Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars on tour

I saw the Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars perform for the first time last night at The Bell House in Brooklyn and they brought the house down! The audience which was very mixed and included some Sierra Leoneans rocked from the moment they came on stage until their final encore performance. They had us doing their version of the 'electric slide' - to the left - to the left - to the right-to the right-go down- go down-come up-come up. Some of us were a little worried that our lack of fitness may not allow us to come back again but we still obliged as this was not a 'sit and watch' type concert, and the Refugee All Stars were determined to give us our money's worth and leave us wanting more.

The band which was formed by a group of Sierra Leonean musicians when they lived in a refugee camp in Guinea during the conflict, played for over two hours, giving us a taster of their various music styles, from roots reggae to Sierra-Leonean palm-wine music, to soca, to soukous. Although the Bob Marley and Lucky Dube influence is evident, the band is authentically Sierra Leonean and their music although heavily influenced by these great stars does not imitate anyone.
The band members represent four ethnic groups in Sierra Leone, the Mende, Temne, Loko and Krio and they sing in those four languages. They play a range of instruments from the traditional african bongo drum to the shegure (a traditional Sierra Leonean instrument made from a calabash and stringed beads) while at the same time mastering conventional instruments like the acoustic guitar, keyboard and the drums.

Their talent is evident but more so what makes them an enjoyable band to watch live is their energy and their desire to entertain. You could tell that they were enjoying themselves as much as the audience, even more so. Each band member had their turn doing some dance moves reminiscent of a Soul train line. Black Nature, being the youngest was the most impressive with his upside down gyrate - you have to see it to believe it.

The band is finishing their tour of the USA, with perfomances in Massachusetts and Colarodo before heading to Europe. Catch them if you can, you will not be disappointed. Alternatively you can pick up their new album which has received excellent reviews: Rise & Shine

USA tour dates
Sun May 29 The Beachcomber Wellfleet, MA
Sat Jun 04 Red Rocks Amphitheatre - Opening for DISPATCH, Morrison, CO
Sat Jun 11 Johnny D's Somerville, MA
Europe tour dates
Fri Jun 17 Festival Sol Mestizo Albacete, Spain
Sat Jun 18 Festival Mundial Tilburg, Netherlands
Sun Jun 19 Africa OyŽ Festival Liverpool, United Kingdom
Wed Jun 22 World Refugee Day Celebrations Hull, United Kingdom
Fri Jun 24 La Nuit Africaines Ottignies, Belgium

The Book of Negroes or Someone knows my name

Let me say upfront that the Book of Negroes, by Lawrence Hill, is the winner of the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize for Best Book in 2008; and my overall view is that it is an ambitious piece, written in a meticulous way, and with admirable story telling skills and about a subject needs telling. I would recommend it.


It did take me a while to finish though, because my enthusiasm waxed and waned – and here is why:

While apparently historically accurate, as evidenced from the referenced material – which can be checked; in over four “books” it covers life in Africa and the middle passage; slavery in the Carolinas and east coast; life of freed slaves in Nova Scotia and return to Freetown, Sierra Leone. The primary plot device that allows us to move from one space to another is that Aminata Diallo is writing her life story, which she is documenting for the abolitionist movement in the UK.

In trying to cover several aspects of the slave narrative however, the author, Lawrence Hill, perhaps reaches beyond what is plausible in one too many instances. For example, the story of capture and the middle passage provides a rich understanding of the absolute inhumane treatment of Africans; but this is seen ostensibly through the eyes of an eleven year old girl. Some of her observations are altogether too adult, and seem more as a means of putting forward the authors’ and historical views on the slave trade – rather than inhabiting the character of a child whose world has been torn asunder. Similarly, the narration of life on the slave plantation while brutal and nasty uses questionable plot devices that see Aminata rapidly learning English, reading and writing, and moving on to becoming a bookkeeper to allow us to move into the world of the slave owner in the South.

Mr. Hill also inserts a curious scene of homosexual activity during the middle passage – for which there is not further mention over the course of the next 300 pages – the characters pretty much disappear. One can only assume that it is designed to make the oft made point by activists that such practice is not an import to Africa, but existed prior to the advent of Europeans or others. A better treatment of the subject would have perhaps been more useful than the random incident.

In marrying fiction with historical facts, the book tended towards a self conscious and in some places, contrived, narrative designed to educate on the issues of slavery; the abolitionist movement; African homeopathy and a broad range of other topics that is at once engrossing, but at the same time seemingly too much to rest on the story of one woman’s life. While I enjoyed The Book of Negroes (otherwise published as Someone Knows My Name), I was at times irritated by the authors need to include so much.

Lastly, the plot seems one written in a way that could easily translate into a television mini-series – very much reminiscent of Roots and others of that genre. While this is not a negative, it does present some characters that appear one dimensional, who burst on to the scene and then disappear in a very facile manner.

So in the end, I felt more as though I had taken a whirlwind journey by an able curator through the history of slavery; rather than read an intimate narrative of one woman's singular journey through what was a collective experience. Someone Knows My Name: A Novel

The memory of love

It took me a while to get into this book I must admit. I was excited when I got it and particularly loved the image on the cover and having read Ancestor's Stones, I couldn't wait to read what followed. The fact that the novel is set in Freetown, Sierra Leone was also a plus for me as a Sierra Leonean. However as I read through the early chapters, I found it hard to become engrossed in the novel. At times it read like an academic text, packed with imagery and detail which in attempting to set the context often times loses the reader because it's so convoluted. There is no doubt this novel is well-researched and clearly deserving of gracing the numerous award shortlists, however speaking as a reader who loves a good story, sometimes I think less is more.

As someone who is from the country the book is set in, I found the setting and characters interesting though not always believable. There are certain cultural subtleties that Ms. Forna misses in her depiction of Sierra Leoneans, given that it is a work of fiction, I appreciate that there has to be some leeway, nonetheless I think that most Sierra Leoneans reading this book will question a few of her literary choices. For instance, the dynamics of different ethnic groups; one can make the assumption that the main character Elias Cole is a Krio who marries a non-Krio, perhaps a Temne and has a daughter whose name sounds Fulani. Though not impossible, it's highly unlikely that a Krio man would give his daughter a name that reflects neither his nor his wife's ethnicity. Also the fact that Elias Cole has no 'people' - throughout the novel I couldn't help but question where are his people, in a society where the norm is for people to live with their extended family, here is a man whose only relation is with his house help. These are perhaps subtleties that only someone from the country will appreciate and while they do not carry a great deal of weight, the novel loses a little bit of its credibility as a depiction of a real country in a real time period.

I admit it may be overly simplistic to say so but I've never understood the choice of authors to make their protagonist an anti-hero, I can't help but think why waste your first person narrative on someone who the reader is not going to like. The main character, Elias Cole in The Memory of Love is thoroughly unlikeable, he does not seem to have a single redeeming quality. Even his love/lust for his friend's wife evokes no sympathy from us as he's seen as sneaky, deceitful, almost preying on her. His relationship with his daughter which could be a way of making Elias more human, flawed but with some positive character traits, is tainted by an unforgiveable act which he has committed in her childhood and for which she refuses to forgive him. I get the impression that the author is both judge and jury in the novel - according to an interview she gives promoting the book, the character of Elias came about as she questioned how it is that some people not only survive adversity but seem to thrive from it. As a result the reader is asked to judge Elias as she judges him or people like him. Yet for those who have been through adversities, in particular war, I'm certain their stories are far from straightforward - I suspect there is an element of a desire to survive in all of us which can make us act in a less than honourable manner.

The story of war, and its aftermath is dealt with in a way I think that doesn't make it 'yet another account of an African country's brutal past'. The question of post-war trauma is cleverly addressed and raises questions that are rarely raised in particular about how post-conflict countries address the mental health issue. However I don't agree with the 'neat analysis' of Sierra Leoneans as being unwilling to talk about their experiences, certainly in the case of the Truth and Reconciliation Committee and the Special Court for Sierra Leone; unlike many other post-conflict societies, victims were willing to open up and talk about their experiences, however gruesome. By stark contrast to Rwandans dealing with the aftermath of the genocide, Sierra Leoneans were quite open and expressive and talked freely about the war except perhaps where cultural taboos prevented them from doing so.

I think The Memory of Love is well-written, Aminatta Forna is a meticulous storyteller and the novel is enjoyable and informative.
The Memory of Love

Let Freedom Reign

The first time I saw Chrisette Michele and heard her beautiful voice was on an episode of the sitcom Girlfriends in 2008. I remember thinking at the time what a beautiful voice and woman, her voice is so uique and she sings like someone who is much older than her years....the singer only turned 28 last December.

Her debut album 'I am' was released in 2007 and the second Epiphany in 2009 whose title track is so stunning, it's like an eye-opener in itself. When I first heard it, I remember thinking now if only I was armed with this single when I was young, I'm sure there would have been fewer heartaches. It seems that whatever Chrisette Michele is singing, she does it with such powerful feeling that every word of it means something and resonates with her audience.

Let Freedom Reign was released in the UK at the end of January and although I've had my copy since then, I couldn't tear myself away from it long enough to write a review....until now..nearly a month later. Like the other albums, this is a gem. I wouldn't say she's evolved or matured because this woman seems to have been born with musical wisdom. Her voice is raspy, jazzy, she writes songs that embrace emotional and personal strength. No weeping over a lost love for Ms Michele, thank you very much.

My favourite track is 'I'm a star' closely followed by 'Goodbye Game'. For me it has the effect Epiphany had when I first heard it and watched the video...it just hits a nerve and makes me want to belt out the words whether in the comfort of my car or my bedroom...preferably when I'm alone. Lines like 'rain starts pouring and it wont stop....let my self drown no I will not, smile on my pretty mug, I get right back on my horse and I giddy-up' are just priceless.

For those of us who are lovers of real soul and jazz music of the 50s, 60s even 70s....it feels like there are finally artists to celebrate - who are true musicians. Chrisette not only sings beautifully, she also writes music and plays the piano. She is the cutest breath of fresh air and I for one can't wait to see her live in concert. Until then I will content myself with listening to Let Freedom Reign on repeat....well maybe I'll mix it up with Epiphany and I am as well.


Let Freedom Reign

Why I hate Valentine's day

I hate Valentine’s day. I really do. But please don’t blame me or assume it's because I’m unloved or bitter. I am none of these things and if you don’t want to take my word for it, feel free to ask my gorgeous husband.


I just hate the fact that this day….whose origin no one seems to know or care about, is rammed down our throats every year. Some of us are still recovering from the Xmas splurge, and already we’re being told to pay twice as much as we normally would for red roses, and to spend money on oversized tacky cards written by people who didn't quite make it as writers. And all this leads up to the next commercial splurge that is Easter…or is it Mother’s day.

The concept of celebrating love is noble enough but I think what I hate about Valentine’s day is the mass-brainwash that seems to take over all of us…men, women, black, white, Christian, Jewish, Muslim. At least at Christmas there’s some comfort in knowing that we can escape the turkey by visiting our Muslim friends or even pretend to be Jewish when a busybody asks why we haven’t bought any presents for our children. Yet with V-day, there's no escape and everyone seems to be so comfortable putting on this display of ‘commercialised’ romance. How it annoys me!

I think when I was a teenager, I was excited by the prospect of getting a card which was probably from the class nerd but which I pretended came from the school’s most popular boy. I took the phrase ‘Ignorance is bliss’ to a whole new level. Since then I’ve matured and become a lot more cynical.

Yes I believe in romance but it annoys me to think I have to put it on for one day. Fortunately my husband feels the same way but there’s still the pressure from friends and family and society in general. Already I’ve been asked by a colleague if I got flowers this morning. I'm inclined to email my husband at work and say don’t you dare buy me flowers today and can we please leave the cards out this year, but I know he’ll also have to give an account of what he bought his wife. And then my family will come round at the weekend and wonder why there are no red cards on display. Urgghhhhh! I hate being bullied, coerced into this stupid day. Why can’t I be an Anti-Valentiner in peace? Honestly I am happy and in love but I just don’t see why Hallmark or Thornton’s should get my money today. I’ll be happy to oblige on other days….just not today…..and certainly not because they say so!

Does anyone know of a religion that forbids its followers to observe Valentine’s Day? If so please send details my way….I feel a conversion underway.

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

This book should come with a warning along the lines of 'This is a self-help book' or 'Not for the non-spiritual'. I read it for a book club and out of the 14 members, only 3 of us enjoyed the book and or rated it above a three out of five. I suspect the likes of Oprah and Madonna, both massive fans of the book may regard the unimpressed simply as unenlightened.
The book-clubbers however who were not keen on the book cited a number of concerns; a primary one was that the story was too simple, another was that the message that we are all masters of our destiny was drummed home a little too much...so much so it felt like being browbeaten with the same message over and over again. The most damning of all comments was that Paulo Coelho is a charlatan....yes a charlatan...a fake, someone who pretends to have certain expertise or knowledge, a synonym would be a quack.
Not only do I think that is an unfair assessment, I think it smears the author as it assigns an ulterior motive to Coelho when he wrote this book. Having read his interview, it's apparent that the author had no idea that this book would be translated into English, let alone become as popular as it has - The Alchemist has been translated into 63 different languages and has sold more than 65 million copies. When the book was first published by a small Brazilian publishing company, it had a print run of just 900 books, after which they decided not to reprint it - they must be kicking themselves right now.
The fact that so many people worldwide have hailed Coelho as a genius, a visionary or an intellectual has nothing to do with the man himself - nor does he determine people's reactions to the book. There are quotes from fans on his blog who describe themselves as his 'disciple' and others who claim to have learnt to follow their dreams after reading this book. I think this simple truth applies to any author who writes for the love of writing or the love of storytelling and is plucked from obscurity to super stardom. No matter how confident they are of their writing ability, it is impossible for them to predict how their work will be received; when J K Rowling sat in an Edinburgh cafe writing Harry Potter - there was no way she could have predicted the huge phenomenon it would become. I don't think Coelho thinks of himself as a visionary and certainly his early works were borne out of his own experiences and his personal evolution - obviously those experiences and beliefs resonated with enough people making this book such a success.

I also think that in order to get something from this book, you have to be in a certain frame of mind. I never read self-help books which is essentially what this book is; I wouldn't describe it as a novel. The story that runs through in my opinion merely acts as a conduit for the teachings or 'wisdom' if you will.

Some critics contend that the story is far too simplistic but The Alchemist is less about the shepherd boy who travels to Egypt to find his treasure and more about the countless themes that recur including the pursuit of happiness, spiritual enlightenment, the meaning or purpose of dreams and Fate. This book makes for a great study text for young people because there is so much to explore within it - for instance the relationship between material wealth and spirituality or the part that organised religion plays in our lives or our pursuit for a singular Truth.

As with every book, more so every self-help book, the messages in The Alchemist will not resonate with everyone, it may be simply down to timing in that person's life or their personality or life experiences. I would recommend reading about The Alchemist before reading The Alchemist and if you find yourself in the right frame of mind or in search of inspiration or simply want to read a piece of work that will constantly ask questions and make you think about life and what you want/get from it, then do pick up a copy. Otherwise I hear there's a new book on the Harry Potter saga coming out soon.
The Alchemist

Asa – Beautiful Imperfection

What an incredible voice and album! I discovered Asa thanks to a Facebook friend and I am truly grateful. I’m in awe of her voice and style and wouldn’t dare try to draw a comparison which reviewers are always so keen to do. She is not the ‘new’ or the ‘next’ anyone, she is simply Asa (pronounced Asha).

Both this album with its stunning cover and the first self-entitled one put this Nigerian French-born artist firmly on the musical map. Apparently she’s well-known and loved in Europe which makes me inclined to think the ‘mainland’ Europeans have better taste than we Brits. She grew up in Nigeria and returned to France where she developed her artistry in Paris playing with artists like the Nubians and Manu Dibango.

She is as versatile as her cultural influences – singing in Yoruba and English mixing genres from soul to jazz which makes it impossible for us to put her in any ‘box’.

Some of the songs like ‘Be my man’, ‘Broda Olé’ and ‘Dreamer girl’ are upbeat and reminiscent of ‘old school’ funk. The conscious ‘Questions’ reminds us that this is an artist who cites Marvin Gaye, Bob Marley and Fela Kuti among her influences; and who has a message to share with her audience that goes beyond cool beats and melodies.

‘The way I feel’ and ‘Preacher man’ are both beautiful and come across as deeply personal tracks. My personal favourite is ‘Baby gone’ which is so beautiful yet so melancholic, the combination of her husky voice and stunning musical arrangement transports you to a beautiful love story, whether real or imaginary.

Beautiful Imperfection is a brilliant album, I’ve yet to hear the imperfections but perhaps I’m just blinded by the incredible talents of Asa.
http://www.asa-official.com/
Beautiful Imperfection