Opening: Builders Hub Community Learning & Resource Centre
Builders Hub Foundation founded by Barrister Natasha Akpoti commissioned the first learning centre to serve schools in Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State.
OYIZA ADABA | AFRICA-RELATED NIGERIA
Okehi L.G.A, Kogi State, Nigeria
Photos by Africa-Related
Barr. Natasha Akpoti of Builders Hub Foundation surrounded by the school children who benefited from the program. (Africa-Related)
Builders Hub Foundation, founded by Barrister Natasha Akpoti commissioned the first learning centre to serve schools in Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The mission is to promote literacy through tutoring, workshops, skills development and ICT in these underserved communities. Additional support came from The Dangote Foundation, National Inland Waterways Authority and Lantern Books. Donations continue to pour in.
The Centre is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Jimoh Akpoti, whose selfless service still impacts the people today.
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Oyiza Adaba is a journalist with Africa-Related
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Builder's Hub Impact Investment Program - Creativity & Collaboration
A COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE ONE DAY SEMINAR FOR ENTREPRENEURS.
OYIZA ADABA | AFRICA-RELATED NIGERIA
A COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE ONE DAY SEMINAR FOR ENTREPRENEURS.
THEME: CREATIVITY and COLLABORATION:
Key for Successful Entrepreneurship Growth in Nigeria’s Ecosystem.
VENUE: ABUJA ENTERPRICE AGENCY
DATE: JAN 19, 2017 @ 10:00am.
We herein appreciate all participating agencies and participants. The success of this seminar could not have been possible without your immense contributions to this seminar.
This communiqué has been compiled using a feedback questionnaire of start-up and existing enterprises whose participation was upon a carefully selected nationwide application process aimed at forging an interaction amongst stakeholders in the Nigeria’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. The general overview and concerns captured below are based solely on the information provided by the participating government agencies and institutions duly represented.
Abuja Enterprises Agency
All participants (private and public) were appreciative of AEA’s generosity in hosting the event free of charge. Mr. Chudi Ezerigwe explained the functions the agency proffered to MSMEs particularly those situated in the Federal Capital Territory while extending reassuring words of encouragement to every enterprise. However,
1. 90% of the participants residing in Abuja herad about AEA for the first time. More effective presence needed especially at the Micro levels.
2. 70% wanted AEA to liaise with SMEDAN on regional and state engagements for more impact
3. More information and continuous information will be needed about AEA on radios and in local dialects. This is because most MSMEs are located in the outskirts of town and where print media isn’t as available and effect as their radio stations.
SMEDAN
That Dr. Friday Okpara of SMEDAN spoke quite interestingly on the established responsibilities of the agency as it relates relevantly to the growth of Small and Medium enterprises but 80% noted that;
1. SMEDAN is not an effective one-stop-shop able to cater to their start up and business scaling needs. Meaning that, they are further referred to other agencies for e g funding, certification etc. 100% wanted more effectiveness at regional levels.
2. SMEDAN should incorporate Micro businesses in their schedule of activities
3. SMEDAN is too important to be too distant from the grassroot enterprises. Regional and state offices must be more effective.
4. SMEDAN should liaise better with all other agencies and collate all MSME offers for easy dissemination.
5. More sensitization for start-ups and existing entrepreneurs needed nation-wide.
CAC
That Hajiya Hafsat Denge of Sokoto CAC brought to light good initiatives CAC implemented to ease the means of ‘new business registration; however 72% of the participants were of the view that;
1. 10,000 naira for Business name and Company registration is still too expensive for Mirco and Small businesses.
2. Fee waivers for other corporate filings and certifications should be considered for the Micro and Small businesses.
3. To embark on impactful awareness programs to inform the general public about the various rates of the agency’s services and general procedures; the absence of which leaves room for fraudsters.
Growth and Employment
Participants were extremely impressed with the Project Coordinator, Mr. Y.S. Labaran’s lectures on GEM grant and capacity building initiatives but 100% think that:
1. With the high percentage of start-ups in Nigeria, GEM should broaden their acceptance criteria to include start-ups. The 6 months and 5 staff workforce minimum requirement is too stringent.
2. That there should be more awareness created on the GEM program nationwide. 3. As GEM rounds up operations in a year, are there follow up plans?.
Nigeria Export Promotion Council
Director, Barrister George Enyiekpon’s thorough briefing of NEPC role and incentives towards promoting export of Nigerian made goods was highly appreciated by all participating enterprises. However, 90% opined that:
1. NEPC should conduct more grassroot awareness, as lessons on export preparedness need to be learned from the early stages of business.
2. NPEC should aggressively promote the acceptability of Nigerian made goods in foreign lands. Exhibitions and adverts would go a long way.
3. Hands-on capacity building programs must run frequently and regionally for better understanding on product quality, packaging etc necessary for the international markets.
4. NEPC should form strategic alliances with foreign countries and organizations geared towards promoting trade from African countries such as AGOA, Fairtrade, CBI etc and make such information available to the Mirco and Small businesses at the grassroots level.
Bank of Industry
Mr. Tolulope Toluwase of BOI’s presentation was very informative and easy to digest by 100% of the participants. However;
1. The “single digit” 9% interest rate was not feasible for Micro and Small businesses. On the average, participants opted for 3% as an acceptable interest rate.
2. In line with the current high number of start-ups, BOI should consider conducting more business management workshops nationwide possibly in each state on a continuous basis.
3. Cash and tools/ workshop financing packages should consider start-ups.
4. BOI should interact more with SMEDAN and other capacity building service providers.
National Board for Technology Incubation
The impressive presentation of the DG, Dr. Jibrin was appreciated by all participants. However;
1. 100% of participants were not aware of NBTI’s existence. This is a huge problem.
2. That NBTI should be more present in the lives of businesses at ALL levels by establishing business Incubation centres in each state and specialized Incubation centres regionally.
3. A lot of sensitization of NBTI’s functions should be aired on electronic media especially radio in local dialect for grassroot reach out.
4. To liaise more with SMEDAN and other private and public service providers.
Standard Organisation of Nigeria
Mrs. Usoso Uduak gave an enlightening overview of SON’s function and certification support activities. All Participants were greatly impressed with the responsive initiatives set anew by the DG Mr. Osita Aboloma, however;
1. 90% of the participants were not aware of the incentives such as reduced certification rate, 50% waiver of laboratory fees etc. More awareness needed.
2. SON should create a booklet of Nigerian own standards serving her unique products such as palm wine, canned pepper soup, Kunu shakes, natural herbs etc.
3. 95% were worried about the certification bureaucracies setting Ghana, Kenya and Ethiopia as examples for an easier product certification serving export markets.
4. 100% asked for greater awareness at state levels since that’s where most Micro and Small businesses reside.
5. SON should liaise better with NEPC and NAFDAC to avoid process duplication.
6. Micro business and corporative should have special services. They are the most vulnerable.
7. Training seminars and workshops should be frequently conducted around Nigeria.
8. Mores responsive to start-ups and better feedback to the general public is needed frequently.
NAFDAC
Participating entrepreneurs appreciated the information shared with them by Mr. Bashir, but;
1. 100% are of the opinion that a dedicated MSME section should be created as they make up more than 70% of the business population.
2. Certification requirements are not realistic for Micro and Small businesses. N10,500 inspection fee, 21,000 laboratory test per product, 21,000 certificate issuance fee etc is too expensive.
3. The demand for modern equipment to be used for the production of indigenous local products is worrisome. To capture the essence and flavour of tradition, hygienic old methods must be permitted.
4. NAFDAC should consider relying on SON’s product laboratory test where applicable to avoid double dipping of costs.
5. There should be real time grassroot interactions between Micro and Small enterprises and NAFDAC.
6. Liaise with SMEDAN, NBTI, NOA and other relevant agencies.
7. Effective awareness creating seminars and capacity building workshops are needed nationwide and very often. Use electronic media to educate the public in local dialects.
BHIIP
There was tremendous applause to BHIIP for its efforts in conducting such an engaging and interactive seminar which brought together under one roof, many regulatory agencies, business support institutions and enterprises of all facets to learn and brainstorm on how to strengthen through creativity and collaboration, the Nigerian’s ecosystem.
1. That BHIIP should ensure follow up with all regulatory agencies to ensure their concerns are adequately captured and implemented for the overall success of businesses in Nigeria.
2. BHIIP should conduct more of such seminars not only in awareness creation but also capacity building.
3. The free seminar encouraged participation of financially struggling start-ups. This free education must be encouraged nationwide for an effective grass root impact.
4. That BHIIP should serve as a bridge in forging a healthier entrepreneurial ecosystem with special input from the Mirco and Small businesses to promote effective bottom-top holistic framework in relation to funding, standards, knowledge and market.
5. There was an overwhelming agreement on the suggestion that BHIIP should be a private liaison body between the enterprises and the government agencies and business supporting institutions. Here, information regarding all manners of funding options, certifications, trainings and seminars would be obtained under one roof. This shall also be a channel where real-time service and need feedback shall be disseminated.
BHIIP’S IMPLEMENTATIONS
We acknowledge that positive impact cannot happen in isolation, it requires a collective action of all the stakeholders working together in harmony. Therefore, in line with the aforementioned observations and concerns, BHIIP shall establish an Enterprise Builder Hub, which shall serve as a network where entrepreneurs connect with systems and programs to critically think, communicate, create and collaborate their businesses into success.
Enterprise Builders Hub shall be an innovation lab, business incubator, and market generator for Nigerian made goods and services. To this, we shall encourage membership from start-ups and existing entrepreneurs to effectively benefit from our unique ecosystem of resources, inspiration and collaboration opportunities amongst themselves and agency stakeholders.
BHIIP is already in partnership with SMEDAN, being the foremost government body promoting enterprise growth. We are in the process of finalizing a partnership with AEA and will require to partner with all other agencies and institutions relevant to catalysing impact in the entrepreneurs ecosystem.
We at BHIIP believe that a better world evolves through the combined accomplishments of committed and compassionate people focused on a common vision – to promote entrepreneurial development and industrialization of our country Nigeria.
Signed By Participants
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Oyiza Adaba is a journalist with Africa-Related
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Revive Ajaokuta Awareness Walk
The Ajaokuta Awareness Walk, a sensitization march organized by The Revive Ajaokuta/Itakpe Movement, a group of advocates for the revival of Nigeria’s existing moribund industries held in Abuja on Jan 25, 2017.
BY OYIZA ADABA | AFRICA-RELATED NIGERIA
ABUJA, Nigeria January 25, 2017
Photos: AFRICA-RELATED
The Ajaokuta Awareness Walk, a sensitization march organized by The Revive Ajaokuta/Itakpe Movement, a group of advocates for the revival of Nigeria’s existing moribund industries held in Abuja on January 25, 2017.
Over 300 marchers from across the country, started the walk from Eagle Square to the National Assembly where they were received by members of the Senate, and ended at the Ministry of Justice.
Dressed in national colors and holding placards with various advocacy messages alongside photos of Nigeria’s founding fathers, their aim was to draw the government’s attention to the state of Nigeria’s industries especially the steel company in Ajaokuta, which has been dormant for over 30 years with only 2% to completion. They called for the original builders to be brought back to Nigeria to complete the project that will in turn diversify the dwindling economy and create jobs for Nigerians.
Key highlights include speeches by featured speakers and advocates such as Dr. Okeme Arome (Convener), Ajaokuta activist Barr. Natasha Akpoti and Comrade Issa Aremu of the NLC.
SIGNAGE, CHANTS AND SLOGANS
Various signage, banners and placards carrying informative message conveyed the spirit of the group. Examples include: TRADE NOT AID, STIMULATED BY STEEL, REVIVE OUR INDUSTRIES, 2% TO COMPLETE 38 YEARS IN WAITING Etc…
The marches chanted slogans like
Revive Ajaokuta! Industrialize Nigeria!
Ajaokuta is… NOT for sale!
2% to Complete! 38 Years in Waiting!
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Oyiza Adaba is a journalist with Africa-Related
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Nubuke Foundation 10th Anniversary - A Conversation with El Anatsui
Ghanaian cultural oasis, The Nubuke Foundation recently celebrated its 10th year anniversary with an exhibition by various local and international artists, and a conversation with world renowned artist El Anatsui that was moderated by art critic and curator N'Goné Fall.
By Oyiza Adaba. Accra, Ghana
N'Goné Fall , independent curator and art critic moderates conversation with globally acclaimed sculptor El Anatsui on his life journey from 1974-2016.
Ghanaian cultural oasis, The Nubuke Foundation recently celebrated its 10th year anniversary with an exhibition by various local and international artists, and a conversation with world renowned artist El Anatsui that was moderated by art critic and curator N'Goné Fall.
The conversation dwelt on the artist’s early works from 1974-2016. The rich audience consisted of respected names from the Ghanaian art scene, who got a rare chance to interact with Anatsui with a Q&A session. The children also unveiled an art piece made in honour of the highly revered artist. Congratulations to the NUBUKE Foundation.
PHOTOS BY AFRICA-RELATED
The Men's Room Forum II
BY OYIZA ADABA | AFRICA-RELATED NIGERIA
Oyiza Adaba is a journalist with Africa-Related
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The Men's Room Forum 1st Edition
BY OYIZA ADABA | AFRICA-RELATED NIGERIA
Oyiza Adaba is a journalist with Africa-Related
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Highlights of Anya Fụlụ Ugo 2015
An Interdisciplinary African Arts Conference in honour of El Anatsui and Obiora Udechukwu that took place at the Faculty of Arts, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria. The maiden edition was held in honour of Professors El Anatsui and Obiora Udechukwu.
By oyiza adaba - Africa-Related, Nigeria
Faculty of Arts Complex, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Photo: Africa-Related
anya fụlụ ugo jaa ya mma, na-adi afụ ugo kwa daa
- the eye that sees an eagle should adore it, for only rarely are eagles seen -
Video Courtesy of Africa-Related
Interdisciplinary African Arts Conference of the Faculty of Arts, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria in honour of El Anatsui and Obiora Udechukwu
Theme: African Art and Artists after the Millennial Turn
Venue: Princess Alexandria Auditorium, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
Date: 24-27 June 2015
This conference adopts an interdisciplinary approach to the discourse of the current state of art and artists in Africa and in the African Diaspora. It is our tribute to two important global artists associated with the Faculty of Arts at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, whose work over the past four decades demonstrates the multiple layers of critical, historical, and other narrative contexts that African art engenders today. Professors El Anatsui and Obiora Udechukwu are acclaimed for creating a respectable body of works that have grown to defy any marginal critical or historical narrative - a microcosm of the form and content of African art today.
The four-day even was attended by artists and educators from various countries including UK, Spain, The United States, Germany etc. The program was packed with activities such as breakout sessions, art exhibitions, guided tours etc.
The broad theme of the conference, “African Art and Artists after the Millennial Turn” proposes an interdisciplinary approach to the discourse of the current state of art and artists in Africa and in the African Diaspora. Under the banner “Anya Fulu Ugo”, this maiden edition was held in honour of Professors El Anatsui and Obiora Udechukwu.
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El Anatsui Visits KNUST Kumasi
BY OYIZA ADABA | AFRICA-RELATED NIGERIA
Oyiza Adaba is a journalist with Africa-Related
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El Anatsui & Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o: Induction Ceremony To American Academy of Arts & Sciences
The American Academy of Arts and Sciences (AMACAD) inducted 204 new members at Havard University Cambridge on October 10 & 11, 2014 . They include some of the world’s most accomplished scholars, scientists, writers, artists, and civic, corporate, and philanthropic leaders.
OYIZA ADABA - Cambridge, MA
Photos by Africa-RelATD
Letters of Acceptance line up the halls of The American Academy of Arts & Sciences at Havard University, Cambridge, MA.
El Anatsui & Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o: Induction Ceremony to The American Academy of Arts & Sciences
The American Academy of Arts and Sciences (AMACAD) inducted 204 new members at Havard University Cambridge on October 10 & 11, 2014 . They include some of the world’s most accomplished scholars, scientists, writers, artists, and civic, corporate, and philanthropic leaders. Two prominent Africans were also on the list - novelist & playwright Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o for Literary Criticism from University of California, Irvine; and former Professor of Arts from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka El Anatsui as a Foreign Honorary Member in Visual Arts Criticism and Practice.
NEWLY ELECTED MEMBERS, APRIL 2014
TOTAL: 204
FELLOWS: 188
FOREIGN HONORARY MEMBERS: 16
EL Anatsui & Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o Inducted
Since its founding in 1780, The Academy has served as a champion of scholarship, civil dialogue, and useful knowledge. As one of the country's oldest learned societies and independent policy research centers, the Academy convenes leaders from the academic, business, and government sectors to respond to the challenges facing the United States and the rest of the world.
AMACAD’s membership encompasses over 4,600 Fellows and 600 Foreign Honorary Members; and reflects the full range of disciplines and professions including mathematics, physical and biological sciences, medicine, social sciences and humanities, business, government, public affairs, and the arts. Among the Academy's Fellows are more than 250 Nobel laureates and 60 Pulitzer Prize winners. The strength of the Academy lies in the intellectual leadership of its members and the wide range of expertise they bring to its studies and publications.
Letters of Acceptance Class of 2014
Past inductees include Nelson Mandela (2009), Albert Einstein (1924), Martin Luther King Jnr (1966), Bill Clinton (2006), Quincy Jones (2001), Thomas Jefferson (1987), Al Pacino (2014), George Washington (1781), Colin Powell (2009), Alan Alda (2006), Paul McCartney (2012), T.S Eliot (1954), Emmylou Harris (2009), Joan Miro (1961) and many more.
DELA: The Making of El Anatsui is a biographical documentary about one of the world's greatest sculptors. .
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OCCUPY NIGERIA PROTEST OJOTA LAGOS DAY 1
February 20, 2014
Photos by Africa-Related
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OCCUPY NIGERIA DAY 2 MARINA & JAKANDE-LEKKI
FEBRUARY 2, 2014
Photos by Africa-Related
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ALBUM REVIEW: "Asoju Oba" by AYETORO
Asoju Oba is the first Ep from the third in the Afrobeat Chronicles series by Ayetoro - the internationally acclaimed Afrojazz collective led by one of Nigeria's most talented composers and pianists Funsho Ogundipe.
ASOJU OBA- Album Cover
By Athene Oveh, Lagos
originally published in TARUWA MAGAZINE
Music Review: ‘Asoju Oba’ by AYETORO
Ayetoro is an internationally acclaimed Afrojazz collective led by one of Nigeria's most talented composers and pianists Funsho Ogundipe.
Ayetoro was formed by Nigerian Pianist, Composer and Music Director, Funsho Ogundipe. It straddles both the Afrobeat and Jazz worlds equally creating a sound which draws energy from the highly percussive Afrobeat keeping music lovers excited with its intensity. A global band which exists in different forms in different places, the creative sounds evolve constantly under Ogundipe’s direction to create different versions in Lagos, London and Accra.
With this, the third international release and coming on the heels of the critically acclaimed Omo Obokun Afrobeat Chronicles Ayetoro take Afrobeat into modern territory with Soul and Hip Hop added to the rich brew of Afrofuturistic Jazz and Afrobeats.
Asoju Oba is the first Ep from the third in the Afrobeat Chronicles series. It features all three versions of the group and was recorded in Accra Lagos and London.
The album in the Afrobeat Chronicles series. Featuring the cream of African and Diasporic talent this EP introduces Lady Jay from Ghana who sings lead vocals on Baba Don Go, a tribute to Fela Anikulapo Kuti. Other talents featured from the Hip Hop camp include Lagos based producer and rapper Hakeem Yesufu aka Mendo and Akinyemi Ogundipe aka Skillz a young Lagos based Rapper.
Who both feature on 'Seeds in the Pod' a Hip hop meets Afrobeat Jazz like joint. Its diminished chords and minor scales provide a platform for some deep Jazz/Rap inspired by the Sufi Poetry of India's Ibn al Arabi.
The Jazz heavyweights are still flexing their improvisational skills. Music muscles as Music Director Composer Funsho Ogundipe on Piano and Keys and Trumpeter Byron Wallen and Clarinetist Shabaka Hutchings illuminate the album with entrancing colours.
Asoju Oba is an imagining of what Afrobeat would sound like in the hands of the great Thelonious Monk. It's a funky dance floor number with sax and piano solos and a free Jazz outro.
Its cover is a collaborative work involving Prila Paiva, a Brazilian artist who is steeped in African culture. It is an esoteric representation of an Ifa story. The new album is titled Asoju Oba, which roughly means the King's eyes. It is inspired by the writings of the Brazilian author Jorge Amado who exposed Yoruba culture to the Portuguese speaking world.
Official. 'Asoju Oba' Ayetoro's new EP available online as digital download
http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/ayetoro/id78713249
Ayetoro EPK
music . videos . photos . news . calendar
http://www.sonicbids.com/ayetoro
- Taruwa Magazine
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AYETORO INTERVIEW FOR AYAKA ONLINE
Ayetoro is an internationally acclaimed Afrojazz collective led by one of Nigeria's most talented composers and pianists Funsho Ogundipe. Ayakaonline sat down with the longtime Music Director.
Ayetoro is an internationally acclaimed Afrojazz collective led by one of Nigeria's most talented composers and pianists Funsho Ogundipe .Photo by Numero Unoma.
originally published in ayaka online
February 28, 2012
AYETORO INTERVIEW FOR AYAKA ONLINE
1. Ayetoro is often mistaken for the town with a similar name. What prompted you to name the band Ayetoro
A. The name conjures a vision of order. After chaos order is a mathematical possibility. With order peace has a chance. So the name represents to the band an ordered world of peace. Directly translated, it means a world of peace/order.
2. Describe Ayetoro’s music and bran
A. The band was formed in 1996 in Nigeria. Our first album Naija Blues featured Segun Arinze, the late J T West, Shadrack John and a host of other guest artists. I then relocated to the UK. In London, together with music talents such Byron Wallen the trumpeter, guitar player Jim Mulle, bass player Orefo Orakwue etc, Ayetoro performed at live shows across the UK. In 2007, we formed Ayetoro Ghana with an equally talented group of musicians such as bassist Phillip Acquah, drummer C C Frank. Our producer engineer Panji Anoff lives and works from out of Accra. What you hear now is the new Ayetoro in Nigeria which was formed when I came back in 2010. The journey has been remarkable playing alongside respected talented musicians worldwide. The one constant about Ayetoro is that it has been and remains open to musicians that understand the music and bring a certain level of quality and creativity to it. Asa toured with us, the legendary guitarist Oscar Ellimbi and bass player Falna King both from Cameroon played in the first edition of Ayetoro in Lagos. Today’s Ayetoro is experimenting with music genres such as Rap, Poetry, Neo Soul and Blues. What remains unchanged is the quality of our music. There are no compromises there. The brand is rooted in tradition yet very modern.
3. Which of your songs leave a vivid memory whether it the writing or performance?
A. Recording and mixing the Afrobeat Chronicles Vol 1 album in a day. No overdubs or editing and no time for multiple takes . Such a challenge but the band rose to the task magnificently.
4. Although you're not mainstream, it's been 16 years of sheer musical genius as seen in the quality of your work, but do you think you've broken trough in Nigeria yet. Do you feel any sense of acceptance by Nigerians yet?
A. Nigeria is what it is. We live we love we cry and we never say never. Afrobeat or Jazz is underground music nationwide so we put everything in its proper place.
5. Culturally what is the significance of the traditional symbols and Yoruba language we see and hear all over Ayetoro's works?
A. Our culture is the basis for everything we do. It is the same for those who hold the scroll in the right hand. The Yoruba possess a magnificent artistic tradition. We are only carrying on in that tradition as we are based in that cultural area in Nigeria.
6. Ayetoro's new single Asoju Oba just dropped online. Can you explain the album, artwork and the people that worked with you on it?
A. Asoju Oba roughly translates into The kings observer. It marks the beginning of a conceptual series of albums featuring contemporary art. The album is our homage to the deep cultural ties between Bahia in Brasil and the Yorubas in Nigeria Benin Togo and Ghana. The title is inspired by a character Oju Oba in the book Tent of Miracles by Brazilian author Jorge Amado. It features three tracks which showcase the different ayetoro bands.
Baba don go is a tribute to Fela Kuti. With Lady Jay from Ghana and Skillz from Nigeria on spoken word. Solos are by Byron Wallen and Shabakka Hutchings in the UK.
Asoju Oba is an instrumental feature.
Seeds in the Pod/Love is my Religion is where Afrobeat meets conscious Hip Hop and guest stars Mendo with Caroline Fusi singing the hook. I take piano solos. The artwork was created by the Brazilian artist Prila Paiva from Sao Paulo. Seeds in the Pod is inspired by the Sufi poetry of Abu Bakr Ibn al Arabi especially love is my religion.
Technically we collaborated with Panji Anoff of Pidgen Music Ghana who is in charge of our technical side. The tracks were recorded at Alpha Junes (Lagos), Livingstone Studios (London) and Pidgen (Accra) and mastered by Sonny at Spare Dougal (London).
7. Where can we find the album and is there a plan for a launch in Nigeria?
A. Currently the album is available as a digital download on iTunes. The address is: http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/ayetoro/id7871324. Then it will be available on cd and as a 12inch vinyl record in Nigeria in April 2012. Fans can like Ayetoro Live on Facebook and our official page is www.myspace.com/ayetoro
8. Are you looking for any future collaborations with any artists (Nigeria or international)? Who?
Watch this space!
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Jazz Singer Yinka Davis @ Jazzhole
New Album Listen - Black Schiffon Available @ Jazz Hole Ikoyi & online http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/Y inkaDavies
Lagos, Nigeria - May 14, 2011
Photos by Africa-Related
Yinka Davies Live!!!
New Album Listen - Black Schiffon Available @ Jazz Hole Ikoyi & online http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/Y inkaDavies
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Messengers Season I & II Press Photos
Jul 8, 2006 – Sep 30, 2010
photos by Africa Related
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Memory Lane: A visit to China Achebe at Bard College
African journalists and educators Okey Ndibe, Joyce Ashuntantang, Omoyele Sowore and Oyiza Adaba visit Prof Chinua Achebe at Bard College in 2008
Press Release
African journalists and educators Okey Ndibe, Joyce Ashuntantang, Omoyele Sowore and Oyiza Adaba visited Prof. Chinua Achebe at his home at Bard College in 2008.
Annandale-on Hudson February 2008
Biyi Bandele's OROONOKO Playing in New York City Theatre
Nigerian playwright Biyi Bandele’s 'OROONOKO' is playing in New York City from February 2- March 9, 2008
BY OYIZA ADABA | AFRICA-RELATED NEW YORK
Nigerian-born playwright and novelist Biyi Bandele speaks with Tuzyline Jita Allan about his daring and politically-charged adaptation of the 17th century classic Oroonoko, a story of a journey from kingship to slavery, written by Aphra Behn, the first professional female author in Europe. Ooronoko, which was commissioned by the Royal Shakespeare Company, will have its US premiere at Theater for a ‘new audience’ in February.
Oroonoko
Biyi Bandele’s daring and politically-charged adaptation of the 17th century classic Oroonoko, a story of a journey from kingship to slavery, written by Aphra Behn.
Biyi Bandele's plays have been presented at the Royal Shakespeare Company, Royal Court and Royal National Theatre, and his novels include The Sympathetic Undertaker and Burma Boy. Tuzyline Jita Allan is a Professor of English at Baruch College, editor of Women Writing Africa, and author of Womanist and Feminist Aesthetics: A Comparative Review.
Oroonoko first premiered at the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1999 where it was acclaimed as 'a true act of cultural reclamation’. Biyi Bandele, a prolific Nigerian writer residing in England, was commissioned by the RSC to adapt Aphra Behn's 1688 novella Oroonoko. With vibrant words, drumming and dance based on Yoruba culture, Bandele interpretes the tragic love story, a journey from kingship to slavery, rebellion and death.
Aphra Behn (b.1640-1689) was the first professional female author in Europe. Living for a time in Surinam in the Caribbean, Behn based her 1688 novella Oroonoko on tales told by the African slaves brought over by the Dutch.
Bandele himself is a descendent of a returned slave, and his plays have been presented at the RSC, Royal Court and Royal National Theatre. Juwon Ogungbe composed the original score while Kate Whoriskey directed at LAByrinth Theatre Company, the Goodman, American Repertory Theatre, and the Intiman Theater.
The cast include Che Ayende, David Barlow, Greg Derelian, Mar Gueye, Ira Hawkins, Jordan C. Haynes, Albert Jones, Ezra Knight, Graeme Malcolm, LeRoy McClain, Toi Perkins, Christen Simon & John Douglas Thompson
The highly acclaimed 'Oroonoko' opens in New York City on February 2nd 2008.
February 2- March 9, 2008
The Duke on 42nd Street, 229 West 42nd Street, New York
For more information: www.tfana.com
Oyiza Adaba is a journalist with Africa-Related
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Photos: Kofo the Wonderman & The Daylight Stars @ ZINC Bar NYC
Multi-talented Kofo Wonder performs at Freedom Park, Lagos
By Oyiza Adaba | Photos: Africa-Related New York
Kofo Wonder & The Daylight Stars at Zinc Bar NYC (Photos: Africa-Related/2008)
Our crew spent a wonderful evening with Kofo the Wonderman & The Daylight Stars taping our TV series MESSENGERS at Zinc Bar NYC.
PHOTOS
