Oh, You're Black? No Teacher or Professor Will Ever Give You an "A"


Someone actually said this to me just before I started college here in the US.

He worked at Pizza Hut in the university town I would call home for the rest of my undergraduate life.  Unknown to me, the college I was enrolled in had a long, negative history of racial prejudice against black people.

So, he felt he needed to tell these "Africans" (I was with my family) the gospel truth.  He essentially discouraged us (my sister and I) from attending that college in particular.  Apart from the generally awful racial history, he told us (paraphrased):

"If you're black, no professor will give you an "A."  They don't give black people "As" in that school."

Now, I don't want to discount what he said and dismiss it casually.  I generally believe there is no smoke without fire, and that something must have happened either to him personally or to someone or some people he knew to make him arrive at that conclusion.

But, my own experience was very different.

MUSIC: PCE Crew - Praising This God



PCE Crew, a Nigerian gospel group comprised of five gentlemen based in the DMV area (DC-Maryland-Virginia) released their Sophomore album titled Rewired last year.

A few months ago, they generously decided to make one more song  from that album available for free (the other free song was Nobody).  It's called Praising this God.

I own a copy of the Rewired album, and my personal favorites from that album are: Winna and Victorious.  But, I think Praising this God is a good song too.

Okay, I'll let the guys do the talking now:

Nigerian Women Living Abroad are More Promiscuous than Women Living in Nigeria


First of all, thank you to everyone who checked up on me while I was away.  I appreciate it o :D

I am back from my "sabbatical" and have so much to say.  But, I'll ease in gently.

Now for today's post.

MUSIC: Tolu Okeowo - Be Thou My Vision


Tolu Okeowo is a composer and music producer, better known for his command of the piano.  He describes himself as a lawyer who is also a musician, and is currently based in the United Kingdom. [Source]

A few years back, I came across this beautiful song titled Ihunanya from his A Perfect Progression album.   It was written and performed by Kelechi Ify.

OFFICIAL VIDEO: Jid-Vocals - Praiznified Featuring Jennifer and Phil-O


Last month, Jid-Vocals released the official music video for his single, Praiznified.  Here's the press release, followed by the video:

OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO: Jid-Vocals - Kabio'osi (Royalty) Featuring Mqhele


Gospel music sensation Jid~Vocals released the much-anticipated video for his previously premiered single Kabio`osi (Royalty) (song review here) which accentuates the indescribable attributes of an awesome God.

Enjoy the piece from the Elite Award recipient for Ukraine`s best gospel act as well as NGMA and CGA nominee. The video was shot in Ukraine.

PCE Crew Announces "ReWired" Album Tour Dates in Maryland


Following their successful Rewired album launch on September 8th, I received the following press release from PCE Crew, announcing their US tour dates:

OFFICIAL VIDEO: Yahweh by Derin Bello


Derin Bello is a Nigerian gospel singer based in Canada.  She sent me her new music releases more than a month ago, and I will be sharing some of them, one after the other, over the course of the new week.

Dear Nigerians, Stop Yelling on the Phone!



One lesson I have learnt over the years is this: Nigerians are loud people.  That can be both a good and a bad thing.  It is a good thing at a soccer match for example, where they can shout down the fans of the competitor's country.  But, a conference room or a seminar for example, is not a soccer match, and so does not need the same level of noise.

Perhaps, the most common example of Nigerians being Nigerians, is on the phone.  It does not matter if the person on the other end of the line is within the same zipcode, same city, same county or out of the country, the reaction is the same: they yell.  I don't mean just yelling the first "Hello!" Oh no.

If that was the case, I would not need an entire blog post to rant.  No, the yelling continues at the same frequency, pitch or whatever you want to call it from beginning to the end.  You don’t need loudspeakers to follow the conversation.  You can hear everything that is being said from miles away, even if you don’t want to.

Now, I have tried to explain why this continues to occur, despite the "eye lazer" I have given repeat offenders, and these are my suggestions.  Nigerians yell on the phone because:

The Changing Face of Inter-Tribal / Inter-Ethnic Nigerian Marriages in the Diaspora



The first thing that usually signals an inter-tribal marriage is the name of the wife and/or children.  This is not always the case, however, especially where the first or last names are English names.  


Do Family Obligations Prevent Nigerians from Saving Money?


Whether you are a Nigerian living in Nigeria or in the diaspora, you probably know someone who sends money regularly back home. Of course, if you live in the diaspora, you are likely to use services like Western Union, Money Gram, etc.  What the money you (or that person you know) send home is used for is not necessarily what they "told you" they needed it for.

Note: If you are building a house back home or ever plan to do so, do NOT send money to your relatives or friends to oversee this project.  It is in your best interest to do it yourself, or else you'll discover that your money has been used to fund several weddings and house-warming ceremonies.  And the foundation has not even been laid yet.  A word is enough for the wise.

Selective Amnesia: The International Student's Nightmare


It happened more than once.  In fact, it happened so often that I knew I was not the one imagining things.  I would sit down and have a conversation with an American student for any range of time.  Sometimes, it was hours, sometimes it was just a few minutes.  Either way, I expected the person to recognize me and respond to my greeting or say hello the next day.  Boy, was I wrong!



5 Hilarious Answers by African Students to Ignorant Questions from Americans


If you have lived outside of Nigeria long enough, you must have gotten questions like the ones below.  Not only are they ridiculous, but some of them are downright offensive.  Anyway, back in college, I used to gist with some of the African students about these types of "encounters" and some of their responses are reproduced below.



Why We Need African or Nigerian Students' Associations


A few answers come to mind:

Parties

Fashion Shows (occasionally) to show off your latest treasures from the tailor

Vigorous Dances



More Parties ...

But of course I am being sarcastic.

Prince Charming does not attend a Redeemed Church | Featured Artiste: S.E.R.M.O.N

If you're a Single Christian Nigerian living outside Nigeria (US, UK, Canada, Australia, etc) who has ever voiced out a desire to meet other eligible single Nigerians, you've more than likely been told this (or something similar):
"Ehn, Google the nearest Redeemed Church and find your way there now!"

[Image Credit]

By Redeemed Church, I am of course referring to one of the many parishes of the Redeemed Christian Church of God.  I have chosen to use this as an example because it is hands down the most popular church with Nigerian roots, outside Nigeria.  In larger cities, there are several RCCG parishes in each city.  But this is not about Redeemed Churches.