Because I’m HAPPY

The funky, upbeat, very popular song ‘Happy’ by Pharrell Williams is not an ordinary song. The way it is still spreading like wild fire, the joy it brings, the numerous covers of it, the video remake from different parts of the globe, the effect on  its audience are all  so magical.  There is really nothing so complex and overtly musically/technically creative about the song, but the simplicity, the energy and the spirit of it is so infectious, it’s wonderful and yes very inspirational ( reminiscent of “Don’t worry, Be happy” by Bobby McFerrin ) And please it is absolutely not necessary to make a Gospel version (as I already came across some), the message is clear, any remix is just a showcase of the remixer’s talent, it doesn’t add to or remove from the effect of the original. (Am I the only who flinches at Gospel remixes of mainstream popular songs?)

“Happy” is a song performed by American singer and producer Pharrell Williams, from the Despicable Me 2 soundtrack album. It also serves as the lead single from Williams’ second studio album, G I R L (2014). The song was written and produced by Williams. It was released on November 21, 2013 alongside a long-form music video presented via the website 24hoursofhappy.com. 

“Happy” has been highly successful, topping the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and charts in 19 other countries. It has sold one million copies in the United Kingdom, and has reached the summit on three separate occasions, both records in their own right. Source – Wiki

So it is no surprise when an African comedian and dancer, Clifford Owusu of Ghanian origin-  who I’ve been following for a while on his YouTube channel known for his whimsical impressions of Africans living in the diaspora – decided to collate his viewers’ videos for his own ‘Happy’ edition. See below (and there’s my son making a debut at 0.29 🙂 gotta love it)

Enjoy and be happy.

Beautifully Dreaming … Positively Doing…. Because I’m Happy 😀

xoxo

Tosinger

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Selflessly Happy Productivity

If you are on any pedestal that is limiting your productivity it’s time to get off it and smell the roses. Come down to the ground level and roll with the butterflies in the field, breathe in some natural fresh air and tumble across the hills.  These simple life tips tells us how we can live and love  selflessly while mainting a productive, successful life.

“It’s not what we do that attracts people, it’s how we think”

It’s really OK to be kind,  happy, warm, down-to-earth, modest,humble, nice to other people  even as a successful person. If you say you are not genetically inclined, (as I heard someone say) or status demands it, it can be learned as a habit.  It is easier this way to attract further productivity. Here are some paraphrased tips on how to treat others compiled originally by M.Jaksch accompanied by relevant music I selected to share with you .

1. Focus on the good in people.

None of us is perfect. We all have traits that make us difficult to live with. It’s easy to focus on what is difficult. Instead, look for what is good and strong. If you do catch yourself focusing on negative aspects, remind yourself that you too have faults.

2. Smile.

When we smile, we become mindful and step out of our preoccupation. No matter how you connect with others, remember to smile. Whether you’re connecting face-to-face, or via Twitter, email, chat, Skype, or phone,  your inner and outer smile will be felt by the person you are connecting with.

3. Let go of grudges.

Do you stew over how others have treated you? It can be difficult to release yourself from negative thoughts about how someone harmed you or made you unhappy. Such negative thoughts are corrosive and will harden your heart. So let them go and focus on the beauty of the present moment instead.

4. Be a positive mirror for others.

Make sure you let the people around you know all the wonderful things you can see in them. There is a lovely poem by Galway Kinnell that talks about this:

… sometimes it is necessary
to reteach a thing its loveliness,
to put a hand on its brow
of the flower
and retell it in words and in touch
it is lovely
until it flowers again from within, of self-blessing.

5. Be helpful.

The key to creating lasting relationships is to think about what you can do for others. Selflessly loving.

6. Be kind.

Kindness is never out of place.

Proverbs 11:17 A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself.

7. Be grateful.

And then express your gratitude to God, people, in words and deeds. Everyone loves being valued.

Have a Gratitude Attitude!

Bonus Tips For Productivity

When you are productive, you become Happy! 😀

Beautifully Dreaming, Positively Doing…

xoxo

Tosinger

Beyoncé (& Chimamanda?!) – A Flawless Release

Happy Friday…

So Beyoncé shocked the world with a surprise ‘overnight’ iTunes release of a new 14-track self-titled ‘visual’ album (as she calls it) while breaking a few known traditions of the music industry 1. released without promotion 2.  you cannot get the singles, you have to get the whole album 3. complete with a video for every song (plus three additional visuals) i.e there are videos already recorded for each of the songs on the album with  0.30 previews on YouTube. 4. The album graphic has no creative element.  5. Physical CDs not available yet…etc. . Who else can pull that of?

One of the tracks of interest ‘Flawless’ includes a surprise guest, a narrative feature from the Nigerian globally acclaimed author/writer “Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie” known for her strong and well delievered views. Plus, as observed, mainstream American pop (or not) artists are favoring a lot of African partnerships in recent times, Bey just did a very unique thing with a literal talent rather than a  musical one. Hopefully, this intellectual property use is generously compensated ;). Other features are Jay Z, Justin Timberlake, Frank Ocean, Drake, Pharrell Williams, Timbaland, Michelle Williams, Kelly Rowland and Blue Ivy herself on “Blue.” This feature is not a review of the album so I guess if you are a Beyoncé fan, you can get it here

11. ***Flawless (feat. Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche)

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie‘s TEDxEuston talk, ‘We Should All Be Feminists’ is featured on a song on Beyonce’s new album.

It will be nice to hear a public statement from Chimamanda on how she got involved but until then I guess we will wait. I don’t know what to think of the visual below, artistic maybe?

According to a Fuse report: Explaining why she delivered the full album and accompanying visuals without any prior warning, she noted in her statement: “I didn’t want to release my music the way I’ve done it. I’m bored with that. I feel like I am able to speak directly to my fans. There’s so much that gets between music, the artist and the fans. I felt like I didn’t want anybody to give the message when my record is coming out. I just want this to come out when it’s ready and from me to my fans.” Well, that’s a sign of creative dreamer or a publicity stunt?  What do you think?

Apparently, this was of course, well prepared for in advance, it is what I will call ‘A Planned Surprise’. She will be getting, surely enough, major publicity post release, being a major artist brand. Who says things have to be done according to a norm, it’s time to dream and break the rules, you just might succeed doing that, like Queen B…

Beautifully Dreaming… Positively Doing…

xoxo

Tosinger