Nigerian Blogs Aggregator

AfricanLoft

June 30, 2008
22:36
He took Six Years and Spent Thousands of Dollars Making Mistakes so Future Immigrants Don’t have to
» ‎ Read entry @ AfricanLoft

Young African spends 6 years in Australia, stumbling in the dark, enduring semi-homelessness and accruing thousands of dollars in debts and now puts all his lessons online so that his fellow immigrants can learn from his mistakes.

When Tony Chomba Mwangi Njanja landed in Australia in 2002, he was immediately shipped off to an unknown boarding school far away from the cities of Australia.

What followed was 6 years of Mwangi stumbling in the dark, spending close to $10,000 and trying everything from joining the pick up artist community to being an award winning stage and television actor to fit into a society that he felt rejected him.

He took all the lessons he learned from his various mishaps and started the blog he wishes he found when he first immigrated, the Displaced African (tDA).tDA has become a successful web based community where he shares his insights with the African immigrant community.

“When I first landed here in 2002, I really had no one to show me the way at all,” remembers Mwangi , “ and so far my journey has been a roller-coaster to say the least! I tried every crazy thing you can imagine from working out 3-4 times a day, putting myself thousands of dollars in credit card debt attending pick up workshops and buying online courses, starvation diets and living in a car, all to try and find my place in this country.”

“Eventually around December of 2007, I made the decision that I would try one more crazy thing!”

Leaving the secure job of nursing and opting to forever bear the taboo label of “college dropout” he decided to start up a blog without a proven audience or successful model to follow.

“Some people definitely thought I was wasting my time writing for Africans. I thought it was a risk worth taking to do something meaningful,” remarks Mwangi.

The multimedia site has a quickly growing community with more than 12,000 visitors to date and has resulted in things the author could only previously have dreamed of.

According to one reader, ” (The DisplacedAfrican.com) is a testament of why Web 2.0 couldn’t have come at a better time for us Africans.”

# # #

To contact and schedule an interview with the writer of the Displaced African, Tony Chomba Mwangi Njanja, please call Tony Njanja on 61(3)98038120 or 0422741226. Alternatively you can e-mail Mwangi at masmilele@thedisplacedafrican.com. The Displaced African website can be found at www.thedisplacedafrican.com
12:23
Mugabe the Tyrant Lives on: “Gently Criticized at Open of AU Summit”
» ‎ Read entry @ AfricanLoft

PODCAST: Zimbabwe’s Robert Mugabe has been warmly welcomed at a summit of African leaders, despite international concerns about the legitimacy of his re-election. From the summit in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt, VOA’s Peter Heinlein reports that in their opening speeches, Mr. Mugabe’s colleagues offered only gentle criticism of the conduct of the election, and none of the man himself.

Take a listen:
12:05
For Mutual Respect and Human Honour - in Zimbabweans and elsewhere
» ‎ Read entry @ AfricanLoft

It is especially right that Mr Nelson Mandela is celebrated here in Europe and the ‘West’ generally, because in 1990, upon his release from imprisonment by apartheid South Africa, he used his standing to disarm the fight of ethnic-Africans in South Africa, and end their courageous fight-back against European domination and for re-distribution of the social, political, and economic wealth of their country.

Eighteen years after Mr Mandela’s freedom, in South African, ethnic-Africans still live in what we label as shacks and ‘townships’ while our ethnic-European cousins there, live in what we call homes and farms. The Nelson Mandela stance sold his people short and should not be recommended for Zimbabwe or elsewhere..

One wonders whether or how much the local and global standing of ethnic- Africans, has gained from Mr Mandela’s celebrated magnanimity; a magnanimity ‘paid for’ by ethnic-Africans and celebrated by ethnic-Europeans in South Africa. The situation lends a hollow ring to the condemnation of Zimbabwe’s leadership by Mr Mandela. The condemnation is further devalued by being issued while Mr Mandela was being lavishly feted in London in birthday celebrations.

The hypocrisy and diplomatic double standards of our attitude in Europe and the ‘West’, is shown by the fact that we join forces to bomb Afghans and Iraqis into submission, yet, praise Mr Mandela for persuading his people to end armed struggle and humbly ‘turn the other cheek’. ‘The West’, of course being a guileful euphemism for an international cabal of ethnic-Europeans. UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown, following the lead of his predecessor Tony Blair, now calls for cricketing-bans against Zimbabwe. This hypocrisy being despite teams from England and Australia playing cricket with South Africa, throughout the European-supremacist and apartheid years; a situation that continued into the 1980s in spite of a cricketing ban against South Africa.

The charge of hypocrisy and diplomatic double standards is further supported by facts that it took Britain and the United States many centuries of existence before universal adult voting was introduced and enforced. In Britain this was not until 1928 and in the US not until as recent as 1964 (with the notable exceptions of some individual States).

Thank heaven that in Africa, Mr Robert Mugabe and a many Zimbabweans, at least, have the courage to continue to battle against diktats of the ‘West’ and to strive for re-distribution ill-gotten gains taken by force of arms under heinous colonial and apartheid regimes. Particularly laudable that they fight-on, in spite of the inevitable tribal campaign of ‘the West’, to demonise Mr Mugabe at home and abroad, and supplant him with a likely more compliant, Morgan Tsvangirai.

Please further permit me, to provoke thought with the following eight questions to fair-minded people:

1. What has Zimbabwe-cricket done to warrant expulsion from the world’s cricket-family?

2. Is it right that cricket be used by ‘the West’ in its tribal attack against Mr Mugabe and Zimbabwe?

3. What is the present British Government doing to actively re-distribute the disproportionate wealth acquired in Zimbabwe by Europeans, under apartheid, colonization, while holding a gun?

4. Is it preferable, for the honour of Africa and Africans that Zimbabweans submit to ethnic-European dominance do nothing to re-distribute wealth taken by force of arms and apartheid?

5. By whose acts, political spin, and or orders have most innocent men, women, and children been killed around the world - British Prime Minister Tony Blair, US President George Bush, or Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe?

6. If it is right to act against Zimbabwe because of its internal affairs, is it also correct to act against England, and United States, for their pre-emptive military invasion and occupation of Iraq and Afghanistan?

7. If it is right to act against Zimbabwe in the present circumstances, is it also correct to act against England, Canada, Australia, and US for their pre-emptive military ground action and bombing which has killed hundreds of thousands of Iraqi and Afghan men, women and children?

8. Can Britain (England) and the US who by their military campaigns, killed thousands of innocent non-European peoples around the world, be sincere that they are truly concerned about the ordinary people of Zimbabwe?

Upon considered honest answers to these questions I believe that Gordon Brown’s UK Government should be opposed in its blatant, tribal-campaign, against Mr Mugabe and Zimbabwe.

By this I seek not to justify any wrongs as maybe, nor to suggest that heinous and inhumane acts and crimes of the past, can in anyway justify any other such act. However, I respectfully urge the closest possible examination of the agendas of the parties involved in an obvious campaign to demonise President Robert Mugabe and the Government of Zimbabwe, and in so doing, stimulate strife and suffering among the people of Zimbabwe.

I proffer this following, sad, personal assessment. It would appear that the Morgan Tsvangirai of some centuries ago, joined and connived with European slave-traders, to sell fellow Africans into slavery, and, condemn Africa to colonisation and occupation. Here in the twenty-first century, it appears to me history is being repeated; a symbol being Mr Tsvangirai taking refuge, not under an African flag but in a Dutch embassy.

By Hubert Taylor, England.
7:22
Mugabe Shameless; Mbeki Gutles
» ‎ Read entry @ AfricanLoft

There can be no denying how ugly the Zimbabwean election crisis has become. Mad Bob’s cling to power has reached desperate proportions. Mr. Mugabe received quite a shock in March 2008 when his cronies and youth thugs failed to scare enough Zimbabweans away from voting for rivals the MDC. When you consider it for a moment, it is amazing what the MDC and majority opinion achieved given the Mugabe government’s efforts to subvert the democratic process. Today he swore himself in after “winning” an unopposed election. However, unlike previous coronations, Mugabe was more subdued than usual.

He flies to Egypt today for a meeting of the African Union. His counterparts, including many in the SADC, have been vocal in their critique of his government for creating the intimidating environment leading up to this weekend’s election; 100+ MDC members dead, the homes of MDC supporters burned to the ground and other disgusting attempts to silence the voice of democracy. I sincerely hope Bob Mugabe is NOT recognized by African counterparts as the “leader” of the Zimbabwean people, as a leader must represent the will of the people, of which Mugabe certainly falls short. I have written previously about how desperate the situation in Z. has become - inflation levels reaching exponential proportions, rampant crime, starvation; even slum dwellers complain about the filthy conditions of the shanty towns. How many more cries for help are required here?

Odinga, the PM of Kenya is calling for an AU military intervention and I am confident more than a few heads of state in Egypt (host of the AU Summit) will stay clear of Mugabe. It was great to see D. Tutu and the world’s most respected freedom fighter, Nelson Mandela, clearly speak their minds on Mugabe and his regime of terror. In some twisted way, Mugabe probably equates his liberation struggles to that of Tutu’s and Mandela’s: falsely elevating himself to the level of Messiah.

In the 1980s when he tossed out the British a strong case could be made for his crowning as an anti-colonial freedom fighter. A leader of his people. These days, Mugabe is more ridiculous figure than revolutionary. Mr. Mugabe is politically shrewd to continue claims he is part of a global, imperialistic-colonial plot, of which the Zimbabwean Opposition leader must also be complicit…no doubt, those less informed of his destructive and manipulative methods will be fooled by these accusations.

A Disgrace

South Africa’s Thabo Mbeki’s silence on Zimbabwe’s farcical election is tantamount to his tacit support for the Mugabe regime. While Mbeki squeaks like a Mouse; his anti-apartheid colleagues have roared like Lions voicing their public condemnation of Mugabe and his cronies in Cabinet. Further commentary from African Heads of State is welcomed. Mr. Mbeki has always maintained that quiet diplomacy is the solution; working behind the scenes to bridge differences between ZANU and MDC. This is lazy and empty rhetoric from the outgoing South African politician.

Mr. Mbeki’s lack of resolve on Zimbabwe demonstrates to the international community that his efforts to bring peace and stability to Zimbabwe have failed. How many opportunities will the UN and the AU allow before they pull the plug on Mbeki’s role as mediator? His leadership on the crisis thus far has failed to achieve meaningful results for the people of Z. Granted, he is trying to cozy up to a cunning, desperate politician like Mugabe, an individual who lost his grip on reality some time ago. Does Mbeki’s lack of courage reflect an aging politician that doesn’t want to rock the boat?? In the media he often looks tired and defeated; Mugabe has played him like a puppet in a war of attrition.

Zimbabweans should rightly be worried if Leaders at this week’s AU Summit leave the fate of Zimbabwe in Mbeki’s hands. Clearly, he is not capable of making tough demands of Mugabe.
June 29, 2008
7:00
Press Release: South Africa’s Finest Female IMBONGI (Praise Poet) Inspires a Nation…
» ‎ Read entry @ AfricanLoft
South Africa: Jessica Mbangeni is one of South Africa’s highly sort after female Imbongi (praise poet) – and is currently making waves with a slate of high-profile live performances that have cemented her global reputation as one of the country’s most gifted creative talents.

That she stands alone in a cultural terrain dominated by men is something that spurs on this Eastern Cape-raised woman. “Young South Africans must go back to our roots and embrace our culture and traditions. We must take ownership of African pride and play a role in instilling positivity among people – and that goes for men and women,” she says.

Mbangeni’s burning desire to use her voice – through music and poetry- to comment on South Africa’s leaders, our collective history and the issues facing the country has its roots in her early years growing up in Nqamakwe in the Eastern Cape. “As a child I would listen to my grandmother’s storytelling which was always fused with traditional Xhosa singing and it really sparked a fire in my soul,” Mbangeni confides.

But it took a while for Mbangeni to turn her passion into her career.

After matriculating at Ezizweni Senior Secondary School in 1996, she did a National Diploma in Secretarial Office Administration at the Eastern Cape Technikon (now the Walter Sisulu University) and it appeared as if her life was to take a more conventional route.

“The fact is that I could not ignore the compulsion I felt to write and perform the words that flowed into my mind, and so I moved into the creative direction that I find myself in now,” Mbangeni says of her move from secretarial work into singing and poetry.

Whilst working as a secretary she got her break performing in musicals (including ‘Episodes of Africa’ which played the annual Grahamstown Festival) and taking the role of lead singer in the Gospel group Magic Sounds.

Then, in 2002, Mbangeni got her first big opportunity. “I auditioned for and got a place in the Soweto Gospel Choir in 2002, and that really played a significant role in opening my eyes to the rest of the world, and what it means to be a professional singer.”

Mbangeni performed with the renowned choir in Australia and New Zealand first, and was soon one of the Grammy Award-winning Choir’s lead singers and poets, performing in 37 North American cities in 2005 alone. Her work with the choir also saw Mbangeni take part in several high-profile events including President Thabo Mbeki’s second inauguration, the first 46664 concert in Cape Town and the celebrations in 2004 to mark South Africa’s 10 years of democracy.

Her musical experience expanded when Mbangeni joined the Creative Collective Choir and under the guidance of heavyweights Hugh Masekela and Sibongile Khumalo supported such music greats as Dorothy Masuka and Dolly Rathebe as well as the likes of Zwai Bala and others.

In recent years, Mbangeni has struck out on her own – taking the plunge into solo work (including acting in ‘Soul City’ and ‘Dube on 2’) and all the more inspired for it. “It is wonderful to be able to perform my own work; to breathe life into my own words and see the reaction of others when I do.”

Her slate of live performances is varied and impressive: already this year Mbangeni has played the International Women’s Conference at the Presidential Guest House in Pretoria, performed with Victor Ntoni’s Jazz band Heritage at a State Banquet in Cape Town and was an integral part of the celebrations of US Black History at Museum Africa in Johannesburg.

Among her most important works was undertaking the role of programme director, singer, poet, dancer and narrator at OR Tambo’s Birthday in Umtata in 2007. “It took me back to my roots and incorporated everything that I love, including singing praises to one of South Africa’s greatest leaders,” she says. Mbangeni’s praise-singing to O.R. Tambo has also been heard at the commemoration to the ANC leader at the naming of the O.R. Tambo Airport in Johannesburg, and the Mzansi Sings Tribute to OR Tambo staged in London in 2007.

That her home language plays such a central role in Mbangeni’s creative life is no surprise: Whereas several of South Africa’s praise poets work in Zulu, Mbangeni was determined to use her native Xhosa to drive the praise singing that has always been an unstoppable force in her life. “I have always been inspired by Xhosa writers such as A.C.Jordan, S.E.K.Mqhayi, K.S.Bongela and T.K.Tamsanqa. This is the language of my ancestors and so it’s natural that I perform my praise poetry in Xhosa,” the 29-year-old says simply.

Over the past few years, Mbangeni has expanded her hand: in 2006 she founded the KwaNtu Entertainment & Designs agency that uses her significant connections in the cultural and entertainment industries to get local South African talent exposed through international television shows, local and international television adverts, international theatre and corporate shows. “It’s all fits into my philosophy of always breaking new ground,” Mbangeni explains. “My team and I work hard at discovering new talent and identifying artistic potential in other creative souls.” This multi-racial agency has already worked with several heavyweight casting directors including Moonyeen Lee, Amanda Wilson, Christa Schamber and many others and has an excellent global reputation.

“In the end, whether it is my creative endeavours or those of others, I am really living my dream in everything that I do,” Mbangeni says.

Upcoming Performances:
- National Women’s Day Celebrations in Union Building 9th August.
- Literature Festival in Berlin in September, Jessica featured by 6Mabone Marimba band.
- European tour promoting the upcoming album of 6Mabone collaborating with German Pop Academy which is an IDM Project.
Bookings for Jessica Mbangeni contact 083 347 6971 or email jmbangeni@yahoo.co.uk
June 28, 2008
12:14
An Interview with Author - Milton Davis
» ‎ Read entry @ AfricanLoft

Milton Davis is a chemist finally pursuing his dream to write. The author of Meji, an African based fantasy novel writes African based fantasy and science fiction, with a little historical fiction thrown in every now and then.

Meji Synopsis: On the continent of Uhuru, in the grasslands of the Sesu, Inkosi Dingane is granted his wish. His Great Wife Shani bears him a son, an heir to his growing empire. But the ancestors have plans of their own. Shani bears him twin boys, meji, an abomination among the Sesu, but a blessing to Shani’s people, the Mawena. Thus begins the story of two brothers destined to transform their world. One brother, Ndoro, fights for his place among the Sesu, hoping to shed the stigma of abomination. The other, Obaseki, grows to a man among the Mawena, struggling with a gift that alienates him from his family and eventually leads to his exile. Each brother sets out to find his destiny, revealing a prophecy that changes them and their world forever.

When did you begin writing?
Writing was always there. But coming up, it was something you did as a hobby, not a job. I didn’t know any black writers making a living at writing. I even had a cousin who was an artist and had the same problem. We were encouraged to do it, but not as a living.

My goal was to get job in chemistry and write on the side. In college, I started reading sci-fi and fantasy and started getting more serious about writing. I even had English instructor try to encourage me to change my major.

How did the idea for Meji develop?
It actually started years ago, back in 90’s. I was reading a lot of fantasy but wasn’t feeling passionate about writing it. But then, as I began researching African history, culture and religion, I found I wanted to write a fantasy, based on African history.

During my research, I learned of a Yoruba cult that pays homage to twins, but found there were also tribes that considered twins an abomination. I started thinking about a family with parents from different cultures and how that story would play out in the case of twins. I really wanted to show that Africa is not one place, it has different tribes and different cultures. Like other writers, I found that after I began, the story started writing itself.

You launched your publishing company MVmedia to publish Meji. Why did you decide to self publish?
Selfishness – I didn’t want to wait. When I turned 45, decided I wanted to do this and understood that much traditional publishing has more to do with what you write versus the quality of your writing – it’s about what the publishers think will sell. I went from receiving form letter rejections, to letters from editors saying they liked my work, but don’t think it was for their audience.

So I decided to focus on my audience. Artists spend a lot of time waiting, and nothing is wrong with that, but I wanted to be more proactive. The only downside is inventory, but if you’re willing to put in the work to promote your book, the inventory isn’t that intimidating.

Would you ever pursue publishing and writing full time?
I’m kind of in the middle. I could be chemist rest of my life and be fine. Research and development is creative and I really enjoy it, but if writing became something I could make a living at it, I’d jump with no hesitation.

Describe your writing process.
First, I can’t write a story until I have the ending. I usually write in evenings and have a rule that I must write a page a day. I also have a journal where I record ideas and just set them aside. I don’t really outline, but do jot down notes and eventually once I have good enough feel for the story, I start working. I write long hand and then type it into the computer and do my revisions. From beginning to end, including rewrites, it takes about a year to complete.

Who are your favorite authors?
David Anthony Durham, Charles Saunders and James Baldwin.

What books are you reading now?
I’m reading Wind Follower by Carole McDonnell, a manuscript by Charles Saunders and I’d like to write a historical fiction pieced based on Kush, so I’m doing some research there as well.

Milton’s first novel Meji and some of his other work is available at: www.mvmediaatl.com. Meji - Book 2 will be released in December and Changa’s Safari will be released next summer.
June 27, 2008
7:00
Paul Kagame of Rwanda - The Entrepreneur President talks Business
» ‎ Read entry @ AfricanLoft

Below are video interviews of President Paul Kagame of Rwanda at the 2007 Legatum Pioneers of Prosperity Awards in Kigali, Rwanda.

President Kagame “came to prominence as the leader of the guerrilla Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) army, whose invasion of Rwanda is often cited as the primary reason the Rwandan Genocide came to a close”, according to Wikipedia. The site states further, that “the RPF’s victory over the incumbent government in July 1994 effectively ended the genocide.”

Now, as a civilian President, Kagame speaks of his vision for Rwanda and the role of small businesses and entrepreneurship in national development, and his personal path from military strategist to become Africa’s leading statesman.

Watch the video clips and see why Kagame has been dubbed “The “Entrepreneur President”!

Part 1

Part 2
June 26, 2008
7:58
Sudan Divestment: Screening Tool for Genocide-Free Stocks Deputs
» ‎ Read entry @ AfricanLoft

Foliofn Investments, an American firm has just introduced the first-ever screening tool to let investors build portfolios free of companies that support and profit from the genocide in Sudan.

Foliofn Investments launched in May of this year help customers automatically screen out companies on the Genocide Intervention Network’s “highest offenders” list of firms that operate or trade in Sudan and thereby, according to the network, share complicity in marginalizing portions of the country’s local population.

On the web.
7:00
Salif Keita: Nou Pas Bouger (You Can’t Move Us)
» ‎ Read entry @ AfricanLoft

My introduction to Salif Keita was via the song, “Nou Pas Bouger” on an African Music show that ran on NTA 2 Channel 5 on Sundays’ in Nigeria. I remember running to the television set and staring in awe at the wonderful sounds emanating from this man. Our introduction didn’t end there, as I later learnt that he was from a famous Malian Dynasty (Sundiata Keita) that has existed for eons of years. But, the question really is: What will make a royal Prince choose to go the way of the griot?

For those who are unfamiliar with the term “griot”; a griot is a paid performer, their role in traditional Malian society was to inform, perform at weddings, funerals, coronation ceremonies etc. Traditionally, griots are poor because they depend on societies aid and monies to survive. So why will a prince choose this path?

One of the hypothesis spouted is that Salif understood what it meant to not really belong. Being an albino - which in Malian culture is seen as a harbinger of bad luck within his ethnic group (Mandinga) - he understood what it meant to have limited access just because of the color of his skin, and what it meant within his society. He was completely ostracized by his community and his family. This was a driving force to him. He knew that he had a purpose for being placed on earth and he was going to ensure that his light shines regardless of his albinism.

Salif Keita, born August 25 1949, joined the Super rail band de Bamako in 1967, a government sponsored group. In 1973, Keita joined les Ambassadeur but later fled from Mali to Ivory coast because of the political unrest that existed at that time in Mali. In 1984, Salif Keita moved to Paris to reach a wider audience. His music combines traditional Malian sounds with Western Pop sounds. One of the concepts that remains true is his use of Islamic sounds in his music. African instruments that feature predominately in Salif’s sounds are the Kora, Balafon and Djembas. Salif has gone ahead to win so many awards.

On the non-profit end, Salif set up an organization in Mali to educate and inform the citizens of Mali and others about Albinism. His aim is to ensure that these groups of people are seen as people who can contribute greatly to society . His most recent CD is M’bemba which he released in 2005. This is a must listen for any Salif fan.

Celebrate Brooklyn is one of the longest running free events in the United States. Each year, the organizers of this event ensure that African Musicians are showcased. I have watched artists like Kanda Bongo Man (DRC), Lagbaja (Nigeria), Kaisaa (Cameroun) and other musicians perform on this global stage. This year African artists to be showcased include Oliver Mtukudzi (Zimbabwe), Salif Keita (Mali), Habib Koite (Mali) and the list goes on.

I was privileged to watch Salif Keita perform last week Sunday; it was an honor to see a living legend do his thing. It was also wonderful to see how much respect he has garnered as a result of his music.

The crowd was multicultural as I heard so many languages being spoken, when he climbed on stage and started performing - I was again in awe at the great sounds that emanated from his mouth. His reach is so global that a Caucasian lady that was in the crowd climbed up the stage to play her guitar to his sounds.

He didn’t sing my favorite song that day though, but he did sing “Mandjou” which has been redone by Angelique Kidjo (Benin) and Kaisaa (Cameroun).

Enjoy some of my pictures from the event and of course, my favorite video of him (modern version, though I prefer the older one but this is what I could find) and I believe his most political video till date.

[www.youtube.com]

Nou Pas Bouger - Don’t move us
At the time of slavery
At the time of colonization
The whole of Africa suffered
After the abolition of slavery, the whites stayed all over Africa
During the time that France was fighting the Nazi’s
A lot of the fighters were Africans
We fought on the Coast of France
That war wasn’t our war
Neither our mother’s or father’s war
But a lot of Africans died for their war
Now they want us to go back to our country
But no don’t move us
No. No. No.
June 25, 2008
12:40
Press Release: Mr and Miss East Africa UK 2008 Beauty Pageant Brings African to London
» ‎ Read entry @ AfricanLoft

First ever Mr East Africa UK and third Miss East Africa UK to be crowned by Miss England in London.

After two successful years running the prestigious Miss East Africa UK, Pauline Long has just launched Mr East Africa UK. The Kenyan born mother of two introduced the male contest to work with and alongside Miss East Africa UK. Mr and Miss East Africa UK beauty pageants main objectives are to fundraise, campaign and raise awareness for the plight of underprivileged children in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan and Eritrea. When asked why there was a need to introduce Mr East Africa UK, Pauline said, “I am giving equal opportunities to young East Africans, both male and female to spread the awareness of poverty that strikes East African children. Besides, having more voices to represent East African children is better than having one voice. It’s all about rallying up as many people as possible to get involved in the campaigns.”

The grand double crowning event with Sir Alan Sugar’s Apprentice popular TV show Winner Tim Campbell as the guest of honour will take place in London’s Bloomsbury Theatre on 26th July and the winners of both Miss East Africa UK 2008 and the first ever Mr East Africa UK being crowned by Miss England. The competition which is fundraising for underprivileged children and children who lost their parents or guardians in the post-election violence is already creating a huge of buzz. The show will be hosted by Comedian/TV presenter Kojo and Super model Anya James. Among the celebrity judging panel will be Kenya’s most popular community leader in the Diaspora and director of Sacoma(Sahara Community Abroad) Sam Ochieng, entertainment editor of The Voice Newspaper Janelle Oswald, Nigerian top designer Adebayo Jones, Youth Member of Parliament Acie Marshal, popular BEN TV Presenter Trish Adudu, BBC Radio presenter DJ Edu and more. “Many young East Africans living in the UK want to be part of a good cause helping those who were affected in Kenya”. Pauline revealed, “I think people are excited of the prospect of the double crowning and this year contestants are rushing in to register to take part in the competition in large numbers and so far they all share a common reason which is to help the children displaced in Kenya. They have also been following what the current title holder Maureen Nyakaira has achieved so far.” She added, “Maureen has become a great role model and the next title holder who takes over from her will be expected to emulate her or exceed her achievements.”

This prestigious event will be judged on three categories, the introduction wear specially designed by Pauline Long, the outrageous traditional wear designed by each contestant and the evening wear specially designed by CORSET ART DESIGNS. Entertainment is expected to be spectacular with African cultural dancers, various African musicians including Tanzanian Superstar Ali Kiba.

When Pauline Long founded Miss East Africa UK her vision was not limited to run the pageant in the UK, it’s no wander she is now workling with contestants on what is set to be the biggest campaign that will help lift African children out of poverty; THE SHOUT CAMPAIGN. “My end goal with these pageants is to lift every single African child in need out of poverty, take them out of the streets and engage in campaigns that will help change people’s attitudes towards our children. It will be a matter of persuading the governments to turn their countries into children’s welfare states,” Pauline revealed.

The pageant organizers are appealing to everyone not just East Africans or Africans to come and celebrate beauty and join hands in standing up for African children.

Winners of Mr and Miss East Africa UK will win modeling contracts with Mahogany Models but most importantly be voices for African children

For more information on how you can get involved in the good causes please visit: www.misseastafrica.co.uk
10:32
Zimbabwe: Time International Military Intervention
» ‎ Read entry @ AfricanLoft

Zimbabweans who have been scarred by weeks of ongoing violence that is causing significant loss of lives and property are reportedly calling for the intervention of an international peacekeeping force to end the spree. This comes after the international community widely condemned the upheaval. As opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai sought refuge at the Dutch Embassy in the capital, Harare, diplomats branded President Robert Mugabe’s government as “illegitimate.”

Partisans of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) reportedly said the life of party leader Tsvangirai is in grave danger after he pulled out of this week’s presidential election run-off. But the ruling ZANU-PF government dismissed the accusation and describes Tsvangirai as a coward. Busani Ncube is the logistics director of the Bulawayo project, a non-governmental organization in Zimbabwe’s commercial capital. From Bulawayo, he tells VOA reporter Peter Clottey that the time for military intervention is long overdue.

“The people of Zimbabwe have had enough, and they have suffered enough already. They don’t want the international community to only talk about Zimbabwe to put pressure on Mugabe, but they now want action to be taken against this regime, as we need peacekeepers in Zimbabwe. This is what the people of Zimbabwe expect at this hour of need,” Ncube pointed out.

He said there was need for the international community to intervene, even if President Mugabe’s administration resists any offers to relieve the suffering of ordinary Zimbabweans.

“Here we are talking about the lives of the people. We are talking about the humanitarian crisis. It is no longer about the abuse of human rights. It is about the humanitarian crisis and the lives of the people and the future of this country. I think the SADC (Southern African Development Community) and the AU (African Union) should force themselves. They should check Zimbabwe seriously and they should hold Mugabe accountable to what is happening in Zimbabwe,” he noted.

Ncube said the international community should rebuke what he described as unfortunate government tactics of violence and intimidation.

“The international community should rebuke the government and tell Mugabe in no uncertain terms that this is enough and unacceptable, and they should immediately send peacekeepers in Zimbabwe with or without the approval of Mugabe,” Ncube said.

He said the ruling ZANU-PF party was taken by surprise after the opposition decided not to be part of this Friday’s presidential election run-off.

“I think ZANU-PF is shocked as to what the decision of the opposition had taken so far. They wanted the opposition to remain in the poll so that the MDC will legitimize this illegitimate election, an election that was predetermined. What the opposition has done has thrown ZANU-PF’s rigging plan into disarray, and it has shown that ZANU-PF was determined to rig this election. So, I think they are very, very much confused,” he said.

Ncube said partisans of the opposition fear the life of Morgan Tsvangirai is in danger.

“I think Tsvangirai’s life is in danger because of this decision to pull out of the election, which is causing confusion in the camp of the ruling ZANU-PF. I also fear for the lives of Tsvangirai and other pro-democracy activists in the country,” Ncube pointed out.

He said the ruling party would continue with the run-off despite the opposition’s refusal to be part of the election.

“I think ZANU-PF will continue with this election. They will use the opposition’s decision to say they are at an advanced stage of this election, and so the election is going to go on. And they will force people in the rural areas to go and vote and try to say Tsvangirai did not pull out of the election so the election will go ahead and ZANU-PF will win, and they will declare themselves the winner after going through the poll,” he noted.

VOA
8:32
Development Partners International- Africa’s Private Equity Initiative
» ‎ Read entry @ AfricanLoft

Two pioneers of fund management in Africa have gathered investors from the US and the Gulf to back the first private equity venture focusing on African countries emerging from conflict.

Development Partners International launches at a time when record amounts of private capital are flowing into Africa, with investors attracted by the strongest growth in decades and potential for higher yields than in flagging developed world markets.

Miles Morland, who started up Blakeney Management to invest in nascent African stock exchanges in the early 1990s, and Runa Alam, formerly of private equity firm Kingdom Zephyr, have raised €230m ($361m) in five months towards a targeted €400m for DPI. They are now initiating the first deals.

Source
7:58
Nelson Mandela 90th Birthday Celebrations
» ‎ Read entry @ AfricanLoft

Omotaylor writing from London

London is really alive this week. The papers are full of “IT”, the TV screens are not silent on “IT”, and the Radio stations are screaming and even running competitions so that listeners could win tickets to “IT”. What you may be wondering is “IT”?

“IT” is simply the 3 hour outdoor 46664 concert in honour of a world renowned hero and legend, Nelson Mandela. This is part of the week long activities to celebrate Nelson Mandela’s 90^th Birthday. This concert is scheduled to take place on Friday 27^th June 2008, at Hyde Park London and starts at 4pm. Official tickets to this outdoor event range from £75 to £99 per head.

London has a real genuine love love romance with Mandela and this I guess dates back to the “Free Mandela” concert 20 years ago at Wembley Stadium on 11^th June 1988, to mark Nelson Mandela’s 70^th Birthday. This premier Wembley concert was initiated by the likes of Jerry Dammers who in 1984 scored the hit single “Free Nelson Mandela”. Nelson Mandela was still in the South African Apartheid prison then, and later gained his freedom 2 years after. Also in August 2007 London unveiled a Mandela Statute at London’s Parliament Square in honour of our hero, father and the greatest freedom fighter of all times, Nelson Mandela (visit [www.africanloft.com] for more).

This June 2008, 90^th Birthday concert in London is most assuredly going to be a star studded occasion as the world’s most powerful and most popular persons; royalty, celebrities, sports personalities, entertainers and who have you are expected at the Gala Concert. Nelson Mandela, his wife Graca Machel, and some members of his family are already in London (since 23^rd June) for this event.

Yes from Prison to Presidency, Mandela, will be joined at this concert by the likes of Bill Clinton (former American President), Gordon Brown (UK Prime Minister), Robert De Niro, Lenny Henry, Richard Branson, Will Smith (who I understand will be one of the hosts), Oprah Winfrey, Roger Taylor, Dave Stewart etc. The concert will also feature South African and African artists like Johnny Clegg, Sipho Mabuse, Loyiso, Children of Agape Choir, Papa Wemba and Emmanuel Jal. This Hyde Park concert will also feature some of the biggest names in music e.g. Soweto Gospel Choir, Leona Lewis, Eminem, Annie Lennox, Queen, Sugar Babes etc. The concert audience will be 46 664 in number.

Papa Mandela is now expected to really bow out of public eye and “retire from retirement” after this concert which is put together by 46664 Charity, the Aids Campaign associated with Mandela and proceeds of the Hyde Park concert will go to this Charity. Oh by the way just in case you are wondering what 46664 really is; this is the number that Nelson Mandela wore while he was in prison for 27 years before his release in 1990 and followed by his election as South Africa’s first Black President in 1994.

Forming part of the celebrations this week will be a fundraising event to benefit the charitable organisations founded by our hero Nelson Mandela e.g. Nelson Mandela Foundation, Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, and Mandela Rhodes Foundation. There are many other related campaigns for this 90^th Birthday celebrations e.g. The World’s Biggest Birthday Card for Mandela where anyone with a mobile phone could be involved by joining the “Text Your Birthday Wishes” campaign. All messages will be displayed on the Nelson Mandela Birthday website, www.happybirthdaymandela.com. For London viewers this Hyde Park concert will be broadcasted by ITV1 at 9pm on same Friday 27^th June 2008.

A BIRTHDAY POEM TO MY GREATEST HERO OF ALL TIMES

Papa Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela

Proudly Born a Mandiba Man

1918 was a year of great importance

For birthing a man of such great stance.

Black Pimpernel and Living Legend

Even the gates of hell could not you prevail

Yes the Apartheid Prison was predestined to fail,

For you were born the world to apprehend.

You stooped to conquer and since exalted

While the apartheid authorities remain debased

You will live long; our African Methuselah

Many happy returns, our leader and master.

May your lineage be forever established

May your ideals in South Africa never diminish

May the Lord Bless and Lengthen your days

May we all usher in with you your 100^th Birthday.

We at AFRICAN LOFT, join South Africa, Britain and the whole world in wishing Papa Nelson Mandela the “Bestest” Happiest Birthday EVER.

WE LOVE YOU…
June 24, 2008
0:11
Google Censored Blog over AFRICOM Rants?
» ‎ Read entry @ AfricanLoft

Crossed Crocodiles (crossedcrocodiles.blogspot.com) is a personal blog of Xcroc, one of the contributing authors on AfricanLoft; Xcroc has been quite vocal on the AFRICOM discussions, here and on his blog.

It is strange and disturbing to read his blog latest entry, titled: “Censored by Google Alerts - Crossed Crocodiles on AFRICOM”.

He states after his blog “got a visit from Google itself, google.com in Mountain View California,” his postings on AFRICOM that used to appear on Google News alerts stopped appearing…

Why?

Find out.
June 23, 2008
17:58
The Rabid Dog of Zimbabwe must be put Down!
» ‎ Read entry @ AfricanLoft

Not only has Mugabe boasted that it is God that can remove the state of Zimbabwe from his claws, more or less telling the opposition that the presidency is not open, yet, Even the MDC leader, Morgan Tsvangirai, is laying low as a refuge at the Dutch Embassy in Harare.

To say things have taken a worse dimension in Zimbabwe is indeed an understatement. The fragile thread of hope and sanity holding the nation together has simply snapped, at last!

As the greater Africa tries to move out of conflict and institute a semblance of stability and socially responsible governance, Zimbabwe, under the leadership of octogenarian Mugabe, has been leaping in the opposite direction. And just when many thought they could see an end to the regression, Mugabe quit leaping, just to start sprinting, further and deeper into the abyss of tyranny!

What options are remaining in Zimbabwe?

Mbeki-quiet diplomacy has clearly failed, the African Union (AU) head of states are silent and timid to speak to their “older brother”, Bob, who is old to father many of them.

If the AU would be toughen up and look the man in the eye…

Without a run-off election, the government of Mugabe is illegitimate. And the African heads of state should be the first to stand up and tell the world so.

I doubt if this will happen.

Another flicker of hope is the community of Zimbabweans (and their well-wishers) in the Diaspora. But do they have the muscle and will to wrestle the dog to the ground?

Is there some ways this community can work with progressive and friendly nations to topple Mugabe?

As frustrating as the Zimbabwe-Mugabe matter has become, one thing has become clear though: Robert Mugabe wants to die in office.

And death will surely come, no doubt. Mugabe will surely die, but will be lucky if buried with his body intact.

Robert Mugabe has become a rabid dog, and an embarrassment to the greater African community, and he needs to be put down as violently and ruthlessly as he has become. Remember Sergent Samuel Doe of Liberia?
8:23
AFRICOM: African Officers to be Invited to Serve in New US Africa Command
» ‎ Read entry @ AfricanLoft

PODCAST: The chief of the new U.S. military command for Africa [AFRICOM] says he will invite African military officers to serve at his headquarters, once the operation gets up and running. VOA Pentagon Correspondent Al Pessin interviewed the commander, General William Ward.

Take a listen:
June 22, 2008
8:00
“Only God who appointed me will remove me — not the MDC, not the British” - Mugabe
» ‎ Read entry @ AfricanLoft

Fanuel Jongwe reports via Mail and Guardian online:

President Robert Mugabe said on Friday that “only God” could remove him from office, as Zimbabwe’s opposition considered pulling out of next week’s run-off election amid escalating violence.

“The MDC will never be allowed to rule this country — never, ever,&#

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