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Literature / Re: Which Books/Novels Are You Currently Reading? by alarinjo(m): 5:04pm On Dec 02, 2006 |
The Water House --Antonio Olinto |
Travel / Re: Nigerians In Argentina And Other Unusual Places by alarinjo(m): 1:24am On Nov 30, 2006 |
@Juskemi I actually lived in Buenos Aires, Argentina for 4 years, soo heeeyyy, and it was the most beautiful place ever, there are not too many black people there so everytime people saw us, they wanted to take pictures with us and everything, it was quite exciting!! Great to finally find someone who actually lived in Argentina! I guess my friend from Argentina was actually right, there are few blacks in Argentina. So tell us, Juskemi, what was it like living in Argentina? What are the race relations like over there? @Segun 2003. I actually plan to visit Brazil next summer. We should probably chat more. What part of Brazil are u? |
Literature / Re: I Have A Story That's Fit For An Opera by alarinjo(m): 2:05am On Sep 19, 2006 |
Yicob, i really appreciate your sense of humor and understanding. Thanks. Shd i post the synopsis of the opera here or your blog? Up to you. Either will do, but perhaps the blog would be better Seun, What stops producers from including music in films? absolutely nothing (opera is not music inserted in a play though) It's just not cool to complain about progress Film and Stage are two different formats that support a variety of genres to varying degrees. Film just doesnt happen to be the best format to support opera either artistically or economically. It is not a matter of one format being better than the other, and therefore the question of "progress" as you call it is, is not applicable . Film was not developed as a new medium to make staged genres better. Two different histories, two different aesthetics, both have their pluses and minuses. In most societies, both are enjoyed side by side for their individual merits. You don't appreciate his "sense of humor" or "understanding". You just want him to help you. Nothing wrong with wanting help. Orinkinla, Thanks for the encouragement. Lets keep the candle burning. |
Literature / Re: Which Books/Novels Are You Currently Reading? by alarinjo(m): 6:28pm On Sep 17, 2006 |
Half of a Yellow Sun -- Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie |
Literature / Re: I Have A Story That's Fit For An Opera by alarinjo(m): 6:11pm On Sep 17, 2006 |
Orikinla, this is true. Mass media was the downfall of our once very vibrant music theater tradition. The film format is in a sense quite limiting, especially when it comes to music theater. When our folk opera practitioners turned to film the first thing to go was the musical dialogue, and that was the death of the genre. But other factors have also contributed to this demise, mostly economic ones. Staging an opera or musical is no cheap business as you well might know. But things can still be revived. We have an LP of Duro Ladipo's classic "Oba Koso" here in our library at Pittsburgh which I intend to score and reproduce someday in the latter future. Let's keep watching the horizon and hoping that the changes we need to revive, not only music theater, but the general theater tradition in Nigeria will take place soon. Yicob, try to get in touch with me. You can leave a message on my blog and we'll take it from there: alantakun..com |
Literature / Re: I Have A Story That's Fit For An Opera by alarinjo(m): 1:03pm On Sep 17, 2006 |
Where are you yicob? Contact me. I could give you some background info. on Nigerian opera and other forms of musical theater (we have a long tradition of music theater in Nigeria) I wrote my masters thesis on Yoruba music theater. Hugoboi, where were you when Ogunde, Duro Ladipo, and Wale Ogunyemi were dominating the Nigerian theatrical landscape? |
Politics / Re: VP Atiku To Be Impeached? by alarinjo(m): 1:44pm On Sep 10, 2006 |
I can't hold brief for OBJ as I'm not in a position to do so. However, he is a relatively crude and unsophisticated with some traits that leaves a lot to be desired. What I talk about is already public knowledge, known to the EFCC and the presidency. For reasons best known to the authorities, some allegations have been left out. Also, it's often difficult to prove a case of currupt enrichment, even if you're dead certain. I can be living in my fathers house, know full well he owns the house, but be unable to prove it, because ours is a nation of front men and front companies. @ JoshO, Thank you for being objective and balanced, you couldn't have been more rational in your analysis. The president has his issues, big time, and while I wont particularly quarel with anyone who hacks him down for those issues, it does seem that hacking him down on behalf of a man of such devious character as Atiku is quite ridiculous. So shall we close a blind eye to all of Atiku's undesirable attributes simply because it is Obj who is trying to clip his wings? My people, I beg, this does not make sense. What we need now is not blind support for the supposed "underdog" whom everybody knows deep down is not an underdog. As for me, it is better Atiku goes down now so that he does not have a chance, in the future (as president), to further ruin our nation. Same goes for IBB, et. al. |
Poems For Review / Re: The Fear Of Nepa by alarinjo(m): 12:10am On Sep 09, 2006 |
LOL! You got me all cracked up there! |
Literature / Re: We Need To Write And Publish More Books In Nigeria by alarinjo(m): 1:46am On Aug 26, 2006 |
Suprted, that's cool man. Enjoy yourself while ure at it. And if you find anything interesting yourself, let me know. |
Literature / Re: We Need To Write And Publish More Books In Nigeria by alarinjo(m): 1:33am On Aug 26, 2006 |
i mean i was writing books like sidney sheldon when i was 14 so its not that hard. so how hard can it be to make a refreshing story about a slice of life back home. Not hard at all, I don't think. And there are books like that too on the market, many. I'm reading one right now actually: Sefi Atta's "Everything Good Will Come." I guess Chris Abani's "Graceland" also has that flavor, but I never could really get into it. |
Literature / Re: We Need To Write And Publish More Books In Nigeria by alarinjo(m): 12:44am On Aug 26, 2006 |
Hi Suprted, I have read Icarus girl. Like I said in another thread, although characterization was weak in places, it was overall a great novel. I loved it! And yes, Oyeyemi is supertalented. So you think Icarus girl is surreal huh? Try Ben Okri's "Famished Road" or better still Oyeyemi's two plays: "Juniper's Whitening" and "Victimese." Actually maybe you shouldnt try the last two, they are more surreal than surreal But thats exactly what some of us thrive on |
Literature / Re: We Need To Write And Publish More Books In Nigeria by alarinjo(m): 11:40pm On Aug 25, 2006 |
Orikinla Well I agree with you. Change is not easy. And change will come, eventually. Let's hear what u think about Adichie's write-up when ure done. |
Literature / Re: We Need To Write And Publish More Books In Nigeria by alarinjo(m): 11:08pm On Aug 25, 2006 |
Orikinla, What you say makes sense. Nigerians do read, however, the question is "what do they read?" I am not saying Nigerians don't read Nigerian literature at all, but when you compare the figures, it is likely that foreign literature (including the religious paraphernalia) has a much wider readership than Nigerian/ African literature. So let me qualify what I said earlier: Nigerians need to read more indigenous literature. Even you pointed out that books are exchanged for affordable amounts at Yaba. If I remember well, these books are foreign fiction, and the reason? Well you stated it already: affordability! You rightly pointed out that Adichie's book has sold tons in Naija, but this is mainly due to her persistence in finding a local publisher who can actually bridge economics with quality. When I was in Naija last summer, Purple Hibiscus was selling for N500 (the price of a meager meal at Tantalizers or TFC). I bought my American edition here in the US for much more than that. Trust me, Adichie is not making any profit from the sales of her book in Nigeria, and the publisher is conceivably publishing at a loss. It is solely out of commitment to the literary cause that Adichie is publishing a Nigerian edition (read the article in the link I posted earlier for more on this). She is not the only one doing this. Many Nigerian authors publish affordable editions of their books in Nigeria. But what do Nigerians do? Even these affordable editions are pirated, and the whole value of the work (monetary and literary) is lost. We should publish books to be sold at cheaper prices, I agree with you, but really, is this financially feasible in a country where everything else is so expensive? |
Literature / Re: We Need To Write And Publish More Books In Nigeria by alarinjo(m): 4:27pm On Aug 25, 2006 |
Let me start by saying excellent post. I am not sure if the problem is that Nigerians need to write/ publish more, as it is that Nigerians need to read more. When I say read more, I am talking about a particular type of literature: Literature with Nigerian flavor and sensibilities. Nigerians are the most prolific writers in Africa, this is an unarguable fact, leave story. However, Like most things, Nigerians have such an addiction to foreign particularly American culture, so that while they will spend money on Da Vinci Code, Danielle Steel, John Grisham etc., few want to read anything indigenous. And why would they? Many are so detached from their culture that they simply can't identify with literature that reflects this culture. The first time most of us get exposed to African literature is when we get into secondary school and have to read "Things Fall Apart", "No Longer at Ease", "Trial of Brother Jero", and "The Concubine" (and this is only those of us who take literature, science students often miss out entirely on this). Prior to this introduction to African literature, "mills and boone," James Hardley Chase and Jeffery archer would have been the regular fare. It is one thing to write, quite another to be published, and yet another to be read. Remember in the end, writing is as much a professional/business venture as it is an artistic exercise. If no one will read you, you wont be published, because there's no economic benefit to reap in the investment. The other problem with publishing is the economy. Since the Nigerian economy plummeted, it has become more and more difficult to publish in Nigeria. Even when you do publish, the quality is bad and pirates sell photocopied editions of your book on bus corners and market floors. Not very encouraging for a serious publisher. This is why most Nigerian writers publish outside where they can at least get royalties from their work and make a living from their profession. I remember a time when you were not really up to speed if you weren't reading the best selling pacesetter series, but today, economic strangulation has virtually driven that whole industry into the gutter. Related to the economic problem is the overt fixation on religion and religious-self-help literature in Nigeria. In a socio-economic environment where everyone is looking for where the next meal will come from it is more likely that a Nigerian will buy a book called "2000 ways to get rich in seven days" or "Divine Wealth: Your Heritage from God," than literature that will truly educate the mind, or engage the imagination. It is for this reason that even in an economically straightjacket environment books with religious/ wealth/ selfhelp themes continue to flourish even as creative literature wanes. But all is not bleak and things are turning around. The recently inaugurated annual Wole Soyinka prize for literature indicates a positive development (the prize was won by Sefi Atta for "Everything Good Will Come:" an absolutely gorgeous novel); and, many Nigerian writers, e.g. Chimamanda Adichie (Purple Hibiscus) are ensuring that affordable editions of their novels are published in Nigeria. The following article by Adichie sheds more light on the literary problem in Nigeria: http://www.utexas.edu/conferences/africa/ads/432.html 1 Like |
Literature / Re: Which Books/Novels Are You Currently Reading? by alarinjo(m): 3:42pm On Aug 25, 2006 |
Just finished Helen Oyeyemi's "Icarus Girl" and now reading her play, Juniper's whitening and Sefi Atta's "Everything Good will Come". I loved Icarus girl, although the characterization was weak in certain areas but overall it was a great book, especially considering that she wrote it when she was 18 years old (while preparing for her O Levels). Sefi Atta's "Everything Good will Come" is absolutely gorgeous, at least so far. Brings back so many memories of growing up in naija. Anyone read any of these books? |
Travel / Re: Pictures of Lagos Skyline (City-Scape) by alarinjo(m): 3:35pm On Aug 25, 2006 |
love those, GNature. Did u take those pics by yourself? |
Travel / Re: A True Tropical Paradise: French Polynesia In The Pacific by alarinjo(m): 1:53pm On Aug 25, 2006 |
Hunter sorry about that, my bad, didnt realize ur were refering to New Cal, didnt mean to get up all in ur face like that. Well, I kinda suspected that too. Touristy pics will always be selective: it's all about marketing the product after all |
Foreign Affairs / Re: Israel vs Hezbollah/Lebanon by alarinjo(m): 11:30pm On Aug 24, 2006 |
Welcome back Chxta. Good to have u back. |
Travel / Re: A True Tropical Paradise: French Polynesia In The Pacific by alarinjo(m): 12:00pm On Aug 23, 2006 |
Brother, I am impressed. Have you got more pics to post on the net? I am dying to see them, You should create a website where you post some of the pics to show to the outside world that Lagos (at least in parts) has improved. Thanks Constantin for letting me share those pics, I'm glad u liked them. There are several urban renewal projects going on in Lagos as we speak. And the Govt. is soon to launch a standard BRT (bus rapid transit) mass transportation system. Two problematic markets: Mile 12 (or 2), and Alaba are being moved/ restructured off the roadways. Just last week or so, the federal govt approved a huge amount for the replaning and renewal of Lagos, and waste management will be a part of that massive project. When I was there last year, they were working on the Lagos Business District (Broad street/ Marina area). They know lagos is one of the burgeoning MEGA cities in the world, and that soon enough it will be attracting so many from so many parts of the world that they will have no choice but to clean it up. However, as with all things Naija, let us keep our fingers crossed and hope they follow through with the plans. I don't have a website yet, but when I go next year, I want to do a proper photo shoot and edit some of my videos, and then maybe I can put up a website. Hunter, LOL, I don't recall sharing any pics of hotels, maybe you are mixing up the Sheraton in Ikeja(mainland) with pics of the MUSON center that I posted (in Onikan: near the Island). Just goes to show how big lagos is, and how little of it you might really know. I am glad however, that you enjoyed being there, at least a little. You are right when it comes to garbage and transportation. I didn't post the pics as some kind of defence for Naija, or to avert the reality of what most parts of Lagos are like. Like we have already agreed, we need to fix our roads, close our sewers and clean up our trash. I believe, the BRT program that will be launched by Lagos state in september/october will do a bit in terms of transportation. Already, the local danfo's and molue's are not allowed in Ikoyi/ VI anymore. The roads are really bad in places, even in VI. I spose a govt that wants to introduce a world class standard transportation system will have to think about making good roads at some point. However, let me add, that the places you see in the pics I sent are just the way they look in the pics. Hard as it is too believe, some roads and neighborhoods in Lagos are half decent. Most of the problems of Lagos are the problems of big cities anywhere, especially where there has been little planning in the past and govt. has been unstable. If you knew Lagos in the 60s you would know it had once been very nice. It has taken this long for urban renewal to begin again in Lagos but it has surely begun, and the way things are going, Lagos will be great again in the not too far future. At least this is what we hope. |
Travel / Re: A True Tropical Paradise: French Polynesia In The Pacific by alarinjo(m): 12:37am On Aug 23, 2006 |
Constantin, As for "Tranquil and well run and tidy restaurants ar cafés to have lunch or sip your cappuchino"? Dem plenty boku, go to the website I told you about to get a birds eye view. If u are looking for a beach to go to in Lagos, it is definitely not Barbeach. Try Eleko. There are other beaches that are just if not better than eleko, but I don't really remember their names now. Also go to this website to see some of the luxury style apartment buildings available: http://www.nigertowers.com/ make sure u click on overview and take the interactive tour. Quite pricey, but nonetheless just one of the many new structures I was talking about. |
Travel / Re: A True Tropical Paradise: French Polynesia In The Pacific by alarinjo(m): 12:26am On Aug 23, 2006 |
Inside the palms
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Travel / Re: A True Tropical Paradise: French Polynesia In The Pacific by alarinjo(m): 12:21am On Aug 23, 2006 |
palms shopping mall VI
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Travel / Re: A True Tropical Paradise: French Polynesia In The Pacific by alarinjo(m): 12:11am On Aug 23, 2006 |
Sometimes the skies are also blue in Naija,
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