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Showing posts with the label Nigeria

Bring Back Our Girls

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This entire campaign to return the young girls to their homes has been fueled a great deal through social media. Social media raised the consciousness of celebrities, politicians, and proletarians. Although there is so much trash circulating through social media, this is proof of its potential to do good. I pray that these girls are returned. It's sad that we live in a world that continues to treat women as property. God be with each and every one of them. May He who is comfort be their (girls and their family) comfort in this difficult time. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

MC Spotlight: Poetry by Abiodun Koya

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Sinners It was 11:48pm on Thursday two lovers abandoned a home on a quest for something new he drove like a hungry lion she waited like a baby bird Leaving the city behind them she caught a glimpse of a cross he drove straight into the backyard of the church he tore her dress with his claws she turned him to the way he was born it was a long journey into the clouds aided by sweat, pants and screams the car felt like a manger happy to host a new hero bouncing up and down on the church soil she looked guilty with sweat all over her he looked dumbfounded like a trespasser she saw a statue with a hand stretched forth he read “come unto me o ye sinners” © Abiodun Koya Excerpt from her poetry collection: The Words of a Princess Short Bio: Ms. Abiodun Koya is an accomplished lyric soprano from the Southwestern part of Nigeria.  Read more about Abiodun on her website:  Abiodunkoya.com

Smart Chaos Designs Art Exhibit

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The holiday season is the ideal time to reflect on the beauty of the world and the African Diaspora. I love art that not only reflects the beauty of the human spirit, but transcends the limits of creativity. Smart Chaos Designs invites the DC metro area and beyond to experience and witness such beauty. In December, Smart Chaos Designs will have an exhibit featuring the works of artist from Haiti and Nigeria. It should be a real treat. So, let's get out to see more than just the holiday decorations at the mall. Where: 119 Rittenhouse St., N.W., Washington D.C., 20011 Hours: Saturday and Sunday 2-7 pm Wednesday 5-9 pm (or view by appointment) Ask for Kyung & Margo For more information please visit the website

African Queen

This video by Nigerian artist, 2Face Idibia, celebrates the beauty of African women in the diaspora. If you've ever attended events in the African community (especially weddings) you have heard the song, African Queen . So, sing along if you know it. The song was also featured on Mo'nique's movie Phat Girlz. The movie did not do so well with the critics, but it didn't take anything away from the song. African Queen also makes me think of my own South African Queen (my wife) who is in South Africa visiting our family. Ke u hlolohotsoe rata. ("I miss you love"). Thank you Rethabile for clarifying what I wanted to say in Sesotho. You're a good brother. I didn't intend it for this post, but life is funny that way. Enjoy your weekend everyone. Khotso (Peace)~

Abiodun Koya

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The Washington, DC metropolitan area is one of the most culturally diverse areas of the United States. This is one of the reasons why I love it here. This diversity brings with it a wealth of talent from different countries and cultures. For instance, my wife recently introduced me to Abiodun Koya, a young, beautiful opera singer from Nigeria. Now, there are many groups of hard working Nigerians represented in the DC metropolitan area, but very few of them are classically trained opera singers like Ms. Koya. Abiodun is also an actor, model and poet. I found her love for the Arts and her personality to be both refreshing and inspirational. She is a bright young woman who is passionate about her work and the empowerment of African women in the Diaspora. Abiodun or “Abby” as she is affectionately known attributes her success and accomplishments to hard work, prayer and steadfast devotion. Abiodun has been featured in national and international publications including Africa Vibes Magazine ...

Ellington's on Eighth

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This past Saturday, I had the pleasure of seeing a couple of live bands play at Ellington’s on Eighth . Ellington’s on Eighth has been located on 8th Street in Southeast Washington near the Marine Barracks since Mother’s Day in 1998. Saturday’s performances were by Nigerian singer and songwriter, Kuku and South African band, Mahala featuring the magical guitar on Mongezi “Chris” Ntaka. It was a real treat. Now, top that off with an international buffet featuring West African/Caribbean cuisine and great conversation, then you have a typical evening at Ellington’s on Eighth . This cozy little champagne lounge and garden cafĆ© was started by two sisters from Iowa name, Marsha and Annette Martin. They saw Ellington’s as an opportunity to serve and give back to the community. As a matter of fact, Ellington’s staff was chosen through referrals from places like DC Central Kitchen . This fit in well with Annette’s background in Social Work. She could serve the community as a business owner a...