I Got The Energy!!!

What’s really good people?

Man, I was all set to cover and post a story on my all time favorite athlete as part of my Black History month tribute until something referred to as “Thunder Snow” happened here in the DMV (District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia). Let’s just say the past 48 plus hours have helped re-emphasize how much we take the simple things for granted like people, time and the ever so important “Electricity”.

First and foremost, hope everybody is safe and doing well out there and making the most of out of their respective situations.  I must say; when trying to operate a mobile phone with limited power, you become creative and selective on what phone calls to answer, text messages to send/open and any updates via Facebook or Twitter worth uploading.  

Speaking of Facebook and Twitter; I finally got on Facebook so you can now follow me on that as well.  Just type in “Myomo Naija” in the search box... Also hit me up on Twitter@myomonaija.

Irite; let me get focused….

My start in the “Thunder Snow” was in my car commuting home during rush hour traffic (Go-Slow) a few days back.  How shall I put this, a typical 45 minute drive ended up taking almost (5) hours and several episodes of road rage later to complete. One in particular, had me getting out of my vehicle and walking up to the driver in front of me and I just lost it. Here I am going off and screaming at this a** hole of a person (am not going to reveal a gender or race) all because the driver was in the wrong lane and refused to merge onto the adjacent one. Mind you, I am a dark skin Nigerian male in the middle of the road covered in snow doing all this. LMAO!!! As I finally get to my house, the “Electricity” in my entire neighborhood goes out. Dammit!!! 

I am willing to bet that many Nigerians back home are totally clueless and are not even aware that power outages even take place in Europe, United States and other western countries to begin with. Unlike back home where generators in private residences are in style like skinny jeans these days, they are typically reserved for places such as hospitals, hotels and other essential service buildings in the states. Now for many Nigerians out there, when you bring up the topic of “Electricity” in any conversation, you more than likely have struck a nerve and really touched on a sore subject.  But you know, I am gonna talk about it… 

A great basketball playground legend one day was held at gunpoint by a robber and all he could muster up and say to the person attempting to take his life at that moment was; “Yo, you can take my money, my car, my woman and my jewelry but please don’t take away my dribble”. Take your time to figure out the message behind that quote for a minute.  Having a power outage and taking away electricity from me is like taking “my dribble”. And you know what, when we Nigerians experience a power outage, it’s a very agonizing and traumatizing experience.  So I know if there is one thing that unites all Nigerians out there, it is our stand against the National Electric Power Authority (NEPA), now referred to as the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN).  But I have news for you all, Potomac Electric Power Company (PEPCO) here in the DMV must be a sister company or have stock in one another because they both truly operate the same. 

Here is a quick rundown of things that transpired in the past 48 hours living without electricity in my home:

  

• I received a text about the only black person serving in the Polish parliament. John Godson, a Nigerian born Polish member of parliament.  Pretty cool stuff; I told you all, we Nigerians are everywhere…

• Nelson Mandela was rushed to the hospital. The doctors believe things are looking better and he is back home resting.

• Egypt has been put on a digital ban (no internet or mobile phone usage).  That is going to be a problem!!!

• Tiger Woods is back to playing golf and now must deal with having a “Baby Momma” like must black men out here.  I guess his more black than he thought huh?

• Obafemi Martins “Oba Goal” is back in the English Premiership League playing football for Birmingham.  Show your support, the guy plays hard when on the pitch for Nigeria. 

• Both Rafael Nadal (favorite tennis player) & Roger Federer are both out of a Grand-slam tennis tournament before the finals.  Look up the last time that happened?        

• Oh yes, one of my teams in the National Football League, the Tennessee Titans finally sacked their coach.  Finally… Vince Young is still my dude!!!! 

So all these things happened and I missed it. 

However, the whole experience was worth it because I got to kick it with my family and we sucked it up like the “True Warriors” we are.  My brother told me that the Nigeria way is to “hope for the best but expect the worst”.  People, that is demoralizing and difficult to stomach as reality but unfortunately it has become the status quo for many of us. Change is necessary if we intend to improve and better our nation, how do we raise the accountability and demand better performance from our energy source?  The difference for me now is at least I know when the repairs were completed and the power returned in my household; it was for good unlike for those of my compatriots back home.  My uncle once told me a story; he says, “Son you know back home in Nigeria, people don’t even get excited about running electricity or power in their homes”. I said, “Really”? He says, “Yes!!!  Hello!!! When the power ever so often is cut on, as people begin to rejoice and celebrate, when they say NE the power is out again before they can say PA”. LMAO!!!

True Story…        

Do You Still Watch???

A special thank you to AiRis and her team for helping to put together the “Up Close with AiRis” interview on the blogspot last week.  Hope you all liked it and got to know this talented artist a little better.  Seriously, go and show your support in the spring when her debut album “The AiRis Project” drops!!! Also check it out on iTunes.

Well so much to talk about these days; the primary elections back home in Nigeria just concluded, Black History month is coming up in the States and ladies, February is always big as you all like to discuss LOVE and that hallmark event known as Valentines Day. Trust and believe here on the “MY OMO NAIJA” blogspot we most definitely are going to turn up the heat in the coming weeks and start speaking on these matters.

So let me get focused…

You know recently I have thought over and over again about the state of television programming in general and quite frankly all I can do is just SMH!!!  Where did it go? What exactly are we to make of it? Does it have a promising future?

As many of you all know, much of what makes up our viewing options here in the states is shock or reality television.  I personally, not a fan of the genre and its affinity with the American public and as my man "Uptown" would say, "Yo, my life is a reality enough on its own, there is no need to be watching that bulls**t".  Truth is no matter how bad I may perceive or believe television programming to be here in America, it is virtually non-existent back home in Nigeria. 

My last recollection of great Nigerian programming was when the popular drama series "The Village Headmaster" reigned supreme in the early 80s.  I know I just dated myself... "Am only 19 but my mind is old" (Infamous Mobb Deep) LMAO!!! Seriously, "The Village Headmaster" was to everybody like "Good Times" was to African Americans in the 70s, "The Jefferson's" in the 80s, "Cosby Show in the early 90s and the "Wire" in the new millennium.  Other prominent Nigerian television programming worth noting includes Samanja, Cockcrow at Dawn and Icheoku. All had cult followings of their own with a reputable long shelf life to note.

As previously stated, I stopped living in Nigeria over 20 years ago but what I see of broadcast television during my visits from news reporting to entertainment is absolutely rubbish and embarrassing.  For example; "No Disrespect" but why is it that Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) (similar to ABS, CBS, NBC and Fox television in USA) still looks like they are broadcasting with equipment from the early 70s?  The video recorder on my blackberry mobile phone can generate better quality in production in comparison to some of the things televised on the network.   

I believe that we Nigerians underestimate the international appeal of our programming.  I can't tell you how many times people, non-Nigerians of all colors walk up to me and automatically assume that I have seen every Nollywood film released and would like to discuss it with me.  This illustrates to me that we have some level of competency and proficiency in the world of entertainment that must be brought to light more often.

As I have discussed in an earlier blog post, it appears that we have returned to the glory years of producing great music with several talented artist currently honing their skills in/out of out of Nigeria.  It’s time we demand more and expect more in our television programming.  We must not continue to function under the premise or ideology that for something to be of quality or substance, its origin and roots were fostered outside of Nigeria.  We have farmed-out almost every/anything worth consuming back home, please do not find it acceptable outsourcing your thoughts, ideas, and opinions like we have grown accustom to in recent memory.

A Few Suggestions for NTA Going Forward:

1. Privatize NTA and do without the Federal Government meddling in your affairs.

2. Actually spend and use the funds allocated in the NTA budget on operations and infrastructure and stop cutting corners.

3. Increase Advertisement and make good use of the social media outlets available.

4. Conduct surveys, polls and focus groups and target specific demographic audiences for up coming programming opportunities.

My understanding is that Nollywood (Nigerian Hollywood) is one of the leading produces of cinematography in the world.  If this is the case, why is this not transferring in our local programming?  It is true that some private television networks are doing slightly better than the likes of NTA, companies such as AIT and Silverbird to name a few.  The fact remains that overall programming options are practically non-existent.  Many Nigerians do not have the luxury of constant electricity without the use of a generator in their homes, so the idea of purchasing satellite television is cheeky.  "My Omo Naijas" love and go to great lengths to be entertained, humored and will find anything that can distract us from the current state of affairs in our everyday lives. Therefore, it only makes sense to make available to all Nigerians something to look forward to on "free" television aka public television.

Let's do better!!!

Up Close with “AiRis”

What's good people?

Way too much going on in the world these days, senseless killings are everywhere.  Please make sure to always keep that third eye open family.  Also, respects to my Haitian friends and the families who went through the horrific earthquake one year ago this week, continue to stay in the fight!

Ok people, Let Me Get Focused...

Here on the "MY OMO NAIJA" blogspot we take pride in drawing attention to Nigeria's best! Some from generations past and the new waive of brilliant & talented young personalities Naija has to offer.  This week's blog profiles an artist that I see with that "it" factor.  Boys and Girls - Ladies and Gents; I am talking about AiRis!!!

Born in Cairo, Egypt to a Nigerian father and an Egyptian mother, AiRis spent her young adult years between Nigeria, United Kingdom and Egypt.  From Lebanon to UK, France, Ghana, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Jamaica and Canada, AiRis is truly an international artist that has been influenced by many genres of music. Her style of music is alternative pop and soul music with various cultural influences, specifically African.  Her debut album "The AiRis Project" is set for release in the spring of 2011.

"It has always been a lifelong ambition to use music as a platform to merge varying cultures, ethnicities and communities together.  I think every song is a lesson or story that anyone can listen and relate to or learn from, no matter how small the message". AiRis

I recently caught up with AiRis for an exclusive "All Things AiRis" interview - from her upcoming debut album, musical influences and the global perception of what people think of Nigeria and our people.  AiRis has always had a special place in her heart for music.  From the high she gets from it, to the releasing of her alter ego, the experience of connecting with those who are touched by her lyrics, melodies and message, these are the things that drive and push her forward to work even harder.

Panko:            What is the inspiration behind your songs/music?  Are they from personal experiences, life in general or just whatever comes to mind at the moment? 

AiRis:              All of the above… My inspiration comes from everything basically. Current events in the world/news, conversations with people and whenever I go into some deep thought on an issue that is troubling me in my head.

Panko:            What is your process when writing a song or

                        recording?

AiRis:              Normally we produce the beat first.  The beat typically draws me to the type of song I want to write and make.  And it’s a team effort – mostly working with a producer and co-writers as well. 

Panko:            What do you do for fun?

AiRis:               SHOP, SHOP, SHOP; I love Shopping!!! 

Panko:            Tell me or describe to me your style of fashion?  Who/what do you consider hot?

AiRis:              Sheek & Elegant; Not too revealing but sexy I

                        would say.

Panko:            You have a distinct look and features?  Where does it come from?

AiRis:               People always ask me am I Nigerian? Where you from? Yes O, I was born in Cairo Eygpt to a Nigerian father and Egyptian mother so I be “Omo Naija” like you.

Panko:            What qualities do you look for in a man? A

                        Turn on/Turn off?

AiRis:              Turn On:   Caring, Considerate,

                                          Strong-minded, Ambitious

                        Turn Off:   Liar, Self-centered, Boaster.

Panko:            If you could meet anyone in the world dead or alive who would it be and what would say to them?

AiRis:              I wanna meet Michael Jackson but he passed away.  So I would say Diddy or Kanye. Kanye because I think his misunderstood.  They are both interesting characters.

Panko:            Ten years from now you will be….

AiRis:              A multi-platinum selling artist with her own very successful record label.

Panko:            Any projects you working on now or in the near future you would like to plug to your fans?

AiRis:              I am working and finishing up on my debut album called the “AiRis Project”. It’s taking time to complete but good things take time, right?

Panko:            What's your favorite place to eat in Lagos?

AiRis:              Yellow Chilli in Victoria Island.

Panko:            The one stereotype about Nigeria/Nigerians you would like to correct people on?

AiRis:              That we’re all fraudulent or criminals.  Too many times Nigerians are perceived as corrupt, it’s a stereotype that outsiders have of us.  Not all Nigerians are crooked or steal, there are Nigerians who have achieved and soar to great heights in literature & poetry like Nobel Prize winner Wole Soyinka or in music like the great Fela Kuti.  Why is it that we don’t discuss or hear about our achievements in art, poetry and others? But we’re quick to be portrayed as fraudsters by those in/outside of Nigeria. I for example see the stereotype twofold; being a Nigerian and being half Arab I don’t want to be portrayed as dishonest and corrupt nor do I want to be labeled as a terrorist.

Panko:            Any shot-outs to your fans?

AiRis:              Please, please don’t forget to look out for my debut album TAP; “The AiRis Project” due out in spring 2011.  Also go to my website at www.airismusic.com for all up to date information.  And a Happy fulfilling New Year to all!!!!

Panko:            The name AiRis; what’s behind it?  It’s origin?

AiRis:              It’s pronounced I-Ris!!! Its origin is simple. It’s a combination or a play on my first and last name. I pretty much restructured it and played with it that’s all.  I-Ris represents color, flower, diversity and that’s how I represent myself.

One Beat

I hope everybody’s New Year is off to a healthy and booming start. How is that resolution working out???  It’s too early to quit on yourselves... 

A BIG Shot Out to the “Kool Keedz”; you are the stars of tomorrow and I Love you all. 

Ok people, LET ME GET FOCUSED!!!

So over the years I have been auspicious enough to have had the opportunity to listen, celebrate and gain knowledge of my ethos through the talents and creative minds of many Nigerian artists.  The likes of icons such as Fela Kuti, King Sunny Ade, the late Sikiru Ayinde Barrister (R.I.P.), Ebenezer Obey and Shina Peters took our music to its apex.  I lived and saw personally how the different genres of pop culture at that time bridged the gap for the haves/have-not’s and educated/illiterate.  There was something in their music for everybody as it now appears that their period truly were the wonder years of my once great country.     

But as I left Naija for the United States in the late 80’s something about our music was already losing its luster in the form of public opinion.  It seems that as the political unrest grew, economy crumbled and crime and corruption became the norm, the music faded away into greener pastures.  Artist such as Lagbaja, Femi Kuti, Tunde Baiyewu of the Lighthouse Family (Ikeja Grammar School, Oshodi Alumni) and others would attempt to restore life into it but only experience “some” success.  I would hear exciting music every now and then through the influence of my siblings who would send tapes and CDs of artist they listened to in hopes of soothing my interest, but to no avail. 

Fast forward to 2007; I had my break through moment during a conversation with my older brother.  While on the telephone he says to me, “Yo, I have this song I have been jamming to all day. When you hear it, you will go crazy”.  My brother typically visits the States 3-4 times a year, so I was lucky to have access to things I cherished such as Gari (food), Alabukun (medicine), arts & crafts and native brocade (clothing) on his visits.  Upon picking him up from the airport, I knew he was going to bless me with the CD, a Street Banga!!!  While en route heading back home, he inserts the 9ice “Gongo Aso” CD into the player of my automobile and Naija music as I previously knew it would never be the same again. 

All I can recall was hearing the beat and witnessing the hair on the back of my neck standing up.  The first 30 seconds of the track had me trembling; the voice and the lyrics that accompanied the track “Kinda Life” immediately returned my attention back to my early years listening to those aforementioned icons.  It felt like I was back in high school listening to the late Notorious B.I.G. “Ready to Die” album all over again. B.I.G. was killing it people!!! I still recall the first time I heard “Juicy” playing on the radio.  Ladies, think about that moment when you finally got to here the much hyped and highly anticipated “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” album and how you all lost your minds for a minute almost like she did… huh??

Similar to B.I.G. and Lauren in hip hop, 9ice bridged the gap and transcended the music I grew up loving but also kept the essence and its soul alive.  I believe what drew me to his style more than any artist was his ability to blend the use of my native tongue of Yourba, very similar to the old popular genre of “Fuji” with Nigerian hip hop and R&B.  After experiencing what felt like a drought in indentifying great music from my motherland for years, the “Gongo Aso” CD became this treasure that I would play on heavy rotation in my home, car, office and IPod.  The one track that stays on repeat and will always remain my favorite is the “Street Credibility” record.  Never had I been afforded the opportunity to exult in my fellow countrymen/women, my great country and the idea of reclamation for a better Nigeria all in one from an artist.  Like the chorus in the song states “We are the most Incredible”…

It’s 2011 and I see the music scene in Nigeria in three words, Ba-Na-Nas!!!  The country is oozing with talent right now and it does not look like its going to slow down anytime in the near future.  Artists like Tuface Idibia, D’ Banj, Psquare, Terry G, Wande Coal Asa, AiRis (interview coming next week) and others have set a new standard and raised the bar. It appears that the Naija soul has experienced a rebirth but only this time around with more energy and purpose.

9ice One Baba