THE AFRICAN   TOUCH

 

 

WHAT IS AFRICA?

Most common answer; It is one of the continents of the world inhabited by various races.    Don’t let this be you.

Africa is an entity, a culturally diverse entity .With too many tribes to count, too many languages to remember and an unlimited variety of customs and traditions. Really, we are literally talking about a museum in a continent, with each bonfire, a new story. No one can comprehend with the amount of history and ethos embodied in this vast ratio of land.

From the arts to the music, from the drama to the dance, there will never be a dull moment.

 Too many leaders, activist, humanitarians and trail-blazers to list, starting from the award winning plays of Wole Soyinka to the forever unforgotten acts of the great Nelson Mandela. All together this terra firma has no limit.

 

LETS TALK ABOUT ONE OF MY BEST PARTS; MUSIC!

When it comes to African music, the first thing that comes to mind is Afro-beat and the first person that comes to mind is Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, c’mon, this man is the king of afro-beat, the king of African music, with legends like himself African music was created. A little history lesson on this great man, he hails from the western part of Africa, Nigeria to be exact, my personal home landJ.  He’s music has influenced many others, with tours around the globe and musical hits which sold millions. His music defied all odds, he criticized the government, spoke his mind and stuck to what he believed in. Then there is Mariam Makeba, hailed from South Africa and sang like no other. Her music inspired many, I personally may not know a lot of her songs but I know she did contribute greatly to African music.

The basic instrument of African music; it is called a talking drum

Modern day, modern times, modern music. Music has morphed greatly over the years. Some might say I have only been around for a fortnight, so what do I know, but trust me I have done my research. From the beats of Femi Anikulapo Kuti (son of Fela) to the strums of the guitar owned by the renowned rolling dollar to the DJ productions of our very own Don jazzy.

Nigerian music has made hits around the continent and the globe. Many artist and many accomplishments, artist like Davido that started not too long ago but now can’t walk out of his house for a stroll, artist like Ice prince who won best international artist (Africa) in the BET awards 2013. There are hit makers all over the continent who have talents which blow minds. My favourites’, Sakordie and Toya DeLazy, you should really check out their music.

Always remember this, African music is food for the soul, the depth and the intricacy of beats. I promise you, one can’t hear an African song and not want to dance, besides it’s what we do best.

Basically all I am saying is that Africa is present everywhere, times are changing. I was flipping through a teen vogue or seventeen magazine and I found an article on a designer who uses Ankara for her clothes .Which is simply African print material with the use of various motifs, so don’t forget to be aware, listen, learn and study because the unadorned touch is the most momentous touch and that, is the African touch.

 

 

Thank you guys for reading

Love you xoxo

Chinedu J

 

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