Thursday 28 August 2014

Inspired #YouthSummit14







So earlier this month I went to The Youth Media Agency's Youth Summit at the BFI. Having never been to one of these I was excited, but I also wasn't sure what to expect so with an open mind, jacked up phone and big up wheelchair I began my trek to the BFI. 

The whole point of the summit was to give an insight of how to get into the media industry so there was speeches from SBTV, Reprezent Radio, Fully Focused, Vice (whom I've now become obsessed with) among other organisations. It was also good to see what organisations like the BBC and Channel 4 are doing in order to help youth get into the industry. Overall it was a good day and I have to say by the end I was full of knowledge, a new career path in mind and knackard (being up from 7am just ain't the one for me). 

Towards the end of the summit, one particular thought was running through my head. What if we had something like this running in Africa? I won't lie the idea was kicking through me for most of the afternoon, but there was so many people around and to be honest I was just too shy and thought they would say something like Aww, that's such a cute idea and in their heads it's just like This girl is mad, no just no when I'm sitting there dead serious like Nah, on a level..I wanna do this, it could be a mad success as well as helping many. Let's do this!

Now in the comfort of my home behind my computer screen safe from rejection I propose the following idea to anyone willing to help! 

Youth Summit Africa 

So as we know, Africa is a huge continent, but with a country that still can't bring back it's girls, Ebola and civil wars, it's safe to say Africa hasn't got the best representation. What better way to counter this representation  than through the youth? And something like the Youth Summit could help this along.

Let's face it the government in Africa don't really care much about the youth so long as money enters their pockets, they can send their kids to school in the UK or America, drive the biggest cars and build the biggest houses not much matters. The divide is so huge that we are effectively oppressing ourselves to the point that if we don't have the best things you are irrelevant. 

To be fair the Afrobeats scene has exploded so much that people are starting to embrace where they come from a lot more. However this isn't enough for me. Not everyone can sing and to be fair some artists in the industry right now can't sing, but like I said having money goes a long way in these things. However not everyone has money, but this doesn't mean that they haven’t got the talent or drive in order to learn. 

So what if we actually take the knowledge to them? Teach them, help them, educate them. Not every kid is made for school and is set on becoming a nurse, doctor or lawyer. So we reach out to the youth and give them the opportunity to learn how to use a computer, camera as well as teaching to  read and write so they can become the next director, scriptwriter, blogger, vlogger or presenter? 

I know it's a big idea coming from a teenager, but it could benefit so many and change the face of Africa as well as giving kids new found hope. I for one am tired of watching kids suffer at the hands of greed and selfishness.


 Aren't you?

Friday 22 August 2014

Album Review| Dammy Krane - The Enterkraner

Dammy Krane The Enterkraner Art
Dammy Krane The Enterkraner Back



So today my boo of life, Dammy Krane finally released his debut album The Enterkraner! For a first album I have to say it's a decent effort! The album has a bit of everything from Ligali which  basically blew him onto the scene then there's Love Na Die ft Olamide which is easily the best song on the album (after Amin). I have to say when I saw the track list I was disappointed not to see Wifey (ft Boj) on there, but after hearing Faleela it was understandable. It's kinda the wedding track of the album and I love the Fuji feel it has that defines the Enterkraner himself. Other songs I you should check out are Asiwaju and Jolly Good Fellow (ft 2face & Rocksteady).

Over all I love the album but he definitely has room to grow, but all will happen in due time. As my friend said we have to embrace him first. This is one of them albums that you play in your car on the long evening drives with the roof open and wind blowing in your hair and your just cruising.  It's not exactly heavy base that makes you get up and dance (with a few exceptions) nor is it slow jam material. It has the right balance throughout.

As a suggestion maybe have Burna Boy on the Asiwaju remix and fiddle with the beat a little or on Oluwakemi? Also Reekardo Banks or Korede Bello on Tomorrow No Day? Just a suggestion!

Anyway Love Dammy Krane always! Are your fans called the Kraners?  (Genuine question) LOL :)

Go get your copy from Spinlet 

Adios 

Wednesday 20 August 2014

My 277

In film and TV I'm this inspiration
Environmentally I'm a waste of space 
Medically I cost a bit too much 
And education? She brings more money so why not accept her

My 277

I remember that day distinctly 
Torrential rain 
Whirling winds 
Umbrella turned inside out 
10,15 minute journey turns into 20, 30 minutes of mixed emotions

Frustration, tiredness, hunger 
I'm young 
That doesn't mean you'll take the piss 

My 277

I didn't ask to be like this 
I do ask that you my life easier though 
This isn't the first, second or third time 
 Each going past with a mere 
"Sorry love next comes in 3 minutes" 
Three minutes go by 

My 277 

Funny thing is 
Every four years it's vote me and not him 
I can change this and that 
Yet the problem still stands 

Don't tell me to complain 
Been there. Done that 
Wrote letters 
My voice still ain't heard

277

All inclusive 
Yet I still feel like some sorta outcast 
When is it gonna be that time 
The time where I can just get around 
With no questions 
Stares 
Or irrelevant comments 

 Blondie wants to be MP 
Can't really be a Mayor yet you want jump to something else 
Steady steps there mate 
Complete one job before another 

My 277

Nobody's perfect 
Agreed 
But stop tryna fool me sayin 
The government are trying 
When they can keep up with technology 
But simple keeping ramps down and getting off the bus 
Is still a problem 

My 277

To some I might be complaisant 
Don't blame you 
You don't live with this day in day out 
But to others this is for you 

Open your eyes 
Don't stare 
Shut your mouth 
Don't whisper 
Learn to look around you 
This is my 277

Hopefully you'll listen 




Monday 18 August 2014

Dj Jimmy Jatt ft Olamide, D' Prince & Reekardo Banks: Lori Standing

It's times like this that make being youthful and never being able to sleep the greatest part of life! So just when I couldn't get enough of Reekardo Banks latest song Chop Am (I'm pro Mavins by the way) he hits back featuring on a track with a few friends! By friends I mean DJ Jimmy Jatt, fellow Mavin D'Prince and the YBNL beast himself Olamide, Baddo! Produced by Don Jazzy!

Considering DJ Jimmy Jatt just launched his sophomore album The Industry yesterday this song has most definitely pushed me to take a listen to the album!

For now I leave you with DJ Jimmy Jatt ft D'Prince, Olamide and Reekardo Banks Lori Standing 


 Night!

Tuesday 12 August 2014

Poetry Freestyle

This is a bit of poetry freestyle. By this what I mean is that I take a random song, listen to it and while I listen I just spill on the page. The song picked today is Pump it by Black Eyed Peas. I gave my Spotify playlist a bit of shuffle and this came up so..Yeah Let's go! 

let's be honest here, I'm nervous 
not exactly free 
in a matter of days all is me 
I dunno what to make of it 
just a bunch of letters 
Yet they ave that much power 
your heart races 
just because of a white sheet 
people either screaming 
others hiding 
food doesn't seem that important 
everything is constricted 
the walls are closing 
you open the brown envelope 
everything builds up 
you draw the sheet... 

Your mind is frazzled nothing really makes sense 
mostly because you haven't really given much time to think 

That's results day for ya!

Okay that was an experience! Much harder than I imagined it to be probably because I tried to not stop typing and mostly feel not think! 

Wanna give it a go? 

Here's the rules:

  1. Pick a song at random 
  2. State the song in the intro 
  3. You can't pre-plan the poem! Has to be written in the moment! 
  4. You have the same time to write the poem as the song lasts 
  5. As soon as the song stops, you stop! 
  6. Don't stop writing/Typing 
  7. Have fun!
Email all poems to blessxo8@gmail.com 
If you have links tweet me @blessing_xxx with #ATAPoetryFreestyle 
Poems can be in the form of videos or any form you wish! Just stick to the rules 

The best poems will be put up! 

Peace and Love!