The Relentless Builder: Television

Do Nigerians Hate their Own Accent?

Labels: Culture, Everything in Between, Language, Media, Nigeria, Radio, Television, Tune in

Let's try an experiment. Go to Tunein.com. It's a website where radio stations are streamed live from all over the world. Since Nigeria is in the world, our radio stations are also included.

Next, go to the Nigerian radio stations. Here's a shortcut to make your life easier: Nigeria Radio Stations on Tune in.

Then, just pick a random radio station on the list. Any one. Note the accent of the presenter or on air personality (assuming they are not playing commercials).

Repeat the process 5 or more times.

What were the results in terms of Nigerian accent versus American, British, etc?

NEPA, I Blame You for all the Movies and Cartoons I Never Finished Watching

Labels: Childhood, Culture, DBN TV, Everything in Between, Memories, Nigeria, Television

Dodo, the kid from outer space

I have no doubt in my mind that the first word of some babies born in Nigeria (maybe even me too) was NEPA, as opposed to "Mama" or "Papa" or even "Landlord." Just as an aside, I wonder how many babies of tenants were actually fathered by the landlord. Will we ever know? Okay, I won't go there.

But, NEPA (National Electric Power Authority) was a necessary part of every child's vocabulary. Even though the name has been changed to PHCN, the effect is the same: erratic power supply. As a child, I joined everyone in calmly reprimanding ~~cursing and abusing~~ NEPA when they 'took light,' and joined them in praising NEPA when power was restored.

UP NEPA!