LONDON MEDIA SEMINAR BRIEF REVIEW...

Twenty eight individuals attended this very apprehensive seminar. Apprehensive in the sense that some of the speakers withdrew at the last minute and only three Tanzanians were present. The rest were foreigners who love the country, former volunteers and expatriates who had worked in Tanzania- some as far back as 50 years ago.

Pensive mood and discussions...

 I chatted to a former Bwana Shamba, who roved and managed villages shortly after Uhuru was declared. The man could still greet and joke in one of the tribal languages. Smiling and jovial he told stories about local villagers he had interacted with. The former Bwana Shamba- a term that is associated with pre –Arusha Declaration times- could still remember Mbege, Ulanzi, Dengelua and Chang’aa, which he pronounced well. Swahili learners always find it hard to pronounce words like “chang’aa” called Gongo or Machozi ya Simba (these days). For the  reader who is unfamiliar with hardcore local drinks, Gongo is the crude, raw version of Konyagi - distilled, packaged and bottled 35 percent original Tanzanian whisky. Of course Gongo (or the said “chang’aa”) is stronger and much more sinister, hence the deadly name, Machozi ya Simba (lion’s tears).

Be warned.

SOAS Radio pundits and students, Rob Wilson (UK) and Debula Kimoli (Kenya) participated...

Lesson one from last Thursday’s event at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) is Mmmh... what?  Most that have walked on Tanzanian soil never forget the country. May I include ones who had unpleasant experiences? I recently met a young British guy who speaks good Swahili, loves the language and the people but is slightly wary and cautious to return. One warm evening he hailed a cab in Dar es Salaam and ended being robbed. The cabbie stopped to pick up two armed thugs, who then threateningly drove him around the beleaguered city. He was forced to call his family in the UK who then sent a couple of thousand pounds- (millions of shillings) - via Western Union.

Bottom line here is that although Tanganyika of the Bwana Shamba gentleman has dramatically changed, apprehension and politics remain focussed on the “three mantras” that Mwalimu and TANU used to chant: ignorance, poverty and disease.

How can that be assessed?

Newly appointed UK Ambassador to Tanzania, Dianna Melrose (centre) with BTS man, William Fulton (right) and author (self taken I-Phone pic)...

The seminar’s goals was to look at media and democracy- born through multi-party reforms in 1992.  The seminar was organised by British Tanzania Society (created in 1975) currently presided by ex President Ali Hassan Mwinyi.

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JE WANAWAKE WAKITAKA KUKOJOA MAJIANI INAKUWAJE MAJUU?...

Tupo sebuleni kwa jirani yangu mmoja mwanamke. Katualika majirani kusherehekea siku ya kuzaliwa miaka themanini. Themanini nakwambia! Wanawe wawili wamewasili na wajukuu na vitukuu toka Australia na Afrika Kusini kushangilia siku hii maalum ya ajuza mcheshi, roho safi; kibibi anayependwa na kila mtu hapa mtaani ninapoishi London. 

Mama wa Kizungu na mwanae wakingojea kuvuka barabara kando ya basi la ghorofa London...picha na F Macha...

 Nyumba imetota baraka.  Harufu mbalimbali za makulaji zinazitesa pua. Vyakula vimetandazwa mezani. Viazi  Ulaya vya kuchemsha na kuoka vinavyotengeneza msosi maarufu uliovum buliwa na hawa hawa Waingereza unaojulikana kama Chips. Mboga mbichi safi za saladi, nyanya, matango, vitunguu, jibini (chizi), mikate ya kila sampuli, samaki  na kuku wa kukaanga. Kawaida karamu za Majuu hutenganisha walaji wa nyama na wasiokula nyama (Vegetarians).

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NINI MIZIZI YA TATIZO LA WAISLAMU KUCHOMA MAKANISA NA AMANI AFRIKA?-Sehemu ya 2

 Jumapili iliyopita tuliona namna mwanamuziki Fela Kuti  alivyoonya kuhusu imani za kigeni zilivyochangia kupotosha utamaduni wa Mwafrika.
Akasisitiza : “Ukristo na Uislamu si dini zetu...Wakristo wana fikra na tabia  za Waingereza na Wamarekani, ilhali Waislamu wana tabia za Waarabu.” 
 Msikilize mwenyewe akijieleza kinaga naga
Jadi mbalimbali duniani  zilijengwa kufuatana na mazingira na hali ya hewa. Dini zilitumia mvua, jua, radi, miti, wanyama nk,  kuabudu na kutambika.  Dini mbili kuu za Waafrika leo zimetokana na utamaduni wa Mashariki ya Kati na Wazungu.

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NINI MSINGI WA TATIZO LA WAISLAMU WANAOHARIBU MAKANISA NA AMANI AFRIKA? -Sehem ya 1

Sijui wasomaji wangapi tunamkumbuka mwanamuziki mashuhuri wa Nigeria, Fela Anikulapo Kuti aliyefariki 1997 akiwa na umri wa miaka 59?  Fela alikuwa binam wa mwandishi maarufu, Wole Soyinka (pichani) aliyeshinda tuzo la fasihi (Nobel) duniani 1986.

Pamoja na kipaji cha muziki (utunzi wenye ujumbe mzito, kuimba, kupiga saxafoni, ngoma na piano) Fela hakua mwoga.  Alikuwa mmoja wa wanamuziki wachache Afrika ambaye hakusita si tu kuimba ukweli, bali tayari kupambana na serikali ya nchi yake na kukemea ufisadi na rushwa vilivyoinyea(na bado vinaendelea) Nigeria.

Serikali na majeshi yalimchukia na kumwandama kiasi ambacho mwaka 1977 askari elfu moja walivamia makao makuu ya bendi yake -Afrika 70-  wakampiga yeye, wake zake na wanabendi halafu  wakaharibu kila kitu. Ndani ya vurugu hiyo walimtupa mamake Fela (Funmilayo) dirishani – baadaye akafia hospitalini. Fela aliudhika sana akatunga  nyimbo mbili kuishutumu serikali na askari wadhalimu (“Coffin for Head of State” na “Unknown Soldier”) na kulipeleka jeneza la mama mzazi makao makuu ya jeshi yaliyoongozwa na Jenerali Olusegun Obasanjo(aliyekuja kuwa Rais). Licha ya kipigo,  baadaye alitafutiwa vijisababu akafungwa jela miaka mitano kwa msimamo usiokua na woga wala unafiki.

Tuangalie dhana ya unafiki.

Fela Kuti alioa wake 27 (aliowaita malkia ), mwaka 1977;  waliimba na kucheza naye jukwaani.  
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PLANETMAN, AFRICAN DRUMMING AND LONDON'S CLUB CALLED PASSING CLOUDS

Flyer of this weekend's gig at Passing Clouds...

I was meeting a Jamaican friend who goes to Ethiopia and Tanzania regularly. He loves Africa which by itself is a pleasure. You know why? There is a feeling amongst us Africans that blacks from these parts of the world are not so keen on the motherland. We sold them as slaves to the whites and secondly, they have already settled here and do not need the continent any more.
 Is that correct?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pA_zO5b_SdE&feature=relmfu

Idriss K Traore, takes a brief Solo during a jam with Planetman's Band- video by F Macha

In the 1970’s when I was a teenager the motto was Black is beautiful and Africa is the motherland. Seeing African Americans on our East Africa streets created rainbow feelings.  They loved Africa, kissed airport tarmacs upon arrival.  We in turn tried copied and emulated their Afro hairstyles, walking gaits and clothes while they took Swahili and African names.

I used to have a friend who spoke English with a perfect African American accent; which was then considered high status -the epitome of black fashion.

It was all part of the mutual attraction. Started by Marcus Garvey, the legendary Jamaican journalist, ("the black Karl Marx"), at beginning of 20^th century – back to Africa movement (repatriation) was as glorious as it is the idea of Kwenda Majuu – these days. Marcus Garvey played a big role in the consciousness of ex-slaves. He pioneered Pan Africanism and the image of our continent as a special place; unfortunately not many of us are aware of this man’s contribution.  He died in London in 1940. Most of past and present black leaders have been influenced by the teachings of Marcus Garvey (pictured below, courtesy of Wikipedia ).

In the last 30 years Africa has developed a dual image.

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RELIGIOUS STRIFE SPREADS TO TANZANIA

For the first time in our history many of us are beginning to doubt if Tanzania is going to keep up the tag of one of the most peaceful nations in Africa. Burning churches and inciting religious hatred is growing wings in this highly respected country.  Last weekend we were confronted with pictures of those appearing in court and most felt that they are being treated too softly.

Church burning pic courtsey of Francis Brady....

The latest chain of events in Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam raised widespread concerns overseas. Listen to some random views around London early this week.

“Things are not right, back home. Where are we heading to?”

“It’s been a roller coaster year. Doctors’ leader beaten up. Journalist brutally killed. His intestines dismembered for the world to see. Mwanza police chief shot. Zanzibar policeman shot. Now this...” 

“Former President Mkapa did the right thing in 1998. Remember Mwembechai killings? He did not let rioters play games. He stamped things right away. Why is the present leadership letting things slip into a nightmare?”

And on the internet it was more explicit.

“Dar is like Syria now.”
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MARLEY FILM HAS AN EXTRAORDINARY MESSAGE ABOUT THE ETHIC OF WORK

On Monday, London’s “Telegraph” published an interview of British director, Kevin MacDonald by Florence Walters. Kevin MacDonald recently made a film on life of Jamaican musician, Bob Marley.  The movie is a masterpiece.

Kevin MacDonald- pic courtsey of University of Aberdeen....

Well to start with in the last 31 years, I have watched many Bob Marley films, read numerous books, wrote several reviews and continue to sing some of his songs in my gigs. In the UK, “Three Little Birds” one of his simplest melodic tunes, is so popular in primary schools that whenever I play it I hear teachers singing along, loudly with pupils:

“Don’t worry about a thing

Every little thing is gonna be alright.”

HOW MUCH DO YOU KNOW ABOUT DOGS AND SPANIELS?

The dog looked thin; extremely bony, his tail was tucked in, bent as though his spine was about to crack; a mere skeleton, yes he was a male dog; trembling and shivering.

 I said to the owner:

“He must be feeling very cold.”

Spaniel are considered most intelligent dogs...Pic courtsey of Pet Wave...

October has just arrived (like an unexpected headache); London is turning viciously cold, lots of rain, winds and gales across the northern hemisphere. Summer, sunshine and Olympics seem to be sirens in the distance. So the man with the emaciated dog chuckled and smiled. He was elderly- a perfect English gentleman (always a pleasure to talk to)-with traditional respectful manners. 

“He is not only cold, he is old, 15 years,” the man spoke with simplicity. He reminded me of former Mzungu teachers at Ilboru Secondary School. Those days we were allowed to worship unlike what was reported recently at the legendary Arusha school which I attended 40 years ago.

Me (second left) with The Gringos gang at Ilboru in 1972 during a late afternoon tea break. Others, from right, John Meciri (deceased), Barnabas "Bandido" Sengati (deceased, 1981), Tony Sarwatt (deceased, 2005) and Mohammed Miro (from Zanzibar).... Pic by Emmanuel Yuda

“Were you a teacher once?” I asked.

“Yes. How do you know?”

Thereafter the gentleman told me a lot about dogs.

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TRAVELS, GADGETS, I-PODS AND BUS STOP MUSIC...

All images by Freddy Macha

Times are hard.

Very.

Sometimes you are (ruthlessly) reminded about this through daily reports of muggings, mass murder and pick pockets. Or how your budget does not fit the weekly shopping list, anymore. Salaries stay where they were ten years ago (and continually zoom down), while prices shoot up.

 Is this something new? You tell me.

I have always travelled.

 Either on foot to school when I was a little kid growing on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro; and a robust teenager on a (two days!) train journey from Arusha to Morogoro where I finished High School at Mzumbe in the 1970’s recession. Back then we thought things were tough.

Well, fact is they were. We had Black September hijacking planes.

“The cause of Palestinians must be heard!” shouted the determined militants. Those green days, the cause (and case) of Palestinians felt new. I had grown up believing Jews are the chosen children of God and anyone else is a dustbin. Truth is everyone is a child of God. We are all here to reap the rewards (and disasters) of mother earth. 

KINYAMKELA CHA MWANAHABARI JULIAN ASSANGE MJINI LONDON

 Niko katikati ya kitongoji cha matajiri, London...

Nimezungukwa na  majumba ya ghorofa, vigae, matofali ya kisasa,  vioo vitupu; mseto wa ujenzi. Punde nimekabiliana na Harrods-  duka maarufu la mamilionea  la ghorofa tano. Harrods imesimama mtaa wa Knightsbridge. Kando yake mna jumba dogo zaidi lenye  matofali rangi kikahawia mtindo wa karne ya kumi na tisa. Mtindo huu unalandana  na mila na desturi za Malkia Victoria aliyetawala karne hiyo (ya juzi) enzi za ukoloni. Nyanyake malkia Elisabeth.

Jengo lina ofisi nyingi na mojawapo ndipo ulipo Ubalozi wa Ecuador. Kawaida Ubalozi mdogo wa Ecuador usingekuwa na haja ya kuandikwa katika safu kama hii. Ila katika kipindi cha miezi miwili – umetajwa tajwa na kufahamika sana.

Hapa niliposimama nje nawaangalia askari zaidi ya kumi wa Kiingereza waliojipanga nje,wakiulinda ubalozi. Upande mwingine wamebana, paparazi na wanahabari na kamera zao; watalii wanapita pita nao wakipiga picha na mkabala wa Ubalozi limejikita kundi la watu, wakipiga kelele, wakiwasuta wale ma-askari. Mmoja wao kashika kipaaza sauti:

“Hakuna mtu aliyepiga simu namba 999 kuulizia msaada wenu, wajinga nyinyi!”

Askari hawasemi kitu. Watasema nini? Nchi hii ina Uhuru wa kusema na kujieleza.  Ukiyatazama mabango waliyobeba waandamaji  na mengine waliyoyabandika kando ya barabara pia mkabala na Ubalozi wa Ecuador, yatakufahamisha nini kinatokea. 

Mathalan:

“Kwanini askari wa Uingereza wanashirikiana na Marekani?”

“Ujasiri Unaambukiza!”

"Chapisheni Ukweli!"

“Uhuru.”

“Ondoeni mikono yenu toka Ecuador!”

“Serikali ya Uingereza ya Aibu lakini si wananchi wake!”

Na mabango kadhaa yana picha za mhusika.

“Mwacheni huru Assange! Msimpige Mjumbe risasi!”

 Yote, yumkini, yanamhusu mwanahabari Julian Assange ambaye toka Juni 19 aliomba ukimbizi  ubalozi wa Ecuador.

TRIBUTE TO ALAN HAYMAN – A SOUTH AFRICAN WHO LOVED PEOPLE OF ALL RACES

In the previous article published in Citizen Tanzania...I made a few errors about the origins of Alan Hayman, like saying his mother tongue was Afrikaans and that he was a Boer. Those errors are highly regretted and this corrected and shortened copy, sets the record straight. You can also read a longer version here...

By Freddy Macha

 I met Alan Hayman, a South African community activist and musician in 1991. Back then I was living in Rio de Janeiro and had reviewed an international film festival for a London magazine. While visiting the country my agent (who was based in London) said she had got a call from this African guy.

Alan pictured here in his last years working with young people in a Brazilian community. Pic courtesy of Vera Lucia Pereira da Silva...

On the phone, Alan was polite and had a strong South African accent. I was used to South African English because many freedom fighters were exiled in Tanzania due to Apartheid.

“Unjani!”

I greeted Mr Hayman in Zulu.

“Ngikhona.”

OLIMPIKI YA VILEMA IMEMALIZIKA -TUJITAYARISHE KWA MICHEZO YA MADOLA GLASGOW 2014

Awamu ya pili ya michezo ya Olimpiki ilishamalizika  London. Tokea 1988, mashindano haya ya vilema yalifanywa sehemu mahsusi  ya Olimpiki kule Korea Kusini, ingawa tukio lilikubalika rasmi  Olimpiki, Roma, Italia, 1960 .

Zaharani Mwenemti akiwa na wahudumu waliojitolea Olimpiki...picha na F Macha

 Mwaka huu Tanzania iliwakalishwa na Zaharani  Mwenemti aliyeshiriki utupaji tufe (“shotput”) na kisahani (“discus”). Mwenemti aliongozana na kocha, John Ndumbaro(mwenye ulemavu wa mguu mmoja) maofisa wawili – mkuu wa msafara, Johnsoon Meela na afisa utawala, Iddi Kibwana- (pichani chini) wote pia walemavu wanaotumia viti vya magudurumu au fimbo kutembelea.

Nilipohudhuria mashindano haya katikati ya juma nilishangazwa na kiasi kikubwa cha watazamaji. Bidii na juhudi za wanamichezo walemavu inasisimua na ni somo kwetu wote.

Suala la michezo ya vilema duniani lilianzishwa na mganga wa upasuaji na mishipa ya fahamu, Profesa Ludwig Guttman mwaka 1948.

Profesa Guttman....aliyeanzisha na kupigania uwezo na maendeleo ya walemavu baada ya vita vikuu vya pili vya dunia...

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LONDON’S NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL- TWO MILLION FEET DANCING....

Multi tasking is a word associated with women although most of us do it without realising. Driving a vehicle when we are texting or speaking on the phone as well as managing a conversation with a passenger. That is dangerous multi-tasking. But it is done, anyway.  A boss administering a bunch of clerks, newly appointed junior managers and anxious customers while performing his own chores- such as making sure the company sells well or dealing with emergencies.

Like said, multi tasking is traditionally associated with females.

Whistle blowing at the Notting Hill Carnival, this year...pic by Z. Bahati.

Feeding a crying baby, cooking for the husband, making sure older children are prepared for school, chatting and gossiping with friends and neighbours and if educated (and well positioned) being an efficient executive. Yes, multi-tasking is a skill. Multiple skills; multiple things, multiple colours.

Consider such  mix: work, play, serious, fun. This would be one way of describing a Carnival.

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THE SAGA OF WIKILEAKS NEWSMAN JULIAN ASSANGE IN LONDON

Ambling  through the affluent areas of South West London I find myself at the famous Harrods shopping complex. Harrods towers above me like an old, crafty crocodile; where millionaires, the wealthy and royal buy stuff. It was created in 1834 and had many owners including Egyptian businessman Al Fayed whose son, Dodi, perished with Princess Diana in 1997. Two years ago this biggest (shopping) establishment in UK was sold to Qatar Prime Minister, Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani. (What a long name!) it is said the cost was one and half billion pounds.

Woow...

 Harrods soars over me as I marvel its amazing architecture. Wazungu always score with their buildings. They keep them fresh and forever. Many years ago while touring (with a theatre group) in Vienna, Austria I was mesmerised  how ancient pretty buildings still dazzle the city.

Like Zanzibar’s Stone Town, perhaps?

Author ambles around Stone Town in 2011...spooky and interesting

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LONDON 2012 OLYMPICS BUILD UP MEANS A LOT OF THINGS

It is not only animals who are normally on heat. 

Trees too. No, that is a joke.

Cars. Yes, that is true. Cars and machines heat up. And so do big towns.   Since 2005 when London was chosen to host 2012 Olympic Games – the fourth largest city in the world has been on fire. Just a day after the announcement was made in Singapore, terrorists struck London with suicide bombers that left 52 dead. That was July 7^th, 2005. 

The would be suicide bombers caught on police cameras, moments before causing their brutal carnage. Pic courtesy of Martin Frost. Ws

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FATHERS DAY AND THE CHANGING WORLD OF PARENTING…

Last Sunday was father’s day here in the UK and I overheard one of my children lamenting how he feels sorry for some of his friends.

“Why?” I wondered gingerly reading the card the young guys had written. One of the best things about being a father nowadays is the fact that you get written feedback from your kids. Feedback in the sense that the father’s day cards – readily packaged- have humorous lines like “Wear this card to show your position of authority in the family”- plus a badge jeering- “I am the Boss.”

A joke; because that kind of culture is no longer promoted in this part of the world. It’s normal to see males constantly ridiculed in TV adverts.

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UKEKETAJI WA WANAWAKE WAPIGIWA MADEBE UZUNGUNI

Majuma mawili yaliyopita gazeti mashuhuri  na aghali kuzidi yote  Uingereza- The Sunday Times lilitangaza habari moto zilizopeperushwa duniani kuhusu  akina mama zaidi ya laki moja Uingereza wanaodhalilishwa na ukeketaji. Gazeti hili lililoanzishwa mwaka 1821, lilifanya uchunguzi wa kisiri siri   kufichua waganga wa Kiafrika wanaotoza shilingi milioni mbili za hapa kumkeketa mwanamke mmoja. Kwa mujibu wa BBC wanawake husika  wanatoka  Yemen, Somalia, Eritrea na Ethiopia.

Ona mfano hapa...
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THE SILENT AGONY OF WORLD WIDE FEMALE WORLD MUTILATION

Last weekend The Sunday Times headlines screamed about the increasing number of sick immigrant women seeking medical help. “Up to 100,000 women in Britain have undergone brutal sexual mutilations,” the respected paper said following a secret undercover investigation that exposed African doctors offering illegal operations costing £750 per session.

 Around ten years ago a Tanzanian High Commission official in London told me the amount of registered Tanzanian nationals living in the UK was approximately 100,000.

If we statistically agree that immigrants make less than 30 percent of the overall population (roughly 60 million Britons) then 100,000 women is quite a large amount. According to BBC, main communities practising female genital mutilation in the UK are from Yemen, Ethiopia, Somalia and Eritrea.

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WHY ARE HEART ATTACKS KILLING YOUNG PEOPLE SO MUCH TODAY?

 Sport is one of the best expressions of human capacity and failings. Or like famous Greek philosopher, Plato (above)  once wrote: “You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation.”

Last weekend Italian footballer, Piermario Morosini (pictured below) collapsed on the pitch and died. 

Praised by his team mates at Livorno club, Morosini was a remarkable athlete. Although he was orphaned at 17 (plus a disabled brother who committed suicide) the mid-fielder had a “burning zeal” to succeed. Aged only 25, both parents dead plus two disabled siblings to take care of? That is a lot of stress. 25 years is, however, too early for death; there is a tendency for younger people- especially males to experience heart attacks in our times. <--more--!>

AGE DISRESPECT IN WAZUNGU CULTURE REFLECTED BY WAY WAZEE ARE MISTREATED IN HOSPITALS

 When I first came to Europe I visited a friend in a remote village - somewhere.

 I was shocked by the manner the guy talked to his parents. They argued and spoke in a way that I would never dare communicate with my parents back in Africa. Months later the same friend told me he was borrowing money from his father. This stunned me. Borrow money? I wouldn’t “borrow” money from parents. There was one specific instance where he and the parents were arguing. He would use very direct language that made me cringe.

“Come on stop it, dad!” or “Mum you are such a liar!”

I was equally jolted by how his siblings treated us. Everyone gaped at me when I asked his young nieces and nephews to call me Uncle since I was older than them. Of course I was undergoing what is known as “cultural shock”- the stress of being in a different environment other than what you are used to – ultimate divide among societies. 

  

The primary cultural shock was (for me) in Wazungu culture is a disregard of age difference, except for legal matters. Young people speak whichever way they wish to older people- the use of word “Uncle” and “Auntie” which is a kind of substitute to “Shikamoo” common in Swahili and African custom has a different connotation. 

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THE GENIUS AND HUMILITY OF LIONEL ANDRÉS MESSI

As a thirteen year old his family was given opportunity to move to Europe so that he could receive hormone growth treatment. This was in 2000. Lionel Messi has since surpassed the troubles he had as a tiny kid, too short, too frail; a genius in disguise. For those who do not follow football; it is fair to sum up a few things about Lionel Messi. He plays soccer for European League champions, Barcelona. In his last 100 games he has scored 97 goals- which means on average he nets one in every contest.

 Last week he scored five goals in a match against German’s Leverkusen. This is a record. I am slightly opposed to those who say he is better than Diego Maradona or the great Pele. They are all good and basically are heroes of their circumstances and periods.

 Pele won the World Cup three times...(sometimes the criticism that he isn't the best has racist under currents)

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OF ZAMBIA, WHITNEY HOUSTON AND THE MEANING OF LIFE

Considered one of the greatest writers, American artist Edgar Allan Poe, lived a very difficult life of poverty and disease and died aged only 40 in 1849. Poe (pictured below) was a multi-talent individual who did journalism, poetry, literary criticism and teaching. 

 Among his best poems is Eulalie (published in 1845).  The three verse piece describes pain and solitude:

“I dwelt alone
In a world of moan
And my soul was a stagnant tide
Till the fair and gentle Eulalie became my blushing bride-
Till the yellow-haired young Eulalie became my smiling bride.”
Reading Eulalie reminds us of two crucial events last weekend. Both entwined in moaning and smiling.
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KISWAHILI PROFESSOR SAID AHMED MOHAMMED- UNSUNG MAESTRO OF EAST AFRICAN LITERATURE...

 I was watching a William Shakespeare TV documentary with a couple of secondary school students, recently. In the middle of the programme one asked if I had read Hamlet. I said, I had. Romeo and Juliet? Yes. Julius Caesar? Sure.

“Where did you read them?”

I said at Ilboru secondary school in the highlands of Arusha, Tanzania. I also acted in a Caesar play; I was Cassius and saw “Romeo and Juliet” film at the British Council in Dar es Salaam.Yes. William Shakespeare is known in Africa, I explained.

The youths thought Shakespeare is an archaic thing only forced unto them (to waste time) whereas the writing legend has been utilized for ages across the planet to learn English. Shakespeare is the second mostly quoted English writer after the Bible while his plays the most used in cinema. And what significance for the British? It means glory for the English language plus financial gains.

Swahili prolific author and lecturer, Prof Said Ahmed Mohammed Khamis
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MAJOR SPORTING EVENTS AND THE QUEST FOR POLITICAL MILEAGE...

Last week former heavyweight champion and one of the most famous personalities in the world, the African American, Muhammad Ali celebrated his 70^th birthday. For a whole week London’s ITV beamed one hour documentaries of his fights called “Ali Still the Greatest.”

Ali floors Liston in their second match in 1964. Pic from here

Among Ali’s best tournament was 1974  “Rumble in The Jungle” where he faced George Forman and beat him in the eighth round in Kinshasa. The contest was so interesting that it has nurtured two finest films:  “Soul Power”, featuring musicians who performed at the event : James Brown, Miriam Makeba, Luambo Makiadi, Tabu Ley, BB King, Bill Weathers, etc. Dubbed the “the black Woodstock”, by Wikipedia, “Soul Power” was launched in 2008 and has amazing music from especially Miriam Makeba, Mama Africa, who died after performing in Italy, the same year.

Miriam Makeba's "best of" released in 2001

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DOG POO AND A FRUSTRATED LONDON STREET SWEEPER

A poplar tree

I had just passed a disgusting, smelling, large chunk of dog’s diarrhoea under a Poplar tree. Poplar trees are part of London’s green vegetation. Next to bees, trees are our best allies. Trees help make a city ( like this) replete with smoke fumes and smog,  petrol and diesel fumes,  industrial waste and general pollution by absorbing carbon and giving us oxygen. Without trees life on earth would indeed, sleep.

Poplars, however, can also be destructive as their long roots (growing up to 40 meters) may damage houses.
A few years ago I was puzzled to see long, meandering cuts appearing in almost every single wall of my London flat. I remember feeling petrified and confused when the land surveyor blamed the splits on Poplar trees in my garden.
“But they are so beautiful.” I protested.
“No,” warned the surveyor, “they have to go!”
“What about the birds and squirrels who sing from those trees every day?”
There was no compromise. Lose the Victorian house or demolish two Poplar trees.
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THE LIFE AND COURAGE OF CANCER VICTIM NICOLE DRYBURGH

Nicole with famous Bee Gees singer Robin Gibb. Pic from Rotary International UK

May 2010 saw the death of cancer victim Nicole Dryburgh.

News of the 21 year old young English woman was not widely spread and very few of us including myself had been aware of the deceased previously. Recently BBC London showed a documentary of Nicole as she braved herself against a disease which had left her paralysed and incapable of seeing or hearing. Yet in her ten year battle Nicole managed to raise 100,000 pounds for Teenage Cancer Trust, published two books, had her own website and won numerous awards.
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