Picture was taken at a Musical Concert in honour of the 80 year old Steve Rhodes, a couple of weeks ago, at the Muson Centre. It was an event a philistine (myself) became a convert of Classical Music. I'd attended primarily because Professor Soyinka had asked to meet with me over other matters just before the concert so I'd wangled tickets from the Muson Management and thought I'd bore myself to death. I was mistaken. Performers included Ayo Bankole Jnr, Nibi Akinkugbe, The Chord Webs and many others. At the interval, Professor Wole Soyinka (in glasses), the guest of honour, stands by the legend, Steve Rhodes, as they prepare to cut a cake. To the right of the picture is Francesca Emmanuel (holding bag), an original member of The Masks, Soyinka's Drama Troupe in the early 60s. 

The Battle on the Rock. 

MAJEK FASHEK SPEAKS ON EXILE, DRUGS AND ALCOHOL


For the first time in seven years Majek Fashek, in an exclusive interview with Thisday newspaper, addresses concerns of his health and erratic behavior. During a telephone interview, Majek and his US based management agency spoke to Thisday on these issues.

Excerpts:


This Day: You’ve been on self-imposed 7 year exile from Nigeria. Why are you returning now with this 46th Independence Day Thisday Music Festival?

Majek: It is time. I’ve been gone for seven years from Nigeria. For so long and too long. I never stopped playing my music during my “exile.” I went into exile to renew my commitment to myself and to this beautiful art called music; to rediscover a new music. During this process, I also embarked on world tour. I’ve been fortunate to perform on the stage with world music stars, stars such as Jimmy Cliff, Alpha Blondie, and Tracy Chapman. I am returning home this time because I believe my people are ready for me. I love my people (Nigeria) and I can’t go to my people in just any old way. Hence my return. With the tremendous help of my record company, November Records’ Charles Novia and my USA/Africa management outfit, Instant Media Communications, headed by Azuka Jebose Molokwu and Joseph Anumbor; this brilliant team worked hard to put me on this bill and I look forward to celebrating life with my people. I am coming to give Nigeria blessings from God. God has helped me. Josiah is the King of Kings. The excitement is overwhelming.


This Day: There are speculations about your health, mental health and physical health. We’ve heard stories about your dependence on illicit drugs and alcohol. Are you well?

Majek: I am not crazy. And I don’t have a drug problem. I do have an alcohol problem. It is not because I like to drink.... When my Mother died, I felt a part of me left with her. To lose someone so dear and so close to you can be extremely painful. In an attempt to come to terms with this loss, alcohol became a chosen part to communicate my pains to her and also to journey into a mystical world. My mother was my strength. She is still. Every day I make peace and come to understanding that she is in a place where she would be blessed and appreciated. If you have a mother today, love her, spend time with her and cherish every moment that you see her…

(At this moment, Instant Media Communications Head Hunter, Azuka Jebose Molokwu provides Majek’s steps towards his problems): Alcoholism is a disease. No one wakes up and decides he wants to be an alcoholic. We are all human. He has taken the greatest step to recovery by recognizing his dependence upon alcohol. We must support him in this journey because in each Nigerian there is a Majek Fashek. Show me a family without life’s crises and I’ll show you a virgin in a maternity ward. We can’t afford to ignore, refuse and reject him. If we turn our backs on him, then we’ve turned our backs on all those struggling with the disease of alcoholism. Every day is a struggle. Majek needs our support in his great stride to wellness. He is one of the most gifted Nigerian musicians. Nigeria should feel privileged to have Majek: a loving father, husband and law abiding citizen of the world. He is our man in the mirror. 

A Game of Wit starring Jude Orhorha, Iyabo Amoke and Femi Branch, premieres on Sunday the 22 nd October at Terra Kulture, Victoria Island and runs again 5th and 12th (also Sundays) November - Time 3pm and 6pm.

A witty play about men and women and the games they play when they first start dating. The following question is posed- Can we stop playing these games, relax and actually get to know and perhaps genuinely like one another? It is written by Ita Hozaife and directed by Awoba Bob-Manuel.

The Gods are not to blame will be presented as the official drama for the Annual Muson Festival on Saturday October 28. Ola Rotimi's adaptation of the Greek Tragedy, Oedipus Rex, depicts a young man who travels far in a bid to escape his destiny. He finds this more difficult than envisaged. The play is directed by Wole Oguntokun.
Matinee Show (3 pm)- Students N500/Adults N1000

Evening Show (6pm)- N1,500 flat.

OPPORTUNITY TO OWN A HOUSE WITH EASE IN LEKKI Phase VI.

It's a self-cooling duplex in an evergreen Garden in quiet surroundings without the harshness of modern civilization (no running water or electricity);

Suitable for foreign-based Africans who seek country homes and are unmindful of a few snakes... ahem, forest inhabitants.

Has attached Boys Quarters which can be converted to small poultry or as an escape route if bigger animals stop by.

Vacant Possession- Owner is re-locating to Aiyepe-Ijebu for chieftancy duties and for health reasons (pneumonia)

It's quite cheap - N150k. It'is a must-own! Inspection available if requested.

Interested persons Call 0809 234 4444 .
Ask for die-hard. 

For the 3rd year in a row, Molara Wood is calling for writers' contributions, to help compile a list of the Books of the Year. Books read/published this year would be the main focus; not-so-recent books that have impressed you during 2006, would also be eligible.

So, she would be grateful to receive titles of the 2 books you enjoyed reading most this year. The works could be in any genre. Please provide brief commentary - in no more than 50-100 words - to explain why you have chosen these particular books. Every comment will be credited when the list of Writers' Best Books of 2006 is published.

Please do not select a book written/published by yourself.

Your book choices must be with her by Friday 3rd November

This is open to all African writers on any continent.

(p.s. from laspapi) I guess blogging qualifies as writing too. There's the incredible Rombo in Kenya amongst others

Her email addresses:

laralara8@hotmail.com