Music Can Inspire, Heal Or Destroy – Bohemian
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Music Can Inspire, Heal Or Destroy – Bohemian
Ancestrally hailing from Nigeria, Talib Kweli Bohemian is dyslexic which, as a young adult saw him put music aside and instead carve himself a place within the IT industry in London. His dyslexia (the inability to read or write) slipped past almost unnoticed and within this realm, he thrived in one way. Bohemian aims to inspire understanding and acceptance through his music, which he has termed “true soul” music and essentially explores the concept of freedom as seen through a dyslexic eye with his debut album, which he released in New Zealand. He speaks with ANTHONY ADA ABRAHAM in this exclusive interview.
First of all, your album was released in 2011 and had 11 powerful poetic tracks. Tell us what the ‘Bohemian Thought’ is all about?
Bohemian Thought is about being true to myself and this is reflected in the lyrical content of the album which is about finding inner peace by loving myself unconditionally. This unconditional love allows us to love others and the environment no matter how dysfunctional it may be. This is not to say constructive criticism cannot be made; it just means we do not get emotional about it.
You are a Nigerian who has worked with The Urban Soul Orchestra (UK), studio engineer, Benny Tones and a host of accomplished local musicians. What inspired you into the industry especially in the UK and New Zealand?
Music has always been part of me and part of many people’s lives. Music at a certain frequency can inspire, heal and destroy. I never thought I would be in the music industry today but a moment of enlightenment changed all that. I began to write poetically about my environment and my thoughts on global socio-political issues. It became more pronounced as some sort of philosophy that my inner being wanted to share with the world and I found music to be an appropriate medium that could resonate with people in multicultural environment like London and New Zealand. Music is a cosmic dance that is beyond thought and goes beyond any ideology.
Your kind of rhythm is undoubtedly unique as it’s a combination of the local Wellington soul, funk, jazz and reggae scenes and even the legendary afro pop. How do you bring together all these in one album?
I am influenced by a lot of genres and as a person I strive to be dynamic. This is reflected in how the album was put together. I created the foundation of the music but did not have the experience of producing music. So I was in search of a producer who was open and creative enough to take my musical thoughts and demos and transform them into a musical structured pattern. I found this when I was introduced to New Zealand producer. We were able to work closely together to produce this body of work. The one thing that brought a balance to the album was the spoken word; it definitely bridged the gap across genres and it’s one of the reasons I have created my own genre called ‘true soul.’
Your songs are spiritual and you said something about the world of free thinkers in Magnificent Dyslexic. What do you mean by that and why did you title the track, Magnificent Dyslexic?
I believe we are all spiritual beings and with each sentient being, though could be from the same root or school of thought has its own unique and sometimes common ability shared across continents.
Dyslexia is one of such unique and common characteristics shared by a few people across the globe. Dyslexics are labelled dumb, unable to read or write and slow learners by secular society and as such, they are seen as under-achievers and this is not the case. Dyslexics have a different information processing path using the right side of the brain, while non-dyslexic individuals use the left side of the brain.
I titled my first album Magnificent Dyslexic, because I am dyslexic and I wanted to express the feeling of how I was treated as a child and adult negatively by individuals who had no understanding of what dyslexia is but also stand in solidarity with other dyslexics across the globe; letting them know that they are not alone. We are free thinkers because we are highly intelligent, creative people who spend a lot of our time dreaming of concepts and ideas; going beyond the mind. There are a number of creative people and scientists who are dyslexic: Albert Einstein, Thomas Edison, Richard Branson, Bernard Shaw, Tom Cruise, to mention a few. In my opinion, one cannot create if you cannot dream and we don’t dream if we cannot evolve as the human race. I will always be a dreamer; that I am sure of.
Tell us about the inspiration behind the album and the intended message to the general public?
The album was inspired by my curiosity about everything around me especially people and nature but deeper still, a vibrational force triggered a thoughtless awareness of who I am and my path this life time. I was inspired to write spontaneously, philosophical thoughts about life. These thoughts became a burning desire to share with friends and family and ultimately grew to wanting to share to a wider audience.
When I listened to Seeker, many thoughts came to my mind. I remember you called yourself a seeker. What’s the inspiration behind the song?
As we mature as children we are conditioned by our society and family which is a natural thing as part of our existence. We take on a lot of ideas which in some cases protect and guide us. These thoughts and ideas become the world we live. These things become our culture and tradition; we become victims and slaves to these teachings and philosophies, not able to think outside the box most times as doing so might mean going against the grain. I reached a stage in my evolution that I had questions of myself and my society, like masters before me like – Fela Kuti, Nelson Mandela, Jesus Christ. These people were seekers who invoked change within themselves, their society and beyond. I am not a master but student of mother earth and learning from my children, philosophers, the universe and from within. I am inspired and such a seeker of truth.
Ecstasy In Love is another of your song and sounds more like fusion of rock, hip hop and disco. But you still gave it a poetic flavour with the way you presented the lyrics. Did you write the song for your mother earth or…?
Yes. Ecstasy is an Ode to mother earth. Mother earth is amazing; she continues to provide for us. Even when we take her for granted, she forgives us and nurtures humanity but every now again she gets ours attention through natural disasters that occur across the globe. We are here through the divine favour of the universe and so we should begin to take more care of our environment and become more involved in environmental issues. We see how the oil companies are destroying life in the Niger Delta resulting in political unrest and breakdown of the fabric of conscious living.
You are blessed with the gift of dyslexia which saw you put music aside and instead carve a niche within the IT industry in London. Did you ever think of abandoning music for your profession? Why music?
Music has been a source of inspiration to me as a child and continues to be. I come from a middle-class background where education takes precedence over anything else. My father is an electrical engineer and my mum a librarian; and both are strict. Based on their experience I had to be a professional to be successful and I followed this path of thought, became a software engineer and later a solution and technical architect. I abandoned music for many years until I became a seeker exploring my conscious thoughts and desires.
So when are your Nigerian fans going to have a feel of your soul searching talking danceable and inspirational music. Because the market is wide open waiting for you?
The market being wide opened for my type of music is news to me. I tried to enter the market in 2011 but I was told that my brand of music was not going to be accepted by the wider Nigerian audience because they would not be able to relate to the subject matter of the album. Learning this was quite disappointing to me but I refused to believe one person’s opinion and continued to forge ties in Nigeria. My dream is to perform in front of a Nigerian audience and excited about any opportunity that will aid in its eventuation.
Challenges?
Music has been a huge challenge for me as I have had to learn all aspects of making music and the business side predominantly by myself and also wearing different hats as the occasion warrants.
Do you miss Nigeria? When last were you here?
I miss Nigeria a lot. I miss the food, pounded yam and egusi soup. May favourite is Amala. Everytime I am recovering from an illness I eat it. So yummy.
Message to people out there
The Bohemian Thought message understands the meaning of freedom. If we can understand what freedom means in its purest form then we can better appreciate what we have and have better communication with others. It means we begin to see each other as equals and move beyond our current circular practice of religion. This is called self-awareness.
Are you married? Tell us about your family?
I have been married once with two children.
Words you might to share to your fans in Nigeria
To my Nigerian fans, open your hearts to higher love and avoid being trapped by the falsehood of the mind. Loving yourself unconditionally is the key to absolute freedom. May the universe be with us all.
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Uganda’s Anti-Gay Campaigners Celebrate New Law, Gay Community Plans Legal Rebuttal
Pastor Martin Ssempa a long-time campaigner against homosexuality spoke to a crowd gathered for a weekly musical performance at the theatre as his supporters cheered and the band played.
“Somebody go tell Barack Obama Africa says no, Africa says no to Sodomy, we only know one way to love – a man marrying a woman. I am going to make one announcement here, if there is anyone who has been ruptured because of homosexuality, am setting up a clinic for repairing rectums, we are going to put up a redemption centre, if a boy thinks he is a girl, if a girl thinks she is a man, we want to help you so you want to get my address, we want to pray for you, we want to help you out because you know, every woman needs a man and every man needs a woman,” he said.
Uganda’s President signed the law, defying protests from rights groups, criticism from Western donors and a U.S. warning that it would complicate relations.
The new bill strengthened existing punishments for anyone caught having gay sex, imposing jail terms of up to life for “aggravated homosexuality” – including sex with a minor or while HIV-positive.
It criminalised lesbianism for the first time and made it a crime to help individuals engage in homosexual acts.
Gay and lesbian organisations fear the bill would encourage other governments to strengthen penalties, increase harassment, discourage people from taking HIV tests and make it impossible to live an openly gay life.
Gay rights activists in Uganda said they planned a legal challenge. Spokesperson for Uganda’s Gay and Lesbian community, Julia Pepe Onziema said that they would study the final draft of the bill carefully before presenting a petition.
“Clause by clause, article by article, we are going to definitely make a case, we already have papers prepared but we are going to have to look through again because the final copy that the President signed today, we haven’t had a chance to look at,” said Onziema.
“For my community, the moment parliament passed it, they were like we are dead, we cannot be here so people started leaving one by one and they are seeking asylum in different countries in East African countries and African countries that are legal for them to be who they are and also Europe and the Americas, in terms of numbers at least by today, there are thirteen people who have left,” she added.
Homosexuality is taboo in almost all African countries and illegal in 37 – including Uganda, where rights groups say gay people have long risked jail. Fear of violence, imprisonment and loss of jobs means few gays in Africa come out.
Western donors immediately criticised Uganda. Norway and Denmark said they were withholding or diverting aid money and Austria said it was reviewing assistance. Britain condemned the new law but did not mention aid cuts.
On the streets of Kampala, residents expressed widespread support but there was local criticism of the law on social media with some saying Uganda had bigger problems.
“The President to sign the anti-homosexuality bill was extremely good because all Ugandans decided not to adopt that homosexual behaviour; it was actually extremely very bad for Ugandans to adopt that. All Ugandans are happy about that,” said Richard Byarugaba, a Kampala resident.
The legislation exposes the wide gulf between the continent’s often culturally conservative administrations and many of the foreign donor states that support them. Gambia’s President Yahya Jammeh last week called homosexuals “vermin”.
While African leaders broadly court Western donors with promises to tackle human rights abuses, many have won popular support by describing homosexuality as “un-African” behaviour.
The Uganda’s move should please conservative voters ahead of presidential elections scheduled for 2016.
In neighbouring Kenya, a group of MPs has called for the enforcement of existing anti-gay laws that have been largely ignored. Some Kenyans praised Uganda’s actions.
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Police Arraign Labourer Over Alleged Burglary
Police Arraign Labourer Over Alleged Burglary
— February 25, 2014
The Police on Tuesday arraigned a labourer, Abdullahi Abubakar, 24, before an Ogudu Magistrates’ Court in Lagos charged with burglary.
Abubakar of no fixed address is facing a two-count charge of felony with stealing and unlawful breaking.
He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The Prosecutor, Cpl. Adekemi Adeniran, told the court that the accused committed the offence on Feb. 21 at No 37, Church Avenue, Mile 12, Ketu near Lagos at 2 a.m.
She added that the accused unlawfully broke into a shop belonging to one Mojisola Sarumi with intention to steal her goods.
“However, a barking dog caught the attention of the complainant on the fateful day.
“The accused is a wanderer who often sleeps in front of shops and the neighbourhood also uses him for menial jobs.”
She said that the offence contravened Sections 305 and 285 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 285 recommends three years imprisonment for offenders.
The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Omolade Awope, granted the accused bail in the sum of N50,000 with two in like sum.
She adjourned the case to April 14 for hearing. (NAN)
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B’Haram members attack Yobe school, kill 43
Suspected Boko Haram Islamists killed 43 people on Tuesday when they attacked secondary school students as they slept in the latest school massacre to hit Nigeria’s troubled northeast.
The raid occurred at about 2.00 am and targeted the Federal Government College in the town of Buni Yadi in Yobe State and bore the hallmarks of a similar attack last September in which 40 died.
The attackers reportedly hurled explosives into student residential buildings, sprayed gunfire into rooms and hacked a number students to death.
A senior medical source at the Sani Abacha Specialist Hospital in Yobe’s capital Damaturu said the gunmen only targeted male students and that female students were “spared”.
“So far, 43 bodies have been brought (from the college) and are lying at the morgue,” said the source, who requested anonymity as he was not authorised to discuss death tolls.
The state’s police chief, Sanusi Rufai, who confirmed the attack and had given an earlier death toll of 29, was headed to Buni Yadi, roughly 60 kilometres (40 miles) from Damaturu, with Governor Ibrahim Geidam to assess the damage.
Damaturu resident Babagoni Musa told AFP that four ambulances carrying dead bodies drove past his shop, which falls on the road from Buni Yadi.
“They had tree branches on them which is a sign used here to signify a corpse is in a vehicle,” he said.
People whose relatives were studying at the college had surrounded the morgue and were desperately seeking information about those killed, forcing the military to take control of the building to restore calm, the hospital source said.
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Ondo Speaker Adesina dies
The Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Samuel Adesina, is dead.
He died on Tuesday afternoon after over six months of undisclosed ailment.
He was in his third term in the Assembly and represented Odigbo State Constituency.
Details later….
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APC Governors Vow To Tackle Unemployment
Gathered in the ancient city of Ibadan, the 13 APC governors held serious discussions about the future of Nigeria starting with measures to tackle unemployment.
The governors, under the aegis of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, held their first Progressive Governance Lecture entitled “Unemployment and the Crisis of Governance in Nigeria: The Way Forward.”
It was a gathering aimed at examining the nature, scope and dynamics of the current unemployment and governance crisis in Nigeria with a view to exploring alternative, creative and innovative solutions that could lead to mass creation of decent jobs and good governance in Nigeria.
In his address of welcome, the host governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, saluted the APC leaders for the initiative of proffering scientific solutions to the problems of unemployment in Nigeria.
Governor Ajimobi, who described the problem of unemployment as a global one that was touching many countries in various degrees, noted that Nigeria’s unemployment rate was spiralling upwards, growing at 16 per cent per year.
“We must do something urgently as a nation to reverse this trend. We must be attentive to the alarm raised by a concerned citizen who warned that of all the aspects of social misery, nothing is as heart-breaking as unemployment,” the governor stated.
The governor said the lecture series organised by APC was to provide a platform for leadership.
“If you have leadership without governance, you risk tyranny and fraud. If you have governance without leadership, you risk atrophy, bureaucracy and indifference,” he said.
Delivering a lecture on “Nigeria’s High Unemployment Paradox’’, Dr Ayo Teriba articulated the root cause of huge unemployment indices and proffered solutions both at the short and long term in APC controlled states and the federal level.
“Unemployment rate has increased three-fold in the last 15 years, with the worst increases happening between 2007 and now.
“To make democratic governance a tool for delivering tangible and enduring economic benefits in the future, Nigeria should make monthly employment data available before the end of each month, fix rail transportation, rethink fiscal policy, re-focus monetary policy and ensure that elected officials accept responsibilities for policy formulation and coordination,” Dr Teriba, who is an economist pointed out.
The chairman of the the Progressive Governors’ Forum and the Governor of Imo State, Mr Rochas Okorocha, said the mission of the progressives was to provide a unifying platform for partnership and collaboration among all state governors that promote the principles and practices of progressive politics in order to address current and future governance challenges.
Governor Okorocha assured the forum that the resolutions reached at every lecture would be adopted by all APC states and used to develop workable strategies for job creation.
The National Leader of APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, decried the high level of insecurity in Nigeria attributing it to the high rate of unemployment which he described as a time bomb that could explode if not urgently addressed.
Tinubu, who was represented by a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Aminu Bello Masari, called on the leaders in the country to stop protecting their seats but rather concentrate on how to find lasting solution to insecurity and unemployment currently ravaging the country.
The lecture, which is to be held every quarter, also had in attendance, deputy governors, party chieftains such as the Interim National Chairman, Mr Bisi Akande, former Head of State, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, former Governors Olusegun Osoba and Niyi Adebayo as well as Pastor Tunde Bakare among others.
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PHOTONEWS : Ejigbo Pepper Sodomy And Murder Case : Police Parades 10 Suspects, Declares Four Others Wanted
The Nigeria Police Force today paraded ten suspects arrested in connection with the torture, murder and sodomy of three females accused of stealing pepper in the Ejigbo area of Lagos State, an event that occured in February 2013.
The police held a conference at the Special Anti-Robbery Squad unit in Lagos, parading the suspects.
The paraded suspects included the Babaloja of the Ejigbo Market, Isiaka Waheed, the Iyaloja and several others persons involved in the heinous crime.
Addressing the press, the Police PPRO, Mr. Frank Mba declared four other suspects who are still at large, wanted.
Those wanted in the crime include Tiri (surname unknown), the suspect who stripped the young girl naked and also captured the torture on tape; Tepa Oluranti
Akeem (surname unknown) and Michael Abolore.
The Nigeria police headquarters , the Lagos State Office of the Public Defender (OPD) and civil society organizations led by the Women Arise team thanked members of the public who volunteered information that helped in tracking the suspects. They urged the public to assist with information that could lead to the arrest of the other suspects at large.
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Ethiopia, Sudan seek dialogue with Egypt over Nile dam
Ethiopian Government said on Tuesday that it was collaborating with the Republic of Sudan to dialogue with Egypt on the ongoing $4.7 billion Great Ethiopian Renaissance Dam project.
The project currently at about 34 per cent, was halted due to objection raised by Egypt, who is a member of the Nile’s downstream countries.
Egypt had expressed fear that the Nile Dam project would affect the Egyptians, whose 80 per cent source of domestic water supply comes from the river.
The Ethiopian Water and Irrigation Minister, Alemayehu Tegenu had, however, told newsmen that the country was “collaborating with Republic of Sudan to re-engage Egypt into dialogue to support the project.”
He said the Dam would benefit the three Nile countries, as it would cause no harm on downstream countries as the experts’ report suggested.
“Ethiopia and Sudan have been working together to bring Egypt back to the dialogue table to resolve the issues and make progress on the project for goods,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Ethiopian dam claimed to be one of the largest hydro projects in the world on the River Nile near the Sudan border, is expected to flood 1,680 square kilometres of forest in northwest Ethiopia.
It would however displace some 20,000 Ethiopians living around the dam area to create a reservoir that will hold around 70 billion cubic metres of water equivalent to the entire annual flow of the Blue Nile at the Sudan border.
The project according to available data would generate electricity capacity of 6,000 MW, when completed in 2017.
The project had however, caused some ripples between Ethiopia and Egypt, where the ousted Egyptian leader Muhammad Morsi threatened war with Ethiopia if the dam project was continued.
Morsi had said that its interest in the Nile was threatened, claiming that Egypt sources over 80 per cent of its domestic water supply from the Nile River and threatened to attack Ethiopia.
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