Monthly Archives: January 2016

ROLE MODEL OF THE WEEK – FYSON MASINA FROM MALAWI – UPCOMING VIDEO PRODUCER & PRESENTER

 

My name is Fyson Masina.  I did my primary education at Misesa Primary School and Jacaranda in Blantyre and later moved to Lilongwe, the capital of Malawi and completed my primary education at Chatuwa Primary School. From there, I was selected to pursue my secondary education at Nkhatabay Boys Secondary school in 2007 to 2010. After completing my secondary education, I went to Grey Matter Business School in the capital to study business management course.

It was while I was at Grey Matter Business School that I successfully passed the University of Malawi Entrance Examinations (UEE). I was selected to pursue Bachelors Degree in Journalism and Media Studies at the prestigious constituent college of the University of Malawi, The Polytechnic. I therefore graduated with a diploma at Grey Matter Business School under the board of Association of Business Executives (ABE) UK. I’m happy that I graduated with distinctions.

I’m now in third year at the Malawi Polytechnic studying. My passion is to become a video producer. I’m proud that, while at the Polytechnic, I’ve made a mark to be the first student to produce a video documentary at the college since the inception of the programme in the year 2000.

The documentary was produced last academic year while in second year. Most of our studies here are more of theories than practical and most of the students do not show interest to practice what they learn in class. I’ve always find it fun to put into practice what I learn in class. With the limited resources available, I’ve managed to produce two documentaries, written and produced by me, several video news clips that others have managed to feature on the national television Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBCTV).

Through Lawilink, a local Non Governmental Organisation owned by Zac Darkes which aims at empowering the local population with technical skills, I have managed to be the camera operator for over 20 documentaries and I’ve also been invited to assist in editing some of the projects.

I have also been involved in shooting and directing a documentary titled UNIMA @ 50 when the University of Malawi was celebrating its 50 years of existence in Malawi. I felt really humbled because the project was managed by high profile officials and to add on that I was the youngest in the crew. Only two students, me and my friend were involved in the project.

Apart from that, I’ve also been involved in different projects run by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in collaboration with the Polytechnic. The project was introduced to me by my former Head of Department, Mr Kanyang’wa, who saw my passion in Television Production. I’ve been working as a field camera operator for UNICEF and the Malawi Polytechnic.

The project has been an eye opener to me to learn different skills. Apart from simply being a camera operator, UNICEF officials have also taught me how to become project coordinator for different initiatives and how to use my journalistic knowledge in other areas.

Apart from video documentaries, I’ve also done audio documentaries and news clips.

Polytechnic is an institution that teaches journalism and produces journalists but to my surprise, I found out that the institution has no newsletter produced by its journalism students. While in second year, I mobilised my three friends, Yamikani Kamoto, Andrew Viano and racheal Chadza to get ourselves organised and produce a newsletter for the institution and we managed to produce one for the institution. We also approached the corporate world to support the initiative for it to be sustainable but the initiative is still facing some setbacks but I still hope this will work properly in the next two semesters.

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Apart from print, radio and television, I have also learnt some practical skills from Zac Darkes of Lawilink on how to manage the online media. I’ve been involved in managing Lawilink website and the facebook page. This has put me far ahead of my fellow students at the college. Though young, Zac saw talent in me that he made me the acting General Manager for Lawilink. This put me at a position to learn almost everything as far as media and management is concerned. I’m always inspired by this man. I have chaired high profile meetings with government officials like councillors, Members of Parliament, Speakers of Parliament, Principle Secretaries, Directors and Chief Executive Officers of different companies and organisations. I’ve also interacted with the most respected athletes, football players and musicians.

Telling stories through pictures has always been my passion. I remember growing up in an area where most kids like watching television and later imitate what the actors or actresses were doing.

This made me to develop the passion to become a television personality.

The tune changed when I reached secondary school. I discovered that most of the media products, especially videos in the country, were poorly done, half baked. I saw lack of creativity in most of the video productions. As people were watching videos with the aim of entertaining themselves, I used to watch the same videos with a third eye. How the video was done and how it relates to the story. I was also anxious on how camera shots and angles were taken and the meaning they portrayed. This made me to mould myself so that I can become a video producer and made a difference in Malawi.

Most of the videos that we used to watch then were mostly Nigerians because Malawian film industry is still at its budding stage. Today, the industry is flourishing at an organised pace. Most of the people produce videos because they have a camera but they don’t know the basics or principles on how to come up with proper videos. They lack the expertise which makes their work to be undesirable.

The school itself does not give us with adequate skills in video production due to lack of teaching and learning materials. But with passion, I do most of my studies online. I was also blessed to have lecturers who are eager and willing to teach me most of the basics. I hope with time, the industry will improve. At the moment, I’m inspired by local producers like Sukez and Ron CZ who are trying their best to improve the industry, specifically in music video production. There are a lot of international producers who inspires me, too numerous to mention.

I would like also to change the way media is managed in Malawi. I’ve grown up in an area where most people are uneducated and unemployed. And to add on that, I’m the only person in my family who has managed to go to University. This is due to limited space and resources at the colleges.

And from my experience, most of the youths do not like school because it delays them from different things in life including marriages. I, therefore, want to use the same media to empower my fellow youths so that they can start some initiatives that can improve their lives economically. I want the youths to discover the potential that they have and use their talents to generate revenue.

As a media practitioner with some basic business skills, I would like to concentrate in producing documentaries that can motivate and empower them so that they can contribute to the economy of the country.

Malawi is a developing country and most of the youths today marry at a tender age. Most of the girls get pregnant as early as 13 years old. I have learnt this through the projects that I have been involved in with UNICEF and the Polytechnic in rural areas of Malawi. So if we continue giving birth at such an early age and at such a pace with little education, our country will continue to be poorer and poorer.

The country has resources that these youths can use to generate money, what remains is how to use them. Through such documentaries, we will be able to learn from experts and share such knowledge through videos to the masses.

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Most of the media houses in the country spend 70 percent to 80 percent of their airtime playing music. As far as we appreciate that music is good to our mental and physical being, the media practitioners have to fuse them with information that by the end of the day can teach their audience new ways of doing things. I would like to use the media to develop the lives of Malawians in different areas of their lives.

At the moment I’m designing my first television programme which I’m planning to start airing on the national television in August this year. It’s about motivation and empowerment.

I always give thanks to those who are making my dreams to become a reality, like my parents for  their support, Zac Darkes of Lawilink and all my lecturers, friends and relatives.

ALOK SHARMA, MP FOR READING WEST- CONTINUES TO SET THE PACE

Alok Sharma, the Member of Parliament for Reading West, has been having meetings with Rail Minister Claire Perry MP, to discuss Green Park station, following the publication of the Hendy Review.

Green Park station is fully funded and is due to be built by the end of 2018, but Network Rail has indicated in the Hendy Review that the Reading to Basingstoke line (on which Green Park station will be located) will not be electrified by then. As electric trains can accelerate quicker than diesel trains, this could have an impact on train timetabling.

The Hendy Review identifies the electrification of the Reading to Basingstoke line as a project that can be developed during Control Period 5, which runs until the end of 2018, and then delivered in Control Period 6, which starts in 2019.

Alok expressed his concern to the Rail Minister that if the Reading to Basingstoke line was not electrified before the end of 2018 then trains may not be able to stop at the station. Claire Perry confirmed that the electrification of the line would be delivered, but she would investigate what could be done to ensure that trains could begin running at Green Park station at the earliest opportunity. One of the options discussed during the meeting was for extra diesel trains to be provided on the line until electrification.

 

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Alok Sharma said: “I really appreciate that Rail Minister Claire Perry always has an open to door to listening to constituency concerns raised by individual MPs. There is no doubt that both she and her officials recognise the potential benefits the station at Green Park will bring for local businesses and residents, as well as visitors to the Madejski Stadium. I look forward to continuing to work with the Minister and her team to help make the case for running trains through Green Park prior to electrification of the line.”

Alok continued: “Clearly there will be additional costs for the Department for Transport of running trains to Green Park before electrification is completed and it will therefore be vitally important that the station is completed and ready to accept any such services.”

Claire Perry MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Transport, said: “The development of the new station at Green Park, and the introduction of electric trains, will bring real benefits to local residents and rail users alike. We are looking at how we can make sure these benefits are delivered as soon as possible.”

Claire Perry continued: “Electrification of the Great Western Main Line is part of the biggest programme of modernisation since Victorian times. Sir Peter Hendy has provided the Transport Secretary with a plan to do this that is efficient and affordable – it will be delivered. I am grateful for the tireless campaigning of local MPs on this issue.”

Nigerian Female Doctor Opens Her Own Emergency Room in Houston

Absolutely incredible! A female Nigerian doctor has opened her own emergency room in Houston to help others!

According to Houston Profile Magazine, 31-year-old Dr. Foyekemi Ikyaator recently opened Life Savers Emergency Room in the city in December 2015 with her husband. After working within the St. Luke’s Healthy System in Houston, the wife and mother decided it was time to created a better system to help patients. “In the emergency room you can see between 20 and 30 patients within a shift and [there] is just enough time to treat them and get them to their next point of care,” she said of her experience.

The doctor created Life Savers ER in order to take more time with her patients and counsel them concerning next steps for their health. The goal to provide swift and efficient health care for patients as well as a less bureaucratic work environment for medical professionals. Since the opening, Dr. Foye’s service has received outstanding reviews from patients on Google and other social media channels.

Dr. Foye and Life Savers ER will host an official ribbon ribbon cutting ceremony on January 15th, 2016 at 4 p.m., providing free food and free health screenings for attendees. Congratulations to her on this incredible accomplishment!

Be sure to share this great story on social media!

ROLE MODEL FOR THE WEEK, Eku McGred- AN INSPIRATIONAL POET FROM SIERRA LEONE

 
Eku McGred is a multi-talented young man with a heart for entrepreneurship and a passion for converting people’s potential into productive skills for wealth creation and the fulfilment of purpose.
He is the author of the ‘African Child’ poem which has been performed and used in schools in the Philippines, South Africa, UK and USA. The poem currently has a cumulative 185,000+ YouTube views on 20+ user generated videos.
His first book ‘Worship Through The Storm’ is gradually climbing up the ladder to become one of the best book written on the subject of Christian worship. It is becoming a much recommended reading for those going through difficult times.
His book is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Eden.co.uk, worshipthroughthestorm.com and other major online bookstores.
He is also a singer/songwriter signed to the OBLANGO record label and has a single out on iTunes ‘Shake Your Body
 
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Bookings:
He is available for speaking, training, seminar and concerts. 
TW: @eku_mcgred | FB: eku.mcgred

WATCH THIS SPACE FOR SOME OF OUR GREAT INTERNATIONAL INITIATIVES THIS YEAR- T.T.F

TRUE LEADERS DO NOT JUST FOLLOW GREAT PATHS,
THEY ALSO CREATE PATHS FOR GREAT LEADERS TO FOLLOW,
STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD , BE YOURSELF AND CREATE YOUR OWN LEGACY

T.T.F

WATCH THIS SPACE FOR SOME OF OUR GREAT INTERNATIONAL INITIATIVES TAKING PLACE THIS YEAR.

TTEF

 

ALSO BE PART OF OUR JOURNEY AND FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE SERVICES WE PROVIDE BELOW

MC/COMPERE FOR CORPORATE FUNCTIONS, BUSINESS EXPOS AND NETWORKING SEMINARS

MOTIVATIONAL TALKS FOR SCHOOLS, UNIVERSITIES AND COMMUNITY GROUPS IN UK AND EUROPE

WEST AFRICAN HISTORY TUTORIALS SCHOOLS, UNIVERSITIES AND COMMUNITY GROUPS IN UK AND EUROPE

EMOTIONAL WELL BEING, CREATIVE CONFIDENCE AND BESPOKE EDUCATIONAL MODULES AS PART OF YOUTH EMPOWERMENT PROJECTS AND INITIATIVES IN AFRICA

CUSTOMISED SOCIAL MEDIA SERVICES FOR ENTREPRENEURS, START UP BUSINESSES AND SOCIAL EVENTS (BLOG AND PODCAST PROMOTIONS, AUDIO INTERVIEWS AND MANAGING ONLINE PROMOTION ACROSS VARIOUS SOCIAL MEDIA CHANNELS )

CONTACT IS TODAY ON +447882809005 TO MAKE A BOOKING, OR DROP US AN EMAIL : afripoet@gmail.com
Tony Tokunbo Eteka Fernandez
International Award Winner, Published Author, Motivational Speaker, MC and Youth Empowerment Consultant

FOCUS ORGANIZATION PRESENTS “THE BEST FROM AFRICA” CONGO DRC MEETS SIERRA LEONE

We are delighted to start “The BEST From AFRICA” Series 2016 with a world class double bill:
Kasai Masai *KASAI MASAI (CONGO – SOUKOUS)
Alim Kamara *ALIM KAMARA (SIERRA LEONE – HIP HOP STORYTELLER
https://www.facebook.com/events/555474511269193/
BOOK NOW
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-best-from-africa-2016-kasai-masai-alim-kamara-soukous-vs-hip-hop-congo-meet-sierra-leone-tickets-19707320125 This will sell out so grab your tix now

 

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SHINA PETERS, SHOW DEM CAMP, SIMI & BANTU @ FREEDOM PARK -DONT MISS IT

SHINA PETERS, SHOW DEM CAMP, SIMI & BANTU

Happy new year everyone. After a well deserved break, the Afropolitan Vibes team is back with an exciting line up for the first show in 2016.

This month’s show on FRIDAY 22ND will feature Afro-Juju maestro SIR SHINA PETERS, Hiphop duo SHOW DEM CAMP & songstress SIMI all sharing the stage with the 13-piece BANTU collective.

We promise you a fantastic show!

Please note that as from February, we shall go back to the regular Afropolitan Vibes show dates which always falls on the 3rd Friday of every month.

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ROLE MODEL OF THE WEEK- ABDUL – RAHEEM AGORO KESINGTON – RADIO AMBASSADOR

Ras Rah (aka Abdul-Raheem Agoro) was born and raised in Lagos –Nigeria to a Nigerian Father and Jamaican Mother. He attended Corona Nursery and Primary School Ikoyi and the International School University of Ibadan (I.S.I) for his secondary education. In 1993 he sojourned to the U.K to further his education. He studied Economic at the London Metropolitan University and International Finance at the University of Brighton. He also gained valuable corporate work experience while a student and up until after graduation within the u.k banking industry, working his way up from a back office job to a Corporate account management officer.

Ras Rah or Rah as his is fondly called was born into the entertainment world, from an early age he was active with the (N.W.I.A) Nigerian West Indian Association at the West Indian Carnivals held at T.B.S- Lagos in the 80’s. This period coupled with frequent trips to Jamaica with his family got his ears in-tuned into the sounds of the Caribbean; calypso, mento, soca and reggae (roots, lover rock, dancehall, culture beat, dub, dub-step, jungle, ragga etc). Rah is a music lover and has an eclectic taste in music, other genres that excite him include: hip-hop, RnB, soul, afro-beat and all new age genres of music from across the globe. He attributes his eclectic taste and keen interest in music to his: parents, older cousins, uncles, travels and upbringing within the West Indian Caribbean Community in Lagos.

During his time in abroad, Ras Rah had the opportunity appreciate music in a more up close and personal manner attending many music concerts and traveling to attend festivals in countries like: France, Germany, Netherlands, Canada, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago. He experienced firsthand the positive impact of reggae/Caribbean music in these nations.

Ras Rah arrived Lagos-Nigeria in 2010 with a mindset to promote and put reggae/dancehall music into mainstream listenership. His impact was first felt with his first job co-presenting a program called “60 minutes of reggae” on popular radio station Classic Fm 97.3. Working as a Freelance radio show host offered him the opportunity of working on multiple radio stations (first of its kind on radio in Lagos). Not long after he also started simultaneously presenting a show called “Reggae1Drop” on Top Radio 90.9 fm. (His emergence on the scene has since resulted in there now being a dedicated reggae show on nearly every radio station within The Lagos Metropolis). Soon after he setup his promotions company “ExodusInity Promotions” and has since gone on to achieve a lot of great things working several foreign and indigenous artists. He currently produces and presents 2 shows on air in Lagos: # Reggae1Drop on Top Radio 90.9 fm and #RadioRaheemShow on www.igrooveradio.com.

In the course of his duty he has interviewed many artists including: Rocky Dawuni (Ghana), Don Carlos (Jamaica), Aima Moses (Dominica), Exile Di Brave (Jamaica), Kabaka Pyramid (Jamaica), Keznamdi(Jamaica) , Kelissa(Jamaica) , Tarrus Riley (Jamaica), Amlak (RedSquare) (Jamaica) , Khalila Rose (Jamaica), Black Rasta (Ghana), Rhymzo (Nigeria) , Benny P (Nigeria), Everton Blender (Jamaica), Mikey General (U.K), Victor Essiet /Mandators (Nigeria), Ras Kimono (Nigeria), Oge Kimono (Germany), Mode 9 (Nigeria), Shank (Nigeria), Warrior King (Jamaica), Cali P (Guadeloupe), Trigga Mad Tonic (Grenada), Nc Dread (South Africa), Black Prophet (Ghana), Lady Flame (Washington D.C) to name a few.

Due to the popularity of his radio shows and maintaining a strong online presence particularly on twitter and facebook Ras Rah has been able to build up a sizable fan base and following in several countries across the globe. Recognizing the value and impact of his works, Ras Rah has built affiliations with several global reggae music industry and other cultural affiliates including: Jaria (Jamaica), Don Green (Sunsplash Productions), Jackey French (Yaada Music Jamaica), Majestic Trends (Kenya), Dj Aljazeera (Ghana), Africa Awakening International (u.k), 9ja Diaspora (U.k), Kenya in the park (U.k) etc.

Ras Rah continues to works closely with several indigenous artists including: Benny p, Marimba, Jah Meek, Benzman and Big man acting more as an agent promoting their music on air and putting their names forward where performance opportunities arise. He has hosted several reggae events including “ROOTED” a monthly Reggae stage show that ran throughout 2014 at the Freedom Park. ROOTED set the pace for the regular reggae stage show platforms that have sprung up since then.

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Festival/ Events participated in:

In 2013 the annual Felabrations festival adopted a Fela Kuti, Bob Marley Theme, Ras Rah of ExodusInity promotions was asked to negotiate the inclusion of one of the Marley brothers as part of the artists line up. Eventually Kymani Marley was booked and performed at the Festival.

Since 2013 Ras Rah has been a permanent feature at the annual Roaring thunder sound international annual stage show working alongside Top Dj’s from New York: Tek9 Sound, King Fargo Sound, Livity Sound and artists Mojo Morgan (20130,Bush man (2014) and I-Octane (2015).

In 2014 Ras Rah also successfully negotiated the inclusion of Don Carlos into the artist line up.

In 2015 Ras Rah was invited by the Nigerian Music Union (PMan) to manage a stage dedicated to indigenous reggae musicians at the 1st Lagos Urban Music Festival held at the Freedom park-Lagos.

In February 2015, Ras Rah conducted a interview on #Reggae1Drop Top Radio 90.9 fm with Jaria Executive Director Charles Campbell as part of the promotion of the annual Reggae Month Festival.

Our Vision at ExodusInity Promotions is to Reunite Africans in Africa and those of African descent in the Diaspora in Africa through socio-economic Cultural/ tourism events in the not too distant future, there by creating a harmonious platform for artists to work together positively for a brighter future .

Raheem “Ras Rah” Agoro

Twitter : @exodusinity

Instagram : exodusinitypromo

Whatsapp: +2347036369906

Email: exodusinitypromo@gmail.com

MP CHI ONWURAH ON THE TONY TOKUNBO FERNANDEZ SHOW

A BIG THANK YOU TO THE MP FOR NEWCASTLE CENTRAL AND THE SHADOW MINISTER FOR CULTURE AND THE DIGITAL ECONOMY, MPChi Onwurah FOR FEATURING AS A GUEST ON THE Tony Tokunbo Fernandez SHOW IN CONJUNCTION WITH Simba Smp MEDIA PRODUCTIONS

THE THEME OF THIS EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WAS THE IMPORTANCE OF KNOWING OUR HISTORY, TELLING OUR STORIES AND SETTING EXAMPLE.
THE THEME CAME ABOUT AFTER I HAD ORGANISED THE BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATIONS AT THE UK HOUSE OF PARLIAMENT FOR A THIRD YEAR IN A ROW,
IT WAS A PLEASURE TO INTERVIEW THIS REMARKABLE LADY, I WAS HUMBLED BY HER DEPTH, VISION, WISDOM SUBSTANCE AND INSPIRATIONAL STORIES.
WATCH THIS SPACE FOR MORE UPDATES

 

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PREVIOUS GUESTS ON THE TONY TOKUNBO FERNANDEZ SHOW INCLUDE THE AMAZING Kanda Bongo Man – THE KING OF KWASA KWASA, THE PRINCESS OF AFRICA – YVONNE CHAKA CHAKA AND UK MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT

OUR RANGE OF SERVICES HAVE EXPANDED TO INCLUDE:
SELLING, PACKAGING AND DELIVERING VIDEO FOOTAGE AND STOCK MEDIA TO TV STATIONS, CONTENT MEDIA SUPPLY COMPANIES AND NEW CLIENTS.
WE ARE ALSO AVAILABLE TO COVER CORPORATE EVENTS, SOCIAL EVENTS AND MEDIA PROJECTS IN EUROPE AND AFRICA AT COMPETITIVE RATES
DONT DELAY CONTACT US TODAY
Tony Tokunbo Fernandez
Mobile +447882809005
Whatsapp +447882809005
Email afripoet@gmail.com

 

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MP FOR NEWCASTLE CENTRAL- MP ONWURAH ON THE TONY TOKUNBO FERNANDEZ SHOW THIS WEEK

DEAR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND FANS,

THIS WEEK, THE MP FOR NEWCASTLE CENTRAL & SHADOW MINISTER FOR CULTURE AND DIGITAL ECONOMY – MP CHI ONWURAH, WILL BE ON THE Tony Tokunbo Fernandez SHOW IN CONJUNCTION WITH Simba Smp MEDIA PRODUCTIONS.
THE THEME OF THIS EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WILL BE THE IMPORTANCE OF KNOWING OUR HISTORY, TELLING OUR STORIES AND SETTING EXAMPLE.

THE THEME CAME ABOUT AFTER I HAD ORGANISED THE BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATIONS AT THE UK HOUSE OF PARLIAMENT FOR A THIRD YEAR IN A ROW
PREVIOUS GUESTS ON THE TONY TOKUNBO FERNANDEZ SHOW INCLUDE THE AMAZING Kanda Bongo Man – THE KING OF KWASA KWASA, THE PRINCESS OF AFRICA – YVONNE CHAKA CHAKA AND UK MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT

OUR RANGE OF SERVICES HAVE EXPANDED TO INCLUDE:
SELLING, PACKAGING AND DELIVERING VIDEO FOOTAGE AND STOCK MEDIA TO TV STATIONS, CONTENT MEDIA SUPPLY COMPANIES AND NEW CLIENTS.
WE ARE ALSO AVAILABLE TO COVER CORPORATE EVENTS, SOCIAL EVENTS AND MEDIA PROJECTS IN EUROPE AND AFRICA AT COMPETITIVE RATES
DONT DELAY CONTACT US TODAY

Tony Tokunbo Fernandez
Mobile +447882809005
Whatsapp +447882809005
Email afripoet@gmail.com