VIBRATIONS FROM THE REGGAE IDOL’S BOX-2

…A member of the Wailers band, Neville ‘Bunny’ Livingston confirmed this in a video documentary on Bob Marley produced by Steve Bing and Charles Steel, that the first time he saw him, Bob was carrying firewood from the farm. This training from his early life influenced him throughout his life, putting in a lot of efforts into composing and getting his albums out.

Secondly, Bob Marley could be described as a visionary. Many people came to know him at the peak of his musical carrier but those who knew him from the scratch could testify that he had gone through “storms” before his fame. This is something, some musicians today are lacking and would not be ready to through the heat but may want it rosy from the word go.

Seeing his bright future from childhood, he opted for music despite knowing the importance of formal education. This only goes to prove that formal education is not the answer at the end of the day for everyone.

Third of the qualities of this reggae idol was that, he was peaceful. He once decided to perform at a concert for peace and unity ahead of one of the elections in Jamaica which was preceded with rivalry and tension. This kind of example is emulated around the world ahead of elections. For instance, in Ghana, musicians perform and call for peace and unity before, during and after elections.

Also, he could be said to be forgiving. He demonstrated this when he and his band were attacked a few days ahead of the “Peace Concert” in Jamaica. He and his band sustained injuries due to gunshots but after being released from hospital, they performed to unite Jamaica. He decided to forgive the perpetrators behind of this callous act.

Another quality was, he was a freedom fighter. He wrote and sang sons which contained lyrics of inspiration urging people who were and are being oppressed to “fight” on. One of such songs is “ Get up, Stand up” which urged people around the world to fight for their rights.

Moreover, he generous. Bob Marley did not limit he “riches” to his family. He extended helping hand to others who needed help. People queued in front of his house to be given money each and almost every day.

Furthermore, he was spiritual. At every moment of his life, be it good or bad, he gave thanks to the most high God (Jah). Finally, Bob could be seen as loving. He showed love to both young and old, men and women and this was throughout his life, no matter where he found himself.

Although the above were some of the qualities of Bob Marley, certain aspects and experiences helped in writing songs which touched a lot of people.

Whiles growing, he was “rejected” by his father but this experience led to the writing of “Cornerstone” in 1970. Aside this, rumors and his personal relationship with Cindy Breakspeare(Miss Jamaica) who represented Jamaica on the world stage, won the Miss World 1976. From this relationship, his wife was thought to be worried about this. From his wife’s reactions, this reggae idol, came up with “Three Little Birds”.

Through struggle, oppression, racial issues among others, Bob once said that he had no personal goal in life but would want to see the whole world coming together regardless of race, creed, gender just to mention a few. It is not surprising that Bob released “One Love” which shook the foundation of the world.

From this REGGAE IDOL (BOB MARLEY), the world can learn how to live in harmony and peace.

NO MORE WAR! PEACE!! ONE LOVE!!!

VIBRATIONS FROM THE REGGAE IDOL’S BOX

After 32 years of departing from the surface of this earth, anything with Robert Nesta Marley (Bob Marley) as born, resonates. He was born to Cedella Marley Booker (A Jamaican) and Norval Marley (An English) at Nine Mile, Saint Ann in Jamaica on 6th February, 1945. His dad, Norval is believed to have died in the World War II in India. At age 12, Bob and his mother left for Kingston for a better life. At Trench Town, Kingston, Bob Marley was exposed to so many things including music. Though his mother was trying very hard to give Bob a formal education, he did not find it interesting and opted for music, joining friends who were in the same field. In his teens, he met the likes of Desmond Decker whom he worked with as a welder but both later got into music.

Several friends tried convincing Bob including Neville Livingston of the Wailers band about the need to have at least a college education, he insisted on getting into music and his first song “Judge Not” was recorded by Beverley Records in 1962 when he about 17 years.

From here, Bobs musical career began. After several storms in the world of music, he made it to the top. Bob Marley touched the world with his style of music and content which gave him a lot of recognition.

It was through music that he met his wife, Rita Marley. He was blessed with 11 children though from different relationships including Rita’s.

The dream of bringing the world together through his life was short lived as he passed away at age 36, on 11th May,1981. Bob Marley’s death came as one of the shocking moments in the lives of many people who were alive at the time and even the unborn generation. This was simply due to how he was able to touch the hearts of many regardless of one’s religion, ethnicity or race, gender among others....

From Bob Marley’s 36 years of fulfilling life, many have been and could be learnt from him. The following are a few of the qualities he possessed.

First of all, Bob was enduring and hardworking. At a very young age, certain chores such as feeding horse, donkey, milking cow among others which were reserved for his uncles were equally performed by him....

AFTER ALL THE TEARS, JUST ONE DAY FOR MOTHERS?-2

...From here, another journey of the unknown begins as mothers are supposed to take care of the baby or babies to a stage this one or these ones can fend for himself or themselves sometimes with the help their husbands. Other times, irresponsible husbands shirk their responsibilities leaving their wives and babies to the mercy of society.

Whether men play their roles or not, mothers do all they can to ensure that these tender souls survive the harsh conditions of society nurturing them into future heroes. Sadly, some mothers do not live to see what their issues have grown into but whatever the case may be, one can never take away the roles of mothers in the lives of children.

Unfortunately, some women who wish to become biological mothers do not see their dreams coming into fruition after trying different means both in the bedroom, artificial insemination amongst others. The only option sometimes left for them may be to adopt and love such ones as their own from their wombs though not easy in doing so.

Aside the above, some end up even taking care of younger relatives as their as their own children, helping these ones to realize their dreams.

In whichever category of mother a woman might find herself, there are moments of tears, joy, pains and “torture” in bringing up children to become responsible adults in society to help mankind.

The above and several other reasons I always reflect on make me think having a specific day to celebrate mothers is wrong. Instead of just one day to do so, it should be made a daily thing, making mothers feel good all year round. Without mothers, there is no society.

BIG UPS TO ALL SWEET MOTHERS!

AFTER ALL THE TEARS, JUST ONE DAY FOR MOTHERS?

One would be thinking why it has taken me almost a week to write on “Mothers’ Day” which is celebrated annually. The delay is simply due to the internal conflict I was experiencing on why we should have a specific day in celebrating mothers.

This conflict stems from the fact that becoming a mother, both biologically or otherwise is no joke. On the side of biological ones, a lot of people tend to look at it from the pains and other forms of discomfort they go through in the 9 months but I think it should be more than that.

I rather think it should be looked at from the act which even leads to pregnancy in the first place, be it in the bedroom or anywhere the couple may deem it appropriate to have it. Due to the complex nature of pregnancy, sometimes this act does not occur once but a number of times just for a woman to be confirmed pregnant.

If all biological mothers share their experience of the act which leads to pregnancy, some would classify theirs as not just an act but an “ordeal” as a result of the “excess” pains they bear in the course of it.

Finally when confirmed pregnant, the 3 trimesters (9 months) journey begins. This is where a number of women “go blank” with some behaving as if they have never been taught how to dress and to which occasion, with all due respect to ladies. By this, some lose their sense of dressing, taste and even how to relate to others completely.

Nobody can blame them for this as the 9 months could be full of uncertainties but with the help of doctors, family members and personal efforts by these women, the journey could be a smooth one.

When the 3 trimesters are finally over, a baby or set of babies are expected to “arrive” safely though, some mothers are not able to finish the final lap with either losing their lives, that of the baby or babies or both of the mother and baby or babies. This is stage is what I refer to as the “true judgment” thus giving account of the 9 months aside all the difficulties that come with pregnancy....

THE SWEET VICTORY THAT NEVER WAS!

The team which was seeking to end the over 30 years trophy drought on the continent was trampled upon by high-spirited Stallions which looked more composed and eager to get to the finals than the Ghanaians did, making the dream of victory an unrealistic one as far as the 2013 edition was concerned.

How could this dream have been possible if the likes of Bance and Pitroipa were marshalling the attack of the Stallions who remained a thorn in the flesh for the Ghanaian team from the first minute of the game through to the penalty kicks.

Though it looked like the Stars had run out of luck, the Burkinabe deserved more than that victory over Ghana with the telepathic play between the duo; Bance and Pitroipa and the rest of the squad for the night(6th Febrauary,2013).

The defeat was enough to silence a football nation like Ghana making national issues which had died as a result of the AFCON, resurfacing.

As bad losers as the Stars could be, playing for a third place compounded their defensive lapses and other problems with the team.

However, it was not surprising that the master tactician for the Super Eagles of Nigeria; Stephen Keshi, found a way of neutralizing the threats posed by Bance and co in the finals(10th February,2013).

The Super Eagles who had beaten one of the pre-tournament favourites; La Cote D’Ivoire(Ivory Coast) were in full flight on the night making it impossible for the Stallions from Burkina Faso to repeat what they did to Ghana in the Semi-Finals of the competition.

By the commitment and character shown by Burkina Faso, this team would be a very tough customer on any given day as far as football is concerned.

This should inspire other teams on the continent as they are preparing for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.


CONGRATULATIONS TO NIGERIA FOR WINNING THIS EDITION OF AFCON!

“A WEST AFRICAN WAR IN THE OFFING”

If one had told me that the Semi-finals and finals of the 2013 African Cup of Nations in South Africa were to be dominated by teams from West Africa from the onset, I would have been caught between optimism and pessimism.

This is due to the fact that reigning Champions; Zambia were looking forward to defend their title within a period of one year, making the title chase by other teams a keen one.
Try as teams from other blocs of the continent(Eastern, Southern and Northern) did, the saying that “The best comes from the West” has manifested itself here with four teams from West Africa progressing from the quarter final stage to the semis and the grande finale.

These four teams include; The Black Stars(Ghana),The Stallions(Burkina Faso),The Eagles(Mali) and The Super Eagles(Nigeria). These teams would have to outwit each other in order to lift the cup in the finals and doing this will be very fascinating. For the one between Ghana and Burkina Faso, if there is any word to describe it, I would opt for “War” as the Stars might fight to the last drop of their blood to clinch this year’s trophy to end their 30- year drought of trophy.

The last meeting between the two was in 2010 and it ended 1-0 in favour of Ghana but I know the following questions are lingering on the minds of many and being asked repeatedly.

1.Will the Black Stars of Ghana have any bragging right and shine today?

2. Can the Stallions outrun the Stars?

Beside the encounter between the two, another scintillating match would be the one involving the two other teams from West Africa; Mali and Nigeria. Africans and audiences worldwide would be treated to moves, skills, physique, telepathic play among African players in the semis and the grande finale.

All the best to the Black Stars in their quest for the title!

Go Africa! Go Ghana!! Go Black Stars!!!

“BLUE SHARKS ATTACK GHANA TODAY”

If pedigree in football is a factor in today’s quarter final match between the Black Stars of Ghana and the Blue Sharks of Cape Verde, then I would humbly ask anxious Ghanaians to sleep and not bother to watch the match but modern football has always proven pundits wrong.

This is simply because, Cape Verde is not well-known in football circles as compared to Ghana which is a power house in Africa and a team to reckon with on the world stage but the sharks can “kill” the Stars if complacency sets in.
The Blue Sharks have not had a lot of encounters with Ghana’s Black Stars as a couple of games between the two teams have gone the way of the latter.

Cape Verde was the last country the Black Stars of Ghana played before qualifying for the World Cup in 2006(Germany).
The most recent was a friendly one which ended 1-0 in favour of Ghana but today’s match might bring something different on board as the Ghanaians would want to jump to the semi-final and keep their continental glory dream alive. For many Ghanaians, winning today’s match is a must but modern football does not follow any logic. It often goes the way of the best and lucky team for the day.

Although the match seems crucial, Cape Verde is bearing no pressure as against Ghana which must win at all cost in order to make their chase for a title which has eluded them for over 30 years a viable one.

Ghana and Mali qualified from Group ‘B’ made of Ghana, Mali, DR Congo and Niger. Cape Verde on the other hand, found themselves qualifying with South Africa; the host nation,leaving Angola and Morocco in Group ‘A’.

In the on-going African Cup of Nations in South Africa, some teams have disappointed soccer- loving fans including Zambia; the reigning champions, Angola among others could not qualify from the group stage but Ghana can’t afford to crash out. GO AFRICA! GO GHANA!! GO BLACK STARS!!!