AFRICAN PERSPECTIVE

There is something about Fridays that I have never been able to figure out properly. When Friday comes, I always feel so relaxed, even if I have no specific plans for the weekend. Isn’t it just like any other day?

One thing I am sure about is that I think more of Tanzania when Friday comes. Out there when Friday comes it’s a happy time. The phones are quite busy, especially after 2pm. Plans are being made, where we meet for a drink and chat. That is one thing you have to give us… We know how to entertain ourselves, no matter what they tell you. If it’s not a meeting to arrange one of us wedding, then it’s a drink and dance. We know how to dance and shout! When we are drunk it even gets serious, we cry out of it. If you are amazed then you have never got drunk yet. Don’t try it in front of your in-laws. Read the rest of this entry »

The case of Darfur is one of the most worst stories of human history. It’s another good example of how, as human beings, we can choose to fail and indeed succeed. Many says the war on terrorism is perhaps the most dangerous thing of the century because it threatens entire college of humanism, democracy,human rights and dignity. The way the international community have and still handles the Darfur issue is a good proof of how priorities have changed lately.What we don’t understand is that by neglecting cases like Darfur we are not only doing a massive injustice to humanity but also continue the cycle of terrorism. A lot has been debated about Darfur, fingers have been pointed, and yet no concrete and workable action has been taken. Instead, the international community has avoided dealing with the issue at hand by giving naming adventure of situations to ease the tension may be. They don’t want to call it a genocide, they will feel guilty.Its not a civil war, not even in Iraq. They are not the insurgents,what the hell!

Anyway on May 24th 2007, Reuters will be hosting another big debate, with distinguished panelists on the same subject of Darfur. You can join the debate, you can ask questions and above all know deeper of what international community thinks and plans to do.However, at the end of the day I still would like to see the african leaders taking action for the continental peace and development. Aren’t we heading to G8 summit again as I warned two years ago with the same objectives, ready for promises?Come on.

If you are using glasses for reading or day to day vision, the idea of loosing your glasses even for one hour is never appealing. Can you even start to imagine how miserable such a day could turn out to be?

In developing world over 200 million people do not actually misplace their glasses but do not have one, even though they badly need them! Many people in developing world including lots of countries in Africa live in rural areas where there is no eye care available. Most are too poor to afford eye test and a pair of glasses.

Now as you know, most people in developed world change their glasses as their eyesight changes. Some people change their glasses in order to get the latest designer brands. Reasons for changing your glasses could be many.

May be you have always wondered where can I donate my old glasses in order to help someone who can not afford glasses due to poverty, unavailability of resources etc? Canadian Lions Eyeglass Recycling Centre, Third World Eye Care Society Canada or Vosh International– Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity are the people you can contact, learn more about their projects and programs hence start helping someone in need today.

If you are not in Canada, please check your country directories for local organizations with similar mission.

You must have noticed,I am trying to give my blog a new look.Given the fact that I am not a computer wiz by any standards,that may take some time.Therefore,please bear with me when I am doing that.Thanks!

Different from other parts of the world in Africa every tune,every drum beat,every saxophone bit could carry a very significant message. That means you can still enjoy the african music,on and off stage.Listen here to some of the best african tunes that are covered.If you are interested about the history of some of african greatest music styles this article will help you. Lastly,what is your opinion about today’s music in comparison with lets say ten years ago. Is it getting better or worse?Does today’s music preach love or hate? What is music to you?

In the picture above is a 2005 Juno Award winning African/Canadian musician Adam Solomon of Adam Solomon and Tikisa Band.Adam is once again a nominee for 2007 Juno Awards to be hosted by Nelly Furtado on April 1st in Saskatoon .You can listen to some of Adam Solomon tunes here. His music is excellent combination of old and new rhythm to make what we can call modern music.

Sometimes reality is a hard thing to face.Its human nature to try,as much as possible,to avoid thinking or imagining things that will depress you,make you cry,sad and even confused.The psychological therapists will tell you that thinking positive,putting a smile on your face are two important steps towards happiness,success and well-being.I agree with them.

However,there are times when one is forced to call a spade a spade.I am talking about times when we have to face the facts(even as we seriously question some of them) that AIDS remains a reality and a killer of millions of fellow African people.Now,I am not suggesting that the rest of world are not victims of the same killer disease.I just want to keep it real and in context to this blog’s main agenda/theme…African Perspective!

Therefore,we can continue asking ourselves lots of important questions like,what happened,why Africa than anywhere else etc etc.But while asking ourselves those questions we still need to do something.Let us start by asking ourselves individually,what have we done to either stop the spread of the disease or help those who have been infected.It is only by looking at the face you see in the mirror as the “power of change and hope” that we can start claiming to be ambassador’s of humanity.

The video below is from 2002 but the case remain almost the same.