The Pink Post

MENOOSHA ON MYMAJORCOMPANY

2012-01-29T15:02:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! :o)

I have got an update for you: You can now endorse me on MyMajorCompany!

Go to Menoosha @ MyMajorCompany or click on the widget below:

Sweet Dreams, Going to bed now... zzzz....

Last respects to Dwight Arrington Myers aka Heavy D

2011-11-09T03:29:00.000-08:00

"I got nuttin but love for you baby!" I remember this track so well. I was 14. Had piano lessons for a while, but I started contemplating on playing on what I heard on the radio and not based on the notes I read.

The simple staccato chords from Heavy D's "Nuttin but love" were a great starter for me. Almost 17 years later, I reminisce... An era when Hip Hop was so pure, so basic, so real, so palpable.... A time when a dancing rapper was still hip! Today I really don't know what to do with the Wiz Khalifas, the Soulja Boys, not to say the Waka Flockas (Not sure I will ever get his name right...)

RIP Dwight!!!!!

SWELL ATTITUDE: Custom Tailored for Connoisseurs

2011-10-31T14:44:00.000-07:00

You want to find out what happens when the ”Grandson of Kwame Nkrumah’s tailor” and the “Unofficial Mayor of San Francisco” contemplate on a groundbreaking fashion revolution? Well read further!

Swell Attitude was founded by Jerry Folly Kossi, an Investment Banking professional with a penchant for fresh tailored cuts and chilvalry. The idea took more shape with the flamboyant colored input of his longtime friend Gilbert Emile, a French Caribbean Fashion consultant.

Swell Attitude is more than just a clothing line. It is a lifestyle, a philosophy and a “mode d’emploi” for gentlemanship. It's the ultimate slap in the face for the many badly dressed and ill-mannered scrubs still polluting our streets!

It was an honor for me to catch up with two great minds with whom I shared school benches, pencils... and mics. :-)

The Pink Post: How did the idea of Swell Attitude come about?

We like to believe that we always had kind of an eye for fashion or to say the least, the desire to look different… but it is really during our last years of studies and first years in the professional world that the hobby truly became a passion. At the time we were living in different cities (Los Angeles & San Francisco) but in 2008, when we reunited in San Francisco, being together on a daily basis sort of reinforced that desire to experiment with different designs and combos.

We noticed that people seemed to enjoy our outfits and seek our advices on fashion related matters...after a while, we realized that instead of solely having our egos flattered by the kind comments, maybe we could try to make a business out of it. And that’s how it started!

Now, more than just the refine clothes, we also wanted to promote and revive gentlemanship. Hence the “Attitude” in Swell Attitude. Because as we often like to say, “Style Does Matter” but a lack of manners kills it in split second.

The Pink Post: Which stylists have influenced you?

More than specific stylists, it is rather the whole 60’s era with its music, cars, mannerism and of course fashion that appeals to us. And it is true that our suits and shirts are reminiscent of that era as we favor a more fitted than usual cut.

The Pink Post: That sounds exciting! What fabrics do you work with?

Our Fabrics originate from Europe (France, Italy, England,) but also from Africa (Egypt). We are very particular with the fabrics we work with. We understand that our clientele is seeking premier products and ensure that the fabric we use match that standard.

The Pink Post: Indeed people seek "exclusivity", it's good to hear how much this is your priority. What's your creative and production process like?

As noted earlier, it all starts with a pre-meeting questionnaire. Besides all the obvious physical characteristics, the questionnaire inquires on more abstract information. Marital status, dream car, preferred perfumes and more. We take that information and our team brainstorm on the case for about a couple of days before we are ready to present the client with our recommendations on colors, suits & shirts styles and accessories which we believe would put him in the best lights, given the specifics of his life and his body type.

The Next step is the taking of measures (over 30) which we send to Tokyo, Japan, where our Master-Tailor and teams of skilled artisans reside. Then it takes about 3 to 4 weeks for an order to be delivered.

The Pink Post: You are clearly confirming how global business processes have become. Now let’s go back to our roots: there is a whole wave of African designers working with colorful fabrics. Do you ever want to go that direction?

Why not? Maybe one day we may venture in those lands. We have a lot of respect for the Pathe’O, Alphadi or Yaleri of this world for their incredible talent and admire what they do to promote the African culture…but our work and approach are different and strongly influenced by our personal backgrounds. From African parents, raised between France and Ivory Coast, to now living in California, that is a lot of cultures to assimilate, yet an endless source of inspiration. So rather than underline only one aspect of our cultural influences, we like to blend them. You’ll notice that the inside lining of our suits is often of vibrant colors which brings a lively touch and joyful note to our work, a subtle way to bring out our African roots with its mosaic of colors.
We also have a production tie with the Motherland as the pocket squares that we design (available online), are 100% handmade and manufactured in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire.
Last but not least, the Royal blue and Gold colors that represent our brand were chosen as a tribute to the Akan Kingdom of West Africa.

The Pink Post: I believe the truest gentlemen were exposed to chivalry from a very young age. Any plans on “SWELLing up” little boys??

Of course you could… it is never too late nor too early to be swell. So yes, we also design for little gents and who knows, maybe one day, a woman line….

The Pink Post: You have both been friends, worked together as musicians/rappers, now you're doing clothes! How different is that?

As you mentioned, Swell Attitude is not the first adventure we undertake together but let’s hope that we’ll sell more suits than we did Cd’s during our rapping days…LOL
But seriously, the fact that we’ve known each other for such a long time is truly a big advantage. We know our strengths and weaknesses and complement each other well. And most importantly, the close relationship we enjoy enables us to totally be honest with each other. It is a very competitive industry and it is always a relief to know that your brother got your back. And when it comes to business, like anything else, what you put in is what you get out of it.

The Pink Post: When can we spot your creations on a catwalk show?

Fall 2012 shall see our first catwalk show but since the launch of the brand we have participated in numerous fashion shows and as a matter of fact, on November 18th of this year, we’ll hold our 1st annual Red Carpet event and celebrate men’s fashion and Elegance.

The Pink Post: More and more designers are going "green", what's your position to the environment as fashion designers?

The safeguard of the environment is a cause that should concern all of us and as designers we also have to do our part. Custom Tailoring per definition calls for hand work and stands opposite to heavy machinery use and mass production which unfortunately contributes to the degradation of our environment.

The Pink Post: For us ladies planning to SWELL up our men, how and where do we order?

When it comes to accessories, ties, bow-ties, pocket squares, tie bars & tacks, you can order those online at www.swellattitude.com
As for the custom tailoring and consulting services, as of now we are based out of San Francisco but also serve Los Angeles and New York. So whenever in one of those cities, please stop by or drop us a line at info@swellattitude.com and we’ll arrange a meeting. Until then, you can follow us on Facebook…. Twitter…& Tumbler…

Thank you and have a Swell day!

Contact Swell Attitude:
Official Website
Swell Attitude on Twitter
Swell Attitude on Facebook

And the winner was.....

2011-10-24T06:19:00.000-07:00

NOT ME! :-)

"Simply Chrysolite" won the BEFFTA Award for "Best International Act". They are a South African Gospel Girl Band of 6. Doing their thing for the glory of God!

Check them out:
www.reverbnation.com/simplychrysolitegirlband

Meanwhile, I thank BEFFTA and everybody who voted for me, for giving me more exposure! Even though I did not win, my outlook on life helps me see clearly that in EVERY experience there is something RICH & VALUABLE to take away. - No, I'm not consoling myself, I mean it :-)

Next Steps... Go!

A special prayer for persecuted souls

2011-10-16T05:17:00.000-07:00

A few days ago, a picture of Christian burned bodies was circulating around Facebook. It supposedly took place in the Northern Muslim part of Nigeria. Simultaneously, the picture of an Ivorian mutilated child had equally been exposed on Social Media Platforms.

I wish I never saw this carnage. Especially the brief sight of that dismembered child... It felt like a gunshot in my bowels. What makes anyone do such a thing to an innocent soul? But it "might" be necessary for some of us to see how much dark forces are at work in several parts of our world.

There is nothing to say. If at all there is anything TO DO, it is to keep praying for Divine Justice, for less trauma for the afflicted families.

May these souls rest in Peace with the Father.
I'm sure you understand why this post will go without a picture...

African Renaissance at the Nobel Peace Prize 2011

2011-10-08T17:45:00.000-07:00

Somehow the term "African Renaissance" is not some pretty expression anymore to me, but indeed a phenomenon that we are witnessing more and more.

Reading about two more African female recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize fills me with motivation and shameless ambition. Not for the fulfillment of my selfish desires as a human being, but instead for my humble contribution to the healing of my continent. Wangari paved the way; Ellen and Leymah confirmed that the way is safe for future generations.

However we still remain sons and daughters of the "Dark Continent" for the largest part of the "First World"; there is still a lot of work to do.

Those of us who are of the so-called African Diaspora across the world should stop talking politics and start acting. I'm not talking about all these meetings we organize to critisize the state of things back home, or being bold enough to actually participate in a coup d'etat. It begins with the small things: raise money to buy that water pump in your village. Put a family relative through school. If you have children, remind them of where they come from. But most of all, in order to build a culture of peace, we must first find peace within. Haha, the biggest challenge for all of us here...

I personally thank Ellen Sirleaf Johnson, Leymah Gbowee and Tawakkul Karman for working hard for Peace and for changing the faces of Africa and Middle East. Women are truly the pillars of our societies.

Talking about awards and prizes... Don't forget to vote for me at BEFFTA in the category of "Best International Artist". I love me some African Renaissance, but allow me to be a little self-centered here ;-)

Go!

Menoosha is nominated for "Best International Artist" at BEFFTA Awards 2011

2011-09-25T03:34:00.000-07:00

Following a nomination for "Best African Act" at the MP3 Music Awards last year, my first release "Satellite Brown Chick" succeeded in catching attention once again at this year's BEFFTA Awards (Black Entertainment, Film, Fashion, Television and Arts)

I send a heartfelt thanks to all who took their time to nominate me. It feels great to be acknowledged. Dario Allegra and I put in high-end time, energy and emotion into producing this album. So whether this generates a win or not, we remain forever grateful artists to those who support and believe in our work.

The BEFFTA Awards inspire and celebrate the know and the unknown. Created by the multi-award winning entrepreneur Pauline Long, the BEFFTA Awards successfully kickstarted this year in Atlanta (USA).

Online voting details will be published on October 1st and will run till October 14th, 2011.

You will be informed...

Please see the original press release.

More about the album "Satellite Brown Chick"

Peace & Blessings,
Menoosha

CamerCouture unveils African Decadence

2010-09-12T12:53:00.000-07:00

Following the triumph of CamerCouture (CC) 2009, the critically acclaimed style fete returns with “African decadence”- a show themed around the continent’s opulence.

“We chose this theme because we want to portray Africa’s unsurpassed beauty, its cultural richness and the way these aspects shine through fashion and art,” explained show coordinator, Soraya Sone.

Set in London’s trendy Shoreditch, CC is organised annually by Votre Avant Garde (VAG), a London-based PR and marketing company.

The 2009 CamerCouture showcase treated fashion followers to a delightful cream of Cameroonian talent as ‘ Afro-eccentric ’, Anggy Haif and Cannes favourite, Olivia Ervi teamed up with exciting newcomers KiRette Couture, Bot I Lam, RoViSa Design and Ms Mi to style their nation onto the fashion map.

But this year, CC is going international.

“Last year, we gained a lot of interest from fashion enthusiasts and designers across and beyond Africa. So, this time, we are broadening the spectrum accordingly,” explained Cynthia Anduhtabe, co-founder of VAG.

“Haute couturiers Yemi Osunkoya and Alain Martial Tapolo will join forces with ready to wear designers, Côté Minou and Deenola to redefine London’s fashion scene,” she added.
We are very proud and excited to present this stunning expression of our motherland’s richness and global influence,” the VAG executive noted.
With CamerCouture 2009 attracting coverage from prominent media including the BBC, Vox Africa TV as well as New African Woman and Amina magazines, the upcoming event’s thrilling designer line-up and high powered guest list is set to cause even more frisson.
“There will be celebrities, fashion buyers, politicians and entrepreneurs among our diverse crowd of guests. Apart from a fabulous evening out, the show also presents an excellent networking opportunity,” observed Anduhtabe.
It will also feature live performances from London-based, neo-soul songbird, Debra Debs and an auction to benefit the Rhema Grace Orphanage in Ombe, Cameroon.

“Like last year, CamerCouture 2010 will be at the Shoreditch Studios. But our guests will arrive to a transformed venue. Expect lush, sexy tones of red, black and gold. From the moment people arrive, through to the catwalk show and performances, it will be a one hundred percent classy experience,” promised Sone.

Notes to Editors

Established in 2010, VAG is co-owned by Cynthia Anduhtabe, Isabel Bezeng and Ngum Ngafor. The PR and marketing company produces innovative communications and marketing solutions including bespoke events for corporate and private clients.

Through Camer Couture, VAG seeks to:

Spotlight African design talent globally.
Build the continent’s fashion industry by creating professional development, networking and collaboration opportunities for designers.
Initiate talks with established international retailers and secure distribution opportunities for creators.
Establish and enhance international regard for an often overlooked business sector.
Reshape the African fashion market.
Empower local communities through innovative Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategies.
Revolutionise events management across and beyond African communities.

Running from 6pm till midnight, the CamerCouture Fashion Showcase 2010 will take place at Shoreditch Studios, 29B New Inn Yard, Shoreditch, London EC2A 3EY.

Tickets cost:

£50 - standard.
£60 – second row.
£75 - front row.

Prices include drinks reception, food and catwalk show charges. VIP guests will have the advantage of a “first look” at the catwalk and a one-on-one with designers. They will also enjoy an exclusive gallery lounge experience with champagne, waiters and the services of a dedicated VAG VIP wellbeing officer.

For tickets, media & sponsorship enquiries please contact:

Ngum Ngafor
Tel: 00 44 7944 043 954/ 00 44 7587 974 338
Email: ngum.ngafor@googlemail.com

Isabel Bezeng
Tel: 00 44 7733 735 515
Email: ibezeng@gmail.com

General Enquiries:
Cynthia Anduhtabe
Tel: 00 44 7834 321 373
Email: camercouture@yahoo.com

For more information, please visit: www.camercouture.com.

Join the “Camer Couture” face book group on:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/group.php?gid=113761297439&ref=ts

Follow us on twitter at: http://twitter.com/CamerCouture

Lolita's Cupcakes by Cynthia Tabe & Angel Sylvester

2010-08-23T16:43:00.000-07:00

Those who know me are aware of what kind of passion I have for... tasty food. No, junk food doesn't do it for me. I like class, I like quality, I like good living. You can see it from the junk in my trunk nowadays...
Anyway our DC girl Cynthia Tabe along with her sister Angel Sylvester are taking us to a place where bakery meets fashion with their new brand "Lolita's Cupcakes". The kind of cakes that get you singing (cos you imagine them melting in your mouth...)

Now I won't write any longer, cos I need to give Cynthia a call so she can arrange me a cake tasting appointment. Ta!

Check her on MIMI Magazine!

Vote for me at MP3 Music Awards

2010-07-28T05:23:00.000-07:00

Last time I asked you to vote for K'Naan. Now it's my turn: With your kind votes, "Chamukuana" could have a chance of earning me a nomination in this years MP3 Music Awards in the category of "Best African Artist".

All you have to do is go to this link:
http://www.mp3musicawards.co.uk/artists-and-bands.html
Then select "Chamukuana" in the song player and vote for it... for 0.60GBP

Nominees will be announced on the 1st of September 2010.
To those who already promptly voted, THANK YOU!

Best Regards,
Menoosha Susungi

Nigerian Idol

2010-07-06T02:04:00.000-07:00

“NIGERIAN IDOL” will make its "solemn" entrance on Naija TV this coming September 2010, and will be aired till December 2010. Launching company, Optima Media Group is positive on finding Nigeria’s biggest star, opening its doors to talents aged between 16 and 29 years. Yes, talent is indeed an age thing...

We now have an African-based talent platform that will enable some to rise from “no-name-ness” to stardom. Exactly what we need while we are still struggling to put food in everybody's mouth, at least 3 times a day, throughout our countries. Great.

I have personally taken part in one of these pointless talent search shows in Germany. It's called "Deutschland sucht den Superstar". That was back in 2004 I think. And I just got the confirmation of what I already knew by theory: they always look for a young “virgin-minded” singer to fit into their concept. In other words, the more you know who you are and what you do or don’t expect from the music industry, the less you will qualify.

Furthermore, these are first and foremost TV shows, so the aim is to get the most viewers possible. So the more you can embarrass yourself, the better it is for their viewings. How simple is that.

I pull my reverence to Simon Cowell for creating such a brilliant and lucrative show concept. But I must say there is nothing different in its principle from that of the public slaying of gladiators at the Colosseum, back in the Roman Empire. A “slave” shows up publicly and has to fight for their “freedom” or “change of social status”, and his life depends on the “position of the Emperor’s thumb”, not to say his “mood”. The worse element is that people nowadays willingly offer themselves as slaves. That’s how far we have gotten in dullness.

www.nigerianidol.com

K'Naan's Wavin' Flag

2010-06-30T14:09:00.000-07:00

To say that a few months ago I was complaining about the fact that emcee K'Naan did not have the exposure he deserves. Now my mouth is shut, because I am happy. I walked into a Tesco store a couple of weeks ago and I heard him singing "Wavin flag" with Will I am. I was so happy... as if I was the one singing on the radio lol

This time is for Africa! This time is for K'Naan The Traveller!
He has a BET nomination, MAKE SURE YOU MAKE HIM RISE TO HIS RIGHTFUL PLACE!
Vote on his website: knaanmusic.ning.com

Which "Satellite Brown Chick" song is your favorite?

2010-06-30T13:56:00.001-07:00

I'm on a little project right now. I want to offer you one of my songs as an iPhone ringtone. (Blackberry users give me some time! ;-)
So for this I need you to tell me which song from the album is your favorite. What happens next? When I have enough entries, give it a month and your favorite song will be purchaseable from iPhone apps!

Tell me in this 2-second/1-question survey!
http://freeonlinesurveys.com/rendersurvey.asp?sid=otfjktqxor7smpb778809

The lump loves the worry inside the resident food.

Valentine's release for Satellite Brown Chick!

2010-02-04T02:23:00.001-08:00

Hi everyone!!

More good news: For those who don't want to wait till the 27th of February, "Satellite Brown Chick will be available on Amazon MP3 on Valentine's day. My personal recommendation (on what song to bump all day?):
Talk to me (Sweet thing)! One of my favorites because Dario Allegra (who entirely produced this album) contributed with honey-coated vocals!

The official website will go live on the same day!

You have a pre-listen of the whole album, and if you want, log in and review it!
Satellite Brown Chick on Amazon Mp3

Stay sweet!
Menoosha

"Satellite Brown Chick" out on February 27th, 2010

2010-02-02T14:50:00.001-08:00

My lovely people!

I haven't stayed in touch for a while now... I have a good excuse for that. I gave birth to a big baby, so yeah: dare fire back at me!! :-)

Good news: The album "Satellite Brown Chick, produced by Dario Allegra, will be out in digital stores on Feb 27th!

What to expect in this album? Yes, a lot of guitars and thumping beats, mingled to a versatile voice, that changes according to the musical atmosphere. A blend of Soul, Rock, Hip Hop (yes I got back to rapping again after a 15-year break lol), Afrofunk, R&B with a bit of Electro. Lyrically, this album is about LIFE. Its challenges always make good writing material ;-)

The sound is very reminiscent of the 80s/90s. Yep, old school but 2010-updated. ;-) Dario and I want to take you back to the days when it was still HIP to throw guitar solos here and there!

To listen to some of the tracks, you can visit my MySpace page (Woyoo, Superhero, Talk to me & Chamukuana) Feel free to invite your friends to join this group and join my fan page!

God bless you all abundantly,
Menoosha

http://www.myspace.com/menoosha
http://www.myspace.com/darioallegra
http://www.facebook.com/pages/MENOOSHA/40211751029
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=99098367177

“African Forum Arts Extravaganza” Flares out its Colors in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire

2009-11-05T01:43:00.000-08:00

African Forum, in collaboration with Bucks University, Street Dreams and Pontis Media, presents its first exhibition of the six monthly African Forum Arts Extravaganza.

High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, 03/11/2009 - African Forum Arts Extravaganza is a platform for artists of African origin or with an affiliation to Africa to showcase and sell their works in Painting, Photography and Textile Design. The exhibition will take place from the 26th to the 28th of November 2009, at the Red Shed Building in High Wycombe's Bucks New University. Access will be free and unlimited daily from 10am to 6pm. An official launch will be marked with a Vernissage on November 26th at 7pm, with refreshments, snacks and music.

African Forum is a Community based Charity launched on November 13th 2007. It aims to bring the Community under the ‘African Tree’ to talk about the future and celebrate African Culture & Arts. Its Chair, Dr. Tonnie Adoh states: “Our mission is to celebrate, liberate, inform, and instil African value systems to our community. Our purpose is the meeting of Africans for discussions on the way forward for the African Communities in Great Britain and our positive influence and impact on the African Nation States.”

May 4th 2009 was the highlight for African Forum: it saw a high attendance to its successfully organised Health Jamboree at the Hilltop Community Centre in High Wycombe. The aim was to create awareness around common African and Caribbean related health issues. Over 250 members of the African and Caribbean community attended and an education drug box had over 120 visits. Sponsors included the NHS, PCT, Chiltern Support & Housing, AfriKan Heartbeat and DAAT.

Another important value for African Forum is to raise cultural awareness, to build community cohesion and build a spirit of strength. According to Dr. Tonnie Adoh, “the advancement, promotion and development of African culture, arts and heritage are crucial”. And one of the initiatives for this point, after a series of events related to Black History Month, is the introduction of the “Arts Extravaganza” exhibition.

Exhibitors will include Bucks New University students, Alumni and independent artists. AF is proud to have, for instance, renowned Nigerian artist Babatunde Ogunekun as one of its exhibitors. His colourful, abstract and extraordinary representations of the casual things of life will definitely give one the desire to see more.

Dr. Tonnie Adoh calls out for enthusiastic participation: “Come and support these artists by attending the exhibition and by spreading the word on the streets.”

Venue address:
Bucks New University
The Red Shed
Queen Alexandra Road
High Wycombe
Bucks HP11 2JZ

Press Contacts:
The African Forum
Dr. Tonnie Adoh (Chair)
Mob: 07973563914
E-Mail: tonnie.adoh@africanforum.co.uk
Web: www.africanforum.co.uk

Pontismedia
Tel: 0844 504 9624
Mob: 079 56940179
E-Mail: info@pontismedia.co.uk
Web: www.pontismedia.co.uk

KC FASHIONS AFRICAN BUSINESS

2009-11-05T01:36:00.000-08:00

Africa is open for business! And KiRette Couture (KC) is keeping it stylishly so.

After a BBC worthy outing at the recent Camer Couture fashion showcase in London, KC is set to sashay into the world of commerce at this year’s Wharton Africa Business Forum (WABF) in Philadelphia, USA.

Themed “Seizing Growth Opportunities in a New Global Economy,” the high-powered gathering, has been taking place for nearly two decades.

The 2009 event delves beyond traditional investment perspectives to analyse the impact of women and social entrepreneurs on the Africa’s development.

“I am super excited,” enthused KC Co Founder, Kibonen Nfi, who will be showcasing stunning designs from the label’s Michael Jackson-inspired Spring/Summer 2010 collection at the conference.

“Africa continues to grow despite the global economic crisis. This is the time to think creatively; it is time to think Africa,” she observed.

Nfi also noted the significance of the forum holding at the place where multimillionaire Donald Trump studied.

“The Wharton Business School is a place where excellence and vision meet.

Like KC, it recognises and promotes Africa’s commercial viability and tremendous talent,” she explained.

Running from 6-8 November 2009, the WABF will feature a business plan competition, workshops and inspirational key note speeches from Capri Capital Partners CEO and founder, Quintin Primo III and Thierry Tanoh of International Finance Corporation.

A careers fair will highlight job openings across Africa.

“This will be one of the most transformational conferences,” raved organiser, Pauline Idogho.

For the full schedule and ticket information, please visit: http://whartonafricaforum.com

________________________________________________________________

Notes to editors:

Attracting over 500 people worldwide, the WABF has been one of the largest student run African conferences in the U.S. for nearly two decades.

The Wharton Business School is part of the University of Pennsylvania.

Toronto's first Afrocentric Alternative school

2009-09-18T02:06:00.000-07:00

Toronto's District School Board approved the first black focused alternative school to open in Fall 2009. So reports Born Black Magazine on its official website. My reaction was first a "wow" followed by an "uh-oh"...

WOW!
It is sad to have to say this: black minorities in the schools of Western countries are not doing as well as their Caucasian counterparts. We cannot ignore the fact that, till this date, a mild form of racism coming from certain teachers still exists. Added to that, not all schools are open to cultural diversity in Education. Our offspring need to be exposed to more black role models, in all their diversity. So, in that aspect, this initiative is very welcome.

HOWEVER:

UH-OH...
Firstly, didn't we learn from segragation, racism, polarisation, and the rest? The school claims to open its doors to all cultures. Let's be real: would an Asian or a European feel the same way about this school?

The initiative of the school comes from the desire to reduce statistics of drop-outs within the black community. This brings me to the second point, how long will we blame it all on the schools? Have we questioned ourselves about our involvement in the schools our children go to? How often do we, parents in black communities, participate in fund-raising events organised by our schools? How many of us check on our children's homework every day? Or at least try to make this possible, as often as we can? How many of us let our children watch TV without parental guidance? Or treat our children like DHL packets because we have this or that to do (when actually we could have done without it)?

Thirdly, I'd really like to be informed about what EXACTLY will be taught. Will the students really be prepared to develop life skills? Will they be exposed to WORLD music education (not just African instruments), leisure sports, competitve sports, school outings to ALL KINDS OF DESTINATIONS? Will their school certificates be valid wherever they are presented?

Fourthly, it is stated that the school is afroCENTRIC, not afroCENTRIST. Beautiful wordplay, I say. But does that calm down the controversy around the subject? Dictionaries list both words as being synonyms, therefore, meaning the same thing.

1) In other words, will they prepared to excel with the hard realities of the world we live in?
2) Will they be taught how to bridge gaps, and nurture the concept of unity in a divided world?
3) How hard is it to give an afro-centric education to your child at home? Is that the job of a school, especially in a western country?

Like they say, you cannot critisize without suggesting solutions.

A- Be involved: participate in any event concerning the school. Nag the staff with intelligent questions. The more curious you are, the more they take you seriously, therefore the more they take your child seriously!

B- If being involved isn't enough for you, be a school governor: You will participate in the school's most important decisions such as appointing a new teacher, for eg. In that way, you have more control over what is being given to your child at school.

C- Introduce cultural weeks in your school: I'll take the example of the school my daughter attends. I cannot cite any name for privacy purposes. But one thing, that could be widespread is the introduction of cultural weeks. Children are exposed to everything concerning the culture that is being exposed, from clothing to culinary customs, and all what not.

D- Control what your child watches on TV and what kind of music they listen to, or what video games they play. Don't go around complaining about your kids acting stupid, when all they listen to is Soulja Boy. (My personal apologies to this artist but I have to say it bluntly: his music is weak and on top of that he has nothing to say)

E- You want your kids to be afrocentic/black-conscious? Teach them about African history and culture yourself. Or create groups that coach your children towards that. For this, please take the example of this organisation: The African Forum

For now, too many questions are open. But I have to state that I am not very enthusiastic about any form of polarisation, in a public institution.

You can read the original article about the opening of Toronto's frist Afrocentric Alternative school by clicking here

Camer Couture fashions Black History Month

2009-08-21T07:32:00.000-07:00

Culture goes couture this Black History Month as Cameroon’s most fabulous fashion designers take over London for the first time ever.

Courtesy of funky new style hub, Camer Couture, international stars Anggy Haif and Olivia Ervi, will join forces with exciting newcomers KiRette Couture, Bot I Lam, Rose Mbango and Ms Mi to adorn the über chic Shoreditch Studios with a perfect tapestry of eye-popping art, elegance and panache.

“The Camer Couture fashion showcase will be a kaleidoscopic interpretation of Cameroon’s rich and dynamic culture,” said the organisation’s CEO, Cynthia Anduhtabe.
With diplomats, entrepreneurs and fashion insiders including designer, Yemi Okunsoya of luxury brand Kosibah Creations, on its guest list, the occasion promises to be an exquisite blend of clout, chic and class.
“The recent media and catwalk rage about African fashion presents extraordinary prospects for our extremely talented and versatile designers.
We are very excited about giving them the opportunity to access a market which is largely unaware of their talent and stylistic originality,” explained Anduhtable.
The spectacle will also feature live performances from Cameroonian artists: Muntu Valdo, Serge Tebu as well as Dee, Quest & Band.

In addition, there will be a raffle sale to benefit the Baka Pygmies who make up one of Cameroon’s oldest and most socially deprived societies.

Assuring a night of “verve and innovation,” the show’s art director, Alex Quest said:

“It will be a soirée of chic, couture and stylish edutainment merged with acoustic bliss to uplift everyone to oblivion.”

Notes to Editors

Created in 2009, Camer Couture aims to:

• Leverage Cameroonian fashion designers onto the international scene.
• Lead the nation’s fashion market in originality and style.
• Represent the splendour, diversity and wealth of Cameroon through the work
and visions of couture creators.
• Set a trend in Cameroonian fashion event management.

Its team comprises Cynthia Anduhtabe, Isabel Bezeng, Ngum Ngafor, Soraya Sone (freelance consultant) and Alex Quest.

Running from 6pm - 3am, the Camer Couture fashion showcase will take place at Shoreditch Studios, 37 Bateman Row, Shoreditch, London EC2A 3HH.

Tickets cost:

Front Row = £50
VIP = £40
All Other = £30
Plus £5 postage fee

Prices include reception, show and the after party charges.

For tickets, media & sponsorship enquiries please contact:

Ngum Ngafor
Tel: 00 44 7944 043 954
Email: ngum.ngafor@camercouture.com

Isabel Bezeng
Tel: 00 44 7733 735 515
Email: Isabel.bezeng@camercouture.com

General Enquiries:
Cynthia Anduhtabe
Tel: 00 44 7834 321 373
Email: Cynthia.anduhtabe@camercouture.com

For more information on Camer Couture please visit: www.camercouture.com

Join the Camer Couture facebook group on:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/group.php?gid=113761297439&ref=ts

Follow us on twitter at: http://twitter.com/CamerCouture

Find out more about Cameroon’s Baka people and Global Music Exchange (One Heart) – a charity working with Camer Couture to support them on: www.baka.co.uk

WAXPERIENCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-08-21T06:48:00.001-07:00

'Wax' Nde Ndinfonka, a Cameroonian brother based in Johannesburg tickles us with some high quality acoustic sounds... and sultry voice... Competition is getting TIGHT!!!!!! He is a vocalist / guitar player / songwriter and writer.

Check his official video!

The first single “Miss Real, Mr Regular” is gaining wide recognition on commercial radio and TV stations - a sign that Wax has donned the ribbon on his best work yet. Described as a ‘rare musical gem’, he is a unique soul singer who has been known to move even first-time listeners to tears with his sensational vocal rendition, unforgettable melodies and meaningful lyrics.

Africa’s fastest growing cross-over sensation offers a semi-autobiographical album ‘African dream’, that is as lyrically profound and musically scintillating as it is relevant to all ages and races worldwide. In the album, he tells stories of love and war, drawing blood from afropessimists, celebrating love with beautiful soul rhythms, and strengthening humanitarian appeal. Listeners can expect to experience a Wax again reinvented, delivering a universal sound that will entrance for ages to come.

Born in Cameroon and based in South Africa, 28-year-old Wax aka Nde Ndifonka, has his mark across the continent as one of Africa’s most influential youngsters, excelling as a social activist, humanitarian, renaissance writer and world-class musician. As a performer of relevance, he carries his messages of love and compassion throughout the world – in June 2009 he jetted off to the US to perform for charity, GEMS, before joining another US charity, Global Majority later that month to help them on their peace-through-dialogue tour. He staged a show for UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon on his recent visit to South Africa, and continues to touch the world as one of the primary pundits against ills such as xenophobia and human trafficking, appearing frequently on regional and international media.

More on Wax' history online...

Discography
African Dream (Lolhiphop Records, coming july 2009)
Peggy: by artist "Peggy" (Producer, Executive Producer) (Lolhiphop Records/SHEER Sound, 2007)
African Soul (Lolhiphop Records/SHEER Sound, 2008)
Ali gets his arms (Olimit Records, 2005)

Bibliography
1. The Chosen One (play), Ditlou Publishers
2. Faraway Child (Southern African Short Story Review)
3. On the Bridge (Southern African Short Story Review)

Bookings
bookings@waxexperience.com
+27 82 667 2776

Never can say goodbye

2009-07-03T03:16:00.000-07:00

This human being touched my heart with sensational music, unforgettable energy, iconic dance moves but also with a heartbreaking life story.

I wonder if he was ever told how beautiful he was, back when he wowed people as a child. Instead Papa Joe would taunt him by calling him "Big Nose" or beating him... What a fresh start for an adulthood full of self-confidence and joy... No wonder my father strictly forbade name-calling in our family house, no matter how mild it could be! The world has witnessed through Michael Jackson how devastating it is.

His death has reminded me of how fragile life is. He may have been a jerk to some but he was hailed, he was adored and yet the circumstances under which he left us, showed us what a frail human being he had become...

I'm still emotional when I look at his performances videos. I'm still emotional when I think of what their family went through with a father like Joe Jackson. I wonder how their mother coped, avoiding being vocal about their issues. At the same time, who am I to write this: I was never there. So I don't know what happened.

I wonder how guilty Jordan Chandler feels, after accusing MJ falsely of child molestation.

I wonder what's going on in Debbie Rowe's head, after selling her children to MJ, for a couple of millions, and now suddenly wanting them back.

I wonder how guilty LaToya Jackson feels after repeatedly dragging the name of her family in mud, for a bit of mediatic attention...

Reap what you sow...

Pray for the Jackson family, and all other families that have witnessed or still witness abuse of any form. They are going through a hard time.

MJJ never could say goodbye. Just look at how he left... Unprepared. But at least, imagine the party all the greats are having on the other side. :-)

This Ivorian new phenomenon called Paul Sika...

2009-06-22T06:19:00.000-07:00

I once wrote an essay retracing the story of African photography, DONE BY AFRICANS, and when we all discovered this guy on the net, I felt things are about to change. A new mark in artistic photography is about to be made, not to say, has already been made. Paul Sika took it a step further from the usual portraits, and works with Photoshop, in his very own way.

Let me start by saying that Paul Sika is Andy Warhol's grand son. :-) Understand that the way you want, to stay captivated in all the suspense created around him. The works of Sika, 23, have been featured on the Olympus User Magazine, and lately on Kanye West's blog.

The buzz will go on, as he will appear shortly on Mimi Magazine, with an exclusive interiew, and on Afropolitan Magazine, as a featured fashion photographer. Indeed good things are coming along the way of this young man.
When asked how he works, Sika states: "I like to concentrate first on creativity and the expression of the inner cravings for art, the longing for beauty in the form of visuals through photography. This is because I did not want the lurring of commerce to intervene in the process of the manifestation of beauty. As you know commerce too soon can corrupt greatly the artistic fiber."

And the result is marvellous: The way he works with filters, color and saturation doesn't alienate you from the characters on his work. On the contrary, it brings you closer to them, they ooze warmth, honesty, emotion, sometimes a whole story behind... where the viewer becomes the free narrator...

Paul Sika may be deep in art, but is also aware of the constraints of a commercial world. He adds: "now the establishment of artistic direction and integrity is a reality. therefore I open to myself now to commerce."
Along the services he offers as a photographer, his works come available through the following media items:
- tshirts
- post cards
- posters
- lightboxes
- books and other types of goodies.

In Sika's own words, here is what he offers to the world:

"What i can offer to the world is what I receive, which is broken down
into 4 different interwoven paths.

First as you are seeing right know the photography.

Second is the creative direction such as the branding of companies.
With Frederic Tape,Innovator, Web Entrepreneur(Owner of AfricaincorpMediaNetwork and SCI La Tysche] and Business developer, we have been working on the branding/campaign launch of a fledging Airline company. We had to go through several stages to finally have our duo selected among established African advertising agencies. We basically have been involved in the architecture of agencies, the styling of the uniforms,
the design of the interior of the planes, the on-board magazine, the in-flight entertainment, the design of the corporate culture, the philosophy that links them to
the world and much more.
It has been a great experience for us because we had to learn a lot in a
very short amount of time, had to reach out and negotiate with people all over the planet from California, USA, to Bombay in India, through London. Amazing technologies and materials were surveyed and introduced into the vision.

Third is commerce, which is a resultant of our different research for the
aforementioned work, we are seriously interested in revolutionizing the retail industry in Africa starting with Cote d'Ivoire. The way we want to do it is by adopting and applying innovation in aspects such as distribution,payment methods, product quality and design, the communication around products, and production. We have found creative usage for low and high Technologies in a way that will fathom BLUE OCEAN markets.

Fourth is the creation of unheard of[ at least of memory] creative products with mass appeal targeting different sections and age groups of society. An example would be the project codename "ORI"

Paul Sika is equally planning to work with the following artists: Pharrel Williams, Wale, Kanye West, Coldplay, Lady Gaga, Ama Kip Kip, Ludacris, Major Lazer, Kery James, Santigold, K'anaan, Grand Corps Malade, Beyonce, Gilles Toure, Alek Wek, Lil Wayne, Xuly Bet, M.I.A, Janelle Monae, Asthon Roth, Kid Cudi, Mark Zuckerberg, Samuel Eto, Oprah Winfrey, Obama Barack, Patrick Asso, Bjork, Foudelart, DJ Arafat, Kedjevara, L'Unik, Jamhuriwear of Kimathi, Fouka Riddim of Nader Fakri, Murielle Nanie (Miss Cote d'Ivoire 2008)

I think with the kind of style he brings: IT IS NOT A MISSION IMPOSSIBLE!
I personally can only wish to this young man (who went to the same high school as I did - yes, I had to drop that information!) all the success he deserves. These are the kind of revolutionary minds we need in Africa and beyond!

For queries, here is how to contact Paul Sika:

Photographer & Creative Director
T : +225 09 65 47 40
E : paul@paulsika.com
W : www.paulsika.com

Free music: is it that effective for indie artists?

2009-06-17T11:52:00.000-07:00

These days on Myspace, let’s say out of 3 comments I get a day, 2 are about a “Free Downloadable Mixtape”. EVERY SINGLE HIP HOP ARTIST has a mixtape out there available for free download. This rises a few questions in my indie-artist little mind…

How effective is that? No doubt, we all want something for free, that’s cool. In the minute we hear something for free, we get curious. But I believe everything is not for everybody.

I am happy downloading Jay Z’s “Death of Autotune” for free; because it is clear why he didn’t put it for sale: he wants to say something, he doesn't WANT to make money, and he is the "CEO of Hip Hop". I would run to Radiohead’s site, if they put more music for free. They sort of created this whole movement and they are good. As a matter of fact, I downloaded Raheem DeVaughn’s new mixtape yesterday, now I’m whining to his tunes, because they are good. But funny enough, when MC From Around The Corner tells me about a free mixtape, not only am I not so turned on, but I even tend to think this:

- You are an independent artist like me
- maybe you are broke like me
- But still you work on 7 to 20 sounds
- causing studio costs (whether it's yours or not yours)
- maybe you neglected your girl/man for the project a bit
- AND YOU PUT THE PROJECT OUT THERE FOR FREE??

WITHOUT ASKING ME ANYTHING IN RETURN LIKE SIGNING UP TO A NEWSLETTER, RECOMMEND A FRIEND FOR MORE BONUSES OR SOMETHING?

If I know you, I'll tell you, you're tripping, and offer you some of my crumbs in exchange. Or even my vocals, if I don't have money. But then I'll force you to sell the product, cos I myself have a child to feed lol

If I don't, then I just think if it's for free, you just don't deliver.

I think the indie artist needs to think more about self-marketing with “free stuff” to download, without selling one's self out for a few more clicks on their Myspace pages. Like I said, give-aways are cool, but this tactic, when misused, makes you look CHEAP.

Are we so desperate for more recognition that we really think ANOTHER FREE MIXTAPE will make us stand out? I don’t think so. Maybe those days when Mixtapes brought fame have really passed. But again who am I to confirm this?

Step up your game. Think of something new. Study more raw marketing theory and apply it creatively to your careers… Don’t let your hunger for recognition lead you to starvation.

My Sonicbids electronic press kit

2009-06-07T01:54:00.000-07:00

Okay I neglect my account on Sonicbids for so long now... I just had to do something about it. Now I'm ready to get it started like a proper Porsche. But really thinking of it, it's a cool initiative:

They enable artists to get linked with gig promoters, party organisers, music licensing dudes, etc... Somehow cutting the middle man. I like that. They say in their own words "Sonicbids helps bands get gigs"

So if you are a gig promoter and you need to know technical stuff about me, my band, my work, here goes:

View MENOOSHA's EPK

KiRette Couture in NYC

2009-06-03T11:15:00.000-07:00

KiRette Couture does it AGAIN! This time in New York, in the midst of Manhattan!
Forget Sex and the City. Africa is taking over Manhattan this week! And it is all for a good cause.

Fresh new fashion label KiRette Couture (KC) is joining forces with charity, Living Measure to present:” Threads for a cause.” The fundraiser is aimed at boosting Living Measure’s campaign against the sexual exploitation of youth.

“Sexual exploitation is an issue which urgently needs addressing. Fighting this injustice is something we believe in,” said the label’s New York director, Kibonen Nfi. Due on Wednesday 3rd June, the event will feature a premier debut of KC’s highly acclaimed “Afrik Lux” collection to trendy New Yorkers.

“Fashion brings people together and is an amazing platform to promote such an important subject. As such, collaborating with Living Measure was an easy decision.”

Founded in 2007, Living Measure prioritizes community, connection and social change.
Its Girls Educational and Mentoring Services' (GEMS) project is committed to ending the commercial sexual exploitation and trafficking of 12 to 21-year-olds.
Through this scheme, Living Measures provides young victims with a range of support services including shelter and education. Fifty percent of proceeds from next Wednesday’s extravaganza will benefit GEMS.

Fashionistas will also be serenaded by the sweet sounds of African soul star, Wax. “I am very excited about showcasing our vibrant and chic spring/summer line to a diverse crowd while raising money to support an amazing programme! Expect a night of fabulousness and fun,” said Nfi.

Kirette Couture & GTE Styling @ Joe's Bar in Manchester, May 30th, 7PM

2009-05-26T02:38:00.001-07:00

“FASHION THE GALLERY”
an exhibition by KiRette Couture and George Tyrone Eko Styling.
African chic is coming to Manchester and this time it’s arty!

For one night only, rising powerhouses, KiRette Couture (KC) and George Tyrone Eko(GTE) Styling present exquisite designs at Manchester’s trendy Northern Quarter. The showcase will feature creations from KC’s latest Afrik Lux collection.

Formed in January 2009, KC is headed by Cameroonian duo Kibonen Nfi and Anrette Ngafor. Its signature style is inspired by the toghu - a colourful and intricately embroidered robe typically worn, on special occasions, by the people of Nfi and Ngafor’s native Western Highlands region. The one-of-a-kind label specialises in tailored, handcrafted and limited edition pieces.

Its director, Anrette Ngafor, said: “I chose a gallery theme because I want to show our spring/summer collection in a setting which gives everyone a chance to fully experience the superb craftsmanship and art that goes into making KiRette Couture
creations.”

“George Eko is a great stylist. We totally understand and bring out the best in
each other,” she added. GTE styling was established in 2008. It produces high
fashion ensembles and images. I am picky when it comes to collaborations but KC collections just blow my mind! They are effortlessly chic and every stylist’s dream!” said the company’s head, George Eko.

Fashionistas will savour vivid couture pieces at the swanky
Joe's Bar, 4 Oldham Street,
Piccadilly,
M1 1 JQ, Manchester

on Saturday
30th May from 7pm.
KC and GTE Styling promise a night of “simplicity and drama.
Tickets cost £5 and are available on the door.

To see samples and join the KiRette Couture face book group,
please go to:
KiRette Couture's Facebook Group
Visit GTE Styling on: www.georgeeko.co.cc

Live and Unsigned: I didn't make it to the National Finals in Portsmouth!

2009-05-19T04:12:00.000-07:00

Dear folks,

Sunday's show was brilliant. All the acts were tight! All the singers were on point! But at the end some people had to go and the guys and I were one of them.

But still we are immensely grateful to the Live and Unsigned organisation team for such a nice experience, we met many people, hooked up with them, and the future should be but bright. Because we still got smiles on our faces! ;-)

But I have to admit the hardest was calming down my daughter... cos that little one HATES losing! It's win or cry for her lol She cried ALL the tears of her little body, but I succeeded in letting her know that nobody is a loser unless he/she wants to be one. ;-)

So now that this chapter is turned, we are moving to serious things such as the album and the shows coming up. Still keep requesting me for Venture Radio and BBC 1Xtra, Keep popping into my facebook group "PUSH MENOOSH".

For now, I got to go back to work too much stuff to do, such as designing a few logos for my dad, and finalising the cover art for the album! But Congratulations to all the acts that passed, and I am wishing you all the BEST OF LUCK!!! Keep working towards giving your vision a shape!

You all be blessed!

xoxo,
Menoosha

"Menoosha's Got Soul" (Source: Bucks Free Press, May 17th 2009)

2009-05-15T11:05:00.000-07:00

A singer hopes to take a further step towards fame and fortune at a major talent competition this weekend.

Menoosha Susungi, 28, will compete in the area finals for the Live and Unsigned contest on Sunday.The High Wycombe vocalist, who sings R&B, Funk, Soul and Rock, said: "It is the number talent search competition in the UK for original acts. I am
really looking forward to it."

Susungi, a professional singer for 10 years, stands to win a recording and management contract and £20,000 to release a single. And she faces notorious Sex Pistols musical svengali Malcolm McLaren if she gets through to the finals.
She said: "Singing is a spiritual experience, it allows you to connect with people, you don't know...I didn't have much of a choice not to like music when I was growing up. What you are given in the first three years of your life will drive you for the rest of your life."

She began singing at the age of eight and supported Stevie Wonder and Kool and the Gang with a children's choir.
The mum-of-one, who came to England from Germany, said: "I have always enjoyed singing. I am fortunate I can do it as a profession."
Susungi, who also writes songs, regularly performs in Germany and played the Cairo Jazz Festival in March. She will be backed by Thomas Motter on keyboards, Samuel Franklin on drums and Benno Richter on bass.

More than 10,000 people are competing for the top prize in the contest's second year. Last year's winner, Kiddo 360, from Wales, won at the Vodafone Live Music Awards. This year's area finals will be held at the Corn Exchange in Bedford. For tickets Email: info@menoosha.com / Visit: www.menoosha.com"

By Oliver Evans

VLOG 1: Calling out for your support on May 17th in Bedford!

2009-05-14T16:18:00.001-07:00

I got this friend who looks like a mango running away from trouble (lol)... always insulting me because I don't vlog! I don't want anymore talkative mangoes around my face. So here we go!

Request me on Venture Radio!

2009-05-08T12:31:00.000-07:00

I have to say thank you to the entire Venture Radio team for playing "Givin it up", and to the people who keep requesting me! Special thanks also go to Tracy Clark and also to Steve Flynn and Steve Osborne from LiveWire for exposing me out there. Your efforts are much appreciated!

Continue requesting "Givin it up" on Venture Radio by emailing any presenter at this page.

To my french speaking friends:
Réclamez "Givin it up" sur Venture Radio en envoyant un email à un des animateurs sur la page suivante.

Thanks, Merci, Asante, Beri Weh, Grazie, Gracias....!

Request me on BBC 1Xtra

2009-05-08T04:32:00.000-07:00

Dear friends! I got something new!

Request my music on BBC 1Xtra by sending a text message to "88111" with the following content: "Play Chamukuana and/or Givin it up by Menoosha" (cost: 10p-15p from Uk mobiles) Cite your name and town, if possible.

For non-Uk residents, send the same content to the following email adress:
1xtra@bbc.co.uk

Thanks in advance!

BAKA BEYOND FEVER ON DULCE CAMER!

2009-05-05T23:31:00.000-07:00

I have a dream... It is to sing like these women. The Baka women master the rare vocal art of SPIRITUAL yodelling! The technique is to break from your "head voice" to your "abdominal voice" with a crack. The result: Chills!!! And I started training my voice some time ago to do this, it is very hard, but I will surely make it!!!!

My fascination for the Baka people doesn't end there. They are deeply spiritual in their way of life. They live in perfect harmony with their environment. Unfortunately because their precious rain forest is being chopped down, life is becoming harsh for them. That's why back in 2006, I was actually planning to go to the surroundings of Sangmelima, to do a photographic project about their daily life. The project didn't work out. But this remains on my lifetime to-do list.

The real reason for this blog is to let you know that Dulce Camer is currently in BAKA FEVER: If you can answer where else the Baka people live in Africa, you can win "Baka Beyond" CDs with recordings of their amazing vocal prouesse! Competition time ends on May 18th! For detailed information, please visit THE DULCE CAMER BLOG now!

MOREOVER, Catch them on tour on the following dates in the UK:

BAKA BEYOND UK TOUR DATES: catch them if you can!
7 May - The Junction, Cambridge
8 May - Bush Hall, London (album launch party)
9 May - Folk on the Pier, Cromer, Norfolk
15 May - JuJu Club, The Red Room, Sheffield
16 May - Bongo Club, Edinburgh
20 May - Thekla, Bristol
21 May - Mind Body Spirit Festival, London (trio gig 2pm, Baka singing workshop 4-8pm)
22 May - Wombwell Festival, Barnsley
23 May - Princess Pavillion, Falmouth
24 May - Acoustic Festival of Britain, Catton Hall Park, Derbyshire
27 May - The Spiegel Tent, Bath Fringe Festival
28 May - The Globe, Hay-on-Wye
29 May - Queen’s Hall, Narberth
31 May - Sunrise Celebration Festival, South Somerset

THE "PUSH MENOOSH" CAMPAIGN

2009-05-02T01:56:00.000-07:00

The "Push Menoosh" campaign was an idea Miss Ngum Ngafor came up with! I like the way it sounds, it rimes :-) The goal is to support my work as a musician in every way possible.

I sing, I write, I perform my work. That's my element. And because I am nothing without supporters, here is a guerilla action group to help me grow gracefully as an artist! ;-)

Live and Unsigned is a competition I have started taking part in. Winning this could take my career to another level. I need to show judges what kind of fan base I have. So thank you so much for joining in!

Thank you to fellow bloggers I Rep Camer, Dulce Camer and Banyangi Girl for spreading the virus!

Join the group right here:
THE "PUSH MENOOSH" campaign

Blick Bassy's album drops on April 20th!!

2009-04-18T12:54:00.000-07:00

Ladies and Gentlemen, get ready for Blick Bassy! Another crazy talent strikes from Cameroon with organic acoustic sounds. Nothing better than a hunk who does beautiful music ;-) Yes, Cameroon can now claim to have its own "D'Angelo"!

I went to his MySpace profile, listened to "Nesa", "Maria" and "Nlela", and discovered how melodic the Bassa language sounds. I found myself hypnotized by the smoothness of his guitar chords, so perfectly blended to his smooth, gentle and yet so very present voice. Check the brother out. He is hot!

www.myspace.com/blickbassy2
www.worldconnection.nl/blickbassy

Space Disco @ Cairo Jazz Festival

2009-04-04T14:00:00.000-07:00

Hi all!

Here is a link I got from the Cairo Jazz Festival. The song I hyped the crowd on is called Space Disco (Club Cloud 9). I'm not sure what I was doing but I know I was having fun :-)

Check:

Deep Valentine Reflexions

2009-02-14T05:09:00.000-08:00

On a 14th of February 1978, my father wore his jeans and his black shirt, my mother wore a nice little dress and groomed her afro. They walked out of their marital home, headed for the council with two of their friends, who would be the witnesses to their marriage.

How beautiful you may wonder. But I do not think they cared about that day being the worldwide celebrate Love Day. Real "Africans" really don't give a hoot about Valentine's day. It was just a coincidence. It could have been another day for them, and it would have felt just as special.

Cupid must be flying around right now, bringing couples together, consolidating others, or trying to save some shattered relationships. Whatever it is, love is being celebrated right now, while cash is being spent. Okay, I will not waste time saying you how actually Anti-Valentine I am. I believe, love should be celebrated EVERY GOD-GIVEN DAY.

However, on this “special” day, I reflect on love and I think… Hmmm…What a complicated thing. I’ve heard it all. “Love is blind”, “Love is not blind, it just sees things and ignores them”… It gets better “Love hurts”… But I think the Bible has the best definition of all. It is so deep, it is making me cry right now. Live love every day, in every form.

1 Corinthians 13:1-8a and 13
"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."

Tell me "love hurts" and I knock your head with a King James Bible.

African Boy (Coupé Décalé remix of "American Boy")‏

2009-01-15T14:16:00.000-08:00

Order your "Three Piece Suite" on Itunes!

2009-01-06T13:30:00.000-08:00

Ladies and Gentlemen! B-girls and B-boys!
Happy New Year to all!! I wish you more rage and courage to conquer adversity, more love to spread, more patience to accept the unchangeable, more wisdom to do the right thing, more health, more goodies... Well to sum it up, I hope this new year brings you everything that last year denied you.

It is good to start this new year with some positive news, so this is why...
I am very pleased to let you know that you can order the "Three Piece Suite" EP (produced by Dario Allegra) on Itunes! Click on the cover... and... GO!

Apart from that, how I am doing? I had so much food over the holidays, I ate so passionately that I have to balance back to normal eating which is very hard for me... Wish me luck... pray for me... lol

Peace to you all!
Menoosha

Blog 022: Santa Claus, who the hell are you?

2008-11-21T02:34:00.000-08:00

FLASHBACK TO 1985

I just told my friend Dulce, what made me stop believing in Father Christmas. I was about 5 or so, and I just heard about news Mr. HoHo coming to our school. Can you imagine how I felt? I was beaming, like I was told God was coming or something. I remember the day before I didn't sleep. We all dressed up how we wanted, no uniform (I was a Hawaiian princess, with my yellow two-piece outfit and my pink flower stuck in my kinky hard-to-comb hair). We sang Christmas carols on the way to school, and eagerly waited for our hero to come....
So Santa Claus shows up in the classroom...

HE IS BLACK!
HE IS LANKY!
HE SWIMS IN HIS OUTFIT!

And last but not least: He doesn't say "HoHoHo"! He lazily says: "Bonjour les enfants", and hands over a thin bag full of... candies! Who told him I wanted candies? I got enough of that from my mom! Didn't he get my request list? I wanted a Barbie Doll in a mansion, a princess dress, and a playhouse! My world crumbled down in a few seconds...

Please note that this scene happened in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, West Africa in 1985. So of course, the chances of hiring a chubby white man to play Santa Claus in this territory, so as not to shatter the Jingle Bell dreams of a 5-year-old west African girl, were slim... to none.
Almost 23 years later, I watch my 4-year-old get excited about Christmas, get her request list ready and I question myself on the brainwashing around this deceiving figure...

Is letting a child believe in Santa Claus really necessary? Is telling a child he doesn't exist really necessary? And anyway, who is Santa Claus in the first place? This is what I could come out with after researching.

WHO WAS ST. NICHOLAS

The round jolly pink-cheeked Caucasian lad is also knows as St Nicholas, Kris Kringle or Father Christmas, and has around 40 different names all around the world. (Can't list them here, I am not wikipedia...) But of course he is a worldwide recognized gift-giver to children. The world celebrates him today either on December 6th, or on Christmas eve, December 24th.

Nicholas of Myra was born in Patara in circa 270. became the Bishop of Myra, in Lycia of Anatolia (modern-day Antalya province, Turkey, though at the time it was a Greek-speaking Roman Province) He became a Christian Saint because of the many miracles he performed through prayers. His popularity rose through his habit of secret gift-giving; he would slide coins into the shoes of those who left them out for him. He died on the 6th of December in 343 in Myra...

SINTERKLAAS, FATHER CHRISTMAS & SANTA CLAUS

In Dutch culture, Saint Nicholas was later associated to God Odin: Sinterklaas was represented with a white beard, a hat and a spear (nowadays a staff) and the cloth bag held by the servants to capture naughty children.
Father Christmas is a British concept of the 17th century; he was dressed as a well nourished, white bearded man with a long green robe.

Now with the immigration of Britons and Dutch in direction of North America in the 19th century, Christmas cultures merged. Sinterklaas and Father Christmas later went through americanisation, to become Santa Claus. Now you would ask me, why the red outfit became more popular than the green one.

In the 30s, Coca Cola launched its first Christmas campaign with Santa Claus. Needless to say, the color concept had to match. This is how Santa Claus started sporting his red-white ensemble, with a black belt and the black boots.
His benevolent image was reinforced; the concept of volunteers, from organizations like the Salvation Army, dressing up as Father Christmas to go out and make donations to poor families.

SANTA CLAUS: A SUCCESSFUL MARKETING CONCEPT

Today Santa Claus enjoys more public attention than even Jesus Christ. "Santa Claus" is the Christmas franchise you don't need to buy to sell your product! Even the sex shop uses a pin up model dressed up in Mrs Sexy Santa Claus to sell. And it works.

This is November and shops are already reddening, radios are bumping Christmas carols more and more often and of course: your kids will be bugging you more and more with what gifts they want... Whether they believe in Santa or not.

Did I mention kids are the most sensitive commercial target? Know this, and your credit cards will suffer less.

The second shocking thing I discovered is that Christmas feeling ends as soon as your kids open their presents! It ends with some being disappointed with what you got for them. It ends with some playing with the toys for 30 mn and already getting tired of them. It ends with others BREAKING their toys after the same 30mn! Know this, and your credit cards will suffer less.

So, now that Santa Claus is unmasked, what does Christmas mean to you now? What do you want your kids to learn about Christmas? I guess the dude, on the left, got it all wrong from his parents...

Blog 021: Lala Salama, Malaika (Good Night, Angel)

2008-11-12T03:14:00.000-08:00

Our Angel has gone back to sleep... for the last time.

While reading Myriam Makeba's biography back in 1998, I was totally captivated... and very inspired by her words on big artists and stars who cannot accept that their career is over. She insisted on how essential it is, to come to terms with the fact that you may not be "in demand" anymore. An important life lesson for every performer. And it's funny, even though her union with Afrocentric political activist Stockely Carmichael pulled her away from mainstream targets, she still managed to maintain her international status.

I was fascinated by the complexity of her life, by the strength of her character, by her unique being and journey: from the township struggles to her Grammy Award win in 1964, and her worldwide icon status today. Who doesn't know about her haunting melodic voice in "Malaika" or "Pata Pataa"? I can go as far as thinking that she is a no. 1 influence for 99% of female African vocalists.

That's how I started wishing I'd meet her one day... I wished so hard, so firmly that the cosmos heard it. Its elements conspired to making that happen, on a summer day in 2002 in Marburg, Germany. Mr Mutshoko, Fatima and I opened for Myriam Makeba's concert. My heart smiled; life is indeed an interesting journey.

On that day, she woke up all kinds of emotions in me. I remember her sense of humour on stage. She honestly asked for her audience's support, because "most women of her age are at home looking after their grandchildren." She made me laugh even harder, when a camera man was fidgeting around her feet to get the best view for her; in the middle of her song, she stopped singing and gave him one of those mama "i'm-not-playing-with-you" looks, that he was the last to notice (the crowd was already lolling hard) But she also made me cry on that day. "Home is where my heart lies, Africa is where my heart lies". I remembered teasing my brothers and sisters, my cousins, Sunday home cooking, my mom singing on the way to church and back, my father passionately arguing about politics with his friends... All the memories came back. The atmosphere was so emotional, everybody ended up crying.

So the concert went on fine, I could not personally talk to Myriam Makeba herself because she was too exhausted. But I shortly met her granddaughter Zenzi Lee before the show, and had a nice chat with her...

I was secretly excited to have met a woman that I read about as a toddler in a book. I remembered the beauty of her late mother Bongi Makeba (see picture left). I remembered reading about her last moments after complications following child birth.

Mutschoko, Fatima (wherever you guys are right now, holleration!) and I later felt proud to be able to say that we opened for the best Female Cultural Ambassador of the African continent.

I cherish these memories so much. And I will cherish them forever.
Lala Salama, Malaika and Rest in eternal peace.

Blog 020: How much change is coming our way?

2008-11-05T03:43:00.000-08:00

Needless to say, Obama has marked a historical moment in all our lives. I cannot hide that the optimistic child in me who is neither ashamed nor scared of dreaming CRIED TEARS OF JOY THIS MORNING. I feel this has indirectly brought defeat to those people who misjudged and discriminated me because of my origins. I cannot develop this chapter because it would be just too long...

Nevertheless the realistic adult in me doubts: is it the right time to quote Sam Cooke? Is a change gonna come? I think yes, but the road is still very long. The 44th President of the United States has the heaviest responsibility ever on his shoulders: Cleaning up the mess of his not-very-loved predecessor, and truly transcending race by proving that he is a competent world leader.

Change? I think the only real immediate change that this election has brought is INSPIRATION TO A GREAT MASS OF PEOPLE and BLACK EMPOWERMENT. Backed up with milestones like Lewis Hamilton with his Formula One victory and Tyler Perry with the inauguration of a black-owned motion picture studio, people of African descent will not take their origins as a possible hindrance anymore. And that is already considerable CHANGE.

I wish Barack all the strength and wisdom for such a difficult role. I wish Michelle even more strength and wisdom to be an inspirational First Lady. I wish their children the best of the best. But most of all, I wish them all LONG LIFE!

Blog 019: Woman! Go back to your kitchen!

2008-11-03T16:27:00.000-08:00

We have so often heard phrases like that. So what is it about it that sounds disturbing? Is it the "kitchen"? Is it the "Your kitchen", as in "Your responsibility, so I'm not helping you"? Or is it the "Go BACK" as in " Go Backwards", "retarded", "Last", "Loser". Implying that the kitchen is a downgraded place to be?

Maybe it is, because people who struggle to cook a good meal are not seen. Cooking a typical African meal can be energy-taking and time-consuming. After the meal is done, the cook comes out with all kinds of smells of fried food and exhausted looks. Of course, that's very unglamorous. But you know what, ladies of the kitchen? You are, what Barack Obama calls, the quiet heroes. You do not look for the limelight, but you make a change by sacrificing, so the family can be well-nourished.

Think of it really: He/She who is in charge of a kitchen does have "quiet power". If it is true that "we are what we eat", then a cook makes us what we are. A person in charge of the kitchen has the power to energize or to weaken. "The way to a man's heart is through his stomach". A wife in the kitchen has the power to sexually turn on, or kill her husband. Isn't this power in its rawest form??

Just as the White House is the place of world influencing decisions, the kitchen is the most important place in the house. What comes out of it strengthens people emotionally and physically. Where do you meet a potential business partner? At the restaurant. What makes you look forward to Christmas with the whole family? The food. What strengthens the most the bond between mother and child? Breastfeeding. What does a man desiring a woman do to win her heart? Cook her a dinner... before telling her one day "Go back to your kitchen!"... :-)

One thing, the man-hating feminist, that advocates the departure of woman from the kitchen, needs to understand is that she got caught up in the lies of the insecure male and believed them. I respect the struggle for the right to vote, for the right to have abortion, for the right to yell the hell out of a disrespectful husband. But I think there is a level of "feminism" that doesn't even deserve to be called like that anymore. Why don't we call it "man-slayism"?

So if an insecure male tells you: "Woman, go back to your kitchen", remain calm and go triumphantly keeping in mind that, in that kitchen, you have "quiet power" over him. He must be too simple-minded to understand that...

* Photographer: Jack Pavoa
Summary: A black mother and daughter cook in a small kitchen at Wilson Farm, Mississippi County, Arkansas.
Courtesy of Arkansas Historical Commission

Blog 018: Uncle Colin Powell dropping it like it's HOT!!

2008-10-16T10:39:00.001-07:00

Yes papa! Na so iy deh! No do am like those your stuck up mates in most gov offices! DROP AM LIKE YA FUFU DI HOT!!!!!
Colin Powell wowing crowds yesterday at Africa Rising Festival in London... He reminded me of one of my high-spirited uncles after a nice sip of PALM WINE!

Blog 017: TEAR THAT DIRTY WEAVE OFF!!!!

2008-10-01T06:21:00.000-07:00

HABAIIII!!!! NA WETI DIS NOR!?!?! Damn I love me some Naomi, and I love me some nice weaves from time to time but THIS!!!!!! IS!!!!! NOT!!!!!!! WORKING!!!!!!!!!!!

NA WHICH KIND CELEBRITY CRAW CRAW ITCH SO!?!?!?!

Call me a gossip, or all you want, but this is the reason why I sometimes walk down the streets and I feel like TEARING A SISTER'S WEAVE OFF!! I mean, look at this!!! THE DAMN SCALP IS GASPING FOR AIR!!!!!!! GRACIOUS!!!!

AND LOOK AT THE ALMOST NON-EXISTING HAIRLINE!!!! Her 20-year-old weaving habit has WIPED OUT ALL TRACES OF A HAIRLINE!!!!

It is for this reason, that in most African boarding schools, the first thing you do when you enroll, is chop that hair down Kojak style!! Oh yes, sounds hard on cute little girls, but if some cannot KEEP THEIR HAIR NEAT, then this is a radical alternative! Hygiene, please!!!

My dear Afro Sisters! Here is my solemn petition for a BETTER TREATMENT FOR OUR HAIR!!! Whether straight, curly, kinky, fake or real, PLEASE!!!! let's TREAT OUR HAIR SHAFTS FAIRLY!!!! LOVE YOUR HAIR, AS YOU LOVE YOURSELVES!!!!!

Still getting over the sight of this picture....

BLOG 016: LIVE AT "LE FAROT": SHAMAKUANA NIGHT!!!!

2008-09-03T02:41:00.000-07:00

On Saturday I sang at the Afro-Caribbean Disco "Le Farot" in Darmstadt, Germany. To tell you the truth, I was more than nervous about that gig, because its audience is largely CAMEROONIAN. And trust me folks, THIS IS THE MOST DIFFICULT AUDIENCE ON PLANET EARTH! My people don't care whether you're famous or not: Either you come on time and burn the crowd or you're WACK, and you DROWN IN THE OCEAN OF EMBARASSMENT!!!

So there I was, weeks before, biting my nails about what to sing... I was sure that for a Coupé Décalé, Socca and Merengue-thirsty crowd, ain't no Funk Rock-Soul joint working! HELL NO! But what made me accept this gig was CHALLENGE!!!
I had talked to my partner Dario about doing three special tracks, that blend r&b, slight distorted guitar elements, and eventually the thickest Afro beat hump ever...
Now, off I go to the club, after my daughter summoned me about "abandonning her" to go and make money (ohhh... I just hate that feeling called guilt!!). I'm dying in nervous apprehension, but I say to myself "hey Menoosha, either you burn or you die!"...
To my wonderful surprise, this turned out to be one of my best gigs! I was so appreciated that my peoples threw money on me (that's how we show appreciation to an artist we like back home)...

I have to thank each and every person who was present at the Farot last Saturday, not just for showing up to see DJ Sweet, and Afro caribbean star Kaysha, but also for showing me so much love and appreciation. You all simply made my day!

Blog 015: Don't worry mum, I'll give you some money

2008-09-01T01:49:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday was a VERY long day for me, as I had to do 2 shows in a row. On my way to the babysitter with my daughter, she told me she wouldn't go.

- "Mummy I don't want to go! I want to stay with you! HOME!"
- "Darlin, you know I have to go and work, and fetch some money... if I don't do that, I have no money, so I can't buy you all the nice things you ask for!"
- "Okay, I have an idea: you stay home, and I give you money, okay?"

She went to fetch some coins from her savings box, and gave them to me... I struggled not to cry...

Blog 014: Working Mum Destiny

2008-08-13T02:41:00.000-07:00

When you choose to stay home to raise your kids, you are on one side ridiculed by the Career Freak. "Born to shoot out doodoo-droppers... what a life?!?" When you choose not to have kids to simply concentrate on a career, of course, you will be some kind of a "vilain" to eyes of the House Wife. "How can she not find baby doodoo sweet?!?!" But things get tough, when you choose to be a bit of BOTH.

You will belong to nowhere: The Career Freak will think you are not consequent about your choices, whilst the House Wife will simply think you are nuts, to want to miss out on every detail of your child's development. Men at work will consider you not productive enough, and Men in your private sphere will maybe admire you, but sometimes confront you with some hard criticism from time to time. Even your own child will say to you one day on the way to the babysitter: "I don't want to go! I want to stay with you!"

I am speaking from the heart because it really gets tough on me at times. Sometimes I envy the House Wife as well as the Career Freak, simply because both have less criticism to deal with. It really takes me to the edge very often. Especially working in the creative fields.

However I do not regret the choice I made. Because 2 things are sure for me. Being a Career Freak would make me go through a harsh mid-life crisis, and dark Third Age. And being a full House Wife would turn me into a frustrated human being, who will take it out on anything that cannot run away fast enough. Now don't misunderstand me, I am not hating on these 2 types of women. I am just exposing the kinds of feelings their choices would do to ME.

The most important in life is to make a choice, be real, consequent but most of all, HAPPY about it.

Long live ALL TYPES OF WOMEN! We are strong beings!!!! I just wish we would all stick more together, and respect each other's choices.

Blog 013: Amy Winehouse video game

2008-08-11T09:27:00.000-07:00

After chocolate pieces made in the shape of Hollyfield's choped ear, from Mike Tyson's biting session, after the fist fight video game of It-girls featuring the likes of Paris Hilton, here comes the newest video game: Escape from Rehab. Plot: help druged up and drunk Amy Winehouse escape from rehab and fight against Incredible Hulk and stuff to go and save Blake from prison....

The only thing I can say is: apocalypse is very nigh.
Stupidity and disrespect at its highest degree...

www.escapefromrehabgame.com

Blog 012: To who the blame? The Rule Setter or the Rule Followers?

2008-08-10T04:39:00.001-07:00

The british "behead-any-living-celebrity" tabloid THE SUN accuses Beyoncé of allowing "Photoshop-bleaching" on the picture of her L'Oreal new ad, in order to easily reach out whiter audiences.

Apparently along with Beyoncé, Penelope Cruz, Jane Fonda and Andie McDowell have to sit on the "Guilty Bench", for partly wearing fake eyelashes or wiping out their wrinkles or whatever... Like shit like that is new...

But sadly, Beyoncé has to take the most "bullets" because her case raises racial discussions. Whether it is airbrushing, crazy bleaching filters, extreme lighting, hardcore hair relaxing or weaves and extensions, what's the difference? Like many other brown singers in her position, who need to continue wowing large audiences to keep their careers going on, she had obey one unspoken rule: be colorless. Some do it by refusing association to any color or race, by looking or sounding like nobody. Others will chose to look like the audience with the greatest economic capital: WHITE.

But really, dear media polluters, Why don't you step down of your criticism throne and tell us who between the dirty rule FOLLOWER and the dirty rule SETTER is GUILTY? Why do YOU attack the Beyoncés who follow rules THAT YOU SET??? You are the same people, who complained about Estelle being too raw, too black, and keeping too funny teeth! You are the same ones who make fun of Kate Winslet's extra pounds, then turn around and crucify Allegra Versace; YOU made her believe that extra lumps are unsexy!

Let's raise the bar higher: Why don't you do coverage about all the lies we are told about the content of the food we eat? Why don't you tell the world about the war that broke out YESTERDAY BETWEEN RUSSIA AND GEORGIA? Why don't you publish an article about the toxic waste that was dropped by big polluter firms A FEW MILES FROM MY PARENTS' HOUSE TWO YEARS AGO?!?!?! Don't you think people need to hear that!?!?!?

So to sum it all up, dear tabloids and media manipulators, inform us about relevant shit and let Beyoncé Knowles make her money HOWEVER SHE WANTS. Because when YOU do, even in your sleazy ways, NOBODY complains.

Blog 011: Joy Magazine associates me with ... Phone Sex (!!!)

2008-07-22T15:54:00.000-07:00

"Telefonsex" on Joy Magazine in German (July 2008 issue)

Okay, there I am net addicted on my computer at 11.00 PM, curious about what comes up as links when I type "Menoosha" on Google... You never know what you'll be associated with out there...

And I land on the Lifestyle magazine "Joy" mentioning me... Which is curious... As far as I know, I am everything except a celeb... I'm just another singer out there surviving on singing her bowels out... Or did I wake up from the wrong dream?? Anyway...

The article is about phone sex... I didn't know Prude Me could ever be publicly associated to what "good girls don't do" as written in the article... (!?!?!?!?!) Anyway... So they mention "Givin it up" (the first song I ever did with Dario Allegra; we leaked it on a Mercedes Benz Mixed Tape)... The song starts with a phone dial, then a man's voice saying "hello" (which is actually mine, but just "naturally" downpitched...), and then I sing to the kick "I feel you"... I verse and chorus twice, then Dario does his keys solo, and so on... blabla, just to sum up the song*...

(*What a sensual song, done in the most unlikely circumstances: I had the craziest PMS, a nasty argument with Mister Man, and Dario was getting on my f**** nerves sounding like a "sing that again, please" sample!...)

Then they describe the sexual associations, connotations, and all what not, that my singing style suggests... Whether my mentionning in the article is a subtile diss, or an interesting appraisal: (I couldn't care less...) ANY PUBLICITY IS PUBLICITY!

You can download "Givin it up" for free RIGHT HERE!

Stay fly,
Menoosha

Blog 010: Buy a "Three Piece Suite"

2008-07-12T17:41:00.001-07:00

Dario and I have crafted 3 songs, that are available as a 3-track EP: The Three Piece Suite. Enjoy the music!

Blog 009: Michael Jackson is my son (Episode 1)

2008-06-23T04:12:00.000-07:00

I am shocked. But a family secret has broken out.

My 4-year-old kid revealed to me yesterday that she has a brother... Obviously I had forgotten about a pregnancy... hey shit happens...

"Mama, my brother's name is Michael Jackson"

So that makes me the mother of the King of Pop... But not necessarily the mother of the 8 other siblings... This means Katherine Jackson is not Michael Jackson's real mother... This means means Joe Jackson intruded into my private garden without my knowing... So which means... I was raped by Joe Jackson!!!! ... at a Jackson 4 After party... In a pub... in Middlesex, UK... in 1957.. long before my birth.... He gave me such hard drugs that I forgot the rape AND the pregnancy AND the birth AND the adoption of my long lost son of 49 years... JOE JACKSON RAPED AN EMBRYO!!!! CALL THE POPO!!!!!!

So if I had sex before my birth... got pregnant before my birth... And gave birth before my birth... I must be ...

AN ALIEN.

Oh my God...

Stay tuned on a new episode of the new soap:
"Michael Jackson is my son"

Blog 008: More "NIGGER" plight....

2008-05-08T00:53:00.000-07:00

Oh God, I hate this word....

I don't want this blog to be racial. As a matter of fact I hate the "black and proud" thing... Like I'm trying to shake off leprosy or something... I am a human being, a super homo sapiens, and a world citizen, period. But there are some things that do get me angry.

I was getting my daughter ready for the day care center this morning. When suddenly she started laughing: "You are blaaaack! You are blaaaack! hahahaha!"....
I look at her shocked, and I know this doesn't come from her.

Me: "What do you mean?"
Her: "Look! your skin is black! hahahaha!!!!"
Me: "Who told you the same thing at the day care center?".
Her: "My best friend".
Her best friend is a blond little white girl.

A few weeks ago, my daughter complained that her best friend made fun of her "short kinky hair". "She said my hair is not long enough, not beautiful enough"....

Well, I firmly believe in the innocence of EVERY child. Children do not see color, they don't see difference. And if at all they see it, they get curious about it. But if the difference becomes a subject of mockery then it doesn't come from them. Go and find out what their Mummies or Daddies tell them or talk about every day when they get home.

So this morning I did some serious thinking. Should I talk to the head mistress? Should I talk to their teacher? Should I talk to my daughter's best friend??? Should I talk to her best friend's parents????

I was once watching my kid on the playground with other kids. She wanted to swing with some other kids. One of them got up and retorted: "I don't swing with black people"... My "don't-take-shit-from-anybody" nerve starts itching... Oh Lord I wish I was back home, so I COULD KNOCK THE HELL OUT OF THIS STUPID KID!!!!! But I want no trouble, so I take my baby home, and fry her some lovely pancakes and put on her favorite Mary Poppins DVD... "Just a spoon full of sugar makes the medicine go down"... I love this movie...

What I have done till now (which I see as a heavy responsibility) is to teach her to love herself the way she is, what to say in such situations. Intensively. If I do not put a stop to potential complexes at 4 years old, Lord knows what comes next. I don't want no Peccola Breedlove, wishing for the "Bluest Eye" ever.

Here is what the novel is about.

Blog 007: Buzz for me in La France

2008-05-07T00:57:00.000-07:00

Get your English/German/Blabla - French dictionaries, and read this article!

VIVE LA FRANCE!!!

Blog 006: Where was Mrs Fritzl???????

2008-05-06T00:16:00.000-07:00

Josef Fritzl... Locked his daughter, Elisabeth for 24 years in a dungeon, in a small town in Austria... Fathered her 7 children of which 6 survived... One died at birth... And was incinerated in an oven... He raped her... Beat her... in front of the kids... Just imagine what the kids witnessed all this time: no daylight, rapes, beatings, screams and cries, births without assisted medical care. Just imagine what this woman has turned out to be: a pale, frightened, malnourished, broken and destroyed spirit... I am sure protesting wasn't an option anymore for her, she had accepted her fate. She surely hates him every now and then, but also had feelings of romantic love for her father, because this was the only man in her life. It's horrible to imagine, but maybe in all her emotional turmoil, she chose to have pleasure sometimes. What other choice would she have? What point of comparison did she have to decide for herself what was normal and what was not? What was unacceptable and what was not? I'm sure she flirted with thoughts of escaping, but how do you organise that with 6 children, a hardcore lock system, and a monster who might kill you if the attempt fails?

Josef Fritzl... He is more than a demon for sure. But I wonder what kind of past this man had... I bet he got a hard rape for breakfast, a sound beating for lunch and for dinner he had to satisfy I don't know who else's fantasies or else... Maybe this is how such treatments become a life standard for a potential child molester. But Mr Fritzl sure took it to the next level.

You know what I wonder when I read all these articles about the drama: where on earth was Mrs Fritzl??????? The daughter Elisabeth was locked up at 18, but the raping started when she was 11!!!! Where was Mrs Fritzl when it all happened???? When Mr Fritzl was convicted the first time in the 60s for intruding into the apartment of a 24-year-old nurse, and raping her, what did Mrs Fritzl do????? Would somebody please give us some news about her? IS THERE STILL A MRS FRITZL?????

How does a neighbourhood manage NOT TO KNOW about raped kids, and burned babies AROUND THE CORNER for 24 (TWENTY FOUR) YEARS????? In a third world country like mine, we are so concerned (or let me say SO CURIOUS! lol) that somebody like Mr Fritzl would have been caught after a maximum of ONE YEAR, Exposed naked to the public market. Beaten, castrated and probably even killed by the neighbourhood itself. Very harsh. But that's called popular justice.

Looking at this case, I'm inviting you to "admire" the greatest flaw of a civilisation based on INDIVIDUALISM. I do my shit, you do your shit. Don't poke your nose into my business, I won't poke my nose in yours. And if you die alone in your apartment, hey too bad. At least we'll discover you when horrid carnal smells are inevitable, and fat flies suddenly hover around your apartment, rejoicing on another "Thanksgiving" meal.

Blog 005: Menoosha for SKODA

2008-04-21T04:04:00.000-07:00

The new Skoda Superb Car creation is out now, with a promotional track sung by me.
A single release is planned for End of May, with availability everywhere. I will definitely keep you not just informed but SPAMMED about it!!!!!! :-D

Blog 004: Open Protest against a RACIST ARTICLE

2008-03-28T02:55:00.000-07:00

"The return of the white oncle" (Die Rückkehr des Weissen Onkels) is a german article that was published last Sunday, 23rd of March 2008 on the prestigious "Sonntagszeitung der FAZ".
Thomas Scheen (see picture below), its Africa-correspondent, wrote his impressions on Africans today: with all the mess going on, Africans allegedly have a throwback feeling thinking of colonialism because at least back then "things were better"...

It goes even further: Africans allegely would rather "be helped" than "help themselves": they are just too DUMB for that. I won't dive into details, because such allegations are collective insults. Read the complete PDF article
In case, you are angry like me, you may or YOU SHOULD write to sonntagszeitung@faz.de
Here is my open letter to the press team of the FAZ.

Dear "Sonntagszeitung der FAZ",

I have read your article about the "return of the white uncles" written by Thomas Scheen, who covers African topics. I read and write German, but I will write to you my impressions in English. I believe no one in your editorial team would understand my mother tongue anyway...

I must hereby express my surprise, that such a respected paper like yours brings itself down to the level of the IGNORANCE of your employed Africa-correspondent, Thomas Scheen.

It is very easy to travel through Africa, or even live in Africa, in the 5 star hotels or in the posh suburbs, without interacting with the real Africans of ALL social ranges/classes, then come out in Germany and claim to know them all inside out. And dare publish an article that describes Africans in a much too biased way: the way YOU want the African man to be! It is an insult to Human Dignity coming from the citizen of a country, that should know better (1939-1945)! What a disgrace for such a prestigious newspaper like yours.

You know ABSOLUTELY NOTHING about the breed of intellectual Africans who want to make a change, but whose hands are CHAINED, because a group of RACIST European and BRAINWASHED ARROGANT African decision makers who do not want to let go of the material advantages they get from forcing Africa to ECONOMICALLY KNEEL DOWN!

I know many of you think, that "a black man won't read anyway". If you think, we are not witnessing the BULLSHIT (attavistic racist reflexes) you allow yourselves to publish for some "Sunday entertainment", then I hereby stand up to tell you this: YOU BETTER STOP FOOLING YOURSELVES. And I am by no means a politician.

So in conclusion: he who has little or no insight on a topic, should actually keep his STINKING BIASED ARISTOCRATIC MOUTH SHUT. We have you in check. Beware of what you provoke.

Shame on you,
Menoosha Susungi

Helen Taylor in all her beauty

2008-03-26T02:58:00.001-07:00

Thomas, thanks for the pictures. :-)

In loving memory of Helen Mwangi Taylor

2008-03-21T03:58:00.000-07:00

Helen dear,
I really hesitated before writing this, but I think I want to let the world know what you've done for me.

I am devastated because I didn't grab the opportunity to tell you how much your good energy and strength touched me. I am devastated because I didn't grab the opportunity to thank you for offering me shelter, that one time in my life when I had nowhere to go. I am devastated because I never stressed on how much I enjoyed harmonising on TMC with you. I am devastated because I will truly miss the unique vibrato of your voice. I am devastated because I will miss your "british/kenyan accent" :-) We weren't all that close, but you somehow always had an ear for me in times of trouble.

Helen, my head is really messed up right now, because I kept postponing visiting you. We are all really in great shock, but we have to let you go back to the Father in peace. We'll keep praying for nothing but strength, courage and wisdom for your family and especially your lovely daughters.

Love you, Menoosha

Blog 003: "Bros before hoes"

2008-03-19T11:15:00.001-07:00

What does one say to this? Actually nothing. This is just too much bias, prejudice and ignorance... But Mr. Everybody likes it either black or white, good or bad, sweet or sour. There are no in betweens. Barack is the "good black brother". Hillary is the "nasty white whore". Oh please grow up!!! Must you always apply the rules of bubblegum Hollywood movies to reality??

So really, who will be the next President of Planet Earth? A "lost son of my Hopeless Dark Continent" or the "once-cheated wifey of an ex-President"? What will the world's fate depend on? "kenyan testosterone"? Or "irish Premenstrual Syndrome"?

You know what I think? Just because Germany was ready for a change with Angela Merkel, doesn't mean a PURITANIST and, yes FUNDAMENTALIST (!) country like the United States of America is just as ready. None of them will make it. Neither the militant brother nor the ambitious white chick. Let's see if my prognostics are right....

Blog 002: The success of reality shows

2008-03-17T10:51:00.000-07:00

Now let's get serious on this blog. When I saw Justin Timberlake complain to MTV at one award show, about airing more crap than videos to promote artists, I just thought to myself, that dude hasn't understood what is going on in the media world. Can't blame him: what do you expect from a child star gone "pophophippidybop" mogul?

The condition for being a star 50 years ago or so, was to be simply TALENTED. You had to sing, dance, act or think extraordinarily to be risen to the status of an icon. Show the people what you got, and you have an audience. Back when I was 8, one just needed to mention a Michael Jackson, to make me shake and remember that he must be from some other planet. In my 8-year-old head, I had "realised" there was a law of hierarchy that clearly separated me from super human beings like Madonna or Tina Turner. In my mind, I could never DREAM of reaching such a level.

The "good" news that reality shows have brought today, with the help of the rising media influence, is that ANYBODY can be a star. ANYBODY can be aired on MTV, provided they are willing to ridicule themselves in the name of Entertainment. Look at the Tiffany "New York" Pollard phenomenon. Girl snatched the word "Drama" out of the dictionary and OWNS IT!

With this illusion of "Anybody can be a star", reality shows are getting a large audience greatly consisting of people who HOPE TO BE REALITIY SHOW STARS one day. Stick out a tit, and you're on! Sleep with a stranger on the "Real World", you're on! Talk foul language and disgrace your family with the BAAAAAAADDEST behaviour, you are sure to be the next star.

One other fascinating thing about reality shows is where does the reality stop, and the acting start? Or ask yourself the same question the way around. I still go back to the example of my dear New York. Sometimes I wonder, is she the kind of clever person who knows what the mass wants, and acts consequently? Or is she really that DUMB??? Ladies and Gentlemen, just that question keeps millions of people hooked on her.

So Justin Timberlake cannot blame MTV, for airing crap if it brings SUCCESS, TURNOVER and MONEY. Matter of fact, if he was the president of MTV, HE WOULD DO THE SAME! Matter of fact, if I was the president of MTV, I'd make it stand for Mindless TeleVision, fill it with nothing but bullshit like Tila Tequila's bisexual orgies. And create an extra channel just for artists! How about that?

This is just to say, people or let me say fellow artists, stop complaining about "too many reality shows on MTV, and not enough videos"! GET YOUR OWN REALITY SHOW! HAHAAAAAAA! :-D You didn't see me coming, did you? But listen, don't just get your own reality show, make it different from the others! How? Don't ask me!?! FIND OUT YOURSELF!!

Blog 001: Tadaaaah!

2008-03-17T04:40:00.000-07:00

See this picture on the side? This is how I feel right now!!! PRAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!! Unstoppable! Energetic! Fierce! UNTAMABLE LIONESS!!! I love this picture because anytime I look at it, it reminds me to keep up that good spirit!

The creative energy is slowly coming to its peak. I'm writing, singing, and reading a lot. Reading bedtime stories, and singing lullabies to my little one are not tedious anymore. I used to be stuck up in a certain vicious circle of "oh leave me alone, i'm just too stressed for anything". I finally took some important decisions in my life, and quickly understood what I was missing out on. Everything I'm doing, I try to do it with passion. If the passion is inexistant in anything, then I don't do it. I am not a corpse, I am a joyful living being, DAMMIT! And oh, I jog again! LOL Inhaling all the positive energy floating in the cosmos, sweating all that junk out of my mind. Running to the true rythm of my life, and feeling good about how far I made it for today! Jogging is more than just sports, it is a spiritual experience for me.

I'm looking at my nutella jar, smiling back at it and saying "you know what, you are not tempting me today!". My neighbour complains telling me: "You sing just too loud" and I sing back to her: "You haaaaave a gooooood daaaaaaaaay, darlin".

Life is good... so far :-D
Enjoy the video of this "Evil baby"...