AfricaWorld Newspaper May 16 - 31 2013

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may 16-31 2013

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Carlow African th Film Festival

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Van Viker , Max Koby, Okoro Essence and other African Stars in Irelaand

By Ukachukwu Okorie

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AFRICAWORLD may 16-31 2013

editor’s column

The return of the native

Editorial

BASTARDIZATION OF AWARDS IN AFRICA’S NAME My people usually say that ‘no matter

the tears that come out of the eyes, it can never shed blood. Some of our loyal

“At sunset when you pray to God, say over and over that each man is a brother and that all men are equal.”

By Ukachukwu Okorie

Ahmed Sékou Touré

readers recently queried the rationale behind multiplication of ‘Awards and Recognitions’ in the name of Africa.

Organizations which hitherto never care about Africans and their ordeal in Ireland is at the front of it. The crux in the query being that some of these recipients are not known in the community let alone rendering any service.

There were other queries but the point has been made above. It is same with some organizations masquerading in form of NGOs, Charity groups and sorts.

Although the number seem to have shrunk since the recession tightened the financial nooze, Africans must begin to speak out and identify these groups that are far from representing us. They must show commitment by helping to organise the community and facilitate its general welfare.

As we remember AfricaWorld second anniversary, we present you a fantastic edition especially the 9th Carlow African Film Festival which premiered ‘Paparazzi’ with Ghanaian star actor, Van Vicker leading the cast. Delegation from the Nigerian Military College came for a week course in Ireland and they spoke to us about their mission and ‘boko haram’. As usual, there is more to read.

Come in Uka

Ahmed Sékou Touré was a frontliner in the struggle for West African independence, the first President of Guinea, and a leading Pan-African.

Sékou Touré’s was born on 9 January 1922 in Faranah, near the source of the River Niger. His parents were farmers and a direct descendant of Samory Touré (aka Samori Ture), the region’s 19th century anti-colonialist military leader.

Coming from a muslim family, Sekou Toure was educated in the Kor’an before moving to a French Technical School in Conakry at a very young age. After just a year at the school, he was expelled in 1937 for initiating food riot. However, the expulsion never stopped Toure to resit and pass his examinations. In 1941, he got a job at the Post and Telecommunications (PTT ) Service.

His charisma and leadership tactics

rode him to the position of PTT Workers’ Union Secretary-General.

The progress with the Labour Union Movement propelled him into partisan politics and in 1946, he founded the R assemblement Democratique Africaine (RDA) with Houphouet-Boigny. More so, Toure was elected Guinea’s deputy to the French National Assembly and Mayor of the Capital City Conakry.

Ahmed Sekou Toure who is an accomplished poet will be remembered for his inspiring position in 1958 when he led Guinea out of the French Africa Community after emerging winner in the referendum for independence. As a matter of fact, this singular act was a setback to President Charles De Gaulle who saw other African colonies follow Toure’s footstep by demanding bowing out for independence.

AfricaWorld & Millenium Development Goals

The Editorial team at AfricaWorld would like to point out that it is aware of the Millennium Development Goals

Editor Ukachukwu Okorie

Published by Uyokanjo Media Services Ltd. 46 Parnel Square West

3rd Floor +353 87 637 3210 Dublin 1, Dublin City

Republic of Ireland Skype: africaworld1 E-mail: africaworldnews@gmail.com

Chief Reporter Paul Kelly Sub-Editor Roisin Morris

Graphic Design Mirco Mascarin Leandro Tonetto Oliveira Photography Darek Gutowski Antoinette Keane

His inspiration was instrumental and energizer in the struggle for Africa’s independence especially among Frenc periphery.

His poem, We Prefer poverty in liberty to riches in slavery was greatly admired around the world e s pe c i al l y i n Af r ic a . Af ter pioneering the struggle for freedom in Guinea, Sekou Toure become President. After his stand on the Guinea’s involvement with France, Sekou Toure was detested by the Capitalist and he sought political and economic alliance with the socialist-friendly countries.

President Ahmed Sekou Toure died in 1984 but lives on in the minds of millions of Africans as a courageous leader and true African Hero.

and seeks to synergise its work in accordance with those aims wherever possible. Those goals are to improve

issues of Education, Health, HIV/AIDS, Gender Equality, Environmental Sustainability and Global Partnerships.

www.africaworldnewspaper.com

may 16-31 2013

AFRICAWORLD

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NEWs The 9th Carlow Film Festival has come and gone but the imprints are unerasable.

The yearly festival continues to provide an opportunity to celebrate the beauty and diversity of Africa through the art of filmmaking, honour excellence in African theatre and promote cultural interaction in Ireland.

At the 8th edition, the Festival introduced a Short Film Competition for Secondary Schools in the South East of Ireland as an ingredient of the Festival.

The school contest aims to increase knowledge and understanding of Africa among students, introduce them to the art of filmmaking, arouse their creative thoughts and provide a platform where their works could be showcased in a professional environment to film lovers and pundits.

According to the founder of the Carlow African Film Festival, Ade Oke, “..the debut of this competition was a huge success. This year, we have brought the Festival forward from October to May in order to accommodate the Short Film Competition and to make it a part of our array of events.”

How did your career take off?

It was a long time ago, in 2002, when I first did a TV series called ‘Sun City’, and it was for a year. In 2003/4, a movie producer approached me to be part of his work and I took up the challenge. Since then, it has been movies all the way.

The screen movie (Paparazzi - eye in the dark) is quite impressive unlike many movies out there.

I will not falter producers because of certain factors. Everyone has a start in life but it is important that there is improvement. Inasmuch as we criticize, I do encourage any producer who wants to get involved in the industry. I think they know what to do to get the right sound, pictures and locations. The restraining factor is funds and many are involved to make ends meet. My advise is that for every new movie, one should move a step higher.

What are your inspiration?

Like in the previous years, the audience had the opportunity of interacting with African Movie Stars who graced the occasion as Festival Guests. Ghanaian A-list Actor, Van Vicker led Ghana recording artist and actor, Koby Maxwell, Essence Okoro and Dr. Clarice Ford-Kulah from the United States.

My inspiration is anyone that does a good job. It must not be of the highest standard but there should be hard work. I respect Jamie Fox because of his diversity. He has been in series, music, movies and even produced his own. He has earn his respect because of his zealousness and hard work. I do admire him.

The After Party was a rallying point for interaction, photo-calls, dancing and mingling.

Do you belong to the school of thought that wants to use the film industry to tell Africa’s story or are you acting for the market?

However, it did not come until the screening of the movie for the teeming viewers.Paparazzi Eye in the Dark is a romantic mystery feature film that tells the story of an aspiring photographer ( Van Vicker) who enters the lucrative world of paparazzi photography and unwittingly captures a major scoop that puts him in the centre of the city’s biggest murder mystery. The film features Ghanaian Van Vicker, Ghanaian recording artist Koby Maxwell, American actress Syr Law of Tyler Perry’s ”Diary of a Mad Black Woman”, and Bayo Akinfemi of the Hollywood Blockbusters “ The Tuxedo” and “Bullet Proof Monk. The plot, set, cast and directing of the movie is impressive.

AfricaWorld had to talk to the lead character about his visit to Ireland, his views and more.

Excerpts: Van Vicker, AfricaWorld welcome you to Ireland. How do you feel being here?

It is a good feeling to be here, I have never been here before. I was excited to come here and the excitement is still on. The people are good, full of green just like the country’s colour.

You have attracted an impressive crowd all over Ireland to Carlow especially the young ones..

I feel great to know that people around the world including Ireland enjoy my work and African movies. It is a beautiful thing.

I do agree and disagree. I do think we should tell our story which we have been doing but it will be vital to broaden our scope. The views need options of different stories.

Are you restricted to acting only?

I have always love to be behind the camera. I got formal training for that in 1999. Well, it started in 1997 and I have always loved it. It gave birth to my involvement in Directing. I did my first directorial in 2008 with the movie ‘Friday Night’. I love to diversify and since 2010, I have been involved with a partner to do more films and it afforded me more opportunity to direct. I did love people to tell me they watched some movies that I directed but acting is always in me.

How many movies have you been involved in?

It is over a hundred.

Which of them is your best and worst?

I don’t think I do have a best yet and I do not remember the worst.

What is your final word about this festival?

This atmosphere has been fantastic. You can see how happy everybody is, dancing and friendly. It is amazing that the festival is in its ninth year with African stars gracing it yearly.

I learnt Desmond (Elliot) and Nadia (Buari) has been here. It is interesting and should be supported.

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AFRICAWORLD may 16-31 2013

X-RAY with Fr. Vin

THE HOLY SPIRIT AND US

By Fr. Vincent Ezeoma Arisukwu One of the most difficult areas in theological studies is Pneumatology – the study of the Holy Spirit. This is as a result of the complex and incomprehensible nature of the Holy Spirit as well as the attributes to it. The Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Trinity, the Life Giving Force. In the Nicene Creed we pray, “I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, Maker of all things, visible and invisible.” Of the son we pray, “I believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, born of the Father…”

Of the Holy Spirit we pray, “I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord the Giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son; together with the Father and the Son …” Hence the definition of the Holy Spirit already appears complex because He is defined strictly in relation with the Father and the Son as the third Person of the Blessed Trinity – “Together with the Father and the Son...” This complex nature of the Holy Spirit can also be said to be responsible for the varied understanding or even misunderstanding associated with the use of “Holy Ghost Fire”, Wind and “Speaking in tongues”.

This is because the Holy Spirit by definition comprises the three elements namely, Fire, Wind or Breath as well as Tongues or speaking in tongues as manifested at the Pentecost (Cf. Acts 2: 1-11).

I’m not concerned here with defining the Holy Spirit but to find out what it means to be led by the Holy Spirit, to find out if our society still has men and women who today are led by the Spirit.

Acco rd i n g to Th o m a s Pazhayampallil, SDB, “The Holy Spirit is Person. The Holy Spirit is breath, wind and fire. The Holy Spirit is gift, grace and glory. The Holy Spirit is openness, power and activity. The Holy Spirit is love, life and holiness” (Pazhayampallil, T., Words of Eternal Life, P.160). The

best way to define the Holy Spirit in any human being is through the action of the person. Hence we say, “He has fear of God”, “he has wisdom”, “he has fortitude”, “he has the spirit of counsel” etc, all pointing to the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. Or on the contrary, “he has no fear of God”, as in the case of Cain who killed his brother Abel, “he is not wise”, etc., all to depict the absence of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit can be said to be the source of the supernatural dynamism through which God himself draws a person near to transform him from within, to sanctify him. For this Christ maintains, “By their fruits we shall know them” (Matt. 7:15-20). St. Paul corroborates it thus, “Those who are living by their natural inclinations have their minds on the things human nature desires, those who live in the spirit have their minds on spiritual things” (Rom. 8:5-6).

At creation, God infused the spiritual dynamism in man thus establishing him as a being with possibilities of divine actions and possessing resemblances that guarantee his salvation. “Yahweh God shaped man from the soil of the ground and blew the breath of life into his nostrils, and man became a living being” (Gen. 2:7).

Every man created in God’s own image and likeness carries the breath of life and is not just a being but a living being. This living being carries in him a capacity, a force,

and a spiritual dynamism which also enables him to blow the breath of life into the environment which he lives. That “breath of life” is the spirit of God, the gift of God, the grace, the glory of God, the openness, the power, and the activity of God in every human being. The presence of this divine breath is the presence of life. The spirit of God is the source of being and life as the Psalmist holds, “Send out your breath and life begins; you renew the face of the earth” (Ps. 104:30) Fundamentally, man becomes the carrier of God’s spirit from the moment he is born. Since the Holy Spirit is a Life-Giving Principle, man then becomes an agent of the Holy Spirit. The prophet Isaiah captures it thus, “The Spirit of Lord Yahweh is on me for Yahweh has anointed me. He has sent me to bring good news to the afflicted…”

(Is. 61:1ff ). All those who had the divine breath in the Old Testament (not only the prophets) were agents of life. They were missionaries. Even dead bones received the breath of life and began to live again, “I prophesied as he (Yahweh) had ordered me, and the breath entered them; they came to life… (Ezk. 37:10).

In the New Testament, when the Virgin Mary received the divine breath, she became the mother of possibilities. Her initial question was, “how can this come about…?”

The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the

column power of the Most High will cover you with its shadow” (Lk. 1:34-38).

Instantly Mary became a carrier of life radiating God’s goodness.

Consequently she exclaimed, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord, let it be done to me according to your word” (Lk. 1:38). When she visited Elizabeth, she infected her with the Light that was to be the Life of the world. The child in Elizabeth’s womb leapt with joy and Elizabeth herself was filled with the Holy Spirit (cf. Lk .!: 40-41).

At the beginning of his mission Christ was “filled with the Holy Spirit” (cf. Lk. 4:1). He declared, “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, for he has anointed me to bring the good news to the afflicted…

(Lk. 4:18). When Peter was addressing the household of Cornelius, he recounted Christ’s success in these words, “God had anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and because God was with him, Jesus went about doing good…” (cf. Acts 10:38).

Christ’s first gift to the apostles on rising from the dead was the Holy Spirit. “He breathed on them and said, Receive the Holy Spirit” (Jn. 20:22-23). When he sent them out he assured them,”… you will receive the power of the Holy Spirit…” (Acts 1:8) and this found its fulfillment on the day of Pentecost when there came among the apostles a sound as of a violent wind and the tongues as of fire that rested on their heads respectively. They were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak different languages as the Spirit gave them power to express themselves” (Acts 2:1-4).

In our society today, especially as we reenact the feast of Pentecost, there is the need to remind Christians of the importance of being led by the Spirit. Primarily, every human being needs the promptings of the Holy Spirit. One important lesson of this feast is that the Holy

Spirit is an agent of positive change. He is an agent of formation, reformation and transformation; of consolidation and regeneration. The Holy Spirit is an agent of peace and not of strife. He is an agent of life and not of death. The fire of the Holy Spirit or the popular “Holy Ghost Fire” is one of serenity and not of confusion. On Pentecost when the apostles received the tongues of fire, they spoke in tongues. They spoke different languages that were heard by all and which eventually prompted the question, “How does it happen that each of us hears them in his own native language? Parthians, Medes, and Elamites, people from Mesopotamia, Judaea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia…, we hear them preaching in our own language about the marvels of God” (Acts 2:5-11). The fire of the Holy Spirit rather reverses confusion as Pentecost reversed the confusion of the Tower of Babel. The Holy Spirit reunites languages, transcends tribes, colour, race, gender and even religion. It reaffirms man in the ultimate identity and dignity of his creator and redeemer. It speaks the common language of love. It is a fire that restores normalcy, the fire that kindles God’s love, justice and mercy. It is the fire that germinates the fruits of God’s Holy Spirit; “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, trustfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Cf. Gal. 5:22) Evidently, the Holy Spirit is a spirit of action. It spurs believers into action. It motivates Christians into doing good, spreading the breath of life in the society. The feast of Pentecost is both an invitation and a challenge. Christ describes the Holy Spirit as the Paraclete or Advocate, the Spirit of truth which will lead us to the complete truth. We must wake up in our society to become agents of truth and not of falsehood. We must rise up to become promoters of life and not of death. We must rise up to become agents of love and not of hate. We must rise up to become dispensers of joy and not of confusion. We must rise up to become agents of peace and not of violence; agents of compassion and mercy and not of wickedness; agents of humility and not of pride; agents of justice and not of brutality; agents of service and not of arrogance; agents of prudence and not of greed. This can be done everywhere we find ourselves, in families, schools, hospitals, in offices, in markets, on the roads, in the churches, etc. When we are led by the Spirit we become positive agents in the society.

may 16-31 2013

AFRICAWORLD

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column

dd’s cubicle

IS NIGERIA SLIDING TO HER EARLY GRAVE?

By Dunstan Ukaga

War is bad. War is evil. War destroys. War serves no good. In war, and after the war, there is no victor, everyone loses and everything loses. War must be avoided. Peace is the only option for the prosperity and greatness of a people.

Nigeria must not slide to her early grave due to war and greed of a section. Nigeria must choose peace and avoid war.

As I read through the Nairaland Forum of Tuesday, 14 May 2013, I saw these write up: “As the debate on the eligibility of President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2015 presidential election continues to heat up the polity, two northern leaders have warned that the crisis the re-election bid will cause is capable of breaking up the country.

As a result, they want President Jonathan to apply caution and remain committed to his publicly declared campaign promise not to contest the next election in his interest and that of the nation.

Outspoken former governor of Kaduna State, Alhaji Lawal Kaita and controversial National Vice Chairman of the pro-Nor th socio-political organization, Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, Senator Joseph Kennedy Waku, who gave the words of caution, spoke against the backdrop of recent actions and comments credited to the president, the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and some South-South leaders’’ Senator Joseph Waku went further: “Those who are close to the president, if they like him at all, should warn him not to do things that can break up this country and put him on the sad notes of history.

Instead of running campaign errands for him now, they should urge him to tackle daunting challenges facing the nation, such as insecurity, high unemployment, poor power supply and lack of food for the masses. These are the things he owes millions of our people whose votes were either given to him or stolen during the last election.”

As I read through the Nairaland Forum, I was astonished at the responses I saw in regards to divisive comments made by Senator Joseph Waku and Alhaji Lawal Kaita. One of the responses comes so: “I think north should be more concerned with poor state of security caused by moslems and unbearable poverty in their region instead of venturing into power once more. After ruling Nigeria for over 38 years they still do not have anything to show for it, instead they became poorer than any region in Africa. The abokis like IBB, Atiku, Ciroma and Buhari should hide their faces in shame for bringing this burden to their norther people.’’

In his own response Sam Ikenna opines “If one man’s ambition is capable of breaking a country then that country shouldn’t be one in the first place. lets say Nigeria is about 160 million, which means 160 million different kinds, shapes, colors, and sizes of ambition. If GEJ’s ambition can break up 160 million different kinds, then maybe we shouldn’t have crammed 160 million heads together’’.

So do Nigerians really want a break up? A response that comes from a contributor with the name M-16 puts it so”Let it be known to y’ll slow power seeking hausa/ fulani, the northern Nigeria in short form Can never smell presidential power again in Nigeria . You hausa/ fulani better start getting ready for referendum,you never smell power again in the so called Nigeria .

MALLAM CAN BET THAT ARGUMENT ? NIGERIA DIVIDE 2015 .

NIGERIA’S BREAK UP 2015 OR NIGERIA SECOND WAR 2015’’

Another contributor has this to say: “Is that a threat ? I think its very welcomed to break-up on the ground that a Niger-Deltan wants to exercised a constitutional right.

Goodluck Ebele Jonathan lied to have access to Aso Rock but constitution beacons him to contest. Who says I can’t lie to get what I want. Politics is not religion.

Northern Nigeria can go their way.

The rest of the regions can do better without them!!!’’

A contributor on the Nairaland Forum that goes by the name Only Truth nails the north thus”... knowing Nigeria well, and the convoluted mindset that dictates things there, is there a chance that the core North can be kept out of Nigeria’s presidency for at least 40 more years (till they up their levels of education)? I say that chance is almost non-existent. Heck I already see some southerners itching to hand Nigeria back to the rule of illiterates! Therefore, a camel would have to pass through the eye of the needle before I drop my hope for

a nation for my region: a region of similar educational levels, culture and religion.’’

Where does Nigeria go to from these foregoing?

A couple of years ago, some experts foretold Nigeria would break up quicker than assumed.

From the time president Goodluck E. Jonathan took to office till now, Nigeria has never remained the same. Even though president Jonathan has been labouring for a stronger and peaceful Nigeria, it seems all his efforts are in vain.

The Boko haram uprising in the north and the daily killings and destruction of lives and properties around seem not stopping. Till now, eminent northern leaders seem peaceful with these groups and want president Jonathan Goodluck to dash them power even if it means Nigeria to break up.

Through the social media and daily talks around Nigeria, sectional and ethnic nationalism has risen to the highest. The younger generation of Nigerians would be happy to see Nigeria break up. In the east, the Igbos would want Biafra, while the Yorubas in the west will pray for an Oduduwa republic, the south south of Nigeria would cherish a Niger Delta nation but what about the north and the middle belt. It seems all the north want is the president to relinquish power. They do not care how power is given to them and Nigerians are wont to ask. For over 30 years the north has ruled Nigeria, was Nigeria better? Boko Haram arose in the north of Nigeria out of the stupidity and corruptions of the past governments of Nigeria. But which tribe has ruled Nigeria more?

Following the massacre of Police officers and officers of the Department of State Service, DSS, in Alakyo village, near Lafia in Nasarawa State, Nigerians home and abroad are asking if Nigeria is not heading towards a murky water.

Asari Dokubo’s drumbeats of war!

Experiences in recent times especially from the Arab Spring have shown that those who live by the gun easily die by it. And with the humiliation that ended the reign of Libya’s Gaddafi, Hosni Mubarak and their torchbearer Saddam Hussein, those who are conversant with history will certainly not concede to the argument that war is a better option to settle inequalities, inequities and irregularities in a formless system like we have in Nigeria. When the Libyan conflagration assumed the ethnic dimension, nationalistic patriotism overtook sectional interest, and the rest, as is often said, is now history.

Writing in the Vanguard, Tuesday 14, May, Kasim Afegbue declares”It is utterly discomforting to witness a sharp decline in public morality in the way and manner we conduct the business of politics and power game in Nigeria. Public discourse, which should ordinarily sharpen our knowledge and intellectuality, is often grossly abused to fan the embers of disunity and instability.

Except for individuals whose psychological content is defective, I cannot imagine any sane human being beating the drums of war so loud, as if war does not come, heaven will fall.

Otherwise, how do we reconcile Asari Dokubo’s latest outburst of drumming for war particularly each time the capacity of the President is put to public scrutiny? Why does he think that nations cannot live without oil as a resource? Why does he also feel that President Jonathan must be supported from his ethnic binoculars or fond of smoking hot against anyone who feels a strong point against presidential faux pas?

Those who speak the language of war do not live to enjoy the spoils of war. In fact, they get consumed in the inferno of war, and often times ended up on the wrong side of history. In contemporary society like ours, particularly with the global attractions of intellectual discourse to proffering solutions to developmental challenges no matter the shape or form they take, speaking the language of gunboat diplomacy or war is as uncivilized and brutish as waving AK47 to show might’’ Advising Asari Dokubi to apply caution in his utterances, Mr. Afegbue opines”The way Asari Dokubo spoke in his published interview on Tuesday, August 7, in Daily Trust newspaper about what will happen to the North in the event of war, one would think that Asari has the capacity to be in two places at the same time if confronted with war. How possible? War, for those who have experienced it as either victims or participants, is not a treasure to behold. And it is also not simple arithmetic.

Expressing a delight for the trigger does not make anyone an expert in warfare. In these modern times with sophisticated weaponry, war could be fought and won without foot soldiers or seeing gunwielding young men.

It is not about how many AK 47 that is in the possession of anyone

that will determine the strength and capacity in war times. War is an art and it needs serious study.

To even contemplate it under a democracy that preaches dialogue, constructive bargaining and collective engagement, is to exhibit crass inhumanity to mankind.

There is no harm in trying to drum up support for one of your own if the stream of political thoughts appears appropriate to do so.

But to insist in a forceful manner that you must ram Mr. President down the throat of every Nigerian and make them to accept him by all material means is to completely miss the point. President Goodluck Jonathan should be able to call Asari Dokubo to order, except he wants the public to believe that he represents one of his several foot soldiers who can easily be called upon to return fire for fire.

Asari Dokubo should also understand or be reminded that President Jonathan is not the President of the Ijaw ethnic configuration and that the votes of the Ijaw nation alone could not have made Dr. Goodluck Jonathan elected President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria’’ There is terror in the land and Nigerians are scared. A couple of days ago northern interest groups and leaders, flayed Ijaw national leader, Chief Edwin Clark’s assertion of the culpability of Northern leaders in the Boko Haram insurgency, describing his claim as extreme ethnic jingoism. In their various reactions to Clark’s claim of northern conspiracy against the Goodluck Jonathan administration, the northern groups and elders said the depiction of the President as a victim was a wrong assessment of what they separately described as the inability of the regime to address a problem that has spread through ethnic and religious divisions in the north.

The northern leaders’ reaction came in the face of the assertion by Clark at a public lecture in Abuja on a few days ago that powerful northern leaders are orchestrating the Boko Haram insurgency to destabilise the Goodluck Jonathan administration.

I’m simply afraid of Nigeria. I love one great, rich and peaceful Nigeria.

But I’m afraid Nigeria is sliding to her early grave.

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AFRICAWORLD may 16-31 2013

people

PRIDE OF AFRICA

a l e Pam amba ur a S

Our beautiful Pride of Africa was born in Zimbabwe. Pamela is a student of Dundalk Institute of Technology (DKIT) and model for Black Skin Care Make-Up Promotion for Bio Fresh in Drogheda. She was also the Dunleer Rose.

She loves music and fitness regime. Sweet Pamela has won laurels in Basketball and Gaelic football for Dunleer.

may 16-31 2013

AFRICAWORLD

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news

Nigeria Defence College tour Ireland and Poland The Nigeria Military College Abuja embarked on a study tour of Ireland and Poland and AfricaWorld caught up with the participants at the residence of the Nigeria Ambassador’s in Dublin.

Sir, can you tell our readers who you are?

My name is Air Commodore K G Lar and I am Director, National and Military Strategy in the National Defence College, Nigeria. I am the Team Leader of the National Defence College who are on study tour of Ireland and Poland.

What is the essence of this study tour?

It is essentially part of the requirements for the award of Fellow of the Defence College to the participants. The study is to view the impact of technology to national development in Ireland with a view to drawing lessons for Nigeria.

How long will the study last?

The duration for us is two weeks, six days in Ireland and the rest in Poland. There are nine teams from Nigeria going to eighteen countries around the world. Some are researching into tourism while others in agriculture. My team is focusing on technology and national security in Ireland and Poland. This is the 21st course and the college is twenty one years old. As a professional army, the Nigerian Armed Forces need to keep up with global trends.

With Nigeria battling in democracy, what is the state of professionalism in your army?

From time, the military has always strived to be better during democracy because it enables them to face their core objectives of defending the country. You know our interference in governance affects the professionalism of the military. Democracy is the best option for us.

What is the security situation in Nigeria now?

As you are aware, there is insurgency by the Boko Haram sect and other splinter groups in northeastern Nigeria. However, it is limited to three states in and we are putting it down gradually. Their frequency has been reduced greatly.

How divided is the military as the Boko Haram is said to have some support in the force?

You know there is always a ‘Judas’ in every twelve. Although I have not seen any truth in that as a person. The military is very loyal to the country and we are poised to defend it.

What are your lessons from this trip?

The participants are in a better position to say that but I, as a person learnt lots. I did learn here that grass is very important in Ireland because it sustain the cattle wish help in the economy and improves the GDP. I did learn also that difficulty is challenge. Ireland is in recession but they are braving the odds.

Nigeria Ambassador, Yusufu Pwol receive a gift from the Team leader

Air Comm. K. G. Lar - Team Leader

Nigeria Ambassador’s wife being decorated by the military team

Capt. Filafa

Kenyan Ambassador to Ireland Catherine Mwangui

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AFRICAWORLD may 16-31 2013

photo news

African youth in preparatory meeting for June 16 in commemoration of Soweto Uprising in South Africa.

Pride of Africa Girl Koketso Mohotloane celebrated her birthday recently.

Dublin hottest DJ Spaqz added a year to his age.

Cécile Kyenge is the Italian Minister for Integration since April 28, 2013.

1st African Buffet Launched in Ireland. €6.99 for all you can eat.

Anti Racism Network launch their journal.

Grab a copy now!

Ireland’s foreign affairs department review policy on International Development.

may 16-31 2013

photo news

THE 9th CARLOW AFRICAN FILM FESTIVAL IN PICTURES.

AFRICAWORLD

PICTURES

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10 AFRICAWORLD may 16-31 2013

beauty & fashion

beauty & fashion

Afro Coulture R

By Tina N Williams

eaders this week we have a new topic B is the word.

INTRO

BEAUTY......we sing it....we shout it...we speak it....we wear it... We need it... But do we know much about it?

Do you know your own skin or do you buy products just because your friends are doing the same, or its on sale or its just cheap...or because he sale person in the make up shop told you its good for you...

As black women we tend to think that just because we have black skin we do not need beauty products but guess what WE NEED THEM.......

Last week i took a visit to BIO FRESH.... This a business in Drogheda. They have launched a lovely collection of skin care ranges and natural mineral make for black skin.

As you will see in the pictures how great the products are and next week we wil have a full interview with Catherine the owner of Bio-Fresh.... Follow Bio-FRESH on line and next week we will also showcase the products and prices....which are fairly affordable.

may 16-31 2013

column/love

AFRICAWORLD 11

it & adorable mum

AGONY CORNER Some Real Meanings Behind Typical Reasons For Relationship Break-Ups Breaking up hurts, and, knowing this, people often come up with some typical ‘nice’ excuses to soften the blow when announcing the news. But what do these white lies truly mean?

“I’m just bad at relationships.”

If you stick to this one quite often, you might really believe it is true. If you don’t like someone “enough”, or if you don’t like them the way they liked you, you naturally conclude it is a flaw in yourself. You accept as an undisputed truth that you fail at relationships.

Then, someone comes along who you actually want to make an effort toward and suddenly your ‘ingrained personality traits’ change. The person breaking up with you using this trope really believes they are

By Abdul Yusuf telling you the truth, but honestly, they just didn’t feel strongly about you. They’ll suddenly be great at relationships when someone comes around who makes them want to be great. That person’s not you, and that’s okay. You can’t “fix” them. This one’s actually doing you a favor. Just move on from this mess. It’s something they need to come to terms with, and they’ll see the difference when they actually fall in love.

“It’s not you, it’s me.”

This is another one where the person might really believe they’re telling the truth. It’s a red herring. What they mean is, it’s both of you. They’re trying to protect your feelings by using a tired cliche, which is a nice try, but ultimately this leaves the dumped with more questions than answers. What someone really means when they say this is, “I don’t like you as much as I think probably someone should like you. You’re great but not for me.”

“I just need to focus on myself and my career right now.”

Don’t begrudge anyone their dream... but, in any case, this excuse is a lie. If you really like someone, you will make time for them. You would show up at their house after work and hobbies and meetings and other obligations at like 3 in the morning and you’ll be down to hang out. If you want to put your career first right now, totally, yes, you should do that.

However, if you really think someone is worth it, you will make time for them. Busy people can have significance to others. Consider that maybe you were more emotionally expressive and needy, which is not a judgement, and they are a bit more closed off and felt too much obligation. Being needy is not a bad thing, and for your own mental health, you want someone who wants to be around you just as much as you want to be around them, right?

And this does unfortunately mean that the person didn’t really care about you enough.

“You’re too good for me.”

This one’s a red flag. All it means is, “I have very low self-esteem and like to sabotage things that are good for me”. If you’re in it to win it, stick this one out, but this person is probably trying to drop you because they hate themselves. Now, do you want to fight the good fight and try to be the one who makes them experience real love? Not really possible, sorry. Or do you know that the job of a significant other is not mold and fix their partner? Because when someone breaks up with you this way, you’ve got to decide if it’s your job to convince them otherwise. (Hint: it’s probably not.)

“I just think we’re better as friends.”

This one is actually true. This means the person really enjoys you but doesn’t have passionate romantic feelings for you. Sometimes friend love and boyfriend/girlfriend love can get confusing. The flip side to this is that they experimented at the expense of your feelings. They might be feeling super guilty about this fact and want to believe they are a “good person” who “wouldn’t do something like that.” They ask you to remain friends so they can feel better about hurting you. It’s selfish. If you’re not ready to just hop back on the buddy train, don’t pretend to be cool for their sake. Someone who uses this to break up is only thinking of themselves and how they perceive themselves as “nice.” If you don’t buy it, don’t coddle them. You’ll just end up crying in a bathroom after seeing them at a party with their new, hotter significant other.

5 Things You Should Never Do After A Breakup Dealing with a breakup can be a very painful and confusing experience. A lot of emotions run through you and you are likely to take rash decisions if care is not taken.

Here are a few things you must NOT do after a breakup: 1. Don’t Beg: For God’s sake, don’t beg! Begging after a breakup only makes matters worse. It makes you appear pathetic and it can be very irritating. Maybe you don’t understand why it ended.

Maybe you think it ended for the wrong reasons. Maybe you’d just rather be in a bad relationship than be in no relationship at all. No matter what you do, don’t beg for him/her to return. Deep down, you know that you don’t want to be in a relationship with someone you had to beg to be with you. Besides, if your ex rejects you a second time, it won’t just hurt; the rejection will sting with extra humiliation and regret 2. Don’t Seek Revenge: Don’t seek revenge. It serves no purpose and it will only make you feel worse about yourself. Don’t destroy his things, don’t speak evil of her. The thrill of revenge only feeds bitterness and hatred. You may have been deeply wronged, but “getting even” won’t heal any wounds. Forgive and move on. Carry your head high and spend your energy on people who deserve it.

3. Don’t Communicate: Don’t continue to communicate regularly with your ex. Breakups leave a void in your heart where your ex once occupied but constant calling and texting won’t fill that void. Every time you drop the phone without saying “I love you”, your heart will break all over again. Many people feel lost after a breakup; not because they miss their ex, but because so many of their daily habits once revolved around someone else. Give yourself some time to adapt to single life.

4. Don’t Visit Their Facebook: Social media can be a heartbroken person’s worst nightmare. Resist the urge to post anything about your breakup online, don’t insult your ex on twitter and don’t be a constant visitor to his/her Facebook page. Seeing pictures of your ex happy or with someone else can compound your problem and make your life more miserable than it probably already is.

5. Don’t Give Up. Regardless of how the breakup made you feel, don’t let it destroy your hope. Continue taking care of yourself. Take some time to refocus and pursue the things you’ve always loved to do.

Spend time with loved ones. You found love before and you will find it again. Learn what you can from the relationship that just ended and move forward. Don’t give up on meeting your perfect match. Be thankful that the wrong relationship ended to free you up for the right one.

IMMIGRATION SUSPENDS EURO COLLEGE DUBLIN The Immigration Department Student Review Group has suspended the Euro College in Dublin following an inspection. The Immigration authority hit the suspension hammer over attendance which was below par. As a prerequisite to visa renewal, students must have an average of 85% attendance.

“We are working towards restoring the standards of the school, our students are important to us but we must respect the authorities”, Shirley Hastings, Euro College CEO, informed AfricaWorld.

The school administrator informed that a committee has been set up by the institution to review its standards, with desire to evaluating the good and bad.

“We are working towards putting a new structure and improving, we will then invite the immigration back”, Ms Hastings said.

AfricaWorld was informed that all students will be attended to by transferring them to other schools. Over 70 students graduated from the Euro College in March this year and most in Health Care courses “We have produced good results in this school, one of our students scored an aggregate of 7.5 on international English. One of our problems with the immigration is on exams. They insist on exams and we were informed by the Brazilian Embassy in Ireland that exams were not mandatory in immigration laws, so why is the immigration hell bent on it?”

12 AFRICAWORLD may 16-31 2013

family CORNER

TECH_PILOt >>>>>>>>

COLUMN

with Uchenna Onyenagubo

The BIG Question: “Can you see who is viewing your profile”

In my previous edition, I have highlighted the perils of Facebook but recently, I was called up into a discussion with the topic “Can you see who is viewing your profile”?.

This question has flooded the Facebook interface many times and people are falling into the trap, trying to find out who is admiring or spying on them. The famous Facebook is great in its gathering of data and personal information. We spend most time Facebooking and chatting up friends, groups and family members.

Now the BIG question “Can you see who is viewing your profile”, the truth is that Facebook wouldn’t allow such permission to any individual or group BUT it’s definitely possible to find out the statistics of who has viewed your profile. This

privilege is only at HIGHER security level of data collection. Every website records statistics of visits and activities depending on who is hosting you. These rights are ONLY available to webmasters or site administrator and bond by law not to release unless by higher authorities such FBI, Government securities etc...

It is a scam if anyone offers you the software to find out who is viewing your profile on Facebook or any other social networking website. Be warned; it is not a legitimate functionality that Facebook built into their network because; it appears as an integration of Facebook platform. If you decide to click on the link, you will be redirected to a third-party website which appears to be like a real Facebook site but it’s a trick designed to commit you to sharing their link further.

Another question thrown at me was “If I unfriend someone, will they be notified? Facebook said

NO, but all friend’s connections are reciprocal, so you will be removed as a friend from their friend list as well.

However, there are some websites designed to assist professionals, search for job positions and in fact connect to professional groups to offer job position. The Linkedin is structured to connect people and help employers search for right and potential candidates for their companies. It would also assist people to get help to achieve any professional goal.

In the case of Linkedin, the employers are provided the right to search the website and look for professionals that are suitable for their job openings. For Linkedin, it is correct to say YES to the question “Can you see who is viewing your profile”, because that is the purpose of the website. It does allow you know who viewed your profile and it can be found on the right column of the site, it looks like an ad but when you click, it tends to display

the most recent people who’ve viewed your profile. The comprehensive list can be examined but this process requires an upgrade to a premium membership.

It is important to know that the social networking sites have become a target for individuals or group in search of data for their selfish objectives. People advertise online in these days of the “widefire” Internet and the source of data collection is where more people visit and dump their personal contact.

So, the social networking space becomes very vulnerable.

How would they possible catch your attention? The study of people desires are clearly around socialising, giving donations to charities and contributing to issues affecting the globe. Many times, you come across, a publication from groups or individuals requesting your attention to a charity circumstance, saying that a million LIKEs will provide the necessary aid; most of these requests are scams to

WHISPERS FROM THE REEDS

MAX KOBY

with Lihle

Producer of Paparazzi American based musician, Songwriter, Actor and Film Producer, Koby Maxwell came to town. I had to corner the US based Director of raving ‘Paparazzi’ movie, excerpts include: What brought you to Dublin?

We are hear to honour an invitation from the Carlow Film Festival and to showcase our new movie (Paparazzi).

What do you think of African Arts?

It’s getting out there, I think we have come a long way due to the rescuers we have. We are growing up in the industry and I am very proud of what we are doing.

Were you born in America?

No...no....I was born in Ghana (Omo Ghana), I am only based in America. I have been in the United States for the past 15years....

Have you always been in the Arts or is it something new?

I am a musician, Arts has always been my passion. The tracks

in the movie (Paparazzi) are my songs and I am also a producer. Check out some of my songs on sites like YouTube etc What would be your advise to Africans abroad who will love to venture into the same field as you?

Stay focused! Stay African and never loose who you are. Always work hard and never give up, although there will be challenges but stay on the course.

What is your take on Education?

Education is very important. You need education to be able to deliver your best. Stay in school but pursue your dreams.

Any other projects on the pipeline?

Yes there is a new movie I am producing now and co-starring in, it’s going to be great. I am hoping to be back in Dublin for it’s Premiere.

REMEMBER ROME WASN’T BUILD IN ONE DAY!!!!!!!!!!

collect data. Once you LIKE the page, your data is submitted and no wonder you receive offers or proposals you never solicited for.

SO the next time you receive any similar publication on your Facebook page, be care and BEWARE.

may 16-31 2013

AFRICAWORLD 13

family corner

P

s m e o e

ma Amakez

By Ositadin

Aso ebi Girl Shebi you bi one of the aso ebi?

And your name na aso ebi Dumebi Abi you no sabi say Miss Binta Dinta Na the angry hunter’s daughter This Dinta man na a great hunter And all his sons hunt even greater And you carry heel like long antelope Without any money gift for envelope If person come sofia you and shoot As you waka about with your parachute This one kind bag wey dey very dubious As you make faces wey dey cantankerous They say na tube or tubeless you wear

As you hike like moto wey tires don tear Doing like torotoro wey dey do inyanga Shebi na how you dey ginger your swagger Wedding end, people wey carry okada go So all person wey carry leg come and moto But Dumebi carry shoe for hand dey beg aboki For slippers and the balm dem call aboniki Aboki smile, say, “nyarinya me I love you” Dumebi come vex well, and salap am ka tuu!

Why vex so, Ashebi, shebi you no get flat shoes?

Now you dey walk as if person step on your toes Fashion & trend are most unreliable.

Be self and unique!

The She She drew lines on bare earth, Tears dripping from her eyes She was blind, but it all seemed She drew a great sea without fish And in the sea, there was a sun

Wisdom Bits

Berthing in and out without rays Basking in the ripples of grit sand Of the waters she hoped to drown It is she, who knows what it feels Stabbing the earth with the stick Cursing with each single deep gash As the blood sands of the sea spills!

Her Death She didn’t die, they thought her dead The sand o’er her tomb kept turning in As if something was smoking the sand Beneath the restless abyss of her tomb In the burning embers of her sorrows Her heart longs for justice from the sun Like the tender foliage of earthed seed In an unveiling spiritual yearning of light In the wind she lost her breath and voice That wordlessness so became her speech In the wind too, nothing was left for her Not even one stood by her, so she died But they thought she died in her grave That she is resting in peace or in pieces

Birds eat ants while alive but ants eat them when they die.

Meaning - Life can be a round-robin game.

That a man died a shameful death does not warrant mourners to deride him.

Meaning - Respect is reciprocal

He who wrestle a gorrilla does not come back in tact.

Meaning - Man has limitations

The size of a man does not determine his strength.

Meaning - Do not look down on anyone

A brotherly grouse do not last Meaning - Live and let live

That the lion is king does not mean others are not important in the forest.

Meaning - Everyone deserve a chance.

FOLKTALE Tales from Owere

The Proud Woodpecker

Connect with

AfricaWorld on

BOILED YAM AND RED OIL

by Nkiru Edokobi

Ingredient

Once upon a time in the realm of heavenly birds, there was constant struggle, challenge and competition to become the best of all birds. It was also “en vogue” for birds to belong to the upper class.

In this kingdom there also lived the Woodpecker. It is a very proud bird that lives an upper class lifestyle, and tells lies and boasts to its buddies.

Suddenly, the Woodpecker became ill from a painful ulcer beneath his beak. For many days, he was unable to talk or even eat, let alone chop the trunk of a tree with his beak.

Around this time, his mother died and the other birds, which he had sworn to, challenged him to keep his oath. But the Woodpecker, who could neither talk nor eat, was unable to chop the trunk of the Iroko Tree with his beak as he had proudly claimed

Culled from Blazes & Buzzes of The Muse written

by Ositadinma Amakeze.

recipe column

By Ukachukwu Okorie

The struggle to become a member of the upper class was so fierce that the Woodpecker resorted to fraudulent means to meet and maintain his standards. One of his deceitful survival tactics was to brag that he possessed better talents than others. One day while sitting with other birds, the Woodpecker boasted about one of his talents. He said that he would chop down the trunk of an Iroko Tree with just his beak, as a mark of respect if and when his mother died.

Yet her soul would have no rest therein Until all her assailants are slain by time!

Age of recompense Time is slow, so are ages far wide apart The dews of the sky and the moist of earth Shall mingle with the sun’s breath within To awaken life from death’s cold clutches Like dripping water upon rocks in a cave O’er time and tide ticking in trifle and strife Subtly scalding strata of stones miles away In the mystery of the strength of the weak So shall the wind bear her spirit upon wings To realm of justice beyond these lilies of lies That the sun that was asundered by the night Would in might, rise in recompense till dusk It was she alone, who knew what it felt As she stabbed the earth with the stick Cursing with every single deeper gash As the blood sands of the sea spilled!

1 tuber of yam Salt Chili pepper Utazi Leaves 5 tsp oil

Cooking Peel the yam scale neatly and slice it to the size of your choice. Wash neatly in a pan or the sink.

With the wash, it is ready to boil in the pot. Sprinkle some salt on it to add to taste. This is one of the easiest meal to cook as the yam is left to boil between 10 - 15 minutes. You can check the yam intermittently with a fork or sharp object.

As soon as the penetration is smooth, the yam is ready to serve.

You can heat oil in the microwave or drop a piece of hot yam in the oil to melt.

Add salt depending on the taste of the yam. Add chili pepper and utazi leaves if available and your meal is ready to eat.

14 AFRICAWORLD may 16-31 2013

news

news

AKIDWA SPECIAL REPORT (Continue from last edition).

International Women’s Day Event A successful and colourful I.W.D led by young migrant women from AkiDwA was held at Dublin City Hall on 12 March.‘Between Two Cultures’- a book of inspirational stories by young migrant women was launched by Cllr Clare Byrne, Deputy Mayor of Dublin. Additionally, our research outcomes on the integration challenges faced by young migrants living in Ireland was also launched. Around 100 people attended and participated in the event.

“Empowering yourself through self expression” Organizational Development Communication has greatly improved since 2013 commenced, especially since the recruitment of a designated Communication Officer. We strive to develop this improved communication into the future. Our database is updated on a regular basis and members are informed and contacted on all activities and event.

The Young Migrant Women were given the opportunity to coordinate and lead our IWD event, alongside the AkiDwA staff and interns.

Upcoming Events June 3rd: Flora Mini Marathon (register before April 24th).

June: Brain Gain Event —details currently being compiled.

Survey on Migrant Children in foster care in Ireland— currently being compiled by AkiDwA Policy Officer.

November: AkiDwA A.G.M For further information contact us or check out our website: www.akidwa.ie Anyone interested in a copy of “Between Two Cultures” You can get one from the AkiDwA office.

Useful Links Institute for Minority Entrepreneurship: www.ime.ie Irish Refugee Council: www.irishrefugeecouncil.ie Immigrant Council of Ireland: www.immigrantcouncil.ie Africa Centre: www.africacentre.ie Dublin Rape Crisis: Centre www.drcc.ie Women’s Aid: www.womensaid.ie National Women’s Council of Ireland: www.nwci.ie Dublin City Council: www.dublincity.ie Irish Aid: www.irishaid.ie Ruhama: www.ruhama.ie The Integration Centre: www.integrationcentre.ie

AkiDwA Art Therapy Day To marks the 50th anniversary celebration of the formation of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), AkiDwA organises half day activity for women to exhibit their skills and talents using African Materials.

Art Therapy Day, activities will include, beads workshop- making earring, necklace and bracelets, Sewing- simple styles and design, and Henna application and designs, The objective of Art Therapy Day is• To promote means of expression • To enhance self-awareness • To improve mental, emotional, and even physical states, As we celebrate Africa day 2013 Date: Wednesday 23 May 2013 Venue: AkiDwA Office Building- Unit 2 Killarney Court Buckingham Street, Dublin 1 Time: 10am- 2pm If interested please contact: Susan at AkiDwA on 018349851 or 0874150906.

may 16-31 2013

AFRICAWORLD 15

news

AFRICA CENTRE IRELAND FACE CLOSURE th

Africa Centre is facing the threat of closure due to lack of funding and is now calling on all stakeholders who can help to secure an office and meeting space for the organisation to facilitates its good work and to prevent closure.

Yesterday Monday, 6th May, the Africa Centre volunteers, members and supporters held a public gathering in front of the GPO on O’Connell Street at 12:00pm and at Smithfield square at 1pm aimed to inform members of the Africa Centre and the broader public as to our issue regarding office and meeting space for the African community.

The Africa Centre used this opportunity to further express our missions, ideals, and successes in the past as a way to bolster support for the future. The two events were informative and informal questions were welcomed from passersby as well as those who contribute frequently to Africa Centre activities.

According to the 2011 census figures, there are over 58,000 Africans living in Ireland out of a population of over 4,500,000 people (CSO, 2011 Census). Africa Centre aims to play a pivotal role in continuing their work with other stakeholders to cater for the needs of the African immigrant

population.

Dr. Sahr Yambasu, Chair of Africa Centre said, “the African communities in Ireland represent the diversity of a vast continent with rich cultures. The growing presence of these communities in Ireland has occasioned the need to provide a voice for them. This is what Africa Centre’s community participation project is all about”.

Since its formal launch in October 2001, the Africa Centre has promoted and encouraged the development of activities and initiatives that explain African concerns to a wider audience. In the past 12 years, the Africa Centre has been working with the African community and other stakeholders to facilitate the positive integration of Africans in Ireland. It has also been proactive in raising awareness on issues of global inequalities, injustices, poverty, violations of human rights and the use of negative images and messages in relation to the continent of Africa.

“In the last two years, the Africa Centre experienced a decline in funding and as a result, its ability to cater for the needs of the African community has been affected. We have nevertheless been able to mobilise the African community and have made policy submissions, organized lectures, debates, and an African Forum. We

have also encouraged Africans to engage with the Irish political system, and are in the process of developing an Intercultural Youth Society.

Despite these achievements, the Centre is now faced with the lack of an office space for the African community to meet. This will have an adverse impact on the community in Ireland” said Mbemba Jabbi, Coordinator, Africa Centre.

We are asking stakeholders who can to help us secure an office and meeting space for the Africa Centre Contact information Mbemba Jabbi, Africa Centre Ac ting Coordinator, tel.

0868323499/ 01 6619289, Mbemba@africacentre.ie Website: www.africacentre.ie Africa Centre vision and mission Our vision is of a just, tolerance and inclusive society that recognises and values the mutual benefits of inclusion and participation and is conscious of our global interconnectedness.

Our mission is to facilitate the meaningful inclusion of African People in all social, political and economic aspects of life in Ireland and promote a balanced and fair representation of Africa and her people among people in Ireland

60 seconds WITH THE DUCHESS D. What has been your major challenge?

J. Well at the end of the day we all wanna make money so in that regard, being that there’s so much creativity and money is the limitation, it can be frustrating.

However, over the years I have payed my dues so things are looking good.

Nena Duchez Huntaz

Jethro Chinweotuto Abara famously known as J.Smith Production has been the brain behind regional/ national hit songs such as Sweet Music, Celebrate and DownLow by Ruffcoin Nwaba, He also produced songs like ‘Talk About Me’ by former Trybez Men Rapper/Rap veteran Fr3style, After Party(Obombo) by Lineo(elepepe master), Warm&Close

by Vector Tha Viper, Na U Sabi by 2Shotz, Pus My Button by D.O.T and many more songs for upcoming artistes. He is without doubt one of Nigeria’s fast rising music producers and a force to be reckoned with.

J.Smith’s talent knows no bounds and this is evident in his debut single”Jump & Pass’’.

D. When did you discover your talent for production?

J. I started music quite early in my early teens playing drums but the flair for production came in when I started playing the piano. I used to

compose beats in my head when I hear any music so I’d score beats from the likes of Dr Dre, Ojb and Cobhams with my keyboard. I was also fortunate because there was a studio down the street I used to live, I’d go there after school and spend the whole day there, then after high school my mother took me to a studio where I learnt the basics of using a work station and technical aspect of it too. Though I didn’t stay there long enough.

D. What inspires you to come up with different beats?

J. I live through music all day and there was a certain time in my life I listen to lots and lots of songs. I also had sleepless night of practice on the keyboard and stressful but great nights in the studio learning new things about the software and work stations I use to produce. And with the G(God) factor too so am good to go.

D.How do you keep yourself current with the latest trend?

J.Practice, reading, research, asking question when you don’t know it, being current with what’s going on around and listening to different genre of music.

D. Who are the major artists you worked with?

J. I’ve worked with the likes of Vector, 2shotz, Ruffcoin Nwaba, Lineo, Pincode, Glenn, Karatkid, Fr3style, Achara Man, D.O.T, Kzee...

The list is quite much and I’ve also got my artist under J.Smith Production and we working day and night to bring you the best of sounds.

D. How can people get hold of you?

J. +2347030663843, Jsmith.prods@ gmail.com and @jsmithmuzik.

That’s my number, email add and twitter id so I can be reached through them.

16 AFRICAWORLD may 16-31 2013

news

news