" Badagry Town, Door of Civilization..."

It's hard to think of any other place in Lagos that gives me sweet memories of my exuberant teenage. I was in boarding school, far away from home and loved ones. In the ancient town of Badagry, I had a blast, coupled with several bouts of that adrenaline rush fueled by the constant overdose of teenage testosterone. High school was boot camp.

The town of Badagry is one place that whispers bitter-sweet tales of civilization, adventure and inhumanity.On the other hand, the palms sing ballads of fair mother nature. A town almost unruffled by the character of Lagos itself, Badagry exudes a subtle aura of tranquility and reservedness. Not too long ago, I took a trip down to the Brazilian Barracoon, to see ancient slave trade relics and journey the slave route up to the Point of No Return. I remember, I kept thinking what it must have been like for the slaves; not knowing what was coming to them or how they'd survive the unknown; the heaviness that thought must have brought could have been likened to having six bags of sand piled on one's chest.

Despite all, I still ask myself: why did our own people do that to one another? Why did the chief decide to sell hundreds of his own people in exchange for mirrors, umbrellas and chinaware? Looking at the trend in world politics, governance and economics, has slavery really been abolished or has it only worn another face? With the killing of Ifechukwude by Badagry locals, can we say this barbaric and cannibalistic inhumanity has been fettered for good?

By the way, if you walked down that road in the first picture, in my time, you had a great education. Up BGS.

P.S: This post is dedicated to the memory of my good friend Moses Solesi, who was the 11 year old that stood by me in high school, shared his meals and didn't judge. Continue to Rest in Peace.

Nigeria On The "Swag" Scale

                                       

L-R. Banky W, TuFace Idibia, PSquare and D'Banj

It is now common knowledge that Nigeria rules the African society. We have,literally, commandeered the social scene and steered it around to face our stage where we rock. All thanks to the ever vibrant media, we enjoy this well deserved bliss in our popular culture, encompassing music, movies, reality TV, to name a few.

Have you seen Forbes Top 10 Bankable African Musicians? It's not only a welcome development, it is recognition well deserved considering the efforts our musicians have put into their work, in the past years. Just a while ago, I saw D'Banj's "Why Me" and PSquare's "Senorita" music videos, and I can't help but say: "Don't despise the days of little beginning". As it is, be it Big Brother Africa, Mavin Records, EME Records, Square Records or Hypertek Records, we have come up strong despite the hostile terrain. These guys have become a beacon of hope for the future Nigeria, where ingenuity, individuality and uniqueness will be defining attributes in shaping the future.    

Despite whatever perceived negativity, we have come across to the global society as a uniquely talented and resilient part of the human race altogether. Thus, we create a world of order and bliss, even amidst the chaos. A world of sweet escape.             

...SO I ATE THAT FROG

                                                  

...SO I ATE THAT FROG

     

 "Eat a live frog first thing in the morning, and nothing worse will happen to you the rest of the day"-

 Mark Twain

Ok (sighs), here it is.

I did hesitate a lot, I should admit. Almost drowned in the insistent sermons of loved ones to give this a try, I did find that tiny spark of inspiration and, maybe, the need to overcome that inertia.

 By nature, I am the kind of guy who would notice the golden sunset in a frustrating traffic jam on the Third Mainland; or tell straight away if a woman has the singing voice just by hearing her chat on. If personalities really had colors, I'd be bluish-green or some weird hue like that.

Blogging in itself, for me, was a tough idea at first. I mean, look at the lovely people on the scene already. They have got all the sweet contacts, all the time in the world for it; and some are known solely for it. Yet, every time, I feel this void; more like that need to talk about some really vital stuff; the need to see beyond the glam, pomp and pageantry of individuals in the society; the need to take off those masks and see the soul that enlivens all that breathes and even some that don't. Take a deep breath, take a seat and count the evening stars.

Here you will love life just the way you should.

Welcome home.