Posh Baba says “Am Ready”

Posh Baba

What's up good people?

Spring season is officially here and your man PANKO ain’t even hit full stride yet with the “My Omo Naija” blogspot. Best believe we got much more cooking right now in the lab and it’s definitely going to be “Like that” with our upcoming exclusives.

Irite people; let me get focused…

Look here; on the “My Omo Naija” blogspot, “We Don’t Follow Stars, We MAKE Stars” you DIGG… I have said this many times before, ask around and people will tell you PANKO is all about going against the grain and connecting our audience with quality people full of substance and remarkable stories.

A short while back my people’s across seas reached out to me (KK what up???) and wanted to me know of an up and coming new Nigerian artist that they believe has that “it” quality I often talk all about.  Do remember; I gave you all an exclusive “Up Close” interview with Nigerian sensation AiRis in early January of this year and she has definitely got Naija buzzing rite now with her sound.

So I do my little research and was surprisingly impressed and interested with the sound generated by the self proclaimed “King of Rhyme Africa” Posh Baba. I connected with the aspiring Nigerian male artist recently and was able to pick his brain on topics such as his current projects, much anticipated album due in May 2011 and his genre of Naija hip-hop.

In case you had missed the “One Beat” post we did a few months back on today’s Nigeria music scene and its boom in recent years; the melodies, story telling and production “Sweet One Kind” Yes oooo!!!

Let’s go there…

Panko:            The name “Posh Baba”;
                        do you drive a Porsche? 

PB:                  No I don’t my stage name is Posh… Meaning unique and elegant; I believe I am unique in my style of music; that’s why I am called Posh Baba.

Panko:            Tell us about your debut album and the first singles Konto ft. KSolo and Shaye ft. Terry G.

PB:                  Yeah I recorded Shaye first alongside Terry G. and Klever Jay. The song was produced by the Hitman himself Terry G. The video will be shot soon and will be directed by Patrick Elis. Konto which features KSolo was recorded after Shaye and the video was shot by Patrick Elis pictures. The video is out now spreading fast in Nigeria. Konto was produced by KSolo for Sound Bakery Studio.

Panko:            What is the concept for your songs?

PB:                  I play Traditional Funk Hip-Hop (TFH).

Panko:            Who/what are some of the other artists that you have collaborated with?

PB:                  Terry G., Skally, IQ House of Ginjah, Klever Jay, KSolo, Zeeword, Danny Young. 

Panko:            Terry G; is the guy as animated in person as he is in his videos?

PB:                  Hmm Terry G; I call him the “Hitman G”, my personal person. You need to be with the Hitman himself to know the kind of person he is. His funny, kind hearted, down to earth, simple and transparent but on the screen Terry is the Ginger himself… Joo ooo… Terry to madin Gan.

Panko:            Tell me more about Traditional Funk Hip-Hop (TFH).

PB:                  TFH is my style of rap. You know combination of local languages to make good rhymes. Now I sing and rap to make it 100% TFH. Listen to Lose My Mind ft. IQ House of Ginjah. That’s 100% TFH!!! Joo ooo…

Panko:            I have heard you refer to yourself as the King of Rhyme Africa. Explain?

PB:                  Yeah, I believe I rhyme 16 bars without changing the sound. You know what I mean? Posh na Rhyme himself. I live, eat, sleep and play with Rhymes.

Panko:            I did not know that bootlegging (piracy) is massive and crazy in Nigeria as it is here in America. Tell me more about that.

PB:                  Yeah it’s been controlled now thanks to God and the PMan.

Panko:            What is the state of radio in present day Nigeria?

PB:                  Wow; radio in Nigeria is booming damn fast. Rising I tell you.

Panko:            Describe your swag/style to the females and your fans?

PB:                  Haaa emi ni Posh. Posh Baba Aristo! I spend madly bi eni to je loto… Won leto. Won ri mi won fe ya photo. (In simple English: Posh states that is his Posh the artist, I spend madly on the females as if I just won the lotto. Nobody goes hard for the females like Posh. It’s always love with the females when Posh comes around). Hmmmmm Omole to KarTo. Listen to Konto and you know what I am talking about. Orobo to ni swag called Madin swag.

Panko:            So you have roots in Agege area of Lagos. You be real “ My Omo Naija” huh?

PB:                  Yes oooo… Omo Naija to Madin na my hood. I represent Agege and Pere City, Joo ooo.

Panko:            I see that you grew up listening to guys like King Sunny Ade, Notorious B.I.G. and Big Pun. Give me a quick line of one of their records.

PB:                  B.I.G.; “I remember when I use t eat Sardines for dinner now I am winner”

Panko:            2011 appears to be a big year for you, what’s in the works?

PB:                  Yeah, this is my year by
                        Gods grace. Am dropping
                        my album May 2011,
                        shooting more videos so
                        expect the unexpected.

There you have it people.

Posh Baba truly exudes confidence as you can see. It must be the Nigerian way many of us were brought up. When one is passionate and believes in him/herself the sky is the limit. To that, we wish you much success and love here on the blogspot and will be keeping an eye out for that album release.

Show Some Love…

1 LYFE @ A TIME

Life’s stressors got you overwhelmed and frustrated?  Well check it.  Many of us wake-up to the grind, whether it’s to further and better our education, or put in a good eight plus hours to support and provide for family; all in the pursuit of happiness and chasing our life long ambitions.

You see fighting and battling depression sees no color, ethnicity, socio-economic status or religion.  I have always emphasized and reiterated on several of our prior blog posts that one of the primary reasons we do this here on the blogspot is to connect my two worlds, and everything in between.  So whether you are one of “My Omo Naija” peoples in Nigeria or a person living outside the country, the message I want you all to walk away with from this story is that nobody is beyond asking for helping in the times of crisis.   

You know one of the big problems and issues with mental health in Nigeria (Africa), the African American Community and amongst people of color in general is that “Mental Health” is taboo and frowned upon. We runaway from the subject matter; struggle to even identify it or own up to it and often treat people battling this sickness like pariahs.

Here are some quick facts and statistics by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention here in the United States in 2010:

·         Number of emergency department visits for self-inflicted injury: 472,00

·         All Suicides - Number of deaths 34, 598

·         Firearm Suicides – Number of deaths 17, 352

·         Suffocation Suicides – Number of deaths 8, 161

This week on the blogspot your man Panko decided to do something different for our viewers and supporters. I am going to introduce you to a good man here in the DMV area and share his story with the rest of the world. 

Ok people; Let me get focused…

 (In his words) My name is Edward Kittrell.  I’m 35 years of age, and a native resident of the Maryland and Washington, DC “Let me be very clear”, my purpose for reaching out to you is pure and straight from the heart.  Just so you know I have been on a personal mission for 2 years now in an attempt to bring awareness to an issue that many of people are dealing with everyday. 

Depression crippled me mentally, physically, and financially as this illness swooped in and took everything from me like a thief in the night.  There were days were I wouldn’t get out of the bed and months at a time that I wouldn’t even leave the house.  The anxiety had me to a point where I wouldn’t even want to be out in public, scared to even be around family and friends.  All I wanted to do is be alone because I thought that others wouldn’t understand what I was going through and instead of understanding, I would be ridiculed and judged.   At times others perceived me as acting strange and a few had the gull to imply that maybe I was crazy. 

Imagine that!  Imagine people that I’ve known for years began treating me like I was from another planet or a stranger in the streets because my depression and anxiety unintentionally made me act different toward them and around them.  As a result I pushed away family and friends, eventually my wife abandoned me, I lost a good job, got behind on my bills and at my lowest point became homeless.  Throughout, I turned to drugs to try to cope with what I was going through but looking back it only made things worst.  There were times when I had some of the same thoughts of suicide that led me to take pills and tried hanging myself but somehow on that attempt as I was loosing air rapidly, the rope snapped.  My final attempt was putting a loaded 9mm to my head and pulling the trigger but luckily, AGAIN, I was saved because the gun jammed.  At that moment I prayed like I never prayed before and sat there crying and begging GOD to take me over and to help me make it through this.  It was indeed through the GRACE OF GOD, through the support of my family and close friends, through a stronger, more dedicated mindset, and a defiant will to live that 3 years later I was back better than ever before.  I realize now that GOD had to strip me down to nothing just so he could build me back up again bigger and stronger than I ever envisioned that I could be previously. 

Growing up you would always here that GOD has a purpose for me and my life, but to be honest this was the first time that I’ve ever truly believed it.  Not only do I believe it but I feel it in my heart and soul.  I see now that my purpose is to be a living testimony to those who suffer from depression and anxiety.  I now know that GOD didn’t bring me through all of this to be silent about what he’s done in my life or for me not to share with others what I have learned that could in turn save the life of someone else.  I’m here to let people know that YOU TOO can find yourself in this same situation, in that same lonely place I dwelled for so long, therefore I plan to live my life as a constant reminder to all that there is hope and there is help available! 

I have started a community organization that provides assistance to those that need help, specifically targeting teens and young adults who suffer from depression or anxiety disorders, as well as the effects it may have on others around them.   Years later I realize that most often depression starts with dramatic experiences and in most cases those events occur while you are in the younger stages of your life.  In the black community here in the area and others just like it all across the US, young kids are holding on to those experiences and never let it out.  Things happen, problems arise, but instead of bringing it out in the open they never tell anyone and as a result, after a while things tend to pile on slowly but surely like the morning commute.  Those events and problems are internalized and bottled up until it gets to be too much for one person to handle, and you find yourself walking around as if you are carrying a tractor trailer on your back.  I aim to take a proactive approach by getting teens and young adults help early before it gets to be that bad, hopefully providing an outlet for them to release their burdens.  I can relate to holding on to secrets.  You wouldn’t believe what I’ve experienced and seen in what I consider to be a relatively short lifetime. 

One thing for sure I AM A SURVIOR and I’m not talking about the song from the former pop group Destiny’s Child.  I’m a survivor for real!  I’m speaking of a series of real life experiences that would have ripped the spirit away from the average human being.  I survived being molested at a young age.  I’ve survived the typical broken and dysfunctional single parent home.  I have survived life in the streets and all of the dangers that accompany that way of living.  I have survived being turned away and alienated for a period of time by the people I thought loved me the most, when I needed them the most.  I’ve survived being unemployed, hungry, and for a while homeless.  I remember sleeping in the back of my old elementary school, inside 24 hour laundry mats and even in the a few churches.   I’ve been robbed, beaten, shot at, car jacked, just to identify some of those experiences.  I could go on for days as to what I’ve been throughout in my life.  But Ill tell you this, thing that I’m most proud of is that with GOD’s help I have survived a severe depression and anxiety condition, as well as 3 separate attempts to end it all.  My plan now is to help as many people as I can do the same. 

They say it takes a village to raise a child but I know from experience that it takes the love and support of 100 villages to save one from depression when it strikes.  Therefore I can’t do it alone.  Even if your help is just spreading the word on what I’m trying to do, that in its self would be a blessing.  I know that I have been long winded but I pray that you would really think about what you just read.  My mission has been determined and I plan to complete it if it’s the last thing I do!  Are YOU going to just sit on the sideline? Or does it take you losing someone YOU LOVE before you step up and do something to help out?  Feel free to pass this on to any and everyone you know because this is me, this is my story, and my mission.  I’m not ashamed!  If I can help just one person I feel my effort is well worth it!

“1 LYFE, Infinite Choices, Choose to LIVE!”

ED Kittrell www.1lyfe.org



Visiting Nigeria - The Lies, Myths & Horrors

For those of you just joining us hear on the “My Omo Naija” blogspot WELCOME!!!  To those who have been with us since our launch, thank you for showing so much love and continued support. 

One of the earlier stories first posted (My Coming 2 America Story) here on the blogspot was my account and experience returning to the United States to live and the things I learned on my road to survival here in America. If you have yet to check out the story and would like to, just look on the most popular or achieve list here on the site and pull it up. It’s one of the more entertaining and insightful pieces we have covered. Upon posting that particular story, I promised the viewers that it was Part One of a Three Part Series.

Today we go in on Part II.

Ok people; let me get focused…

I start off by posing the question, what do many of you do when you make reservations or plans for travel? Obviously everybody is different and unique in their routine but for the most part people typically check the calendar for dates, look for the best airfare/lodging prices and work to get the necessary traveling documents i.e. visa, passport and birth certificate.

You see traveling to Nigeria is an experience in itself that one must live in order to comprehend and understand. As I started this piece I did a quick Google search to find travel tips and guides on visiting Nigeria. These were my findings (I am not making this up); a map, comments from travelers with their awful experiences, an encyclopedia breakdown on Nigeria and an overwhelming abundance of information on bribery, corruption and safety (nearly 90%).

Even the United States State Department (Bureau of Consular Affairs) got into the act as it issued a travel warning on its website from October 19, 2010;

The U.S. Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the risks of travel to Nigeria because of risks of kidnapping, robbery and other armed attacks. Violent crime committed by individuals and gangs, as well as by person wearing police and military uniforms, remains a problem throughout the country.

Now isn’t that the pot calling the kettle black! Look, I live here in the States and the things referred to by the State Department is equally troubling here if not worse on so many levels but that is for another discussion. There you have it; the United States government has now officially deemed my Nigeria a lawless state, disorderly and perilous.

Truth is, I am in no position to contradict their assessment until the world and I see better from my people. Case in point; what is up with this nonsense back home with the kidnappings by these maddening people anyways, enough with the buffoonery and dreadful acts on the lives of innocent families and children. PLEASE!!!

My Nigeria is a beautiful and loving place to visit when you get there. And no, not everybody is walking around with leaves tied to their waistline climbing up tree branches for respite.  She offers beautiful beaches, resorts, waterfalls and national parks for a family friendly setting as well. The Nigerian culture is rich in language, clothing and food. This in fact is how many distinguish one from another back home. For me, the most attractive and appealing quality Nigeria offers is the country’s connection and deep roots tied to the Atlantic Slave trade. I still recall on one of my visits home, my father taking me to the town of Badagry and explaining to me how slaves migrated from its shores. I can go on for days and tell you more but thought it would be most prudent to share with you some pointers in order to have a fun filled experience in Nigeria the next time you visit.

Presenting the “My Omo Naija” Survival Guide & Tips

1.    Not matter what commercial airline you fly; they always give you exquisite service on the first leg of the trip. However; when you embark on the Naija leg be it from France, Netherlands, Spain and off course England, the service is less friendly and at times can general become highly disrespectful. Like my man “A” always says; “don’t trip Ms. Flight Attendant I pay your salary”.

2.    No Disrespect!!! – know there is and expect bad odor (B.O.) on the leg leaving Nigeria even though deodorant is just slowly gaining acceptance.

3.    As far as I'm concerned, Heat is Heat!!! There is no let me plan for this particular season because it’s cooler outside. Just suck it up and deal with it. 

4.    Hotels are particularly expensive if they are 3 star and upwards but there are many boutique hotels especially in Lagos, Port Harcourt and Abuja. But always try to get a referral from a recent guest as maintaining standards are a chronic AFRIKAN problem.

5.   The Nigerian food will have your mouth watering. The combination of rice, stews or soups, beef and fresh fish is simply delicious….meanwhile f your going long distances like from state to state and have enjoyed too much of that stew you might have to do your doo in the bushes. Looool…   

6.    No matter what your means for ground transportation, always prepare yourself for traffic (Go-Slow) and the crazy Okada (Motorbike Transport) drivers.

7.   Travelers or tourist always stick out like a sore thumb, so just shut your mouth and make sure you are with a trusted and responsible chaperone.  Everything will be Love!!!

8.    No; you are not going to catch malaria, bird flu, HIV/AIDS by visiting Nigeria. Unless you have other intentions that is not suitable for our general viewers.  But not everybody in Nigeria or Africa for that matter is a walking disease. Take your immunization and vaccination shots as a precautionary measure to be safe.

9.    Squat Toilets – if you go to a village are common practice. However; in places like Lagos there is an increasing number of public toilets similar to the ones found near construction sites here in America. Practice and prepare yourself to use a squat toilet at some point during your stay.

10. Nigerians, especially the kids will win you over at some point before you depart. It always happens!!!

I Love My Country and You Will 2…

Oliberte – Creating Opportunities for Africa

I have always prided myself as a person with his own sense of style and fashion. Maybe it is the Nigerian in me or more the family I come from, but we were always told growing up that first impressions are everything (good & bad) so make the most of it. However, I feel what separates the style passed onto me in my family tree is the importance of recognizing “quality” and not necessarily the price tag that comes along with a purchase. As my old man would put it growing up; “I have been flashy before you were born”. That's some truth people, pop duke swag is legendary. Loooool…

An area of expertise of mine is definitely shoes. Trust and believe my shoe game is like that.  If you have any doubts just go ask the “Kool Keedz”, they will all agree and tell you their uncle’s shoe game is three words Ba-na-nas!!! It's real people, your man "P" stays fly like a G-6...

Ok people; let me get focused…

I want you to stop for a second and think, what do you own in your home that is “Made in Africa”?  I mean besides the beautiful handcrafted sculptures you hang up in your homes, I am willing to guess very little.  Even the bathroom tissue in your houses is probably not manufactured in the homeland.  Why? I do not have the answer but I do know that a big part of the issue is our own ignorance and naivety.  We Nigerians (Africans) are quick to dismiss our own and very rarely will give credit to others with innovative concepts and ideas (me included). So we all must do better from this standpoint.

As I research more about Nigeria and other African nations through this blogging experience; I learn so much every day, specifically – our natural resources.  Most people know of the crude oil and diamonds produced in Nigeria and Africa but there are other rich resources such as iron, cobalt, gold, uranium, copper, bauxite, silver and lumber available. Fact is, these are the ones known or discovered by man.  Imagine what else is out there yet to be exposed. 

So, a few weeks back I was sent a link by my brother to check out a one-of-a-kind story.  It was on Tal Dehtiar, founder and creator of Oliberte Footwear. For those unfamiliar with the company and have yet to discover their brand of shoes, Oliberte makes comfortable casual shoes for men/women (definitely getting a pair for the spring).  All of there footwear is currently manufactured entirely in African countries like Ethiopia, Liberia and Kenya – with hopes of expansion coming to other African nations. One can find and purchase their line of footwear in countries like Canada, Japan, Netherlands, Finland, USA, and on-line.

Oliberte’s mission is to support Africa’s infrastructure and help jump start the economy in hopes of creating new jobs and employment opportunities with its success.  When recently asked about why the interest in Africa, Dehtiar’s explained:

“We never have and still don’t see Africa that’s categorized by negative generalizations.  Oliberte believes that with the right partners, each country within Africa has the means to grow and support its people.  Oliberte partners with factories, suppliers, farmers and workers to produce premium footwear in Africa.”
(Tal Dehtiar)

In the past month, I have had the opportunity to talk with the man behind the Oliberte brand, Tal Dehtiar himself. I was fortunate enough to conduct a brief (Q&A) session to learn more about the direction of the company.

Panko:            What are your goals as a
                        company?
Tal:                 To be the largest
                        exporter of premium
                        footwear in Africa
                        and to employ directly
                        or indirectly at least
                        1 million people.

Panko:           Are you still looking
                       for or are in search
                       of investors?
Tal:                At this time, we have 
                       completed our initial
                       round of financing.

Panko:           How do you define
                       success?
Tal:                Staying around long
                      enough to create and
                      sustain 1 million jobs
                      while making fashionable
                      premium footwear for our 
                      customers.

Panko:          What do you want people
                      to know about your
                      company?
Tal:               When you buy a pair of 
                      Oliberte, not only are you 
                      buying a great shoe,
                      made of beautiful
                      Ethiopian leather and
                      natural  rubber – but
                      you are making a 
                      statement with each
                      purchase that you
                      believe in the future 
                      of Africa; one full of pride,
                      power and liberty. With
                      each pair of Oliberte
                      bought, we are creating
                      more and more need for
                      sustainable and fair 
                      manufacturing jobs in
                      Africa.

Seeing the success and rise of the Canadian born Tal Dehtiar and the vision for his Oliberte footwear company restores hope for me that one can have an impact in business but still hold on to their core values and principles. The fact that Oliberte was designed to intentionally address issues such as poverty in African communities alone garners my interest and support.

“If you want quality footwear, if you want to pay people right, if you want to treat them with respect, use good product, then come to Africa”.
(Tal Dehtiar) 

This is Africa…