This is a blog about anything and everything to do with Africa but not only for Africans. Opinions and comments welcome; advise and observations accepted. This blog is about Lifestyle, Experiences, health and especially Fashion. I have not planned to the detail the direction this blog will take but this is what I love about it, it’s like poetry, anything goes! Please join; you know how it goes... 'People who blog together stay together.' Sign in and become a member.
I use to be a good singer...no scratch that...I used to be a very good singer (if I may say so myself *wink*wink).
I remember the first time I sang in church back in my beautiful sun-tanned land of Nigeria, I gave a special number(in Naija terms means a song) which I wrote myself. I wish now I could remember the song or had kept the lyrics but after that day my life changed. Everyone said I sounded wonderful.The choir leader of that church said I must join the choir...the rest they say is history...I discovered a love for singing and writing songs. Back then, I was a very shy girl and I found that in my little room in Apata I could express myself through singing and writing. I had found an outlet and I loved it.
My fondest memories of singing was the first time my Dad heard me sing in a small church in Leeds after initially jokingly telling me 'not to disgrace him o'. Well after I finished singing in church, he was beaming like a proud father. He raved about me all day and to anyone who cared to listen about how good I was and that in his own opinion 'I was better than 'Whitney Houston' Hmmm yes I know:) he was perhaps a little bias...but the echoes of his comments that made me feel ten feet tall and every chance I got I would sing and encourage people around me to as well. I moved to the wonderful town of Milton Keynes and of course joined the choir and continued my love for singing. I was still a bit shy but my voice was high, sonorous and powerful..Then I left for Canada and then I stopped singing. I mean I sang to myself but because I did not put myself out there, there was nothing to measure myself against so I did not improve on it.
Fast track 10 years and I can hardly hold a tune, how..why..I am natural at this???. I did not nurture the gift in me. I realise now that because God gives you a talent does not mean you automatically thrive in excellence of that gift. Like a seed, it needs to be fertilised, watered, put in the right environment and condition so it can bloom.
I mean the gift is still in me, I know I can sing...like people say its should be like riding a bicycle...maybe so...but what I am saying is develop the gift in you, enrich it...go for classes, practise, make yourself better. Hone your talent. Don't take what God has given you for granted.
As an example, singing sensation Whitney Houston was a rare talent, she broke the height of singing with her majestic voice, an inspiration for many other singers to aspire to but in later years it all went downhill with the demons of drugs and issues that unfortunately plagued her. Guard your heart, guard your gift and nurture it and it will make you stand before kings and people of excellence. This is my rant for today.
Yes! I am making sure that I don't stop writing ...or singing:) Watch out for my next novel...'Forbidden' coming out soon. If you want to buy my last novel which I am sure you will enjoy reading, please go to amazon to purchase my novel called Madrigal or you can buy directly from me and I will send you a signed copy
On that note, I will be publishing/sharing my new short story called 'Bus Conductor'...one chapter at a time....so watch out for this
My name is Jumoke, I am married with two kids, adorable boy and a lovely girl. I love to read and write, I have published two books so far 'The adventures of Baby Toluwashe: I know what to do' and 'Madrigal', watch out for my third one coming out soon. I love to sing and I love fashion and I love, love everything African, (as you can see, I have many loves, that's just who I am) the beautiful fabrics we wear, our culture, the communual spirit we emcompass,the strenght we radiate, the 'I dare to be bold' attitude we have. I want to bring Africa to the forefront, on par with other culture. I also love connecting with people from other culture, races, I love our differences, it tells me that our lives are meant to be rich but when you look at it we are not so different, we are all just unique individuals.