My Top 10 Favorite AFRICAN Musicians!

1. Oliver N'Goma - Born in Gabon and lived from 1959 to 2010 when he unfortunately succumbed to renal failure. N'Goma is the reason why I love listening to Afro-Zouk today. It is my one of my favorite genres of music, especially on the African continent. May he rest in peace.

2. M'Bilia Bel - Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1959 and dubbed the Queen of Congolese Rhumba, this magnificent artist and others are why I love Congolese music the way I do today.

3. Monique Seka - This beautiful artist is from the West African country of Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast). She has been active as a musician since the mid-1990's, although she is fairly young. She is my second favorite Afro-Zouk aritst after Oliver N'Goma and not only is she beautiful, but so is her voice. She is undoubtedly the best female Zouk artist in the world, in my opinion.

4. Koffi Olomide - This very influential Soukos legend was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1956 and continues to make music to this day. Several African artists have been inspired and influenced by Koffi Olomide's music, and there's no wonder why. He is simply excellent at what he does.

5. Sade - Born Helen Folasade Adu in 1959 in Nigeria, Sade is of mixed European and African descent, with her mother being British and her father being Nigerian. When Sade was 4 years old, she moved with her mother and brother to England, where she lived for the rest of her life. This still-beautiful woman is a legend when it comes to music in general. I love her because she is different, and her jazzy-smooth style cannot be duplicated by nobody, for she owns her style.

6. Lucky Dube - Born in South Africa in 1964 and lived till 2007, he was violently killed during a carjacking in Johannesburg. Lucky Dube is a legend when it comes to "revolutionary" music, for he sang about the injustices of the Apartheid government in South Africa. His style was Reggae and he always sang in English, but the lyrics were powerful. This is why he gained international notoriety, giving him much-deserved fame. May he rest in peace.

7. Lady Jay Dee - Born in Tanzania, Lady Jay Dee is one of the most popular singers today in East Africa. Not only has her soulful voice soothed our ears in Tanzania, but she has collaborated with musicians from Uganda, Kenya, and South Africa. I love her music because she sings about real issues and she uses very wise lyrics in some of her songs. She is also known for singing in multiple languages at a time.

8. K'Naan - Born in Somalia in 1978, this talented Somali-Canadian artist is a poet, singer, and a rapper. He has proved himself to be an excellent lyricist and is known for rapping and singing about real issues in the world, including child soldiers in Somalia and what they go through.

9. Miriam Makeba - Born in South Africa in 1932 and lived till 2008, when she suffered a fatal heart attack after performing her last song. She was a legend not just in music, but in the fight for human rights in Apartheid South Africa. As a result, her public stance against the Apartheid regime got her exiled to several different countries, including the United States. Her voice was exquisite, soulful, and poetic. She knew how to create beautiful music out of nothing. She is another reason I love South African music. May she rest in peace!

10. Salif Keita - Born in Mali in 1949, this magnificent vocalist has gone through a lot of barriers to get to where he is. First of all, he was born an albino on a continent which is known for treating albinos as second-class citizens. His magnificent style of singing and playing the guitar is what makes his music pure and untainted by technology. As a result, his music and style is known around the world.

Rihanna- What's My Name (Simple Piano Cover)

Japan's Worst Earthquake!

On March 11, 2011, Japan suffered its worst natural disaster since the country started keeping records over 140 years ago. A powerful and deadly earthquake rattled the Pacific region in and around Japan. Many island nations in the South Pacific were affected, in addition to the West coast of the United States and Canada. However, the earthquake hit Japan the worst, and it was the consequent tsunami that added to the death toll.  Most people know that Japan is a country which is located on several tectonic plates collectively known as the ring of fire. Furthermore, Japan has the highest concentration of earthquake activity in the world. However, most people didn't expect something of this magnitude would happen on the island nation of 127 million people.

Earthquakes are something that Japanese people are used to and they happen often. However, the 8.9 magnitude earthquake which rattled the entire country and particularly devastated the rural areas of Japan was deadly because it was followed by a powerful and deadly tsunami. Reports say that at least 1,000 people are feared dead, however this video clearly shows that 1,000 is too small and unrealistic of a number. This tsunami had to have taken many more lives than that. Watch this shocking video and decide for yourself!

May God be with those people who perished in this terrible natural disaster!

Picture of the Month!

Quote of the Month!

QUOTE OF MARCH: I was born. I went to primary school, then secondary school. I went to college to study something that was accepted by society. I got my degree. I made a lot of money but my life was empty and sad. I died.


by Julius Nyerere (Me)

FIRST BLOG OF 2011? YES!

Sadly, this is my first blog of the year 2011. Why so late into the year? Well, I am a full-time student currently majoring in Political Science at Bowie State University. Life is busy and hectic, and there is hardly any time for rest! Being a college-student is a full-time job by itself. On top of that, I have a job that I have to work twice a week. Even though it's only for those two days, the combined stresses of all the activities and work I have to do on this campus make my job that much harder. Lately, there has not been that much news in my life. However, in our world of chaos and confusion, I have noticed that things are rapidly changing in North Africa and the Middle East. It is like a domino-effect, and it is almost scary. All the people who are putting their lives on the line to protest the corrupt leadership of various leaders in that region are very brave men and women. I just hope that they realize that kicking out an old leader and bringing in a new leader who is just like the old one is not progress. It's reverting back to the old ways.

Another sad story is that of the military ammunition depot explosion in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania. 21 people lost their lives, if I'm not mistaken. On top of that, military officials refuse to move the base and ammunitions depot outside of the city, further endangering the lives of the people living in those areas. All I can do for now is pray for my country. All people care about is doing what benefits themselves, rather than what benefits the country as a whole. There's so much unnecessary selfishness in the hearts of our leaders. May those 21 dead rest in peace.

That is about all the time I have for today. Time to get back to studying!

Going back Home!

I am finally going home to Tanzania again after 3 years. I am so happy to be going back. I can't wait to see my mother, father, cousins, and friends. This is something that I have been looking forward to for a while. The funny thing is that right now, as I am writing this blog, it is 5:07am. In a few hours my plane will be departing from Washington-Dulles International Airport and I will be on my way home. I am so happy. This week temperatures here have been horrible and it snowed about 2 to 3 inches today. On the other hand, Tanzania is a tropical country and current temperatures are in the 80s and 90s there. Simply put, there is no comparison.

I do thank God for this opportunity. Even though it's only going to be for 2 weeks, those 2 weeks will give me so much joy and happiness. When I come back here to resume my studies, I will be able to concentrate more and needless to say, I will be a much happier person. I am ready to get outa here! Once I get on that plane, I will pack my huge eskimo coat, change my warm clothing in the bathroom, and then come out with summer clothing. I thank God once more. Words are not enough to explain how happy I am to see my family and friends! Well, have a wonderful holiday season everyone! You won't hear from me till 2011. Have a Happy New Year and be safe! Don't drink and drive! PEACE OUT!!!!