Bimbi's Mind

“The most damaging phrase in the language is: ‘It’s always been done that way.’ ~ Grace Hopper” When it comes to deciding the terms and agreement in the fine print of our social contract . There are two ideals. The Left and the Right. The Left has always been the faction that has dictated most of the paradigm shifts in morality. They have always been the ones to pose the questions that most people would avoid. Question authority, test the norm, belittle status quo. Tell me, what is tradition to a leftist? From putting a stop to the killing of twins, abolishing slavery, the civil rights movement, LGBT activism, Marijuana legalisation and the rise of feminism. The Left has continued to push the envelopes in our lives, realising our societal norms are behaviours handed down from the first men . And these norms, which are not perfect are to be challenged, argued with and torn down. They have always maintained an unending struggle with the Right, who prefer to maintain status qu...

Fela is the epitome of a Black Sheep who goes so far left and pans from the norm so hard that he ends up on the right side of history. Although the rendition of an Egypt 80' performance draws upon elements of jazz and African folk to create a new form of music called Afro beats. The overall theme of his music : societal struggles, political struggles, acceptance of self, hedonism, allegories, personal beliefs and even the poetics in his use of language identified with us.

In this country, a boss should always be bald and have a big belly. My uncle isn’t bald, he hasn’t got a big belly, and you don’t realise, the first time you see him, that he’s the actual boss of a big office in the centre of town. My Uncle is not married and has always been a strange man, he would sway his hips when he walked and he would gloss his lips till they gleamed. My Uncle, when he speaks, sings his words and beautiful birds would circle his head, and then he would draw invisible images in the air with his left hand when the talk gets interesting. Last Christmas, the whole family got together at his house and my uncle felt at home in the company of the women while his brothers, my father included, glared at him. And whenever a guest caught my father's gaze, he would drop his eyes in shame. When they called him to discuss with the men , his singy voice dwarfed their growly whispers and everyone heard what he was saying. I love my Uncle because he never runs out of to...

Merchant, Dealers and Slaves was the album that relaunched Brymo's presence as an independent artiste after his split with Chocolate city.  At first glance, it seemed Brymo would take to the wax to speak out against his former label, but when we bought and listened to it, it was a sonically beautiful presentation that spoke from the perspective of an ordinary Nigerian. Brymo indeed, as he had always done, took off the veil of stardom and class from his face and adorned the average Nigerian's kaftan, singlet or Alobam T-shirt, depending on what part of the country you hail from. But it bugged many, as it did me. After such a tumultuous break-up, why would Brymo's experience as a label artiste not seep into his music? Till extensive listens made me realise that Brymo is an old soul, and an old man does not speak with the aid of every muscle in his mouth, rather, he uses nuances to drive his point across.... effectively. The album started with 'Truthfull...

I commend my father's taste in wome n The most beautiful one in the world Found comfort in his arms A jealous hen, Whose wings span distances  Ethiopians can't run, She.. Wears her confidence to fit And a smile to match Same wings that opens ears For reproach Close them to reason Her heart, weighs heavy  On Atlas' shoulders While we, with empathy Can only share in her load  Life isn't fair  Indeed.. For we cheated the Heavens Of an Angel.