Postcolonial Songs – Neoliberal Overtake Overtake Don Overtake Overtake by Fela Anikulapo-Kuti Fela na Kpoti. We know the Man well enough. The songs of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, simply known as Fela now have both international appeal and relevance perhaps hitherto not recognised. The most relevant now is Overtake Don Overtake Overtake…
Short Stories
My Tsunami Part 2
My Tsunami Part 2 2. The Visit My bedroom window is east facing gifting me with great views of sunrise. The morning sun was bright and turning the weather warm. In my garden outside my bedroom window the sounds of birds chirping had become less distinct than at dawn. Maybe…
Culture as Institution
Intelligent Nigerians, Home Languages
Intelligent Nigerians, Home Languages Unsurprisingly, the typical Nigerian believes Nigerians are amongst the most intelligent people in the world. The reasons for this belief are various. But none of them are provable by evidence. Some attribute this broad belief among Nigerians to certain factors.
Jazz
Is Jazz Music Urhobo? III
Is Jazz Music Urhobo? III In part II of this series, we must mention the choice of the Art Ensemble of Chicago as archetypal to Uhuoro’ojevwu. Such is not a case of searching for patterns or resemblances where none exist. There’s no dreaming here either. Archetypes though clearly defined take…
Culture as Institution
Obẹnẹ: Urhobo Love Sustainably
Obẹnẹ: Urhobo Love Sustainably The Act Urhobo love. Obẹnẹ, is one of the finest approaches to love in the world. But surprisingly younger Urhobo people in present times believe that Urhobos of previous times did not know what love was. Ojahwevwe! Obẹnẹ, the Urhobo version of love is not…
Culture as Institution
Postcolonial Songs – Wild Geese (Nigeria’s End)
Postcolonial Songs – Wild Geese The Flight of the Wild Geese by Joan Armatrading The song was released in 1978 as the opening theme of the star-studded action-packed blockbuster movie The Wild Geese. The song turns out prophetic for most of Africa, Nigeria most of all. Some words are added…
Short Stories
Ese Efeduma Drums No More
Ese Efeduma Drums No More My obsession with Tsunamis is becoming a clinical problem as I dwell in isolation on board Davy Jones Locker. Only shots of goscolene seems to tame it. Three shots of goscolene taken in one go keeps my obsession with Tsunami doesis at bay for three…
Culture as Institution
Is Jazz Urhobo Music? II
Is Jazz Urhobo Music? II In part one, I talked about scat originating in Urhoboland, then known as Otọr Urhobo. ‘Djueta, scat, was never introduce into Uhuoro’ojevwu merely because it sounded good, or words were lacking. The words of song in Uhuoro’ojevwu were subversive in the utmost. Leaders, Big People,…
Musings
One More Hospital Kpokpority
One More Hospital Kpokpority Back in hospital is no news. The new part is the special clinic I am receiving treatment. Another gladiatorial battle with my body is about to begin. I have won all the countless earlier ones, still this one is different. The victory shall not be down…
Culture as Institution
When Goscolene Rhymes
When Goscolene Rhymes “Fill your glass according to your tolerance.” If you exceed your tolerance, you are on your own. Sometimes when you take a medicine for the first time it works fine. Months later it loses its effectiveness. Witches, demons, and curses are not responsible, your body is. The…