If.......

Now remember I read the poem Phenomenal Woman at Life House during their Women Rule event? Well, I discovered this poem If by Rudyard Kipling that night and my first thought was: I know this poem!

I didn't, as it turned out. I only recognised the first line from the song Inherit the Wind by Wilton Felder.

I love the sentiments expressed in the poem.


If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too:
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or, being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise;

If you can dream---and not make dreams your master;
If you can think---and not make thoughts your aim,
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same:.
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build'em up with worn-out tools;

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings,
And never breathe a word about your loss:
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on!"

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with Kings---nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much:
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And---which is more---you'll be a Man, my son!

Celebrating Women

I attended 2 events back-to-back at the Life House today.

The first was Reel Women, a film series in celebration of International Women's Day (March 8). I believe the entire month of March at the Life House is Women's Month.

So, this Saturday's film was Real Women Have Curves, which is one of my favourite films. I have watched it, I'm sure at least 50 times. Since it is a film I've seen countless times, I was initially not going to go, but decided to meet up with my friend there as she had not seen the film. Watching the same film can be different every time you see it if you are with different groups of people. And so it was today. And every time I watch it, I'm struck anew about the hard choices we have to make in life even when our loved ones do not support us.

Following Reel Women, was an Open Mic evening titled Women Rule and which featured a film called Scent of the Street by director, Remi Vaughan-Richards, a photography exhibition by Lolade Cameron Cole, music by songstresses Ruby, Modele, Omolara, and Aramide. There was also some inspiring poetry and spoken word by Lala Akindoju, Tosin Otudeko and Ugoma Adegoke of Life House.


Scent of the Street (with cheesy BBC voice-over, which was not on the version that was screened)

Members of the audience were encouraged to read poetry and so a gentleman called Gbubemi read a lovely poem dedicated to his Mum. Before I knew what was happening, I was also asked to read a poem. It all happened so fast. What can I say? I was there to watch others and not be watched.

I read Phenomenal Women by Dr. Maya Angelou, which is the modern day ode to women's power. It's ubiquity might cause many to forget how truly beautiful a poem it is and what a wonderful tribute it is to the magnificence of women.

So, in honour of women all over the world, I salute you all phenomenal women:

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I'm telling lies.
I say,
It's in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.
I say,
It's the fire in my eyes,
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can't touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them
They say they still can't see.
I say,
It's in the arch of my back,
The sun of my smile,
The ride of my breasts,
The grace of my style.
I'm a woman

Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

Now you understand
Just why my head's not bowed.
I don't shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It's in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
the palm of my hand,
The need of my care,
'Cause I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

I Do Not Come to You by Chance - Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani

I haven't had much time to do a lot of (no, make that ANY) personal blogging lately. It's not that there's a lack of things to write about, but there is a lack of time. Plus, there are so many other things that I want to do.

One of them is to read more. In the last few months, I've gobbled up an interesting variety of books from the literary to the professional to bubble-gum pop. So, I've read The Executive Director's Guide to Thriving as a Nonprofit Leader, The Post-Birthday World by Lionel Shriver and Big Girl by Danielle Steele.

Now I'm devouring I Do Not Come to You By Chance by Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani (is it me or is there a trend of writers including their middle name in their professional name?) Prior to stumbling upon this book at Quintessence, I did not know anything about this book except that it's written by the Acting Editor of Elan (Next newspaper's style Sunday magazine). So out of admittedly more out of curiousity to see what type of book a fashion editor would write, I bought a copy of the book. This is the latest from the Cassava Republic publishers.

I'm still reading it, but this is an extremely funny book, which tells the story of Kingsley, the eldest child in his family who turns to online fraud aka '419' to take care of his family. I have carried the book everywhere with me since I started it on Friday. Ms. Nwaubani is a very talented writer with an observant eye and a sharp pen. No wonder, the book is raking in a fair share of accolades. Sometimes, these awards really miss the mark, but from what I've read so far, I think I Do Not Come to You By Chance deserves to be noticed.

Nneka: Live at Jazzhole (March 12)

Photo Credit: Herve All

Nigerian singer Nneka who has gradually been rising to prominence in the global music scene will perform next Friday at Jazzhole.

When: Friday 12th March, 2010
Where: The Jazzhole, 168 Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos
Time: Doors open @ 7PM; Performance starts @ 8PM
Cost: N5,000

Tickets are available at The Jazzhole. For more information call 01-895.3498 or 0706.064.8580.

V Monologues Face Off with Tarzan Monologues

Click to enlarge.

Theatre @ Terra: The Tarzan Monologues

Theatre@Terra brings The Tarzan Monologues back for the month of February.

When: Every Sunday in February (3PM and 6PM)
Where: TerraKulture, Tiamiyu Savage Street, Victoria Island, Lagos
How much: N2,500 (adult)

Click on poster to enlarge.

Arts Events

Book Launch: Wale Okediran launches 'Tenants of the House' at the Nigeria Institute of International Affairs, Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos on Thursday, January 28 at 10AM.

Play: 'Call Mr. Robeson', a musical drama by Tayo Aluko at the Agip Hall, MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos on Thursday, January 28 and Friday, January 29.

Play: 'Waiting Room' produced by Theatre@Terra at TerraKulture, Tiamiyu Savage Street, Victoria Island, Lagos every Sunday in January at 3PM and 6PM.

Art Exhibition: 'CCA and Nigerian Art' News through the eyes of artists, featuring artists based in Sweden and Lagos at the Centre for Contemporary Art (CCA), McEwen Street, Sabo, Yaba, Lagos on Friday, February 4 at 7.30PM to 8.30PM.

Books & Conversation: Teju Cole & Toni Kan

Teju Cole and Toni talk books and Lagos - this crazy city that we all love to hate.

Teju Cole is a writer and photographer currently based in Brooklyn. His writing has appeared in various journals in Nigeria and the US. Every Day is for the Thief is his first novel.

Toni Kan is an award winning poet, essayist and short story writer. He is one of Nigeria's most anthologised young poets and short story writers. Most recently, Kan won the NDDC Ken Saro Wiwa prize for his collection Nights of the Creaking Bed.

RSVP on the Facebook event page.

When: Saturday, 19th December 2009 (4PM)
Where: Quintessence, Falomo Shopping Centre, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos

Toni Kan in conversation with Doreen Baingana

Cassava Republic in association with CORA presents:

Two award winning writers, Toni Kan (Nigerian) author of Nights of the Creaking Bed and Doreen Baingana (Ugandan), author of Tropical Fish will talk about Eros and Desire in both their work and in African writing.

Increasingly, contemporary African fiction explores aspects of everyday life as a theme, including the previously taboo areas of love and sex. What does this mean for the changing nature of African literature and African society? Do books such as Nights of the Creaking Bed and Tropical Fish represent a more progressive and open relationship to African realities?

All this and more will be explored in what will prove to be a fascinating dialogue between West and East Africa.

Date: Tuesday, 29th September 2009
Time: 4pm
Venue: Quintessence, Falomo Shopping Centre, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos

Space for only 45 people, so prompt arrival is highly recommended.

Theatre @ Terra: The Tarzan Monologues

The male response to the Vagina Monologues? Or the world through the eyes of men?

Well, check it out

Money; Women; Sex; Erectile Dysfunction; Sexual Abuse; Religion; Pressure; Sterility; Virginity; Infant Mortality; Job Loss; Relationships; Age; Marriage; Infidelity;

Written and directed by Wole Oguntokun

Featuring Bimbo Manuel, Frank Edoho, Kunle Adeyoola, Denrele Edun, O.C. Ukeje, Paul
Alumona, Precious Anyanwu, Kanayo Okani

Where: Venue- Terra Kulture- Every Sunday in October (Adults Only)
Time: 3pm and 6pm
Cost: N2,000

Photography Exhibition: Mothers of Africa

This takes place over the weekend (Saturday, September 19) at the Goethe Institute, 4PM.

Oluronbi: The Musical

This play starrs Ireti Doyle, Yinka Davis, Omawumi, Nikki Laoye, Waje, Hafiz Oyetoro, Toba Gold, Dr. Frabz and Utibe.

Where: Agip Hall, MUSON Centre, Lagos

When: Saturday, September 19, 2009 (2PM & 5PM)

How Much: N6,000.00

For more info, check www.aboriginal-productions.com, info@aboriginal-productions.com, 0702.338.9642, 0802.379.9842.

A Perspective on Contemporary Nigerian Photography

This is an exhibition on contemporary Nigeria by Nigerian photographers, including: Sunmi Smart-Cole, Don Barber, Kelechi Amadi-Obi, TY Bello and Mudi Yahaya.

Where: Omenka Gallery, The Ben Enwonwu Foundation, 24 Ikoyi Crescent, Ikoyi, Lagos

When: Opening is on Friday, September 25 at 5PM. The exhibition ends on Saturday, September 26

This & That. Plus Chimamanda Adichie Events

I have woefully neglected this blog. I really cannot believe that it's been close to a month since I last posted. And I am not really sure that I could tell you what I was doing in that time that prevented me from blogging. Well, I can, but it just doesn't sound very impressive to tell it.

There were countless arts events that I wanted to announce and blog about, but many have passed. Alas!
So, looking forward....

This Saturday (July 11) at 4PM, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie will be reading from her latest book the Thing Around Your Neck at the Silverbird Galleria, Victoria Island, Lagos. I read it a few months ago and it was a tight collection of stories, which deftly wove the immigrant experience with tales of being on the outside. I have also attended a book reading with Ms. Adichie in January 2007 when Half of a Yellow Sun came out and it was a rich and enlightening afternoon for me.

If you are a budding writer, then perhaps you will want to apply for the Farafina Trust Creative Writing Workshop to be held in September 17 - 16, 2009. The workshop will feature Chimamanda along with fellow writers Binyananga Wainaina, Nathan Englander, Jackie Kay and Zoe Heller.

To apply, send an e-mail to udonandu2009@gmail.com (subject should read 'workshop Application'). The body of the e-mail should contain:
- Applicant's Name
- Applicant's Address
- A few sentences about applicant
- A writing sample of between 200 to 800 words (fiction or non-fiction)

Deadline: July 30, 2009

See nbplc.com/newsdetails3.php?action=viewnews&n=35 for more info.

Revolutionary Road

As an ardent film lover, I thank God for Silverbird and Genesis Deluxe Cinemas. However, their film selections tend to cling firmly to the mainstream. So when I travel I try to watch the types of films that I know won’t be on offer here.

One of the films that I’ve enjoyed the most this year definitely has to be Revolutionary Road. Even if you haven’t seen it, you must surely have heard about it. Yes, that same Revolutionary Road from which actress Kate Winslet generated so much buzz this year, not to mention a slew of award nominations.

Revolutionary Road chronicles the journey into despair of April Wheeler, an aspiring actress who ends up as a dissatisfied housewife in suburban Connecticut. At the start of their relationship, she and her husband Frank share so many dreams of how exciting and different their lives will be. In the end, they realise that they are just like everyone else.

This is definitely a universal story, because I remember when I was much younger and dreaming about how radical my life would be. As people grow older, they start to ask themselves “So, is this it? Is this what the rest of my life will be like?”

For Frank, he goes to work (albeit to a job he’s bored by) and has career advancement prospects to distract him and give him hope of a better life. For April, she has the house, her two children and her husband to take care of, but (due to a combination of a lack of talent and consensual focus of priorities) no career. And she feels that for all her grand dreams and plans, her life has become empty and typical.

I remember thinking at the time I watched it that the film’s ending was theatrical and over the top, but at the end of the day, this story captures the quiet desperation of many women in 1950s U.S.A (and I’m sure today) as they sought to reconcile their unhappiness with their empty days while living out what is considered to be the ‘dream life.’

Read a review of the film on Women and Hollywood.

Tolu Ogunlesi wins Guardian Orange First Words Competition

Congrats to writer Tolu Ogunlesi for winning the Guardian Orange First Words Compeition.

Read more about the award from the Guardian website and learn what judge Kate Mosse had to say about his piece.

Great job, Tolu!

Anatomy of a Woman

Theatre@Terra presents Anatomy of a Woman, a stage play on relationships between men and women and asks the question "What do women really want?"

One woman. Three suitors. An over-bearing aunt.

Starring Kemi 'lala' Akindoju, Nkiruka J. Ossamor, Olarotimi Michael Fakunle, Sola Robert Iwaotan and Gbenga Adekanmbi.

Written and directed by Wole Oguntokun

Where: Terra Kulture, Tiamiyu Savage St, Victoria Island, Lagos
When: Every Sunday in April
Time: 3PM & 6PM
How much: N2000.00

Times & Seasons - Art Exhibition

In the spirit of this wonderful arts month, here's another entry for your calendars.

A friend of mine, D. Gilbert Sagay Diete-Spiff is showing his latest collection of knife paintings (i.e. paintings created with knives, NOT paintings of knives). The exhibition, which is entitled Times & Seasons opens on Sunday, March 15 at 3:30PM and runs until the 19th.

Where: Exhibition Hall, National Museum, Onikan, Lagos
When: Sunday, March 15 to Thursday, March 19 2009

There's a workshop on the 16th and 17th (by invitation only).

Arts Events in Lagos - March 2009

There are quite a number of things happening this month.

Wole Soyinka's "The Swamp Dwellers"
The National Theatre and the National Troupe of Nigeria present Wole Soyinka's The Swamp Dwellers, directed by Nick Monu. Soyinka's first major play was first published in 1958 and is a combination of European drama tradition and Yoruba culture.
Where: National Theatre Lagos, Cinema Hall II
When: Mar 6-8, Mar 13-15 & Mar 20-22, 5:30PM

Lagos Jazz Festival 2009
The Lagos Jazz Festival, featuring concerts, jam sessions, exhibitions, get togethers and music master classes, which will be staged at different venues in Lagos.
Where: Various venues TBA
When: Mar 21 - Mar 27

Theatre@Terra Presents Prison Chronicles

Theatre@Terra presents Prison Chronicles, the story of a country and its people.

Starring AMAA Award Winner Sam-Uche Anyamele, Future Award Nominee Nkiruka J. Osammor, Gbenga Adekanmbi, Sola Roberts Iwaotan, Olarotimi Michael Fakunle and Precious Anyanwu-Marcous. Written and Directed by Wole Oguntokun

When: Every Sunday in March 2009 at 3pm and 6pm
Where: TerraKulture, Tiamiyu Savage Street, Victoria Island, Lagos