Life We Living...

Many people have their objections of Vybz Kartel and his oftentimes provocative music and lifestyle, but 'Life We Living' is nonetheless a peek into the reality of many Jamaicans. The message in this song, of course, crosses all borders...

AfricanMoussou

 Check out this Blog by my dear friend Nana.

It is a wonderful page full of images of beautiful African women worldwide. Enjoy!

AfricanMoussou.blogspot.com

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It's not everyday that we see such beautiful images of Love. Skye Edwards has some of the most beautiful music videos.

Olive Oil and Aloe Vera Jelly

OmegaD's Picks

Two essential ingredients that are easy to use and extremely beneficial to the entire body. Combining the two also creates a light moisturizer for everyday use.

Extra Virgin Organic Olive Oil
Benefits/Uses: 
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- Helps to heal scars, stretch marks, and dry skin
- Can be used for everyday cooking and body moisturizing

Aloe Vera Jelly

Benefits/Uses:

-Regenerates skin cells damaged by scarring 

-Helps to heal cuts, sores, insect bites, and blisters

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-Relieves stomach ailments, kidney disorders, and headaches

K'NAAN- T.I.A

from the Troubadour Album



K'naan definitely stands alone as an artist dedicated to storytelling. A true talent, his music gives a fresh look into the the beautiful struggle of African people on the continent [and elsewhere].

African Women of Revolution

Ghana
Yaa Asantewaa was an Ashanti queen who led resistance to the colonization of Ghana by the British. She succeeded in the short run, but the Ashanti were heavily outgunned. One of her most famous quotes states: "If you the men of Ashanti will not go forward, then we will. We the women will. I shall call upon you my fellow women. We will fight the white men. We will fight until the last of us falls in the battlefield."

East Africa 
[borrowed from "Shamanic priestesses of East Africa"]
The legend of Queen Nyabingi [spelled several ways] began with an amazon queen named Kitami, who possessed a sacred drum. Later generations revered her as a powerful ancestor and she spoke through priestesses called Bagirwa. Most of them were were traditional healers, chosen by Nyabingi as her prophets...

Muhumusa appears in the early 1900s as a widowed Rwandan queen mother who fled with the heir to the throne into Ndorwa, in what is now SW Uganda. She was a chief who refused to acknowledge the usurper mwame Musinga, who was allied with the German colonials. In 1911 Muhumusa proclaimed “she would drive out the Europeans” and “that the bullets of the Wazungu would turn to water against her.” She roused a military resistance which was stamped out within months, and she spent the rest of her life under detention, first by the Germans and then at the behest of the British (1912-1945).

Muhumusa became the first in a line of rebel priestesses fighting colonial domination in the name of Nyabingi. The British passed their 1912 Witchcraft Act in direct response to the political effectiveness of this spiritually-based resistance movement. 


Note: The Nyabingi movement of the 1930s inspired the Rastafarians in Jamaica. They adopted Queen Nyabingi as a spirit of liberation, and The Order of Nyabingi became an important touchstone in Rasta culture. Drumming and chanting Nyabingi took on the meaning of overcoming oppression and destroying those who committed injustice.

Jamaica 
Nanny of the Maroons was born in Ghana, and folk history says that she came to Jamaica with the express purpose of becoming a high priestess and leader of her people, never having been a slave. She was an obeah-woman who led the eastern Maroons based in Moreton, and forged an alliance with another group led by Cudjoe.

Nigeria
"The War of the Women"

The Aba rebellion in southeastern Nigeria grew out of a traditional female rite of the Igbo. People were outraged at the colonial government's plan to tax women, "the trees that bear fruit." In protest, Ibo women bound their heads with ferns, painted their faces with ash, put on loincloths and carried sacred sticks with palm frond wreaths.
The Ibo women's councils mobilized demonstrations in three provinces, turning out over 2,000,000 protesters...women protestors burned down the hated British "Native Courts" and cut telegraph wires, throwing officials into panic. The colonials fired on the female protesters, killing more than fifty and wounding more. Marches continued sporadically into 1930. These mass actions became known as the Aba Rebellion of 1929, or The War of the Women. It was one of the most significant anti-colonial revolts in Africa of that day. [from "African Warrior Women"]


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Today, as we celebrate the birthday of one of the most profound African intellectuals in history, Malcolm X, we must always remember to think about the importance of family and women in the Black community. Now, it is my argument that the true revolutionaries are murdered because they know and respect the importance of the African woman in society. I am not claiming that every man murdered in the name of his cause respected women, but one must find it in their soul to recognize those men who truly believed in the liberation of African people worldwide and knew the importance of women in their societies. You will find that many movements, put too much emphasis on the man as head and the women taking on secretarial roles, but in all reality, if you are to have a drastic change in the function of society, you must acknowledge the power that the African woman has and let her light shine on African progress.

Quotes by Great Men About the Importance of Women

Today, the women of the world are not content only to live as housewives. In most countries they are striving harder and harder for higher education so that they may participate in the civic duties of their community and nation. In time of war, women like men, have served their country and some of them have fought side by side with the men against the enemy." ["Education of Women"- H.I.M. Haile Selassie I-Ethiopia]

“I can hear the roar of women's silence.” [Thomas Sankara- Burkina Faso]

"If you are in a country that is progressive, the woman is progressive. If you're in a country that reflects the consciousness toward the importance of education, it's because the woman is aware of the importance of education. But in every backward country you'll find the women are backward, and in every country where education is not stressed its because the women don't have education." [from "Women..."- Malcolm X]

"… there were even matriarchal societies where women were the most important element.  On the Bijagos Islands they had queens. They were not queens because they were the daughters of kings. They had queens succeeding queens.  The religious leaders were women too..." [Amilcar Cabral- Guinea Bissau]

Summer Readings: Women of the Black Diaspora

These few books tackle the evolution of Black [African descended] women in societies worldwide. Hopefully, through these stories, fiction and nonfiction, there can be a better understanding of common trends and struggles of Black people throughout the world.
I compiled this small list of books from my own personal collection and from the suggestions of Nana B.

Kehinde by Buchi Emecheta [Nigeria]

The story of a Nigerian family living in London who decide to move back to Nigeria after living abroad for almost 16 years. Kehinde, the main character, soon finds herself in a state of desperation and heartbreak due to the events following the move, and decides to follow her own path through the guidance of her chi.

 
The Weave of My Life by Urmila Pawar [India] 

Pawar is a activist who writes about her own experiences with caste discrimination in India and how she discovered the power in writing about the everyday struggles of the Dalit [or Untouchables].

 

Follow the Rabbit Proof Fence by Doris Pilkingon 

[Australia]

The book is a personal account of an Indigenous Australian family's experiences as members of the "Stolen Generation", which was caused by the forced removal of mixed-caste children from their families during the early 20th century. It tells the story of three Aboriginal girls: Molly (the author's mother), Daisy (Molly's sister) and their cousin Gracie, who escape from a government settlement in 1931 and trek over 1,600 kilometres home by following the rabbit-proof fence, a massive pest-exclusion fence which crossed Western Australia from north to south. 

 
Wench by Dolen Perkins-Valdez [of Tennessee, USA]

The story takes place in an 1853 Ohio Tawawa Springs vacation resort [located at present day Wilberforce University] which serves as a destination for a group of the slave-mistresses and their masters.  The novel delves into the relationships between the women and their masters, and each other.

 
Nervous Condition by by Tsitsi Dangarembga [Zimbabwe]

The story of young Shona girl living in a small village who struggles to break free from poverty and acquire an education, in a world where she is expected to do otherwise.

 
The Darkest Child by Delores Phillips 
 [of Georgia, USA]

A young girl struggles with her identity in the racist mid-20th century South, while coping with the constant abuse from her "passing-for-white" mother who stops at nothing to fulfill her own selfish fantasies [mostly at the expense of her children].

 

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Just Something to Think About...

Compare and Contrast...

30 Years of Independence: Zimbabwe

As Zimbabwe goes into its 30th year of Independence, there is a need to acknowledge the accomplishments of Zimbabwe under the rule of Robert Mugabe, but there are so many things that the country needs to deal with before celebration. The Zimbabwe has a rich history and the people of Zimbabwe have struggled for far too long. Robert Mugabe came into power 30 years ago and many are hoping that he will give up his powers. While Mugabe has sometimes made the wrong decisions for his people, we must always remember what sacrifices he has made for Blacks in this country. Many of his actions have caused sanctions and criticism from the West, but in order to understand the state of Zimbabwe today, we must remember all of the other African leaders who do nothing for their people, yet are best friends with the West and International Aid Organizations.

Nonetheless, we celebrate today for all of those Africans in [former Rhodesia] who sacrificed everything so that their children could live free from the colonial rule of Great Britain.  This day is just a reminder of what has been done, and what has to be done in Zimbabwe.






READ MORE:
BBC Timeline: Zimbabwe
The Toyi-Toyi of Southern Africa

OmegaD.

Mbira Dzavadzimu: "Voice of the Ancestors"

The Mbira has been used by the Shona people of Zimbabwe for thousands of years. Traditionally, the Mbira is used to facilitate communication with the ancestors. There are many names for the Mbira because it is used throughout African music but Mbira music is most popular in Zimbabwe.

I always enjoy finding the younger generation of African musicians utilizing the musical creations of their ancestors. I love this video by Tinashé, a rising talent originally from Zimbabwe, who gives us a beautiful love story with the help of the Mbira [a musical instrument consisting of a wooden board to which staggered metal keys have been attached].




More Info on the Mbira
Checkout Tinashé's Youtube page

Natural Allergy Remedies

Neti Pots
These pots have been used in India for thousands of years to keep sinuses clear. Just use saltwater to rinse away pollen grains and other allergens.

Quercetin

Quercetin is a plant-derived compound that helps to stablize mast cells and prevents them from releasing histamine. It also works as an antioxidant, helping to clean up free radicals that cause cell damage, which may lead to cancer. Allergy sufferers are recommended to use 1,000 milligrams a day inbetween meals, and it is recommended to begin six weeks before allergy season.
Quercetin can be found in: Citrus fruits, onions, apples, parsley, tea, tomatoes, broccoli, lettuce and wine.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids
People who eat foods high in omega-3 fatty acids are less likely to suffer allergy symptoms. Omega-3 can be found in: cold-water fish, walnuts and flaxseed oil.

Stinging Nettle
Stinging Nettle behaves in the same way as many over-the-counter drugs, but without the side affects [dry mouth and drowsiness]. Nettle stops the the production of histamine.

Related Links:

Six Natural Allergy Remedies
Natural Allergy Relief

50 Year Anniversary of Sharpeville Massacre

Today in Our-Story

Today commemorates the 50th anniversary of South Africa's Sharpeville Massacre.  On that day 5,000 protesters collected at the Sharpeville police station to burn their apartheid pass books and offer themselves for arrest. The police then open-fired on the peaceful crowd made up mostly of women and children. 69 people were murdered and 180 were injured. Most were shot in the back.

The African protesters in the black township of Sharpeville, like many of their brothers and sisters in neighboring townships, were fighting against the racist system of apartheid in South Africa.
Those who died on that day died so that Black South Africans would be entitled the rights of human beings, so we must pose the question of whether the children of South Africa today are really free and continue to question our current definition of 'freedom'.

Nonetheless, we celebrate the sacrifice of these Africans, who sacrificed so that we may live and continue their struggle.

[I recommend you go to the youtube page to view the comments for this video...]

Related Links:

Timeline: South Africa
Sharpeville Massacre: The Origin of South Africa's Human Rights Day

B SOTAK (WITH YOUR VOTE)

'Tribal Immunity' through African Hip Hop

Love this new video by NasJota featuring Cheb YaCine, Messiah and Langa. A beautiful song of unity, its main purpose is to get the people of the Sudan to vote this April in a Democratic election, the first in 24 years. It was shot in Washington, DC, New Jersey, and Sudan...



Related Links:
NasJota: First Arabic Hip hop Label
allMessiah.com
TelegraphNews: Campaigning begins for Sudan's election
BBCNews: Can elections be held in Darfur?

Queen Ifrica: Fyah Muma

 Tribal Immunity Artist of the Week

Genre: Conscious Reggae
Origins: Montego Bay, Jamaica
Similar Artists: Tarrus Riley, Etana, Lady G, Jah Mason
Influences:  Miriam Makeba, Sister Carol, Sister Nancy, and Nina Simone  
Albums: Fyah Muma [2006], Montego Bay [2009]

Queen Ifrica is not just another reggae artist, she is a voice and a force to be reckoned with. She is both a talented and extremely socially conscious artist who shines bright in a male-dominated genre.  Some of her hits include "Daddy", a song for young girls who are victims of sexual abuse, "Mi Nah Rub", a big tune which celebrates blackness and shuns skin bleaching, and "Randy" which tells the story of a so common African Love. Not to be taken lightly, she is not the conventional female artist and can outdo many of her male and females counterparts when it comes to lyricism. She also a community leader and is heavily involved in outreach programs for children. She is the voice of the people, but especially the voice of African women.






Related Articles:
Queen Ifrica: Afrobella.com
The Gleaner: Queen Ifrica plays, explains 'Montego Bay' 
Queen Ifrica: Last.fm

South African: Unfulfilled Promises

Westerners enjoy the idea of South Africa as a racial utopia. This is obviously a complete lie! The people who fought for the ending of apartheid are still suffering, and leaders such as Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu have reaped the benefits of this international propaganda. Like in so many African nations throughout the world, those who really fought for the liberation of their people continue to be victims, and those who played the Europeans independence games continue to sip wine while their people starve. I completely understand why Winnie Nelson would have made a statement criticizing the leadership of Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela, because much of it is true. But of course the press loves to bring up the 14 year old informant tragedy to discredit Winnie's integrity, but we cannot forget what she has done for the BLACK  people of South Africa.

Also, many of those who fought [and many who did not fight] for the end of apartheid from the 'safety' of the US have taken it upon themselves to take advantage of Black South African affirmative action opportunities.  I am not saying that all of those African-Americans have the initiative to further exploit Blacks in South Africa, but some have outwardly proclaimed that they were capitalists and in South Africa to make money [see Blacks Without Borders link below], not to develop Black South Africa.

Nevertheless, apartheid never ended, it just took a new form, just as segregation took a new form in Capitalism. Many of us are just waiting for the Black youth of South Africa to officially begin their Liberation struggle, again... We salute them for waiting this long out of respect for Nelson Mandela, but it won't be too long before the world hears their freedom songs again.

Related News:

AllAfrica: Ex-wife criticizes Nelson Mandela – and many South Africans agree 
BBCNews:Winnie denies interview criticising Nelson Mandela
Documentary: Blacks Without Borders

OmegaD.

One Love is NOT One Love

...ONE LOVE is not ONE LOVE... ONE LOVE does not mean inter-racial relationships, it means AFRICAN LIBERATION... How can you spread the message of loving Black, African women if you are procreating with the 'other'?

People seem to think Rastafari thought began and ended with Marley; they seem to think that his sons are what Rasta should be, but just remember that no one is like their parents. People also use his message of one love as a reason to have interracial relationships. First off, Marley married Rita, not Cindy Breakspeare. Now this should be the first thing to critically analyze before we go and jump the broom. Second, Bob Marley was for African liberation, yes he did procreate with a white woman, but we must also remember that he was a human-being and that we cannot judge Rastafari relationships based on what one man did.

One love is supposed to mean African liberation, so how can we have African liberation if our men are having babies with white women? The Black family is just a microcosm of the Black community, destroy the Black family, and you destroy the Black community. I am not saying that all whites are evil, and I would take the highest offense if someone called me a racist, but I am an African and I believe in the development of the African world, therefore I cannot allow myself to believe that sex and conception with white women builds a stronger foundation for the fight for African liberation, especially in Jamaica. Here is when we must diffrentiate between Rastas working for African Liberation, and Rastas working toward the ideal 'One Love'...WE CANNOT HAVE ONE LOVE IF WE HAVE NOT LEARNED TO LOVE EACH OTHER FIRST...

This leads me to my second point on African liberation, the Black woman. She is the first teacher of the Black child. She teaches the child how behave amongst the people, she teaches the child about love, dedication, and strong faith. She teaches the Black child about the importance of loving and cherishing the black woman. Just singing about loving Black women in our music is not enough. The idea of 'free love' is not something that I can totally respect, only because it promotes the idea that all Jamaican men are womanizers, which could be far from the truth. But since the Black woman is the first teacher of the child, the Black man is the second teacher of the child and has the duty of showing their children what a man should be. He must respect his children's mother, and respect his children. He is supposed to show his sons what a father and husband should be, and show his daughters how a man should treat her. Unfortunately we live in a male-dominated society, so all aspects of our development begin with men and end with the Black woman, so before we ask why our women bleach, why they relax their hair, and why they dress indecently, our men must take a look at what they are doing to the Black community.

I love Jamaica. I love African men. I love Africa. But I hate the thought that what our ancestors died for was in vain. Did Garvey dedicate his life for what we see in Jamaica today? Did Marley die for what we see in Jamaica today? Did Paul Bogle give his life to a struggle that would end in Blacks giving their lives to White tourism? Did Lady Nanny help to free us, so that we could become slaves again? No, the Jamaican government and its uncle tom administration has made it deadly for Africans in Jamaica, but like our ancestors, we must stop fighting against each other and fight against the establishment that wants us to fight against each other. This struggle is bigger than interracial relationships, but it begins with questioning these relationships and how they benefit Africans.

This idea does not stop with Jamaicans, it is a universal African struggle that we must and will have to address because our babies are literally dying in the name of fuckery...

OmegaD.

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SOME MORE FOOD FOR THOUGHT:

• I found this post on a Black woman dating a White Rasta interesting on rastafarispeaks.com 
• This article states the change of Rastafari views on whites, but does not question why it is so:  Race & Women In Rastafari  [I would argue it has a lot to do with Jamaica's exploitative white tourism industry]... The Film Rent-A-Rasta explains a bit more on this topic...

Beneath the Lion's Gaze

As a student it's hard to find the time to read the books that you actually want to read, but I definitely had to make time for this novel. Maaza Mengiste's new novel Beneath the Lion's Gaze will keep you at the edge of your seat and anticipating as you turn each page. She has done a beautiful job of engaging her audience through the poetry of her words.

The novel tells the fictitious story of a family torn apart by the Ethiopian revolution of 1974 and how a father, his two sons and their family deal with the tragedies unfolding with the new Ethiopia. This is Mengiste's first novel, and her raw talent puts tears in the eyes of her readers while putting many established writers to shame.

I can't wait for her next one!

Checkout Maaza Mengiste's webpage for more information.

We Are All Black Stars

Ghana @ 53As we celebrate the 53rd year of independence of the Republic of Ghana, let us remind ourselves of the sacrifices made by our ancestors in the struggle for freedom. Let us also remember that though we may live in a world which seems to glorify 'colorblindness' that our fight is not over, it has just begun. Just because our leaders are Black does not mean that we are not subjected by the realities of neo-colonialism.

Nonetheless, we salute the Ghana of 1957, while hoping that the ideal philosophies of independence and self-reliance will reign once again throughout the African World.

"My government fully realises both the advantages and the responsibilities involved in the achievement of independence. It intends to make full use of these advantages to increase the prosperity of the country." -Kwame Nkrumah