Tony Tokunbo Eteka Fernandez

Olútáyọ̀ Ìrántíọlá wears various caps at different points in time. He was the host of a youth magazine program on Radio Kwara; he was a Customer Care Representative at a telco company and he currently is a Consummate Public Relations Consultant, a voice-over artiste, a compere, translator for brands and religious organizations (Yoruba and English languages), a Creative Writer (poetry, plays and short stories), biographer and blogger.

He was a member of the NYSC dance and drama troupe that performed in Abuja in 2007.

He is the convener of the Literary Reading Group, a charity organization dedicated to encouraging children in correctional homes to read literature and develop their creative skills. He has also several public affairs articles online and in major national dailies in Nigeria since 2003. His two published books are a biography of his Maternal Grandfather and an anthology of poetry in English and Yoruba languages.

He is the Atọ́kùn of Yorùbá Lákò̩tun, a staged quarterly cultural renaissance show in Lagos where he hosts Yoruba creatives, some of the guests on this show include Tunde Kelani, Chief Mrs Nike Okudaye, Prof Taiwo Olunlade amongst others. The Noble Laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka, stopped by to appreciate this effort last year during the Lagos Books and Arts Festival where the show held a Colloquium.

Recently, his play titled, “With Our Uniform” was performed in both Lagos and the United States at the Lagos Fringe Festival and the SOS Theatre Festival International respectively.

He is a pioneer Fellow of the NESG Bridge Fellowship.

Some of his articles are available on his blog- www.peodavies.com

Herein are some of the videos of Yoruba Lakotun on YouTube-
https://youtu.be/CfSa5MkN5G8
https://youtu.be/Yv5Tqa9_blM

His poetry (in Yoruba and English) also on Youtube-
https://youtu.be/ScZebcwxCCw
https://youtu.be/30otgvtfwUQ
https://youtu.be/jNrhxE5wpC4

It was a pleasure to interview one of most unique and original artists from Nigeria on Thursday the 17th of June.

The legendary Chief Dr Bongos Ikwue is a source of pride to Nigerians around the world. His music is profound, polished and filled with a soulful style that creates happy memories.

The link to the short interview can be found here – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LiSr-_0-TkM

ABOUT BONGOS IKWUE

Bongos Ikwue, the music legend was born in Otukpo, Benue State, Nigeria, on the 6th of June 1942. In 1956, he attended St, Paul’s Secondary school in Zaria, Nigeria, where his friends called him “Forge” because he was always making up (forging) and singing his own songs. In 1962, While at Okene Comprehensive Secondary School, he formed a group called Cubana Boys with two other young boys, after which he headed off to the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), also in Zaria, Kaduna State, where he studied Business Administration.

While in ABU, he created his own band, called UniBello Brothers and also sang in a folk group, which was made up of university lecturers during which time, a chemistry lecturer, Mrs. Harmony taught him some Irish songs. In 1967 he founded and headed the Groovies band, which became extremely popular in the 1970’s through to the 80’s.

Many love him for his soulful, folksy songs, the most popular of which includes: Cockcrow At Dawn, Still Searching, Amen, Otachikpokpo and a host of others. His dedication to his music was obvious due to the high quality of the albums he churned out, and due to the sheer elegance and the electrifying energy of his live performances, where the band was always on key, and the musician himself was always true to every note. His ability to stay on the right note is an indicator of his hard work as a musician.

Apart from the raw beauty of his finely honed voice, another thing that set the musical genius apart is his dedication to the promotion of Africa and African values, by his continuous use of his native Idoma language in his songs. He is well loved by a vast majority of Nigerians with a fan base that cuts across language barriers and ethnic tension; he also has an international fan base. This is mainly because Bongos’ music genre is not easily deciphered. He is also a master of the African ideals he chooses to express.

Bongos Ikwue was always original; he never tried to imitate any artist, local or international and focused on perfecting his chosen genre. He takes his time in the studio in order to affect the perfect melody for his songs, often rewriting his music until it was exactly right. The icon never rushed to produce any song and it is this conscientiousness that ensured that he produced hit after hit without fail.

     Jayne Nelson-Uzuegbu

Jayne was born in the northern state of Kano in Nigeria where she completed her primary and secondary education. She graduated from Igbinedion university with a degree in law. She is an aspiring writer and a lover of pasta and poetry. She lives in Lagos, Nigeria.

SHE IS THE WINNER OF THE TONY TOKUNBO FERNANDEZ ONLINE POETRY COMPETITION 2021

THE DAY OF RAIN

By Livy-Elcon Emereonye

Early. It’s bright and early

That none can rightly guess the offer

But like the transience of things

The weather a new form, look take

And everywhere’s cloudy!

Cloudy. It’s indeed cloudy

When heaven’s begging for answer

Cloudy indeed it’s that serenity’s the answer

Then comes a cure for somnolence –

And heavy sleepers’re not left out!

There’s rest for the workaholics for some minutes

As ponderability over the magnitude sedates

Cool. It’s cool and darker as early sun’s aborted

Then in its drizzly manner, there’s visitor without a knock –

The rain started, raining cats and dogs.

Cat and dog run for cover, humans lie with much cover

May be to take a nap or even to steal rest

But for truant it’s enough excuse for addiction

Or how inconsiderate can the boss be to ask why?

Yet there’re more whys than anticipated!

There’s the why for occurrence of repeated morning rain

And the why of the ceaseless distortion, 

disturbances it brings about!

Like a frivolous wave, laughter on many employees’ faces exists

And this can easily be explained, as the employers will but count

losses – As the workforce at home stay to rest!

And like the wind that goes where it chooses,

 the ceaseless drops of water form mighty erosion.

Erosion here and there leaves many uncomfortable, homeless:

The continuation of the rain brings more continuum of pain

Those with leaking roofs have everything dampened and soaked

While inhabitants of swampy area move but with boats!

Like thieves that come to steal and destroy

The rain takes more hours than anticipated

That sleepers after the rest wake up to meet the peak:

After seven hours of heavy downpour, there’s a change of gear

That one can on top most voice shout without a notice

Leaving only but frustration –

This complex’s worsened by the criss-cross movement of worms

That protest in search of something to eat!

The eyes after swelling swell again…

This time not by sleep but hunger

The hunger that suffocates even hope’s all that’s left

As soup’s soured and stove watered

Yet there’s no way to get out of the room

 where discomfort’s sole partner.

The boss whose duplex’s filled with foodstuff

experiences no pain at all

But the workforce suffers…

As things get out of hand, 

he that laughed first also cried first –

When you think you’re cheating others,

You may actually be punishing yourself.

So make no caricature and

 Burn not your emotions in trashcan!

ONE SMALL STEP 

At some point, place or time

When doors are slammed in your face

When your lover has taken you apart 

And turned you into a thousand piece puzzle 

Let your tears make a puddle 

But keep moving

When the sun violently blinds

When its heat mercilessly drains  

When there is no relief in sight 

Let your sweat run to the ground

But keep trekking

When you till and thistles grow 

when progress seems far flung

And the thorn filled field your only road

When broken glass is laid out for you 

Let your blood leave a trail 

But keep marching

When fire is set to your dreams 

Intending to run you aground

When the smoke rises from your skin

Leaving you hot and pale

Let your body shed the ashes 

But keep walking 

May you reap tenfold from the earth

May the fire refine you 

May the sun light your path 

And as it sets 

Let the fiery promise 

Of the auburn sun 

Wrap its warm arms around you

Fill you with hope and longing 

For the better days ahead 

                                                                                                     Jayne Nelson-Uzuegbu

Jayne was born in the northern state of Kano in Nigeria where she completed her primary and secondary education. She graduated from Igbinedion university with a degree in law. She is an aspiring writer and a lover of pasta and poetry. She lives in Lagos, Nigeria.

Anna Mbachu originates from Mbachu Family (Umuduruebo) Okwelle in Imo State. She is married to Dozie Ogbuebile of Irete in Owerri West LGA of Imo State.  Councillor Anna Mbachu was first elected into office in May 2006 representing Grove Green Ward in London Borough of Waltham Forest in United Kingdom.  She represents a new style of Black leaders that are diplomatic, methodical with a can do attitude, which has set her apart from the rest.  These qualities have earned her a place in history as the first black elected female branch chair of the Labour Party, the first black female Mayor of London Borough of Waltham Forest, first female Mayor of Igbo descent in London, and also the first black elected member of the Cabinet and leadership team.  In addition, Councillor Mbachu is a Senior Practicing Clinician/Manager with the National Health Service (NHS) Trust, the Deputy Leader of Waltham Forest Group, Chair of the Boroughs’ Housing Scrutiny.  She is also the Chair of Association of British Nigeria Councilors and President of Imo State Daughters Association amongst other organisations too many to mention.

Councillor Mbachu has been listed among other female world leaders and legislators as a role model.  In recognition of these, the Nigeria High Commission during the 54^th Independence Day celebration which took place on the 4^th of October 2014, for the first time in its history, recognised 26 Nigerians from all works of life with an award, to which Cllr. Mbachu was one of the recipients.   

She supports a number of charities both locally and internationally.  The Councilors is also a recipient of numerous awards and accolades from around the globe. She is married with children one of whom as a teenager became the youngest Councillor in United Kingdom, whilst still pursuing a medical degree.

Anna Mbachu-Ogbuebile

Brand new female only open mic, “Bard of Bradford” first of it’s kind.  Led by Bradford’s poet Sheena Hussain.  The very first open mic saw renowned poet Shamim Azad join females via zoom for a very powerful evening of story telling through poetry.  All females are welcome to be part of a unique open mic, in a safe supportive environment.  Young girls must be accompanied by a female parent/guardian.  Bard of Bradford is going face to face in accordance with government guidelines and is going from Zoom to the City Centre of Bradford.  Remember last Wednesday of every month

To book a slot or any enquiries for the open mic please email sheena4076@live.com or call 07935177562.

WATCH THIS SPACE as Getrude Matshe-Kanicki will be a guest on THE TONY TOKUNBO FERNANDEZ SHOW. Getrude is orginally from Zimbabwe. She is based in New Zealand.

She is an Inspirational Speaker, Published Author and inspirational African community ambassador.

Our show is all about promoting the true life and success stories of African and Caribbean achievers around the world.

IF THERE IS A PRODUCT OR INIATIATIVE YOU WISH TO PROMOTE, CONTACT US NOW ON +447882809005

TAKE 2 SECS TO SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL http://www.youtube.com/user/etekatoks

Getrude Matshe-Kanicki

Getrude Matshe-Kanicki is an inspirational speaker who has been described as a vibrant bundle of African energy whose zest and passion for life inspires everyone she meets. She is passionate about helping people achieve their full potential and find their individual life purpose. She is passionate about individuals’ success. This makes her an energetic, inspirational and enlightening speaker. Getrude has written several books and is launching her new book “Ubuntu Leadership” in 2020.

About Getrude Matshe-Kanicki

Her speaking career started in Norway 1989 and for 12 years she has worked in the IT industry as a Systems Analyst, Systems Support Manager and Project Manager. Getrude immigrated to New Zealand in 2001 with nothing and founded four successful companies.

• Founder and Global Curator of the HerStory Circle and HerStory Women’s Global Empowerment Conference 2019
• Founded Medical Recruiters of New Zealand Ltd 2002
• Founded GM Global Investments Ltd  2003
• Founded Simzisani, a talent agency catering for the film and advertising industry. Instrumental in supplying ethnic extras for prominent movies such as Peter Jackson’s “King Kong” and James Cameron’s Avatar
• Founder and CEO of the Africa Thrive Foundation, which supports HIV orphans in Zimbabwe 2001
• Founded Walk on the Wild Side Tours – a symbiotic tourism company that takes tourist to Zimbabwe to work with Aids orphans 2007
• Rooney International Scholar 2012; worked at Robert Morris University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA 
• Mother of three children; a well-known African Storyteller, poet, artist and published author. 
• She a script writer and an Independent Film Maker
• She writes for CNN iReport,  Blogs for the Huffington Post 
• Actress in the movie “Cry Freedom” with Denzel Washington in 1987
• Speaker at the UN Annual Summit on the Status of Women, 2014 and 2017

Vanessa Boateng is General Secretary and Trustee responsible for the general organisation of the LCA and community engagement.

Her role is to oversee the day to day activities within the organisation and act as a representative of the LCA at events, meetings and activities within and outside the city region in collaboration with other trustees portfolios.

She’s an accomplished Data Analyst, Philanthropist and Policy maker.

In 2018 she was invited by HM the Queen to a reception at Buckingham Palace in recognition of individuals who have made a significant contribution to the UK’s Commonwealth diaspora communities.

She’s a member of the Knowsley Metropolitan Borough’s children’s scrutiny committee.

She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and is the founder of New Era Initiative a charity based in Liverpool, CEO of Creations by Viva an event management company, director of UNOF Environmental solutions Limited and director of Omega Recruitment Services Limited.

Directory of Eminent NDIGBO 2021/2022 Edition: Historical and biographical compendium:* A call for Nomination & Inclusion. Contact Heritage Media Network International *(advert@africanheritagemagazine.de)