Founded in 2014, the Miss Nigeria USA was established with the aim of celebrating the Nigerian woman while appreciating their beauty, talent, skills and other unique attributes and goals she exhibits. The organization plans to achieve their goal through the Miss Nigeria USA Pageant event where contestants will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their physical, cultural and intellectual attributes as they choose a goodwill ambassador who will represent Miss Nigeria USA Pageant and Nigeria as a whole on a positive light.
They aim to be recognized as a leading world organization that empowers young women and supports them towards achieving their individual goals as they promote their culture.
Here’s presenting the latest video to one of my favorite songs from my Organically Singing Debut Album – ‘African Nostalgia‘ . I have always had an affinity foranything nostalgic, classic or vintage.. I know there are many songs out there that talk about ‘Home’ from ‘homesick’ artists and musicians based in the diaspora, this proves that it’s a general feeling that is easily relatable for those who live abroad and not just only them, but everyone in general, within or outside the continent, with memories of throwbacks. It is our job as music healers to make this feeling manageable (or incite-able) through our art. There have always been songs on this subject and there will always be in the future. As a diasporan artist, I particularly have a strong default passion and deep emotion towards the concept of our “roots” and inclination towards “home longing songs” and I have a lot of memories that guide me on this creative path, this is what also led to my songwriting and storytelling of the ‘African Nostalgia’ song. Click video below —:::
The African Nostalgia music visual is basically a musical imagery and storytelling of some experiences of my childhood and activities I observed growing up in my Grandma’s house in Abeokuta city, Ogun State, Nigeria ; from the sounds I heard, to the people I saw and my environment in general. You’ll have to listen to grasp it and maybe you can recognize a thing or two if you are from a similar background. This video was shot on a hot sunny day, while hiking miles up the Kennesaw mountain in Georgia. I wanted that picturesque green scenic scene that reminded me of the lushness of the African continent, I was not glamorously dressed or anything like that, typical of a music video; it was just simple, an everyday capture and I was comfy (apart from the bugs and sweat :)) ) within my environmental element.
I love Nature. I love Africa. I love Music. I love Art. I love Nature. Oh I think I said that already :). I am definitely a nature’s girl and I believe it’s a God given therapeutic environment which we should use more of, and also conserve and treat kindly. You should try having nature walks when you are stressed. I (and Lloyd the videographer) were sweating like Christmas goats, climbing up the mountain, huffing and puffing, I had a couple of wardrobe malfunctions but we still tried to pull it off 😀 so just like the album title, this is as raw and organic as it comes 🙂 and I hope you enjoy it.
I want to particularly thank two musical powerhouses who collaborated with me on this song, who I’ve not met but we connected across borders to bring this to life. The talented Ivorien bassist Arnaud N’Gaza based in Morroco and Daniel N’Guessan, percussionist/drummer also from Cote D’Ivoire. My gratitude goes to Zambian Photographer and budding Filmmaker, Lloyd Mackayi, who I met at TERRA COTTA ATL, who shot the video. Despite being independent and on a shoestring budget, I’ve been blessed to attract, albeit virtually, and connect with fellow talented and beautifully spirited, understanding creatives and individuals who come across my creative path and space. For this I am grateful. And I hope to come across more in my lifetime.
I hope you appreciate and enjoy the video, or in one way or the other, in some way, relate to it. Please feel free to like, share and comment and subscribe to my new TosingerVEVO channel where I intend to release bit by bit, concept videos of my musical body of work.
Been a minute. Hope this blog post meets you in good health and great expectations for the coming new year. Compliments of the season to you.
2016 has been somehow somehow but we still give thanks to our Creator, we are alive to continue to pursue our passions and add value to the earth and fellow humanity. This 2016 has seen a lot of deaths, famous people who have contributed their quota to life, old and young, some sadly gone too soon, people we know and people we don’t know. I believe our legends are passing the baton. Are you one of the ones to take it and keep the creativity flow going? Are you ready to create your own legacy, create something new, of value that you will be remembered for? We’ve lost so many great ones this year. Especially in the arts and entertainment industry. Their works live on and their legacies remain in memoriam.
Below, I share with you a poem written by a talented young poet and master of words who I connected with on Facebook who goes by the pseudonym ‘Happy Prince’. Readbelow, after this tribute video courtesy “Do You Remember?”Facebook page, which is a live video being updated as time goes by as we are sadly, being surprised daily of news of sudden deaths. May the souls of the departed rest in peace. Amen!
Gone like the day, Like its sun, Your journey is like today, Tomorrow it will not return,
Torn from existence, Your race has known its end, No matter the strength of resistance, Your remains no longer on this air depend,
As you shook hands with death, Your legend was born, Ferried through all the earth, Who says you are done,
Your light brightened the path of many, Your voice knew no race, You shared love with people diverse and plenty, Leaving hatred no trace,
Let the sun shine, Let the moon glow, Let the birds travel at ‘half mast’ in a straight line, Let the land whiten with snow,
Let eyes bleed tears, Let voices shake with emotion, Let dirges ring in both ears, For another train has left the station,
You conquered though outnumbered, We celebrate your bravery, Your name will ever be remembered, We will tell you’d story,
A story hot on history’s lips, Generations will hear and learn, The least of the secrets it keeps, Even time will pen,
On a beautiful note, I leave you with visuals of a round up photo shoot for 2016. Shot by budding Atlanta Photographer – Simeon Fabunmi and beautiful quotes to start off the new year.
I wish you the best of 2017 and may it be better than 2016!
Simeon Fabunmi
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Beautifully Dreaming, Positively Doing… See you in 2017
Juju Girl is a Short Film/Music Video set in 1960s Ghana from the latest project titled D I A S P O R A D I C A L the EP by the eclectic Afrocentric hip hop artist, Blitz the Ambassador coming out this April. I have for a while now, admired Blitz’s brand and music and the way he so effortlessly fuses and delivers his talent in a musically idiosyncratic manner. You can tell he knows and cares not just about the chops but also the message. Lyrically and musically on point. Excellence. And his passion for the continent is infectious. Tops in my books. Here’s two of my favorites from him.
About Blitz
Blitz is the conveyor of the Afrotronic-hop. A hip hop ambassador of African culture in the diaspora.
Samuel Bazawule known by the stage name Blitz the Ambassador, is a Ghanaian-American hip-hop artist and visual artist based in Brooklyn, USA. Samuel Bazawule was born in Accra, Ghana in April 1982. He is the third of four children and attended the renowned Achimota School. While in school he amassed awards for his visual art, but later developed an obsession with hip hop music after hearing his older brother play the classic Public Enemy album It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back. Drawing on his love for history and social observation, he began to research and write historically-loaded rhymes for which he became famous in school.
Blitz (as he had come to be known) was first recognized by Ghanaian Ace producer Hammer of The Last Two. Blitz was asked to come to the studio the next day after delivering an impressive eight bars upon meeting Hammer, who wasted no time in putting him on wax. He recorded a verse on the song Deeba and – in the fashion of one of his idols, Nas, gained instant notoriety and received an award for best new artist at the 2000 Ghana Music Awards. Soon after, in 2001, he moved to the USA to study at Kent State University in Ohio. It was while studying for his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration that he developed his skills as a live artist, performing at several live shows and opening for iconic rappers such as Rakim as well as recording a self-released album, Soul Rebel (2004), under the moniker Blitz.
After graduation, Blitz moved to New York City to pursue his dream. In NYC, Blitz recorded another album, Double Consciousness (2005), discography after this includes 2009: StereoLive EP and in 2013: The Warm Up EP. Studio Albums: 2009: Stereotype, 2011: Native Sun, 2014: Afropolitan Dreams and more recently a 2015: Diasporadical EP. Drawing from his diverse musical background, he immersed himself in the project with explicit intent of changing Hip Hop forever. …via wiki
Blitz the Ambassador live in Switzerland (Full Show)
With a vision that embraces his personal West African past and a revolutionary future of Afropolitan cross-pollination, Blitz the Ambassador meshes African popular sounds, American vintage soul, and hard-hitting beats and lyrics with the help of an international cast of collaborators, including the elegant Angelique Kidjo and Afrobeat firebrand Seun Kuti.
But as always with Blitz, the album is about far more than the music. It’s about the Immigrants who made America, who shaped and molded it. Each person, each generation, each bearer of culture arriving on a boat or airplane has made an impression. Immigration is the chain that links the past to the present, the near to the seemingly far…Via his site for more info.
LagosPhoto Festival is the first and only International Photography Festival in Nigeria. LagosPhoto is on the lookout for photographers working in Africa and from the African Diaspora telling unique and interesting stories.
send 5 low res images (preferably from one project), project synopsis, your CV+ bio + date of birth to: outreach@lagosphotofestival.com The subject line: Talent Call_your name
Submission policy: Due to the high volume of submissions, they will contact you if they are interested in working with you. They are interested in all genres of photography. Get in touch!
ABOUT LAGOSPHOTO
Launched in 2010, LagosPhoto is the first and only international arts festival of photography in Nigeria. In a month long festival, events include exhibitions, workshops, artist presentations, discussions and large scale outdoor prints displayed throughout the city with the aim of reclaiming public spaces and engaging the general public with multifaceted stories of Africa. LagosPhoto aims to establish a community for contemporary photography which will unite local and international artists through images that encapsulate individual experiences and identities from across all of Africa. LagosPhoto presents and educates about photography as it is embodied in the exploration of historical and contemporary issues, the sharing of cultural practices, and the promotion of social programmes.
Ontario, Canada based multi-talented artist of Nigerian heritage, Komi Olafimihan’s unique conceptual work is beyond the ordinary. His work speaks of very detailed stories as he incorporates his architectural knowledge, artistic flair and mental depth to create masterpieces that are an expression of his ingenious mind, the astute creative that he is.
He says “Art is Life”…
About Komi Olaf – Artist – Poet – Architect
Komi Olaf is a visual artist and poet currently living in Toronto. As a master’s graduate of Carleton University’s School of Architecture, his training as an architect directly influences his draftsmanship and manipulation of light and space. His work is based primarily in acrylic and explores the dialogue created through the juxtaposition of images concepts and identities.
His works have been featured in shows at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto and the National Arts Center in Ottawa. He has also received several awards pertaining to his works including the Empowerment and Success Award presented by the then Governor General of Canada Michaelle Jean in 2010 and the Student Award for excellence presented by the Canadian Architect Magazine in 2009.
Komi is a strong believer in the synonyms that exists between images, philosophies and concepts.
Artist Statement
My work is an extension of who I am. A direct representation of my character and experiences. While I was completing a Masters in Architecture, I developed a passion for both painting and poetry and I have been on a mission to fuse these three elements ever since.
Drawing from the various skills and techniques I have been acquiring over the years, I strive to create unique, inspirational and original work that captures the history of African people and the mind-set of the younger generation. As a Canadian immigrant and a Nigerian in Diaspora, I tend to focus my art on the juxtaposition of unrelated images to produce new meaning. My personal experiences such as the religious conflicts plaguing Nigeria have also had an impact on the work I create.
Ultimately, I would love my work to offer insight into the thoughts of the new generation of artists emerging out of the Diaspora. I want to tell a different story with my work, one that captures the complexities of my African and Canadian heritage as well as sparks the conversations that can inspire change and build a bridge of unity.
Some of his works that caught my eye
From the Afro Collection
Afromobile – Komi Olaf‘Speak it into existence’ – Komi OlafTouch Music Emcee E Art by Komi OlafCross Section Of the AFROpuf – Komi OlafSelf Portrait – Komi Olaf
And I remember this one of ‘Kermit the Frog’ going viral on instagram, turned into several memes by internet users, such a great discovery to know who the original artist is.
Sesame Street collection. Igwe by Komi Olaf
Komi Olaf. Spoken Word – Love
For more info and to stay updated on Komi Olaf’s projects –
I am spotlighting two artsy fundraiser projects that are telling the African story to dispel preconceived perception and media projections.
1. Photography by Andre Washington – AFRICA TRAVELOGUE
Africa Travelogue‘s mission is to share photographs and travel journals to tell the stories that showcase the intense beauty of Africa – in all its culture rich variety – in order to bring new insight valuable to seeing, understanding, and truly appreciating this magnificent continent.
The aim of this project is to magnify the importance of this kind of work that pertains to seeing Africa in a different light.
“Africa Travelogue urgently needs the help and support from friends, followers, and you in order to continue the work and mission of revealing the magnificent beauty of Africa.
I desperately need to raise these funds especially in a time when the entire continent of Africa will now face the lopsided stigma of the Ebola crisis. My work can and will provide an accurate balance in imagery and reporting”.
To learn more about Africa Travelogue and give your support by purchasing a limited edition gallery print or making a donation, here is the link and password to the private fundraiser for a limited edition print sale for Africa Travelogue:
2. Film and Dance – #TDMP: The Dance Movie Project. Africa’s 1st AFRO BEAT Dance Film.
On October 6, Lexxistalking Production, a film production company based in New York City, announced the launch of an exciting rewards driven Indiegogo campaign for ‘#TDMP: The Dance Movie Project,’ a new drama film set in Lagos, Nigeria that is based on real life events about the richness of Africa’s dance culture, the prevalence of diabetes in Africa and encouragement of African elders to nurture its youth’s natural talents.
“I wanted to create an attention-grabbing story that shows the world what’s going on in Africa, particularly in countries like Nigeria where the prevalence of diabetes is on the rise. I also wanted to create a motion picture that would stimulate dialogue around the dance talents of African youths, particularly in ways that will exceed people’s preconceived notions about Africa . When completed, #TDMP will be the world’s first Afrobeat dance film.” – Alexander “Lexx” Ore
We hope that #TDMP will not only cultivate public awareness of the rich dance arts culture in Africa, but that it will also be the beginnings of a movement to inspire public health change. Additionally, when you support #TDMP’s Indiegogo campaign, you are proclaiming to the world that you believe that the raw talent of African youths should be developed and nurtured.
Are you a gfx/web/UI designer, make-up artist, photographer, costume/interior designer, (copy)writer based in Nigeria? Then PROdygies wants to know you.
If you work in any of these fields: Make Up, Photography, Graphics Design, Digital Art, Web Design & Development, Interior Design, Architecture, 3d, Cinematography, Motion Graphics/Visual Effects, Crafts, Copy Writing, Fashion Design, illustration, Print Production, or related fields, then this is for you.
Would you like to showcase your work/portfolio daily on a platform that features top creative professionals in Nigeria? A platform that allows you to interact and collaborate with other PROs all over the country, where you can easily get professional feedback and appreciation. A platform that allows thousands of potential clients connect with you for paid services. Better still, search for job listings and freelance work related to what you do. Imagine being able to have your profile, experience and showcase of all your creative work/ portfolio on your personalized page URL (www.prodygies.com/yourname) and be able to connect all your social accounts to the page for easy sharing to popular social websites. Here’s the solution, – the movement starts now… www.prodygies.com is now live!
Sometimes, all your dream needs is a few people who believe in it, that is where Prodygies comes in, as an online social community for creative PROfessionals in Nigeria. Prodygies also gives PROtips for the creative business professionals.
James ‘abinibi’ Alabi developed himself in Graphics and Web Design during his early University days while studying fine and applied arts. He started professional Graphics in 2001 and has since been transforming lives with his talents. With over 10 years experience in the advertising world, abinibi, as he prefers to be called, has become a major force to reckon with in the Design/Creative field across Africa as the CEO of abinibi multimedia. His passion to put Nigeria on the global design map is unending. The numerous design he makes are very inspiring and they make Nigerians all over the world proud. His passion has always been to inspire and encourage upcoming designers. When he’s not working, you can catch him lecturing at his abinibi creative academy where young individuals come to learn and enhance their skills creatively. This he believes will help empower and encourage a much more creative generation in Nigeria. He started abinibi Multimedia in late 2008 and has since received over 6 international awards and still counting. Some of them include America Design Awards, newwebpick top designers of the world, adobe kit web design awards, etc . abinibi is also a regular feature in publications across the globe. More on abinibi at http://abinibi.net/
James Abinibi talks about the idea behind Prodygies –
March last year I had an idea for a portfolio showcase platform for Nigerians creative professionals on a daily basis… the idea came after #theNetworkNigeria conference – a platform for creative pros to network with other industry colleagues.Part of the itinerary for #theNetworkNigeria was a portfolio showcase segment which couldn’t happen due to logistics issues. Then it occurred to me we didn’t have a major platform like behance, deviantart, freelancers, etc in Nigeria… yet. So the Prodygies idea was birthed March last year: a social platform for Nigerian creative pros to showcase works, connect, get hired, etc Bringing the idea to life was quite a challenge and not enough words to describe them here (except a few of my close friends who witnessed some), but in summary it took 15 MONTHS! 15 Months after and not as best as I planned, but life has taught me NEVER to wait for a perfect condition before starting out. So last month, I put in some major efforts which would enable Prodygies go live this month and here we are today… At the moment, new features are being added and in the coming weeks we would have upgraded all the features as expected. After which the mobile app for ios and Andriod would be out. Our official launch event is happening on July 11, 2014. http://www.Prodygies.com/ is live. A social community for Creative Professionals In Nigeria!
ASIRI Magazine and MeetOrbit.com present the “Know Your Roots” initiative, a collection of cultural and historical stories about Nigeria’s fascinating past.
ASIRI – a Nigeria Cultural/Historical Art Brand announced the launch of the “Know Your Roots” initiative today. The “Know Your Roots” initiative is a collection of stories narrated by Bassey Ikpi, acclaimed international poet and writer. The narrations by Bassey promote the rich historical culture and values of the Nigerian people. These stories will feature events, personalities, places, and myths about Nigeria’s rich history. MeetOrbit.com will provide a live video stream for this event. You can also follow the event on Twitter and Instagram with #KnowYourRoots.
Bassey Ikpi
“The Know Your Roots initiative aims to inform and educate people of the cultural history, values, and legendary tales of great men and women who went through extraordinary lengths from the continent of Africa (Nigeria),” says Damola Ogundele, the Founder of ASIRI.
ASIRI Nigeria Cultural/Historical Art Brand brand comprises of an Online Magazine, Exhibitions, and Documentary/Short Films aimed at informing and educating people about the culture, heritage, myths, and the way of life of the great Nigerian people. Visit the website at http://www.asirimagazine.com for more information. Follow Asiri on Twitter at @AsiriMagazine, on Facebook and also on Instagram.
“People from all over the world can be part of this experience in real time using MeetOrbit.com’s unique video streaming platform,” says Adekunle Ayodele, Founder of MeetOrbit.com.
DataBox Technologies, LLC, creators of MeetOrbit.com, is a private information technology firm specializing in digital platforms and information technology services. The company strives to reinvent information technology solutions that help people and businesses leverage their collective greatness, and further their contributions to the progress of human lives. Learn more at DataBoxTech.com. Follow DataBox on Twitter at @databoxtech.
The series starts with Queen Mother Idia, the Hidden Oba of Benin Kingdom. MeetOrbit.com will host the live video stream on June 21st, at 4.00 PM Eastern Time. To be part of this event, please visit www.meetorbit.com/live.
For more information on MeetOrbit, go to MeetOrbit.com or follow MeetOrbit on Facebook (Facebook.com/MeetOrbit) and Twitter (@MeetOrbit).
I thought I should share this great info with fellow creatives or anyone reading this who knows someone who will benefit from this , so do not hesitate to share.
CreativeLive is a site that offers free art and design classes. CreativeLive was founded in 2010 by Chase Jarvis and Craig Swanson, who partnered to create an online space where they could connect the world’s top creatives LIVE with a global audience of aspiring creative professionals.
CreativeLive empowers you to unleash your potential by bringing the world’s greatest experts directly to you, live. Featuring workshops in photography, video, design, business, audio, music, and software training; CreativeLive unlocks previously closed doors by making dynamic education accessible to everyone.
Anyone can watch live online workshops — for free — and interact with instructors in real time. The future of education is interactive, free, and live now.
The photography class will be broadcast live and for free on June 5 9:00am – 12:00pm Los Angeles Time zone. You have to RSVP here . If you miss the free class or want to watch at your own time, you’d have to pay.. check the site for more info
About the Photography class
Learn how to take the kind of photograph you’ll want to print and pass on to the next generation. In this three-hour course, you’ll learn the principles of good photography and get the skills necessary to create it.
Advanced cameras are available at modest price points, but learning how to use them takes an investment. In Photography Starter Kit you will learn the the most essential functions of your camera and get ready to confidently put them to work. You’ll get the swing of basic photographic terminology and totally feel prepared to move on to more advanced classes.
You will also gain a solid understanding of must-know lighting and composition techniques. John Greengo will guide you through the process of positioning yourself and your subject so you capture the best photo possible with the camera you have – no additional gear needed.
If you want to take more memorable and inspiring photographs of your travels, your friends and family, or the great outdoors this class is for you. You’ll learn how to make average pictures amazing photographs and gain the ground necessary to continue your photography education.
Instructor
John Greengo is an award-winning photographer specializing in outdoor and travel photography. Shooting for over 3 decades, John has developed an unrivaled understanding of the industry, tools, techniques and art of photography. When he’s not traveling for a new shoot, John teaches photography to students from all over the world. John’s unique blend of illustrations, animations and photographs make learning photography easy and fun.
Another class on Photography:
“Story on a plate” on Food Photography & Styling with Todd Porter and Diane Cu. This is for the foodie creatives out there 🙂
Being naturally gifted is one thing. Honing the talent is another. Knowledge is power. Enjoy and thank me later..:)
TOSINGER'S BLOG 