee at Kanye's vote by letting Taylor share her diatribic spotlight. And thanks to MTV for always delivering on publicity stunts for writers and critics and celebs and fans to mull over. Publicity stunt or the usual celeb vying for a spotlight? Either way, mission accomplished by all.

Album Review- New AmErykah Part One

New AmErykah Part One (4th World War)
Erykah Badu
Released February 26, 2008 Motown/Universal


Funky. Sexy. Spiritual. What word best describes New AmErykah? Maybe enlightened as ever, Erykah Badu dropped her 5th album since 2003’s Worldwide Underground. New AmErykah has eleven tracks but Badu manages to make it seem like twice that, due to the content. The very first song, “Amerykahn Promise”, sets the tone for the entire album. It subtly reaches for non-materialism while abruptly expressing how crude achieving The Dream can be. In songs that follow, Badu makes no apologies for speaking her mind or for being herself. Best attributable: many of the tracks have the hardest beats with the most thought-provoking lyrics. They diverge from the popular bass beat with shallow lyrics to her usual deep lyrics over a somber eight. The album’s producers, like Madlib and Shafiq Husayn, do justice to Badu’s soul hip-hop genre with songs like “The Healer” and “That Hump”. Adding to the album’s character, some tracks have 70s and 80s inspired instrumentals like “Master Teacher “ (written in part by Curtis Mayfield) as well as the “;heart;” Bonus Tracks. Socially, historically, and politically steeped, this album smoothly jars listeners awake if they are asleep. Part Two of New AmErykah promises to be just as eye-opening and randomly enjoyable as Erykah Badu.

Go to www.erykahbadu.com to listen to the album.

Fashion Philanthropy

One of my favorite philanthropic efforts has been in fashion. From the rubber sports bands to tee-shirts by major designers like Ralph Lauren. A few years ago I bought a tee that simply states "Africa Works". It was sold by United Colors of Benetton to raise money for an entrepreneurial Africa. United Colors of Benetton sells vibrant clothing for the average career woman (and man too) who enjoys travel and has an open mind which makes me love the clothes. But its campaigns and programs for multicultural, international knowledge makes me love the brand.
I first discovered its multicultural anthem in 2005 while interning for an editorial. Not only does the clothing company design outstanding garb, but it also designs a quarterly magazine, COLORS, edited by Tibor Kalman. The magazine mainly reaches youth around the world made possible through it being printed in 4 different languages and distributed to 40 countries.
The other reason why I love the brand derives from the ad campaign it did in 2008 called Africa Works. The campaign included events, press ads, outdoor ads, and media development with Senegalese singer Youssou N'Dour. Multi-tiered advertising for philanthropy has risen to a whole new level.

It was an innovative idea of promoting micro-credit: a mini loan given to entrepreneurs in Senegal.

The campaign promoted Senegalese singer Youssou N'Dour's micro-credit program Birima. The proceeds from the campaign by United Colors of Benetton went to support Birima. Little-known yet incredibly ambitious, the Africa Works project may have paved the way for future retail campaigns that reach a multinational destination of giving. If you are interested in micro-finance and helping poor countries develop businesses for more promising futures, visit www.birima.org or www.kiva.org.

Music Education (For Adults Only)

I keep hearing all these songs on the radio. They all deal with the same topics.

-Money
-Power Struggles
-Sex

I listened to a CD the other day, and yes, Lupe Fiasco was just saying how we prostitute ourselves – money, power, sex. What makes this prostitution worse is that it’s on public radio – FM to be exact and the little impressionable kids get these messages repeatedly.

Now, people don’t even differentiate hooking up from sex, or sex from a real relationship. It’s all the same. The term hooking up has changed. My generation used to define it as making out or kissing. The younger generation defines it as sex. Back in the day, “we’re together” meant that is my man or woman, because we are steadily dating exclusively. Now “we’re together” has to be explained precisely because no one knows what that vagueness means. The 80s and 90s introduced the concept of casual sex. Now “I’m doing the nasty with him or her” means there’s no relationship and he or she is free for the taking, but you better stay away or get cut for even looking at him or her too long. So, present-day, sex has been confused for a real relationship. And relationships are being detailed to the point that they seem non-existent.

The newer generational sex campaign attempts to stop teens from spreading STDs. Since the beginning of time teens have been having sex. Some people try to act shocked that the peewees are preggers or victims of domestic violence and rape or have Chlamydia. As open and honest as sex has become in the last few decades, the sexually-vague media might want to consider impressionable kids. I enjoy the songs, but not when my eight year old cousin is in the car asking me what the words are. No. FM Radio and expletive nasty don’t really mix. Policy members of the FCC must not even listen to FM radio, but I bet they know what expletive nasty is and I doubt they want their kids doing it.

Like music? Check out www.rentfoodmusic.blogspot.com.

Brasilia/Brasile

I am Brazil nuts, so I consider it one of those seemingly unreachable but one day quite reachable fantasies. Ever since Snoop Dogg and Pharell’s “Beautiful”, I have wanted to go to the sprawling country and eat fruit in a hammock by the beach all day while in my skimpy bikini, accompanied by a golden-toned hottie. Thus it has caused a column on the possibilities in Brazil!

The Fruit
Tropical fruit tend to grow much sweeter in tropical countries. Tropical fruit grows in Brazil. Mangos, lime, guava, acai, and Brazil-specific fruit such as sapoti and jaca.
Oranges, passion fruit, tangerines, bananas and several other fruits can be made into juice drinks with blended ice, frozen pulps, ice cream and vitaminas which are juice with milk. Even sugar cane juice is sold. The coconuts are green and ready to drink from juice stands~ sucobars or the local markets~ feiras.

Sucobars: Fresh fruit bars where you can get blended fruit, ice and sugar as a drink or as frozen pulp in a bowl. Try the passion fruit~ maracuja, or lime~ limao.
The Hammocks
Cheaper hostels and pricier hotels are available. Hostels can provide visitors with immediate acquaintances and are great for lengthy stays. While hotels tend to be beachside or cozily nestled in the midst of the native’s ~ cariocas’ neighborhoods.
Try to keep away from the Brazilian ghettos ~ favelas. Unless invited by someone trustworthy and familiar with the environment, tourists are not able to go into them. In fact, just don’t because there tourist accommodations do not exist.

The Bikini
Think scarce. Think dental floss. Think two-piece. Purpose: tanning, blending in, and/or basking in the ambience.

The Beaches
Brazil is nearly surrounded by coastline. If you’re on the coast, there’s a beach. Pick one. Rio- The Marvelous City- has the most popular. They range from the ritzy Copacabana to the laid-back Ipanema.

The Hotties
- Alice Braga
You know her from the famous Ciudade de Deus poster and the movie I Am Legend.

Pic Credit http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/watchdog/blog/pin-up-vanity-fair.jpghdog/blog/pin-up-vanity-fair.jpg

- Julio Baptista
You know him from AS Roma’s soccer (futbol) team, but he is originally from Sao Paulo.

Pic Credit http://www.juliobaptista.azplayers.com/pictures/Julio-Baptista-pictures.jpgobaptista.azplayers.com/pictures/Julio-Baptista-pictures.jpg

To meet my requirements for my trip, all I need is a hotel, Ipanema Beach, a green coconut, and a Julio Baptista. There are countless other great sights and forms of entertainment in Brazil. Every city and region is different. There are museums, historical buildings, the Amazon, Sao Paulo- which I hear is comparable to NYC, small towns, Carnaval, cathedrals, soccer games and stadiums, renowned mountains, the statue of Christ the Redeemer, and other places to see and experience there. And the artwork that is in the nature, the buildings, and on city walls is phenomenal in itself.

Check out http://www.braziltour.com/ or http://www.justbrazil.org/ for more information.