If your in London on the 24th of February why not come and join Rijole Bitata & Dark Zac for a filming and photography
LEARN THE BASICS OF PHOTOGRAPHY
Introduction to camera equipment. Introduction to Inphotopia and zimlink with
slide show presentation.
2. Practical training with camera’s in photography.
3. Introduction to camera dslr filming, sound and lighting equipment.
4. Practical training with camera’s in filming sound & lighting
Learning history at school in Zambia was very interesting. We learnt about exotic people and places like Kublai Khan, the Kingdom of Sundiata, Thaba Bosiu and our icon for the month of May, Mansa Kankan Musa. A list compiled by the website, Celebrity Net Worth, places him as the richest man of all time with an inflation adjusted fortune of $400 billion. The King of the empire of Mali in the early 1300s made his fortune from his empire’s salt and gold wealth. Who was this man? This edited material from http://wysinger.homestead.com/mansamusa.html and from al-Omari, Masalik al Absar fi Mamalik al Amsar, in the French version of Gaudefroy-Demombynes (Paris: 1927). Translated by Basil Davidson, The African Past (1964) tell the story.
Mansa Kankan Musa
When Mansa (“king of kings”) Musa came to power (1312 AD), Mali already had firm control of the trade routes to the southern lands of gold and the northern lands of salt. Now Musa brought the lands of the Middle Niger under Mali’s rule. He enclosed the cities of Timbuktu and Gao within his empire and imposed his rule on trans-desert trading towns such as Walata. He pushed his armies northward as far as the important salt-producing place called Taghaza, on the northern side of the great desert. He sent them eastward beyond Gao to the borders of Hausaland and westward into Takrur.
Eventually, Musa enclosed a large part of the Western Sudan within a single system of law and order. He did this so successfully that the Moroccan writer Ibn Batuta, travelling through Mali about twelve years after Musa’s death, found ‘complete and general safety in the land’. This was a big political success, and made Mansa Musa one of the greatest statesmen in the history of Africa.
The Dyula (Wangara) traders were greatly helped by all this. Their trading companies began to travel in many parts of West Africa. These Dyula traders were men of skill and energy. But they also drew strength from being Muslims. Belonging to Islam gave them unity. They stuck together even when members of their trading companies came from different clans or territories.
Like the Mali kings before him, Musa was a Muslim. But most of his people were not Muslims, so he supported and allowed the religion of the Mandinka people as well as Islam. Different religious customs and ceremonies were allowed at his court in a display of religious tolerance and broadmindedness.
A pilgrimage to Mecca is a dream for every Muslim and Musa’s pilgrimage to Mecca, begun in 1324 became famous. His magnificent journey through the Egyptian capital of Cairo was long remembered with admiration and surprise throughout Egypt and Arabia, for Musa took with him so much gold, and gave away so many golden gifts, that ‘the people of Cairo earned very big sums’ thanks to his visit. So generous was Musa with his gifts, indeed, that he upset the value of goods on the Cairo market. Gold became so plentiful that in the cities of Cairo, Medina and Mecca, the sudden influx of gold devalued the metal for the next decade. Prices on goods and wares super inflated in an attempt to adjust to the newfound wealth that was spreading throughout local populations. To rectify the gold market, Musa borrowed all the gold he could carry from money-lenders in Cairo, at high interest. This is the only time recorded in history that one man directly controlled the price of gold in the Mediterranean. (Goodwin 1957, p. 110)
The North African scholar, Ibn Fadl Allah al-Omari, who lived in Cairo a few years after Mansa Musa’s visit and wrote about it, declared that of all the Muslim rulers of West Africa Musa was ‘the most powerful, the richest, the most fortunate, the most feared by his enemies and the most able to do good to those around him’. Behind these words of praise we can glimpse the power and reputation that Mali in the 14th century drew from its control of a very wide region of trade in precious goods such as gold, salt, ivory and kola nuts.
Kankan Musa’s preferred title was Lord of Mali. By then, Mali was a power of more than local or even regional significance. Under Mansa Musa, Mali ambassadors were established in Morocco, Egypt, and elsewhere. Mali’s capital was visited by North African and Egyptian scholars. On returning from his pilgrimage, Musa brought back with him a number of learned men from Egypt. These settled in Mali and Timbuktu. One of them, called as-Saheli, designed new mosques at Gao and Timbuktu, and built a palace for the emperor. The fashion of building houses in brick now began to be popular among wealthy people in the cities of the Western Sudan. At its height, the Malian Empire covered modern day Ghana, Timbuktu and Mali in West Africa. His kingdom and wealth didn’t last much longer after his death. His heirs were not able to fend off civil war and invading conquerors. Just two generations later, his world record net worth was gone.
SOURCE- BLACK DIAMONDS MAGAZINE
THE WAKANDAN MESSAGE
Okay, so what’s all this fuss about the Black Panther movie? Why can’t people ‘hear word’ anymore? Well, probably because it’s more than just a movie. It’s an achievement. It’s a statement. Probably because it has also broken so many records already. A movie with a predominantly black cast in an African setting would never have been attempted a few years back. It was a risk and sales would have been abysmal. As such, Black Panther, the first black superhero ever and with a fifty year history, has never appeared on the silver screen up until a couple of years ago.
But is that all? No. Black Panther is the ruler of a fictitious kingdom called Wakanda. A city hidden from the peering eyes of world but more advanced than any city in the Western world. Now you get the idea why it’s not too popular? The concept of an African city with superior technology and societal advancement way above the rest yet preserving their culture and tradition won’t be too palatable to many in the West. Yet it is an inspiration to many Africans, especially those in diaspora, who for many years have had little to inspire them, have few heroes, and have heard much to diminish them racially (e.g ‘shithole countries’). There was clearly a need for a rallying point. Some motivation. Black Panther was it. No wonder there was much clamour and support by many organizations like the NAACP who bought tickets for underprivileged black youth in America to go watch the movie. This was to give these kids in the ‘hood some encouragement and belief in themselves: that not all heroes are white and that a black country can also be highly civilized and respected in the league of nations. Self-belief is the first step to success.
The last part struck me. Wakanda. Nigeria could have been the black race’s Wakanda. Many had such expectations of us in the 60s and 70s. We were told and heard as much. Nigeria had such promise and was considered a growing force and threat. Like Wakanda, it is a country of various tribes not always in agreement. Like Wakanda whose wealth is credited to a rare fictitious metal, vibranium, found only in their land, Nigeria has crude oil which they exploited to great wealth during the oil boom era. But unlike Wakanda who used theirs judiciously to become a technological giant, Nigeria lost the script somewhere and is now only a giant by name.
The Black race looked up to Nigeria to prove that Africans can achieve it. Malcolm X, Mandela, Louis Farrakhan, Kwame Nkrumah…they all had hopes. Even the West was worried. We took the mantle, we fought Apartheid without fear, we were a society of proud Africans who even had street lamps in Benin before they became fashionable in London. We were Wakanda and the black community was smiling. Only one problem: we had no Black Panther…or we lost them…so we fell. After the war, things went south and governments have mined our ‘vibranium’ for their personal interest or for their clan’s. The new Nigeria became a myth like Wakanda.
Nevertheless, Nigeria is probably the only African country mentioned in this blockbuster movie…though not for the reason we may have wished. Nigeria has been the most mentioned African country in this genre of movies (Wolverine, Capt. America etc). Perhaps they are telling us something? Nigeria and South Africa now stand out from ‘the country known by the West as Africa’. Thank goodness! We still stand out for individual achievements worldwide but as a country, our governments and politicians have just let us down. The masses are fed soup and they lap it up.
Despite all the corruption and rape of Nigeria’s wealth, like Wakanda, her greatest resource is not vibranium or crude oil but her people who have an uncharacteristic resilience and resolve to succeed anywhere. Nigeria can still be the real Wakanda that the black race needs and can stand as a testament against all neo-colonial odds. All she needs now is her Black Panther.
Maybe…just maybe he or she is still a cub somewhere.
Andrew Patience Finye fondly called ‘AP’ is one of the leading voices in creative spoken word poetry in Nigeria, having performed on some recognized local and international platforms.
Some of her literary works have been aired on different local and international radio and TV channels, as well appeared in some local and international magazines, including Chicago Bridge Magazine, USA.
She is the founder of Custodians of African Literature COAL, a platform that promotes African writers and their writings. She is a writer of repute, a social right advocate who preaches human unity, universal tolerance and spiritual consciousness in her poems.
Andrew Patience is also a broadcaster and media personality based in Jos, Nigeria. She is a two time nominee of the Nigerian Broadcasters Merit Awards NBA. She is a 2017 Semifinalist of the Mandela Washington Fellowship USA and 2017 Semifinalist of the Atlas Corps Fellowship USA. She is the recipient of the Award of Excellence for her sterling contribution to humanity by Colonel Dele Arogundade and also recipient of the Award of Recognition by Tapsey Events and Alliance Francaise De Jos for her Contributions to Social Development through her Spoken Word Poetry and COAL Community Outreach Initiatives in and Around Plateau State, Nigeria.
AP has a spoken word album of 14 compelling tracks of poems laced with music, featuring some great poets in the literary scene of Nigeria. Her album has a record of sales in and outside Nigeria.
AP believes poetry is a corrective tool for changing social ills in society, and also a tool for building the human consciousness in truth.
THE TONY TOKUNBO FERNANDEZ INTERNATIONAL ONLINE POETRY COMPETITION 2018 – ENTRIES ARE NOW OPEN
THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION FOR THE TONY TOKUNBO FERNANDEZ INTERNATIONAL ONLINE COMPETITION 2018 IS NOW OPEN FOR POETS AND WRITERS FROM AROUND THE WORLD
THE COMPETITION IS SPONSORED BY Tony Tokunbo Fernandez, TO ENCOURAGE THE ART OF WRITING AMONG VARIOUS NEW AND UPCOMING POETS AND WRITERS ACROSS TO GLOBE AND TO PROMOTE THEIR WORK ON LITERARY INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS, ONLINE MAGAZINES, AND BLOGS
HOW TO ENTER COMPETITION
ALL POEMS NEED TO BE SUBMITTED (BY EMAIL) TO afripoet@gmail.com
WITH THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION
1. “TTF POET ENTRY” IN SUBJECT HEADING
2. PICTURES ATTACHED WITH A BRIEF BIO AND PROFILE
3. BLOG & WEBSITE URLS AND OTHER RELATED SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS (IF YOU HAVE ONE)
4. CHOSEN POEM ENTRY
AWARD RECOGNITION TO BE WON FOR ALL FINALISTS AND FREE SOCIAL MEDIA PROMOTION FOR ALL ENTRIES
TONY TOKUNBO ETEKA FERNANDEZ
UK BASED PUBLISHED AUTHOR &POET, MC. YOUTH EMPOWERMENT CONSULTANT AND FOUNDER OF AFRICA4U
ALSO WATCH THIS SPACE FOR THE NEW AFRICA4U YOUTH CLUB (TO BE LAUNCHED IN LAGOS, NIGERIA THIS YEAR )
Thirtyminutesrule.com is a worldwide group. We are derived from a concept based on ‘30 minute rule’ located in the Chapter ‘The Limited Human Designed Academic System on Page 97’ inside the book entitled ‘Our World in Metaphors’ which is ‘Driven by the Truth.’ The chapter has been provided free of charge on this website to enable participants to appreciate the main driver behind the setting up of the group.
We are a team of multi-ethnic and cultural individuals, who are driven by the noble cause of assisting to liberate HUMANITY. We believe that, the first step in this liberation, is for humanity to understand who and what HUMANITY is because; without such understanding of the truth at the foundation of HUMANITY (which has been the case since time immemorial), lies which brings about theories and confusion took and continue to take hold. In view of these we want to make it clear and state that, HUMANITY is Man and Woman excluding all else and, HUMANITY is the only CREATIVITY. Anyone who has the capacity to name and/or rename themselves…anyone who is capable of disputing what they are called, keep a history of their lineage and capable of putting things together and/or in motion, is a human being. The rest are animals that either accept whatever name is given to them or ignorant of whatever they are called and would never complain over whatever they are called! Our primary and sole aim is to liberate HUMANITY by getting humanity’s thought process in the right order. This is critical because, if anyone believes that human beings are animals or belong to the animal kingdom, they would think and act like animals. If anyone thinks they are an inventor or creator they would start acting like God; just like a deluded tenant would start acting in a bizarre way, if they suddenly believe they are the Landlord.
In view of all these, let it be known henceforth that, we, human beings are neither inventors nor creators; we only can reinvent & recreate based on existing principles for the ground upon which we stand in order to reinvent, the air we breathe and water necessary for our existence before whatever else, have NOTHING TO DO WITH ANY OF US! Let us also remember that, the imagination to fly came from the birds of the earth we also had NOTHING TO DO WITH. We therefore are hereby introducing the 5Ps based on the 5 Finger Theory for the posterity of humanity; Produce, Patronise, Promote your own unique People and Products and pull them all together in mutual exchange, collaboration and partnership for a better not perfect world! We do so in recognition of the fact that, to restrict one is to restrict all! This is what each individual, community, country and continent has to do, else humanity will continue to wallow and suffer in ignorance.
The appreciation of these facts we believe, is critical, as they bring us closer to normality by highlighting our limitations which is vital in regulating our otherwise ‘poisonous’ raw emotions. Our limitation is the only source from which we have humility which is the most essential part of HUMANITY. It is our intention to highlight the limited nature of Academic System which, can only offer very limited employment opportunities to, not all the multitudes of people who are attracted to it let alone, the billions who are rejects of it coupled with the fact that even many attracted by it are having to struggle with possibly they least of their talent which they were forced to pursue by the way the academic system is designed. In addition to these, we intend to do the following as well;
About 9JAHEALTH
Your health is your greatest asset. We help you stay healthy with tips, latest news and information that benefit your well-being.
16 Elias Centre, Ademola Street, Ikoyi, Lagos
Lagos, Nigeria
Call +234 805 475 7373
Appreciations: The Den Haag Experiences! The Central Executive Council of Nigerians in Diaspora Organization (CEC) continued it’s consultative courtesy visit across Europe and visited today 15/02/2018, H.E. Ambassador of Nigeria to the Netherlands, H.E. Mr. O. N. Ngofa, who led key embassy ministers to give us a very warm reception.
Apart from update on on activities of NIDOE, we shared views on key areas of collaborations for Nation development.
We are all in agreement that the Diaspora is the next frontier for Nigeria socio-economic and good governance transformation. I am grateful to the Chair and Board of Trustees of NIDO Netherlands for their excellent host and generosity. I am thankful to Engr. Cornelius Obot, our distinguished VC and Apostle HelenRuth Dorkenoo out able and capable Assist. Gen Sec/ PRO both of Central Executive Council ( CEC) of NIDO Europe, and also members of NIDO Netherlands Chapter for the magnificent organization and hospitality.
The official Launch of AGMP UK on FRIDAY 23RD FEBRUARY. If you are an upcoming Artist, Leader, Label, Radio, TV Presenter/Network, Event Organisers, Filming & Production or involved in Christian Music Industry, You need to be at this event.
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED TO ATTEND, PLEASE GET IN TOUCH WITH ERIC TO RESERVE YOUR SPACE AS SEATS ARE LIMITED. #AGMPUK
What is AGMP UK about?
AGMP UK is about building a strong Alliance that will enhance the experience of Christian music through terrestrial and Internet radio, social and printed media, television and other media types while increasing the awareness, acceptance and penetration of the Gospel through this genre across the world.
It is a membership-based association of industry professionals who have come together to address their common needs in this arena.
As part of their central mission, the Alliance of Gospel Music Professionals (founded in the USA), serves to give back to the community both locally, nationally, and internationally.
Our purpose is to be a blessing to the Kingdom of God, and to bring Christian music to the forefront by way of the airwaves, printed media, TV, the Internet, and other forms of media. AGMP
UK aims to highlight the inspirational power of Christian music whilst empowering, enriching, educating and equipping those with an aspiration to further their music ministry.
South Africa will have a new president by mid-afternoon on Thursday.
The office of ANC chief whip Jackson Mthembu emailed MPs on Wednesday night, before Jacob Zuma had tendered his immediate resignation as president, to inform them of Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng’s availability.
“The chief whip of the majority party has been informed by the Speaker [Baleka Mbete] that the chief justice is making himself available after the motion of no confidence to officiate in the election of the new president of South Africa. This item was scheduled for Friday morning. We are now moving it forward to Thursday afternoon or evening,” the email read.
However, with the motion no longer necessary, Parliament will instead elect the man or woman who will replace Zuma as the country’s First Citizen.
This will most likely take place at 2pm – the same time originally allocated for the motion of no confidence against Jacob Zuma. However, Nathi Mncube‚ spokesperson for the office of the Chief Justice, would only confirm that it would be ‘this afternoon
SOURCE – TIMES LIVE
TONY TOKUNBO ETEKA FERNANDEZ 