Laurence Albert - Sietes Canciones Populares Españolas by Manuel de Fall...

I am the first to admit that I do not know much about opera, but I've always admired it as a dramatic musical form. I especially admire those who have the talent to perform it on the world stage. I must also admit that when the performer is of African descent, it makes it especially interesting to me. I recently came across the music of Professor Laurence Albert, and I must say that I was impressed. It caused me to want to learn more about the opera. I see myself getting dressed one evening for a night on the town with opera! I will, of course, be accompanied by my wife who also loves the music. Perhaps I will have the pleasure one day of seeing Mr. Albert perform live. That will be a treat. Meanwhile, I will try to see what is offered here in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. I'm sure that there is much to see and hear. This featured video is just a taste of the professor's mellifluous baritone voice. To find out more about Laurence Albert, click his name. Thank you for sharing your gift to the world, Laurence. I'm looking forward to hearing more. Applause.

MC Spotlight: Poetry by Abiodun Koya

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

Abiodun Koya

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. Please visit Abiodun Koya’s website for more information, poetry and great photos.

World song

It is easy to love
Just love me as you love yourself
Then will doors of joy fling open
Peace, love, and care
That’s what this wayfaring stranger needs

Show me your heart
Show me love
My heart is weary
Show me kindness
Even after I close my eyes to lay finally
Give me unconditional love
Until then will my heart stop bleeding

By: Abiodun Koya

For more information on the benefit concert please visit Abiodun's MySpace page.