ROLE MODEL OF THE WEEK- RHYMES INTELLECTUAL FROM KENYA-SETTING THE PACE AGAINST ALL ODDS

R.I.C, released his first album in 2007 Titled ” VICHEKO JELA BARIDI” ( Swahili for Laughter in the Prison Remands) and that was followed by a Mixtape in 2008 ” MWANAKETREKETA VOL1″ (Which is Swahili for Activism), and Another in 2009 ” MWANAKEREKETA VOL2″.

He was diagnosed with having the H.I.V virus some years back and after undergoing a period of devastation and denial, he was able to pull himself up and formed the Slums Lead Self Help Group, a collective of artist and musicians living with H.I.V and those directly affected by the virus.

na

He is currently working on his second Album titled “The Voice of H.I.V” set to be released in 2016. This brother is very determined to make his statement. Rhymes Intellectual Chief Has A Reason For Being Here, Now In This World- He tries to address the real issues affecting Africans as well as any human being situations and having fun, love and comics.

Besides music he has been working tirelessly with the government of Kenya through the National Aids Control Council -(NACC) as well as with partners such as the AIDS HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION – Kenya in training workshops for artists and musicians in Kenya so that they can join the fight against H.I.V by becoming anti-stigma education ambassadors.

His Single titled “HOI” was an instant hit with the urban ghetto youth in the inner cities. Socially conscious lyrics took the radio and streets by storm.”

rhymes

XMAS SALES PROMOTIONS ON OUR GIFT BOOKS- PLACE YOUR ORDER TODAY

CHRISTMAS SALE PROMOTION -PLACE YOUR ORDERS TODAY

“THE SOUND OF RUNNING WATER” IS A POCKET SIZED GIFT BOOK OF PROVERBS FOR FRIENDS AND FAMILY- GET YOUR COPY TODAY FOR JUST 4 POUNDS BY ORDERING ONLINE.
PUT A SMILE ON SOMEONES FACE THIS CHRISTMAS

” The Sound of Running Water ” is a pocket-sized gift book of proverbs aimed to inspire and empower young people and adults around the world.
The book of proverbs is written by Tony Tokunbo Eteka Fernandez.. Tony is a Multi-Award Winner, A Published Author, Motivational Speaker and Youth Empowerment Consultant
The proverbs have been put together by Tony to remind us that whatever we believe in or aspire for in Life, All Good things are possible !
This book is an ideal gift book for every family and to make things easier, it fits well in pockets and handbags so that you can carry it about with you in case you are having a stressful day at work. Surprise someone this week and take advantage of our free delivery service.
” The Sound of Running Water ” is normally sold at 5 Pounds, 50 Pence, however as part of our Christmas Sale promotion, The book can now be bought at the discount price of 4 Pounds. The promotion ends on the 10th of January 2016 .

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO PLACE YOUR ORDER AND ALSO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR FREE DELIVERY SERVICE TO ANYWHERE IN EUROPE OR THE STATES

http://www.freewebs.com/…/apps/webstore/products/show/926130

HUMBLED TO RECEIVE RECOGNITION BY THE FOCUS DISABILITY FOUNDATION

FOCUS on Disability Foundation RECENTLY ORGANISED AN AMAZING FUNDRAISING AND APPRECIATION INITIATIVE IN SOUTH LONDON.

Focus on disability foundation gives disabled and disadvantaged people real choice about how they live their lives. They work with disabled and disadvantaged people to achieve real choice, independence and opportunity. Visit their website today @ http://www.fodfoundation.org

I was humbled and honoured to receive recognition in appreciation towards supporting this charity.
A BIG THANK YOU TO MR Abiodun Enilari Paseda THE CEO OF THE CHARITY AND TO SIR ALHAJ DR Ibrahim Asante – THE GLOBAL AMBASSADOR for the honour,
May the good Lord continue to open new doors and create moments that unfold into great blessings and manifestations. KEEP SHINING, LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL
A BIG THANK YOU TO MR Komolafe Omotunde – An enterprising community ambassador for Africans in Hungary and Africans in Central Europe for representing me on the day – MAY YOU CONTINUE TO SHINE GRACEFULLY

 

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Wishing you all Merry Xmas in advance and A happy new Year

Watch this space for updates on our Xmas Sales promotions on my published corporate gift books “THE SOUND OF RUNNING WATER”

Also watch this space for The nomination list for our AFRICA4U AWARDS FOR AFRICANS IN NIGERIA, taking place in Lagos, Nigeria in August next year

T.T.F

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EPHRAIM AMU: A Gallant Light That Still Glows (1899-1995) by Nana Tsiwah


EPHRAIM AMU: A Gallant Light That Still Glows (1899-1995)

On looking at the life of Ephraim Amu, one does simply becomes confused and tapestry saddled with the most appropriate words to describe his achievements let alone to amply and satisfactorily describe his persona. It is in this complex wholeness of a master poet, a great orator, an inordinate cycling human; one of elegancy in the eyes oflinguistics and language; one of highly enriched African idiosyncratic masterfulness— the list would be a misfit to the nationalistic architect whose stretch of brain is beyond and is still beyond comprehension.

As a village boy, one who so desirously seek to see a renewal of such divineness, it is in the left spectacles of such great men; who believe that Africans are human and have lived on through time with their own unique philosophy and civilizations that the worth of this living revolves. Amu’s quest for an apex African understanding of his cultural worth is what “yen ara asase se ni” (this is our native land) which brings much reflection to my thoughts and affirmed beliefs in the African culture and all its associations. Looking back to a poem I wrote of which it wasn’t my doing, but the spiritual ancestral forces, “This is our land: Song of a native son”, I am of the believe that Ephraim Amu’s reincarnated soul was at work in me. Having compared it with his song, I have come to realise that not only did I know I was tapped on every moment through unseen stimuli to echo that same voice far and nigh. It is in the essence of some of these meritorious sacredness of voice that is so gloriously infused in the true Africans’ writings.

Just like the many paradoxical statements that nibbles and dries in the harmattan, I have said times without a punctuated numeration that Africa would not and never progress on any paradigm and gallant pathway unless her people have collectively without shreddedness of doubt fostered into their developmental epistles the essence of their culture(s). Ephraim Amu posits, “nothing would ever be a semblance to the original— whether copied, altered and modified would never fit where its original feature had been forged”. For me, whenever you stand to pray on the plentitude words of either Christianity, or Muhammadanism chastising the African ancestral eminence, you are not only being insensitive but a murderous son that would watch his father’s testicles get severed in the interest of making him an utopian impotent out of sheer envying of greyness and old age.

The life of Amu which has followed the marked traces of Aggrey of Anomabo, Brako of Akyemfo et al are what ought to be taught and infused into the fibre of our educational system, not the bleeding the gums of these colonial machineries that have always thwarted, sabotaged and played the xylophonic tunes of fooldomsies on our progress as a people. Whether it is by pleasure of words, by the turn of life, the truth must always guide out path and that truth can only be realised in the cultures of our Africanness. For me the life of Ephraim Amu would live and breath through history epoch and the ears of generations would hear what this great son of this land stood for.

This is a poem in memory of the man, who stood by the paws of the cat when he defended culture in the eyes of language and dress to the tune of his dismissal from the Presbyterian College when he was serving as a teacher…

“Brighter Than Self”

how often do we illuminate
our thoughts
in the eyes of truth
even when death
steals the purity
of our tears?

his was not for self
his was not for the winds
his a masterdom of believe
a believe that
culture could illuminate
and send humanity
on the transcendence
of conscience…

but how often
do lie in the pools
of our humanness
with thoughts
so potent for
nation?

He has paid his
Cause….
but a time would come
when we cannot be
reincarnated,
and posterity would
come seeking the tumor
in our souls

for we are locked sands
that won’t live
to see this
star anymore…

#NanaArhinTsiwah
#TheVillageThinkers
#AfricanismAndThe21stCenturyStruggle
#PoeticChromosome

 

ROLE MODEL OF THE WEEK- PROFESSOR ROSE MARGARET EKENG- ITUA, SETTING THE PACE FOR THE FUTURE

Rose-Margaret Ekeng-Itua is an innovative Engineering Professor based in the Silicon Valley Area in California, USA with over 10 years of experience in Higher Education globally. Before moving to the USA she was the Chair of Engineering and Senior Lecturer at the University of West London, London, UK .She graduated from the Federal University of Technology Owerri, Nigeria with a B.Eng. (Hons) in Electrical/Electronic Engineering majoring in Telecommunications. She gained an MSc. in Mobile and Satellite Communication from the University of Surrey, Guildford, UK and her Doctorate in Cybernetic Intelligence for Mobile Devices at the University of Reading, UK .

She has been internationally recognized by UNESCO, BBC, the IEEE for her contributions towards youth empowerment and campaigning for equity for African Americans and Females in STEM education and Career.

She has research interests in the Internet of Things, Wireless Sensor Networks, Sustainable Energy and Appropriate Technologies for Emerging Economies and bridging gender and race divides in STEM education and careers. Rose-Margaret has implemented various initiatives to encourage social entrepreneurship amongst African Youths and to encourage African girls to pursue STEM education/careers.

XMAS SALE PROMOTIONS ON OUR CORPORATE GIFT BOOKS- PLACE YOUR ORDER TODAY

CHRISTMAS SALE PROMOTION-

“THE SOUND OF RUNNING WATER” IS A POCKET SIZED GIFT BOOK OF PROVERBS FOR FRIENDS AND FAMILY- GET YOUR COPY TODAY FOR JUST 4 POUNDS BY ORDERING ONLINE.

PUT A SMILE ON SOMEONES FACE THIS CHRISTMAS

” The Sound of Running Water ” is a pocket-sized gift book of proverbs aimed to inspire and empower young people and adults around the world.
The book of proverbs is written by Tony Tokunbo Eteka Fernandez.. Tony is a Multi-Award Winner, A Published Author, Motivational Speaker and Youth Empowerment Consultant
The proverbs have been put together by Tony to remind us that whatever we believe in or aspire for in Life, All Good things are possible !

This book is an ideal gift book for every family and to make things easier, it fits well in pockets and handbags so that you can carry it about with you in case you are having a stressful day at work. Surprise someone this week and take advantage of our free delivery service.
” The Sound of Running Water ” is normally sold at 5 Pounds, 50 Pence, however as part of our Christmas Sale promotion, The book can now be bought at the discount price of 4 Pounds. The promotion ends on the 10th of January 2015 .

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO PLACE YOUR ORDER AND ALSO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR FREE DELIVERY SERVICE TO ANYWHERE IN EUROPE OR THE STATES

http://www.freewebs.com/…/apps/webstore/products/show/926130

THE AMAZING LADY JAYDEE FROM TANZANIA PERFORMS IN LONDON THIS SATURDAY THE 5TH

Judith Wambura Mbibo has been often described and considered by many fans from East Africa as the most influential artist in East Africa, she has also lived up to the hard earned legacy to be the most adored female artist in Tanzania and the most inspirational artist in East Africa.

This unique creative icon goes by the stage name “Lady JayDee” and continues to set the pace not only as a refreshing musical icon but also as a profound community ambassador.

She has won numerous awards and continues to dominate and create new dimensions to RNB, Zouk, Kwaito

East African music lovers in London are in for a big musical treat on Saturday the 5th of December as Lady Jaydee will be performing live at The Oasis Banqueting Suite, 6-8 Thames Road, Barking, East London IG11 0HZ from 8.30pm

This is an Event you cannot afford to miss

BOOKING HOTLINE – 07939 315449     07958 127958

Also watch out for am amazing fashion show by “ALL THINGS AFRICAN ”

 

 

ROLE MODEL OF THE WEEK- AYAN DE FIRST – GLOBAL CULTURAL ICON & MULTI AWARD WINNER

Ayan De First is a Multi Award winner and Global Cultural Icon. He is  a versatile performing and visual Artist as well as the first recognised Talking drummer in Europe.

Our Role model for this week is also The CEO of Oduduwa Talking Drummers Limited,Cultural Heritage Showcase and ADF School of Arts and Culture.He was born to a family of Drummers and started his career as an apprentice by performing with his Dad and Uncles at the early age of five.

His ambition as a science student was  to become a medical Doctor/Pharmacist which was distorted by his talent and love for music.

An increase and demand for cultural performances prompted him to change his career from studying  Medicine  and Pharmacy related disciplines  to Arts, design & graphic studio skills course. He was brought to the UK as a cultural promoter in community & private schools and  has so far worked with up to 600 private & community schools,  the feed back has been overwhelming with so many reference letters and evaluation forms.

He also works hand in hand with different Boroughs/Councils to deliver different projects to promote community cohesion and inclusion in UK.
Besides his services in schools in Britain,he started his performances in London one day in 1993 when he was financially down,forced to perform in two underground stations.and subsequently performed for the Labour Party UK in London.  He later performed for Sir Richard Bramson(Virgin Atlantic),Lord Mayor of London,Former Nigeria president Retired,Abu Bakar, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo,Prince Charles and Camila Parker Bowles( Duchess Of Cornwall) at St Jame’s Palace,former Northern Ireland Secretary Mo Mowlam and lots of Dignitaries.

 

Ayan De First has also appeared on all British Television Channels & CNN, as well as in British and Nigeria national and local newspapers and Magazines.

He broke a record to be the first African Talking entertainer to perform for Her Majesty The Queen And The Royal Family at Buckingham Palace London during Golden Jubilee celebration.

He then later performed for HRH Prince Charles & Duchess of Cornwall Camila Parker Bowles at St James’s Palace & in Croydon London.
He became the first African performer to entertain guests on Channel 4 programme called ”Come Dine With Me”. He has exhibited his Artworks and performed at different recognised venues and festivals across Europe.

He also works hand in hand with Boroughs/Councils in the UK on different projects. With his relentless  passion for African Cultural Heritage he recently founded a yearly Global cultural event called ” Cultural Heritage Showcase”.And the first event was held in London in 2014.

Ayan De First has performed with different Artists globally including King Sunny Ade,Sikiru Ayinde Barrister,Adewale Ayuba,Saheed Osupa,Salawa Abeni,Yinka Ayefele, Abass Obesere and Jeff Tain Watts American Jazz musician.

He has featured on a  few famous CDs in Nigeria,”Mi o mon peju ogun laye by Micho Ade,Festival of Love,Brown Sugar by Jide Chord ,Ijo Ya by Weird MC.

He has 16 Awards with loads of certificates and medals to his name.

 

Contact information for Ayan de First

Moblie: 07956482148, 07960877447

Website: www.oduduwatalkingdrummers.co.uk

Also Search for Ayan de first on major Social media platforms

 

 

 

 

 

ROLE MODEL OF THE WEEK – STEPHEN MACHUA FROM KENYA-PRESIDENT OF AFRICAN YOUTH UNION

Stephen Machua is a Kenyan Social Entrepreneur aged 24 years. He holds a Postgraduate in Global Social and Sustainable Enterprise from Colorado State University and a Bachelor of Commerce degree from The Technical University of Kenya.

He holds a Silver Award of the President’s Award Kenya, Top 25 under 25 Entrepreneurs Award by KCA University and Best ICT innovation in Student’s Congress on Science and Technology.

He is the Founder and Managing Director for AFROM MEDIA, a digital media enterprise that offers Social Media services and trainings to businesses and organizations. Through the enterprise, he has been able to do several presentations on use of Social Media for organizations’ identity management in Kenya, South Africa and Tanzania.

Through his weekly social media training series, he is able to build capacities for individuals and organizations on digital media issues.

As a development enthusiast, he Co-hosts a weekly twitter chat dubbed #NAYDchat which aims at driving positive dialogues in the social media space while recognizing individuals and organizations that are providing solutions to pertinent issues affecting different African communities.

He is an experienced leader who sits in the boards of;

  • Cheza Sports Academy; a soccer academy for children aged 3 – 17 years’ operating in South B, Nairobi (www.chezasports.co.ke )

  • Change Mind Change Future (CMCF); a volunteer based mentorship organization operating in Kenya. (www.changemindchangefuture.org )

  • Volunteer Involving Organizations Society; a network of organizations that engage volunteers in their day to day operations (www.viosociety.org )

Previously, he served in the communication secretariat for The First United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) in Kenya and The First African Youth Charter Summit (AYCS) in Tanzania. He also provided social media support for Umeclick Peace Campaign prior to the 2013 Kenya’s general elections.

While at The Technical University of Kenya, he served as a Rotaract Club President (2012/2013) and a Student Leader in-charge of students with special needs (2011/2012).

Stephen Machua is a servant leader and a mentor to many. He aspires to be a lead advisor to heads of states on youth matters and a world leading social entrepreneur.

THE REFRESHING SHADES OF MOROCCO

THE REFRESHING SHADES OF MOROCCO

One of the most fascinating feelings about travelling is the educational eye opener into new experiences and a whole new fabulous world of of history, culture, architecture, landscapes, food, and customs.
It is also a great opportunity to listen, share and engage.

Travelling feeds our souls and spirit with a different kind of education that you do not find in textbooks, classrooms, seminars or the bland limitations of being confined to a town, city, region or country.
My recent visit to Morocco was my 2nd time in North Africa, many years ago I visited Tunisia and explored the beautiful regions of Tunis and Sidi Bou said

One of my most refreshing experiences in Morocco was to ride A Camel dressed in Traditional Tourag costume.

The Tourags are a nomadic tribe who live in the sahara. They can be found in Morocco, Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, Algeria, Libya and Tunisia.
They belong to the Berber Family.

My trip also reminded me of something we tend to take for granted each day
We need to take more time to study the camel and learn a few things
The Camel represents resilience, foresight, wisdom, perseverance, strength and mental energy – these are traits we all need in the beautiful journey of Life
The Camel never gives up, part of its duty on earth is to embark on long journeys and destinations for miles.

At different stages of our life, we are faced with different challenges and trials, The secret is to persevere, stay focused and never give up.

Each race is not just about the destination, it is also about the details of the journey and the symbolic sign posts along the way.

Take time out to learn from your journey, there are several sign posts along the way designed to make your route a bit easier and always remember that no matter what you have been through- ALL GOOD THINGS ARE POSSIBLE

Watch this space for New Video Clips on Morocco

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