#Identity Crisis

In the box office hit movie "The Equalizer" we are made to know that the two most important dates in a man's life are; 1) The day he is born, and 2) the day he finds out why. Discovering the answer to life's questions has always been the deepest need of man.. More powerful than his need for self-preservation. See that's why curiosity killed the cat! Lol.. Now where am i going with this?

Well, since the inception of the #Boomsha series, i hve been deluged with a flood of conflicting opinions and views on the various subjects i have written on. At first, i was bewildered by the apparent disunity amongst the christian community as to its position on certain issues until it dawned on me;the heart of the matter is the matter of the heart. This whole controversy is only a reflection of an inner conflict, an inner struggle in the minds of many young christians: an identity crisis!

The truth is, until we come to definite understanding of who we are as individual christians and as to what specific purpose God has called us to, we will remain stuck in an identity crisis. We will remain in a state of uncertainty as to whether to be this or that, secular or gospel? Artiste or minister? We will keep having pastors who would have impacted the world better as politicians.. Wack artistes who should have kept their day jobs and remain great music fans.. Bankers who would have made fantastic businessmen.. Now lets bring it closer home.. We would keep having great solo artistes who are still trapped in the church choir and music ministers who would have fared better on secular platforms.. Yea.. I said it

When a christian artiste chooses to take his music out of the confines of conventional worship and express his artistry using less religious channels, his decision is usually viewed with distrust and resentment by the christian community.. Why? The church has trust issues! And rightly so.. Bearing in mind the rampant cases of betrayal of trust by christian artistes who crossed-over and ended up blending with the crowd. The church has a bagfull of sad stories of such promising talent who got on secular platforms and ended up promoting the same vices they were taught to shun in sunday school. Of course the church has trust issues.. Wouldnt you?

However, do we throw out the baby with the bathwater? Arent there christian artistes who genuinely craft music without religious overtones and bless the world with their gift outside the confines of the church. I believe there are! These unique bunch of people dont fit into your regular church setting.. They dont sing songs for the average church-goer. Their songs are not well-received in religious circles but they do have a growing followership outside the church. They are not the type you invite to minister at your annual convention or church harvest.. Ironically tho..Their uniqueness doesnt get them much love on the other side.. The world senses something different about them and abhors their nonconformity with popular thinking.. Their songs preach without preaching.. They are not entertaining enough..They are not at home there either.. So they remain stuck between a rock and a hard place.. Between a church with trust-issues and a world with God-issues. Theirs is a thankless job..

Sadly, some of them buckle under the pressure and choose to blend in with the crowd thereby adding more fuel to the controversy..some others scamper back to the safety of the church with their tails tucked between trembling limbs..only a handleful remain to slog it out in this jungle called the music industry.. You will find them on secular platforms; Reality TV shows, Nite clubs and other music events. They are outsiders.. outliers..They are one of your own.. Fighting behind enemy lines..Its a tight-rope they walk on.. A long hard road with more discouragement from friends than enemies..

Sometimes they just want to come home to their Father's house and rest their weary feet by  the fire.. Just for a spell.. But when they do.. will you be waiting with open arms? .. or a stone? .. for one of your own.

 #Boomsha

#‎Storms‬ In A Tea Cup

Ive got to be honest with you guys..i was taken by surprise at the public response to my previous write-up "‪#‎prodigal‬ sons" . Actually when i started the ‪#‎boomsha‬ series, my aim was to share some of my musings with friends on social media not spark up heated debate and controversy. However, judging by the number of likes,shares and comments on social networks as well as publications of my article on blogs, i realized i must have really touched on some 'sensitive' spots..
Oh well.. Controversy sells, my friends..it sells faster than cheap snacks in lagos traffic. I would rather avoid it though..but hey..here we go again. I would like to touch on another topic that has been the bone of contention among young christians on social media..i pray i dont lose some teeth..lol..lets get into it..
The question is whether a christian can choose to be a 'secular' artiste just like taking up any other job and whether a christian who chooses to go the 'gospel' route is allowed to sing 'secular' songs on the side? Well, i do not intend to tout myself as an authority in such matters. I only seek to shed some more light on the vexed issue and help us see things from a different perspective.
A good start would be to define the terms "gospel" and "secular". The word gospel is derived from the old English word 'god-spell' meaning "good news" or "glad tidings". What glad tidings? That of salvation for mankind through the life, death and ressurrection of Jesus Christ. It also refers to the message of Grace as revealed through the scriptures. (Source: Wikipedia)
How about the word 'secular'? It refers to the state of being separate from religion or not being exclusively allied with any faith.(Source: Wikipedia)
In contextualizing these definitions,i perceive a gospel artiste to be one who actively promotes the teachings of Jesus and the message of Grace through his music while a secular artiste is one who chooses to separate his music from his faith or does not wish his music to be exclusively allied with any faith for professional reasons. Both are artistes but with different mindsets..both standpoints have their pros and cons..To each his own.
Now back to the issues raised..can a christian choose to be a "secular artiste' i.e choose not to have his music exclusively identified with the Christian faith? Yes he can..Afterall, music can be strictly a career choice..Will he go to hell for that? Nope..He is still a child of God! but would he truly be fulfilling the great commission by choosing to use such a powerful source of influence for strictly 'professional' reasons? Would he have to account before the Giver of the gift as to how he used it? I would leave that for you to answer.
On to the next one, can a gospel artiste sing secular songs on the side? Well..going by our definition of what is secular,i perceive a secular song would be one which does not in anyway point to the person of Christ or promote the values of God's Kingdom in anyway..Well, in that case, the notion of a gospel artiste singing a secular song would be downright ridiculous!..dat would be going against the very foundation of his calling.
However, we must note that christianity is not a religion, its a way of life. Christ was not religious but He was spiritual. A song is not secular because it has no obvious reference to God or the Christian faith..Also, a song is not gospel just because it has an obvious mention of God in it! Lets get our definitions right!
Having done so we ought to also embrace the practical realities of what the christian way of life entails and reflect that in the music. Christianity should teach the world how to live in every respect; how to love God, how to love people, how to dress, how to party, how to do politics..how to do everything! So if we narrow gospel music to "church" music, we are barely scratching the surface.
So what is the conclusion of the matter? Should i be a secular or gospel artiste? Should i sing or not sing a secular song? Well..dats for you to decide, my friend. However, in the words of Jesus Christ himself in the book of Luke 18 : 29, He said and i quote" ..I assure you that everyone who has given up house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the Kingdom of God will be repaid many times over in this life, and will have eternal life in the world to come". Did that help?..lol..See ya next week!
#Boomsha

#‎Prodigal‬ Sons

Do u remember dat slim guy who plays d keyboard every sunday and midweek service in church? Well..he's gone secular. I saw him singing in a music video recently surrounded by some half-naked chicks.. Yep.. He's really done it this time! How about that choir girl? The one with the piercing soprano voice.. Yea.. She sef don switch sides..My homie was at her album listening party at Quilox the other day..She just signed with a big label..yea.. Her songs,man...smh..na jaiye jaiye tinz o..lol.. Sounds familiar? Doesnt it?.. Word gets around real fast.. Then the akward question: why did they go 'secular'?

Some blame the Church..They dont support artistes! They only care about church activities and increasing their member base.. They dont encourage talent..They dont pay musicians well.. Bla bla bla
Others blame the artiste.. They were not genuine believers in the first place.. They love the pleasures of the world too much..They sold their soul to the devil.. They were not patient enough.. Yada yada yada..
But every side has a story.. Do u know what it takes to run a church? Most churches run by faith..The bigger the church the bigger the bills..and of course every church has its primary goals and objectives which determines its priority list in allocating resources..
As for the artiste..Have u tried on their shoes? Seen how they fit? U have a secular job or business you are involved in during the week..Music is all they have ever done for a living... Do u know what it takes to be that musician who is always in church on sundays and weekdays blessing you with his or her talent for free while struggling with financial burdens and unrealized dreams. You probably just give em a pat on the back after service and say 'wow, i was blessed' then u walk away and return to your profitable job.
Next time u feel like pointing accusing fingers.. Ask what you as a person have done for the gospel music industry? Before u throw stones at the prodigal son, ask yourself who was more prodigal; the younger brother who went 'secular' or the older brother who stayed in the church but did nothing for the industry.
We need more christian businessmen who will invest in our young people. We dont need your handouts.. You are not doing us a favour. We guarantee your money back with interest! We need more christian labels.. More managers.. More talent scouts.. More everything. Dont just sit there and point fingers.. Do something!
‪#‎Boomsha‬

#‎Blurred‬ Lines

I had an interesting conversation with a friend yesterday and it made me realize how blurred the lines between our convictions and public opinion have become.
Im pretty sure if i were to ask if we approved of the homosexual scenes in the TV Series "Empire" i wud most likely get a firm collective response..but i might start some real trouble if i expected a similar response to the "Korede Bello" controversy.. The lines there are not so clear.. Or are they?

Well.. Dats the world we live in currently.. and live in it we must. But then again.. It is imperative that we ask ourselves if we still possess any core values? ..Values that wont change regardless of whatever crazy direction society goes? ..
No matter how many "shades of grey" we create.. Light will always be light and darkness darkness.. God's word is light.. and it wont change wt the times.. Not anytime soon..Stay in the light..
‪#‎Boomsha‬

Sibling Wars

I watched him cut his brother off in mid-flow "shut up,Josh! what do you know about music" Stung by his elder brother's remark,Josh retorted "I know a whole lot more than you think,Peter!" I laughed nervously trying to defuse the tension as i watched these brothers square off with an embarrassed me caught in the middle..an unwilling umpire.I sighed inwardly as i mentally mopped the sweat off my brows Phew! Sibling rivalry! Such a natural yet disturbing phenomenon..dating back to the days of Cain and Abel..though rarely fatal these days,the emotional wreckage it leaves does give cause for worry..

Peter and Josh..blood brothers..both good friends of mine..yet so different and so not at peace with each other..I knew Peter first..a rapper just like me..we got along just fine..after a couple of visits to his house,i met his kid brother,Josh..also a budding artiste. He was a fan of my work..and eager to make my acquaintance though he was careful not to seek it while i was in Peter's company. You see..Josh had always lived in Peter's shadow..Peter was the famous one in the family..the star..Josh's only claim to fame was in being referred to as "that Peter's brother"..tired of living in big brother's shadow, Josh hungered to make a name for himself..make his own mark..after all,he had come of age,hadn't he?

Josh stopped tagging along with big brother and chose his own crowd.Peter grew increasingly bewildered by the change in his once docile little brother and not being able to explain it,he chose to ignore it. Inevitably, personalities began to clash.Josh was fast shedding his dependent role but still felt the need for big brother's validation. The harder he tried, the more Peter ignored him and tried to put him in his place.Soon, Josh perceived his brother as arrogant and domineering ..no longer the idol he once worshipped..on the other hand, Peter saw Josh as rebellious and defiant..a thorn in his flesh..the sibling wars had begun!

And there i was caught in the middle of it all..but i could relate..a similar storm had brewed in my family for years..born in between older and younger siblings, i could easily fit into either shoes.I have felt the bewilderment of a big brother watching his little brother grow into a mind of his own and reject big brother's guidance.I have also felt the frustration of a younger brother who had come of age but is not acknowledged as such by his big brother..yes..i have straddled both sides of the fence and drunk from both cups

Similarly,i have had cause to trade confidences with a lady friend on the issue..you see..Ameeda had always worshipped her elder sister Kafayat (Kaffy for short)since she was little.Kaffy had been her best friend and protector all her life..so when she had to fill in her choice of university on her JAMB form,she chose the small school Kaffy was attending.However,when her sister heard of it,she was livid with rage!You see,although Kaffy was the older of the two,she had always lived in Ameeda's shadow..let me explain..Kaffy was born with average good looks, but her younger sister,Ameeda was a stunner.She naturally drew the attention of people everywhere they went while poor kaffy played the background.

Being naturally ahead, Kaffy got into the university before Ameeda..for the first time in her life,Kaffy no longer had to compete with her younger sister for attention.She bloomed like an Irish rose and was soon the talk of campus. Her consternation could better be imagined when she learned Ameeda had chosen to come to her school.It was the last straw for Kaffy..No way! Not Ameeda! Not in a thousand years! She fumed and screamed over the phone. Ameeda was in tears as she recounted the details to me.I shook my head in wonderment..na wa o! Sibling wars!

These wars rage in our homes and communities everyday..the irony of it all is that nobody actually wins..not where the family is involved..where there is damage,there is loss..one person's loss is a loss for the whole family..but we can all win.it takes tolerance,mutual understanding,communication and a forgiving heart to win.May love guide us as we survive through our sibling wars.Have a great life!

Cookies from Ukraine

Cookies from Ukraine

(This is an allegory..all semblances to real persons and places aя̲̣ε̲̣ very well-intended)

I have a thing f☺r cookies from Ukraine..brown-crusted wt pure cream Ø̲п̥ the insides..eazy Ø̲п̥ Τ̲̅ђe palatte..lasting Ø̲п̥ Τ̲̅ђe tongue..a delight f☺r anyone wt a sweet tooth..

I found luv while flipping thru Τ̲̅ђe pages of a magazine and beheld this cookie jar brimming wt ukrainian cookies..М̣̇Ɣ fingers trembled as I traced Τ̲̅ђe outline of Τ̲̅ђe jar Ø̲п̥ Τ̲̅ђe glossy page of Τ̲̅ђe magazine..aaah..what do we have here? I had †̥☺ have those cookies..I hurriedly tapped Ø̲п̥ Τ̲̅ђe keys of М̣̇Ɣ PC as I made an online order f☺r Τ̲̅ђe beauties..

 Τ̲̅ђe reply came a while later via e-mail.. Τ̲̅ђe cookies will B̶̲̥̅ε̲̣̣ delivered †̥☺ me as ordered..but..it would take some time †̥☺ arrive..probably next year..М̣̇Ɣ heart skipped and took a nose-dive into М̣̇Ɣ boots..no cookies from ukraine this year..not even i̲̅n̲̅ time f☺r christmas..could I wait it out? I chewed М̣̇Ɣ fingers as I contemplated Τ̲̅ђe dreary months that stretched endlessly ahead..then М̣̇Ɣ insecurities creeped i̲̅n̲̅..

 U̶̲̅ see,it wasn't Τ̲̅ђe first time I had bn made †̥☺ wait f☺r a stretch of time before taking delivery of a jar of exotic cookies I had pre-ordered online..well,by Τ̲̅ђe time М̣̇Ɣ cookies arrived Τ̲̅ђe last time,they had become stale and powdery..tasteless and offering no real comfort †̥☺ a man wt a sweet tooth..and that was Τ̲̅ђe way Τ̲̅ђe cookie crumbled..nw here I was facing a similar ordeal..

Lord knows,I loved those ukranian cookies..but Τ̲̅ђe uncertainty of it all gave no assurrance †̥☺ a man Ø̲п̥ Τ̲̅ђe rebound from disillusionment..once bitten,twice shy..or Ş̲o rumour has it..Ş̲o I chickened out..and cancelled М̣̇Ɣ order..did a straight judas Ø̲п̥ those cookies..was I wrong? F☺r letting М̣̇Ɣ head rule М̣̇Ɣ heart? Did I throw М̣̇Ɣ happiness away? I don't know..I guess time is Τ̲̅ђe only true judge of these things..but sometimes,I sneak back †̥☺ that magazine and gaze upon those cookies..М̣̇Ɣ cookies from Ukraine..and wonder..

Tuesday, 22 May 2012

To B̶̲̥̅ε̲̣̣ or not †̥☺ B̶̲̥̅ε̲̣̣ Ghetto

(Pls excuse the wordings of this piece..I think i̶̲̥̅̊n̶̲̥̅̊ ebonics sometimes and luv to translate М̣̣̥̇̊Ɣ thots using the same expression..)

Derz a whole lotta tinz dat aint wat dey seem 2 B̶̲̥̅ε̲̣̣..and peeps get it twisted..ℓi̶̲̥̅ke̶̲̥̅ the whole concept of bn 'ghetto'..I kip tellin folk,bn ghetto aint abt where U̶̲̥̅̊ waz raised or Ђδω much cheddar U̶̲̥̅̊ got..bn po aint got nufin on bn ghetto..ya see..Ghetto į̸̸̨§ a state of mind not a financial condition..I seen rich folk dats straight ghetto and I seen strugglin folk wt more class than Fendi...F̶̲̥̅̊☺я real tho,class aint bought wt money,its a product of good breeding and self-comportment..and I seen rich folk that aint got it..straight up ghetto wt they fine linen and dirty manners..no regard F̶̲̥̅̊☺я another man's dignity..they mad trippin off dat money stack wt no realness i̶̲̥̅̊n̶̲̥̅̊ em..I seen uptown kids treat people ℓi̶̲̥̅ke̶̲̥̅ dirt..mouths ℓi̶̲̥̅ke̶̲̥̅ garbage cans..spouting foul grammer ℓi̶̲̥̅ke̶̲̥̅ roosters..and I seen po folk wt compassion who treat people nice and respect people's feelinz..a lotta tins aint wat they seem,I tell ya..when it all comes to roost and the fat lady sings,bn Ghetto į̸̸̨§ a mentality..a disposition..a personal character flaw..tho found mostly amongst common folk..and associated wt the grimey and under-privileged..it aint limited to that..and I seen several exceptions to that stereotype..cos U̶̲̥̅̊ see, Ghetto į̸̸̨§ wat U̶̲̥̅̊ are..not where U̶̲̥̅̊ from..nuff said

Wednesday, 16 May 2012

Confessions of a No-Gooder

I got ur messages..on my mobile phone..and facebook.. U̶̲̥̅̊ say u think about me a great deal..that's an irony of sorts, U know..cos I've seen d pictures of u and him u posted Ø̲n ur wall..U seem so happy..what's the matter,dear? Ur supposed 2 be in luv..(Sigh)..let's B̶̲̥̅ε̲̣̣ real wt ourselves..The truth is I'm no gud 4 u ..never been..never will..

 U̶̲̥̅̊ ask me if I still remember u..of course I do..U were Мy Sunshine..М̣̣̥̇̊Ɣ Chinky China Doll..I was the eclipse that shadowed ur sun 4 a season..the erstwhile recipient of ur affections..until u felt a change i̶̲̥̅̊n d weather and decided 2 flow wt the tide..afterall, U were the ocean..and I was the sand..who was I 2 hold U down?..in the springtime of ur life..resplendent in all ur glory..itching 2 explore and enjoy life..me,a late-bloomer..still finding my feet i̶̲̥̅̊n this world..still planting my seeds and watching them grow..no good 2 a high-flier ℓike U ..no good at all..

So run,Ms Chocolate..and don't look back..ur in a better luv,arent U ? Let it consume U..and fill ur consciousness..Dnt spare a thot 4 me..a no-gooder who couldn't live up 2 ur dreams..I'm still i̶̲̥̅̊n my wilderness,though..but I'm loving where I am on the way 2 where I'm goin..and I'm grateful 4 the people whose faith in me inspire me 2 bε a higher me..they validate my existence.. Enjoy ur time under the sun,Мy dear..we won't always be young...life is too short 2 spend on a no-gooder..no,not me..

P.S
 U̶̲̥̅̊ asked me 2 think about U sometime..I'm sorry..that's a promise I can't keep..cos I wud really love †̥☺ fall i̶̲̥̅̊n love again..wt a no-gooder like me..but above it all.. U̶̲̥̅̊ have М̣̣̥̇̊Ɣ best wishes..XOXO..

Thursday, 10 May 2012

Dear Spring

I heard d echoes of ur comin from a lifetime away..ℓi̶̲̥̅ke̶̲̥̅ the patter of a thousand naked feet..'hello friend', U̶̲̥̅̊ whispered..as U̶̲̥̅̊ tapped on М̣̣̥̇̊Ɣ window pane..and I shivered.. i̶̲̥̅̊n̶̲̥̅̊ anticipation..as I welcomed U̶̲̥̅̊ with open arms..ur the ocean to my shore..u always come back F̶̲̥̅̊☺я me..the runaway lover returns..and į̸̸̨§ received wt mixed feelings..cos U̶̲̥̅̊ embody the sum total of М̣̣̥̇̊Ɣ joys and М̣̣̥̇̊Ɣ pains..М̣̣̥̇̊Ɣ dreams and М̣̣̥̇̊Ɣ nightmares..М̣̣̥̇̊Ɣ lows and М̣̣̥̇̊Ɣ highs..they always come around i̶̲̥̅̊n̶̲̥̅̊ springtime..and I wonder..what would it B̶̲̥̅ε̲̣̣ this time?..Raindrops or Teardrops..Companionship or Solitude..Love or Heartbreak..they always come i̶̲̥̅̊n̶̲̥̅̊ 2s.. i̶̲̥̅̊n̶̲̥̅̊ the springtime..April just died..it May B̶̲̥̅ε̲̣̣ June's turn i̶̲̥̅̊n̶̲̥̅̊ July..but i̶̲̥̅̊n̶̲̥̅̊ the meantime..its springtime..Hello Spring...

Monday, 30 April 2012

The She-Factor

I was on a bus that day..catchin the long ride from badagry to mile 2 when it happened..we pulled up at a bus-stop and as people alighted,I happened to look up from my reading and look through the glass window..our eyes met..and in that fraction of a second..I knew..she was aware..like birds of passage in a mating dance..we had flashed colours and created a picture of possibilties..young black male spots young black female..and they both know the steps to the ageless ritual dance..she knew I was searchin..and I knew she was on the lookout too..no time for pretence or formality..we both knew..then the bus pulls out of the station and breaks off the communion..no time for regrets..no time for apologies..we both look away and confront our reality..me,back to my reading..her,back to her waiting..but she knew..she was aware,all right...

Posted by Rapsody at 13:40 1 comment:

Ms Rapsodee

You should have seen me back then..with my hand-me down jeans and over-sized shirt..clutching a piece of paper in my hand..with my heart in my mouth..lying in wait for her..unsure of who was the hunter..and who was the prey..ℓoℓ..u see,I was'nt always this self-confident,smooth-talking charmer *wink*..back then,I was a tad bit unsure of myself..especially around the ladies..let me walk u down the alley-way of my memories..just for a bit

Its the summer of 1997..I'm barely out of secondary school..the youngest kid in my class..dreamy-eyed,shy and infatuated..*sigh*Yes! infatuated..and Tomi was the object of my affections..
She wasn't the prettiest one around..neither was she the sharpest pencil in the pack..that was obvious too..but my heart has always had a mind of its own..and it chose Tomi..Love is such a delightful pain,I tell u..I loved Tomi with every inch of my bony frame..wt every minute of my adolescent life..Phew! There was only one problem..I was too scared †o tell her..

Yes,I know..I was a chicken all right..a tongue-tied one for that matter..I would sneak glances at her in school and when she looked my way,I would duck quickly praying she didn't catch me..lord knows,how long I played that hide-and-seek game with Tomi..each time,I saw her talking with some boy in school,my heart would constrict with jealousy and I would wish a thousand deaths on the impudent fellow all the while cursing myself for being such a spineless fool..somehow,I knew she sensed my interest..obviously,I wasn't too good at playing peeping tom and the intensity of my glances must have told a story of their own..but she gave me no encouragement..watching me underneath her lashes..her brown eyes observing me..her bashful knight in shining armor

Then came Valentine..and its fever got †o me..it was now or never..I wrote her a simple love note ending with the words 'will u bε my val?',enclosed it with a flower in an envelope and sent it †o her through a junior student.JAMB Class had ended for the day..but I hung around hoping †o see her..valentine was the next day..so I waited..with bated breath and sweaty palms..almost certain of rejection..yet half-hoping
And then she came out..with two of her friends in tow..all laughing...Good Heavens! My nerve broke..and shattered into fragments..I didn't wait to hear the verdict..nah..I bolted for home..with my tail tucked firmly between my legs..Not in front of those girls! I would rather die..on Valentine's day,I hid at home..but the next day,I mustered the courage to attend class..

There she was again..not saying a word..watching me from underneath her lashes..brown eyes not missing a thing..and my heart sank..I was the knight who ran away..the romeo who refused †o die..the one who got way..Pls forgive me,Tomi..I would rather die another day..ℓoℓ..James Bond

P.S
I never got another chance †o express my feelings †o Tomi.She moved away from our neighborhood soon afterwards..Sometimes,I wonder what would have been her answer..if I had waited that day..I guess we would never know..

Tomi,if u ever get †o read this..Happy valentine!

I hate my Daddy

I cudnt believe what I had just heard..I turned in shock †o look at her.."Seriously...I hate my father" she repeated..smiling at my surprised expression.."Dnt worry" she reassured me "you aяε not like him" Then she launched into a tirade about her father's many sins and shortcomings..I listened intently, filling in the gaps in her story and picking up the undercurrents of hatred,contempt and bitterness she had harboured so long against the first man in her life..
After our conversation,I took a walk downtown..and down memory lane..u see,I have met quite a number of angry black women in my lifetime..young women wt an axe †o grind..bitter women..women wt a disappointment as a father or no father at all..raised by single mothers..angry daughters raised by angry mothers..a vicious circle..
There was Ms K..she had a turbulent childhood..torn between separated parents..she chose †o live wt her dad..until he kicked her out †o make his new wife comfortable in her new home..left his daughter moving from a one friend's house †o another..living like a refugee..fighting athsma as well as hatred for her father..searching for a father figure but scared of commitment..she broke many hearts in the process..mine inclusive..
Then there was Ms A..all she wanted was a little attention from daddy..he was never around ,u see..her mum practically fended for the family..but he was her idol..dying of neglect,she wud hve done anything †o win his approval..she grew up the day she discovered her sweet daddy had used the money that had been kept †o purchase her JAMB form †o procure a cheap abortion for his mistress..
How about Ms T?,she had a father all right..but all he ever did was father her..the epitome of irresponsibility..she had a petname for him "That fool! "..yes,that was her best description for the first man in her life..
I could go on and tell u about Ms J..daughter of a divorced clergyman..he did the best he could materially for her but left her feeling emotionally short-changed..she cud never quite forgive him for breaking up the family..she wud punish him by denying him time with her and when she wud visit,she wudnt say a word †o him for days..such vendetta!
I knw many more of such women..angry women..attractive,intelligent..but damaged..I've listened †o them talk and had some of them confide in me..(*wink*..one of the fringe benefits of being a good listener)..these women do desire a different future for themselves..good husbands and blissful marriages..but they struggle in relationships..

*Sigh* Its the baggage,my dear..the hurt,the pain,the betrayal..yes..and the anger..Daddy was a rascal..no doubt..but there aяε still some fine young men out there..who would respect and love u..and bε a good father †o your own kids..its time †o heal yourself..forgive the old man..and move on..dnt make another man do time for your father's crimes..let go of the baggage,sister..

To be or not to be a Gospel Rapper

Paul planted..Appollo watered..but God gives the increase

Some of us aяε better suited †o reach the church..others aяε uniquely configured †o reach the streets better..a few can do both effectively.. I guess finding where we belong is part of our life's assignment

Peter may remain in Jerusalem wt the other disciples..but Paul would reach the gentiles..and in doin so..preach a gospel of his own..it would cause controversy and bring disapproval from the jews..but he would bε walking in God's calling for his life

There's a new conciousness in the kingdom now..people aяε breaking out of the old boxes and labels attached †o what they do..call it "Gospel" or whatever..I guess History is just repeating itself..afterall,U can't put new wine in old wineskins..at the same time,it wud bε unfair †o force old wineskines †o accept new wine..

However,in whatever we do,let us bε guided by the Spirit..and let our zeal bε according †o knowledge..and keep the unity of the faith..remembering that in the kingdom,there aяε no lone rangers..

I don't do church music but I'm a part of the church..I boldly carry the scars of Christ's dying upon me..if it alienates me from the crowd..dats fine by me..but it wud draw a few..and I'm content wt that knowin I'm fulfillin purpose..but I'm nt the churchy rapper either..I'm just me..slap any tag u want..I just wanna fulfill purpose..e a passion for the streets but I'm also a model for some in the kingdom..so I guess,I reach the church and the streets at the same time..by reason of what I do on TV,I'm already far removed from the religious garb..I host a secular show..and I'm popular for that..now how gospel is that? ℓ0ℓ..

The Maverix EP wud not bε tagged gospel but inevitably anyone who listens †o it wud know what my convictions aяε from my lyrics..infact,some new joints I've bn cooking up wt Cikk0 aяε so far from what most wud consider 'Religious Music'..but it is what it is..my joy has always been being referred †o as 'That fly rapper who does gospel rap' dat's what gives me joy,bruv..knowing that people acknowledge my skill inspite of how they feel about my message..

I boldly carry the scars of Christ's dying upon me..if it alienates me from the crowd..dats fine by me..but it wud draw a few..and I'm content wt that knowin I'm fulfillin purpose..but I'm nt the churchy rapper either..I'm just me..slap any tag u want..I just wanna fulfill purpose..

The Pedo - Files : Vanessa

They say its the one U luv the most that breaks your heart..Have U ever felt that ache when someone Uve nurtured and poured yourself into over time grows away from U due †o distance and the passage of time?..I have..

I love children..I find their candid innocence quite refreshing from the devious life of adult-hood..in some sorta way,I have remained a child myself..yea..and happily so..now back †o the subject..every once-in-a-while,a particular kid tugs at М̣̇Ɣ heart-strings and I feel drawn †o be a part of his or her formative process..in whatever capacity I can..I just wanna be there for that kid..

Take Vanessa for example..she was special..I remember catching a glimpse of her fuzzy head for the first time during sunday school in church..quiet..withdrawn..watchful..she wrapped her little fingers around my heart-strings and yanked hard on them..she had me..I knew I wanted †o be a part of her life..I gave her one of those goofy smiles we adults ℓike †o inflict on children and was rewarded with a look of suspicion..I knew I had М̣̇Ɣ work cut out for me..

But I did get †o know her..and as time passed,she accepted me as part of her world..I remember her telling me of her decision †o join the Teens church..I beamed ℓike a proud dad who's son just made college..М̣̇Ɣ joy was complete when she indicated interest in rap music..At last,I had a successor!..you see,I was about moving †o a new place far away and would have †o leave the church..somebody had †o fill the void I wud leave behind..or so I thought..

Vanessa didn't take М̣̇Ɣ departure well,I'm afraid..in her quiet way,she made me know she wasn't happy about it..but I had †o move..and so I did..we tried keepin in touch but after a while that fizzled out..I guess she must have felt betrayed..I don't know..it was hard not being there anymore †o guide her through the troubled phase of being a teenager..but I had no choice

One day,I paid a visit †o my old church..and inquired after her..I was told she had moved †o another church..so I went over †o her house..and there she was..М̇y Rugrat..М̣̇Ɣ baby..now in the full bloom of adolescence..tall..gawky..self-concious..but the look she gave me was detached..blank..I had become a stranger..no longer relevant in her world..the conversation was brief and painful..I left the house..heart-broken..she had grown up..and grown away from me..Vanessa..