Gracein Gracee

The grace in Gracee

Outstandingly self-confident! Likeable! Not only one, two nor three next-on-the-line profilers of Gracee Boycee would have this description of this woman – everyone else who has known her would speak in unison. Gracee stems from a rare category of people whose passing around necessarily leaves an indelible mark and this has been  generally accepted to be so. You cannot take that away from her.

The first encounter in November 2013, between this writer and the now influential broadcaster, was revealing. It took the introductory lines of a conversation that was going to materialize, years later, in the most amazing collaboration, to identify in her, a trait most professionals who hunger for quality work would desire – do-it-to-success.

Coming from a legal studies background, Gracee’s aspiration, has always been to create several other backgrounds and she entertains no fears in venturing into the next big thing. That bold posture is what ferried the General Manager of Apex 1 Radio to embrace broadcasting which she now practises as a big hand, after more than five years in the noble world of radio. During this time, the amazing on-air personality has rolled out some of the most appealing radio concepts: MADAM DIASPORA (2015-2017), a radio panel discussion that put the records straight on African women abroad and their lifestyle and LIFE HAPPENS (current), a roundtable, offering multi-dimensional perceptions and perspectives on happenings in life.

Before starting what is today a brilliant career in broadcasting, the boss lady, as she would fondly be referred to, transitioned from Law, her roots, to Healthcare where she operated and still does, as a Nurse. “She only goes in for the noblest of the professions,” someone mentioned. But to this writer, Gracee jacks in everything and interestingly possesses of mastery of all.

Profession and career are not however the only armors around this great woman. Gracee’s life philosophy is so deeply rooted in positive mindedness. Her lens is fashioned to zoom on silver linings and her hurricanes take care of the dark clouds before they even show up. In her ceaseless ‘life must go on’ response to every situation, the chocolate complexioned CEO of Rhema Healthcare, believes that we absolutely need to move on than despairing over predicaments. “Falls happen because we can rise after they do – so don’t even waste a moment – rise and move on,” said the host of LIFE HAPPENS in one of her editions.

Perhaps, Gracee’s biggest identity, is her social interaction, described as superb. She is unarguably the leading l’amie de tout le monde (friend to all), not only in her community, but beyond boundaries. “Gracee is undoubtedly the biggest supplier of love and compassion in this community – everyone benefits from it, the young, the old, you name it,” one of bosom friends indicated at press time.

“I cannot go for a day without having at least, a phone conversation with Gracee. I get my regular doze of inspiration from just talking to her – she is such a sweet soul,” Atem, another confidant of the ever-jovial multitalented broadcaster told this writer.

Gracee’s unbeatable social interaction traits easily pave her way to event halls where event organizers long for her emceeing. “Her excellent sense of humor is a great ingredient to her presentations and we just love having her around to do our events,” one of them told this writer.

To the God-fearing Nigerian (proudly Calabar, Cross River State), also a US citizen, it takes simplicity, humility and being nice to the people you meet, to live a great life. By the mighty hand of God, she can consolidate these and largely the reason she is on her feet, smiling all the time and intrinsically admired by everybody.

Cleveland Night: Candidates, Union Reps, throw in Support for Biden

The campus of John Hay High School would typically not have been a campaign ground for any candidate at this year’s elections, was it not the venue for one of the presidential debates. Even Ohio House Representative Juanita Brent got there by the mere chance of it. Like any other ambitious electoral competitor, she welcomed this golden opportunity to discuss her hopes of reelection and plan for Ohio House District 12. She would gladly do, to any visitor to the Biden and Harris tent, including Journalists who had shown up in Cleveland for the much-awaited debacle.


This year, Brent’s campaign trail is different, determined to a more considerable extent by the COVID-19 pandemic. “My campaign has relied on phone banking and social media, and no-contact literature drop-off to reach out to her voters,” Representative Brent told Journalists.
“Once re-elected, I will make local businesses in the Cleveland area receive Personal Protection Equipment in a bid to protect workers from the Coronavirus, now known to be the stumbling block on our economy,” she promised.
According to the aspiring legislator, Joe Biden is the United States leader during such a crisis. “He has demonstrated honesty, integrity, and exceptional leadership tendencies, which are clear indications that he will pull the country out of COVID-19,” Brent said confidently.
Like Representative Brent, who sees Joe Biden as the means to the end of the current health scare, Amber Miller, a syndicate worker from the steel sector, believes the Democratic candidate is the right man for the country this time. Miller, who was in Cleveland support Biden, under the banner of Steelworkers, a labor union organization from Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Michigan, said she was in total support of the latter’s plan to ensure that all workers have access to Personal Protective Equipment.
“Our Union had asked Joe Biden and Donald Trump to complete and return their endorsements forms and return to us, but only Biden did,” she revealed. According to Miller, it is an added reason why they think the Democratic candidate is much more severe than his opponent.
As with other political activism outfits, this year’s activities have been different due to the COVID-19. “We have had to work with phones and written material which we drop off at a place to reach out to supporters,” Miller said further: “Our Union has demonstrated its support for the Democratic list by projecting Biden-Harris logos on buildings.”
Many other Biden campaign volunteers thronged the John Hay High School campus and could be seen serving free yard signs and T-shirts.

“JUST SAM IS OUR DAUGHTER” – LIBERIANS CLAIM AMERICAN IDOL WINNER

Sunday, May 17, breaking Monday, May 18, was one of the rare vigils Liberians had in a long while now. The ones who have been fans of AMERICAN IDOL and the many who never bothered about this renowned song competition, stayed awake, this time, with an uncontrollable level of anxiety. Reason – one of the finalists of SEASON 8 had a Liberian connection. Samantha Diaz aka Just Sam’s grandmother is Liberian-American and this meant a lot for the West African country, in AMERICAN IDOL SEASON 18.

“I had only partially been interested in American Idol over the years, but this time, Just Sam’s participation had me glued to the competition,” said Kpakelah, a 22-year-old resident of Chocolate City, one of Monrovia’s northern suburbs.

“To me, Just Sam was bearing Liberia’s flag at the contest and I had no choice, than to trail it to its end,” he added.

Just like scores of other young Liberians at home and abroad, Kpakelah and his three bosom friends, Siakoh, Varkpeh and Leemu, organized a Skype come-together, minutes to the pronouncement of the winner of AMERICAN IDOL SEASON 18.

“We had been certain that our contestant would emerge victorious, so, we wanted to have the kind of feeling we usually have during a football encounter,” Varkpeh explained to told TIPTOPSTARS.

The four youths exploded with joy upon the pronouncement of Samantha Diaz aka Just Sam as winner of the coveted song competition. “I couldn’t hold back my tears, more so because my girl, Just Sam came to AMERICAN IDOL from day one, crying and each time she did, it sent me sobbing as well,” Leemu told us.

To Siakoh, the young singer is gifted. “However, it was her passionate stance and determination that saw her through,” he said. And added: “Just Sam ran the race as though it was the first and last thing she would do in her career.”

Abroad, Liberians have expressed similar excitement, following the AMERICAN IDOL victory of a contestant whose adoptee grandmother is the reason the West African country holds tight to her. “Just Sam’s victory is a message that Liberians can always make it to the top,” Sianey told TIPTOPSTARS. The Liberian, resident in Cadiff, Wales, explained that she had seen Just Sam coming and knew she would make it. “For that reason, I encouraged my kids to follow the competition as a way of encouraging them to work hard to fulfil their dreams – it’s a big lesson,” she said.

“I’m more indebted to the young singer’s grandma who makes me proud to be a Liberian,” Kempeh told us from Minnesota. She went further: “To have adopted and raised a child to the point of the latter, fulfilling her dreams, is worthy of praise and she deserves whatever she’s getting today.”

Crowned as the first ever ‘at home’ winner, Sam Just emerged above Dillon James, Jonny West, Arthur Gunn, Francisco Martin, contestants at the finale. Her grandmother, Elizabeth, born in Liberia, was watching the contest live from New York. She burst in tears upon the pronouncement of Just Sam’s name. She had adopted Samantha Diaz and brought her up in the Black Mecca of the world – Harlem neighborhood in New York City. Sam got attached to music at an early age and has always dreamt of reaching higher heights in the art.

“We hope she’ll visit Liberia, if she hasn’t yet, to see the great country from where her beloved grandma hails,” an excited Liberian mentioned.

Cameroonian movies shine on Amazon

Many more Cameroonian movies have been made, released, premiered and written about, than they have been watched. This has been a long-standing worry, expressed by film lovers, over the years. “How can we have famous actors, producer and directors whose works we have never seen,” Andin, a Cameroonian living in Dayton, Ohio, USA had rhetorically put it to this writer. “I’ve seen countless beautiful movie posters and pictures taken on movie locations, yet, I haven’t watch a single one,” she confessed further.

To Akih, Columbus, Ohio, USA resident, there is nothing to prove that a movie exists, if it is never available to purchase and watch. She explained: “I have watched a few Cameroonian movies on YouTube, but what about the scores of others, advertised over the years?” “Each time a movie is premiered with flowers and color, my next desire is to watch it, otherwise, it makes no sense.” She had said.

Just like Andin and Akih, scores of other Cameroonian movie lovers would and have expressed similar feelings.

For the past couple of days, there seem to be indications that this worry may soon be a thing of the past. This follows the appearance of some of the highly publicized Cameroonian movies in recent times, on Amazon Prime Video, so far, the biggest online movie streamer after NETFLIX.

As we write, eight Cameroonian movies have made it on Amazon Prime Video – Saving Mbango, A Good Time To Divorce, Breach of Trust, My Gender, My Pain, Maalle” and most recently Little Cindy.
“Getting my movies on international platforms has always been my goal, but more so because I want people to watch, enjoy and comment on them. So, to have Little Cindy on Amazon Prime Video, is an accomplishment to me,” Billy Bob Ndive Lifongo, producer and director of “Little Cindy” told TIPTOPSTARS.

“We make great movies now and before you know it, we’ll be having them on NETFLIX,” the Cameroonian filmmaker said with confidence.

Earlier, Stephanie Tum, producer of Saving Mbango had expressed overwhelming feelings with the reaction of her people who have watched the movie. “I have never experienced such support,” she pointed out, emotionally.

Little Cindy, the newest comer on Amazon Prime Video is produced and directed by Billy Bob Ndive Lifongo (also producer/director of Rumble the TV series and upcoming Little Sam, Big Sam the movie), starring Libota Macdonald, Solange Ojong, Syndy Emade, Nchifor Valery, Lynno Lovert, Stephanie Tum and child actress Mayohchu Atem Ebai.

Meanwhile, the first ever Cameroonian movie on the streamer, Breach of Trust, got on Amazon Prime Video in October 2018. Produced by Roseline Fonkwa, Breach of Trust is directed by Nkanya Nkwai (also director of A Good Time To Divorce) for the Cameroon unit of the production, starring Brun Njua, Epule Jeffrey, Ruth Nkweti and Nchifor Valery. It also features Gudisz Fungwa, the male lead in Saving Mbango.

DEFYING ALL ODDS – A REVIEW OF NKANYA NKWAI’S SAVING MBANGO (movie)

Nkanya Nkwai’s SAVING MBANGO, produced by Stephanie Tum and Julia L. Ngam, is a typical reflection of story sincerity. From start to finish, role interpreters inhabit their characters to sharply contrast stereotypical opinions that Cameroonian artistic and technical film performance is void of realness. It becomes easy to dislodge the said impression upon exposure to the movie in its entirety.

THE STORY

SAVING MBANGO is not a love story like the others. How can love be so defiant of all forces that stand against it – family pressure, poverty, turning point events, etc? In answering this question, the writer in SAVING MBANGO and the filmmaker succeed in weaving two diametrically opposing plots to finally pick love as champion. Even John’s (Gudisz Fungwa) consistent family conflicts that would appear to have a toll on his sincere relationship with Mbango (Laura Onyama), does not sum up to prevent love from prevailing.

John’s offer of basic livelihood necessities to his lover – palm oil (market scene), a bunch of plantain and bag of other items (Mbango’s compound scene), reducing her burden by helping with the farm basket (farm to village road scene) and desperate attempts at saving her during fits, are moments which would naturally implant hope of a much more brighter end on the mind of protagonist.

When the filmmaker forces John to stoop in water, on the stony bed of the river, that is a reassurance to Mbango that she is heading for the best results in love. What else would cause the protagonist to think otherwise when she climbs to the top of the ladder of marriage, wig-on-head, clad in gorgeous gown in the assembly of the entire village.

Flashback to scene one in the movie – the wide shot, presenting the dilapidating ‘karaboot’ (wooden buildings in Cameroon’s coastal settlements) is a projection of peasantry, that would characterize life in the story. His first posture of raising his voice against his entire household, is Mr. Penda’s (Otia Vitalis) habitual angry mood that would litter his scenes throughout the story. The writer makes sure the words and curses of Mbango’s never-shall-be father-in-law, are carefully chosen to eventually reflective happenings in the story.

When he scolds his children for being lazy, hardly does John’s (Godisz Fungwa) dad know that laziness, his own canker, is what will haunt him to the extent of his inability present a son, Oggen (Libota MacDonald), viable enough to foot a bride price. The lazy household’s later dependence on the only hard-working child, John, is signaled from this beginning and this is a sideline root cause of the ensuing conflict in the story.

Perhaps, the tap root of the problematic, is the quasi complete disconnect of the head of the home and the rest of his family which the writer intelligently portrays. When he jumps back into the house, as his spouse and children reluctantly depart to the farm, grabs his drink, gulps it and nods in satisfaction, it is a clear reflection of separation in which the story will cook till its end. What a long distance between father and his family! But does that affect his son’s attachment to his lover? Rhetoric!

ARTISTS’ PERFORMANCE

SAVING MBANGO picked it cast. It still would pick this cast and peck them in their square holes if the movie had to be shot anew.

Coming from a KOD (a Musing Derick Tenn film, produced by Ala Leo and Edith Pikwa) background, Laura Onyama puts up an expected spellbinding village girl acting performance. The skepticism expressions brilliantly performed in scenes of danger, depict the mood of a typical village girl who is oppressed by forces she literally cannot overcome. Laura Onyama’s (Mbango) consistent sorry mood and soft-spoken nature, resonate the poverty, eating up her two-people family (she and her grandma) structure. This, the filmmaker helps the viewer feel with close-up shots at every given instance.

Perhaps, scenes of Mbango’s dropping in fits are proof of Onyama’s acting prowess. How she would dangle herself in John’s arms, portray an actress who gifted in surrendering herself to a lover she can trust anytime, any day. Cajoling acting!

If SAVING MBANGO was going to be the only film in his career, then lead character, Gudisz Fungwa (John) has scored the A grade every actor yearns for. First, like his interlocutor, Laura Onyama (Mbango), Gudisz employs method acting in all its ramifications. His actions in all the scenes where he professes love to his never-to-be wife, succeed in provoking emotions in the viewer – his facial expressions, sweet talk, consoling language, crashing on and lifting of his sick lover, etc. Perhaps, the canoe rescue mission trip and burial scenes would be award-winning acting as per any jury.

Otia Vitalis (Mr. Penda), is usually squarely fitted in head of the family roles, but in SAVING MBANGO, the actor appears to be even more energized. Backed by his greyed looks, the actor performs his lines with some appealing vocal authority. The scenes where Mr. Penda orders his progeny and spouse out of the house to go farming and one where he calls for order in a ramshackle family argument, paint the picture of an actor who fits in this above assertion. Furthermore, for an actor reputed for his positive roles in his movies, Otia’s irresponsible father constant beer-drinking and violent attitude performance, would be great role interpretation. Even his toning down in the judgment day scene when the actor apologizes for his failed fatherly task, is a good display of versatility that is worthy of note.

Libota McDonald (Oggen) as well as Solange Ojong (Njanjo) deliver mature acting as they normally would, in their movies. What came to them in SAVING MBANGO, was equal to these two. The amazing flexibility in their performance as leads in Billy Bob Ndive Lifongo’s LITTLE CINDY to supporting characters in SAVING MBANGO, explains their strength as story interpreters. This time, it is a Solange Ojong (Njanjo) who, heavy with child, will not be conspicuous in action scenes, yet the actress, rooted in her seat, would use her mouth in doing the trick. “You no try, you no try at all…” would surely be an improvised line, but this expression at the story’s conclusion phase is a last straw that breaks Mr. Penda’s (Otia Vitalis) arrogance under which the latter’s family had suffocated throughout the story. Good acting!

SYMBOLS

If there is one thing the filmmaker in SAVING MBANGO does to capture the emotions as well as reason he seeks from viewers, it is the effective use of symbols. The image of an oil palm mill being turned depicts the Mondoni community. Palm oil production is one of the main occupations of the people along the coastal belt of Cameroon, especially villages that harbour the CDC and SOCAPLAM Agro-industrial outfits.

The filmmaker uses love scenes in the river as a way of relating the people’s attachment to water activities – a common phenomenon in coastal settlements. The same applies to the canoe, the main means of transportation there.

In the scenes where John interacts with his friends who attend university, the writer is using English to symbolize the western/formal educated class. When the former’s friends Epie (Raph), Joe (Esistern) and Onyama (Malvis), later divert to pidgin, it is the writer’s way of presenting a typical Cameroonian scenario, where lingua franca has its place even among school-going youths.

Beer-in-hand from scene one of the story, symbolizes a Cameroonian society that suffers with a negative reputation of habitual alcohol consumption, at times, in the name of drowning problems.

The storm that precedes the rain is a signal of further struggles that await John as the story rides on.

Throughout the story, the filmmaker presents his lead character with an abnormally tainted eye pupil, certainly to signify witchcraft which she is suspected of having.

Perhaps, the symbol that stands out in SAVING MBANGO would be the lead character’s shaved head, a depiction of the viewer would recognize in the middle of the story. Until, the movie is watched in its entirety, that symbol, effectively used in the process, would not be understood.

DIRECTING, FILMING TECHNIQUES

SAVING MBANGO is a manifest of modern-day film directing. Unlike in the long-time past African movies, scenes in the movie are snappy and only roll longer when they are absolutely called for. When the filmmaker uses long range shots for most of his family gathering scenes, it is intended to arouse the feeling of togetherness, even amid disputes. His close-up and extreme close-up shots are carefully chosen and used mostly in Mbango and John professing scenes, to buttress the expression of love between the two.

However, the award-winning shot is the exterior wide/long range, chosen for the hospital premises scene, where Mbango declares her intension to resign but is objected. The filmmaker deliberately shots the characters from a hind position as a way of conveying a message of the unknown. The shot becomes even more distant as John walks away in desperation (though still determined), introducing an environment of suspense on the viewer’s mind. He succeeds a hundred percent in igniting such feelings.

Shot on High Definition (HD), SAVING MBANGO is served as a bowl of impeccable screen images. Even when cinematic lighting is adequate, most of the scenes of the film are exterior, thus, natural lighting.

The movie’s sound on it part, is void of hiccups.

SAVING MBANGO, performed in pidgin (a lingua franca used in Cameroon and other countries), is not subtitled, potentially causing decoding problems to viewers of English language background, who form a bulk of Amazon Prime video visitors.

In SAVING MBANGO, Nkanya Nkwai succeeds in telling a story in the easiest way possible to be understood. His cast, the location and meticulous manufacture of cinematic images that knit the story’s plots, result in an amazing piece of work whose consumer could be caught watching again and again. Brilliantly shaping the victory of love though his characters and accompanying filmmaking techniques, is a successful advert of the triumph of virtue over vice – timeless law of nature. However, it only by watching SAVING MBANGO to its end, that you would waste no second in signing Lynno Lovert (writer) and Nkanya Nkwai (director) as trusted storytellers.

Technical Sheet

Movie title: “Saving Mbango”

Length: 110 minutes

Type: Feature film

Location: Mondoni

Story/Screenplay: Lynno Lovert

Editor: Achille Brice

Producer: Stephanie Tum

Executive Producers: Stephanie Tum, Julia L. Ngam

Production Outfits: Embi Productions & The Powerhouse

Director: Nkanya Nkwai

First premiered: October 26, 2019

Streaming: Amazon Prime Video

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ernest Kanjo is a USA-based Journalist and Writer with an interest in arts, culture and entertainment reporting. Founder of Apex 1 Radio – www.apex1radio.com and Editor-in-Chief of TIPTOPSTARS (online entertainment magazine) – www.tiptopstars.com he has written extensively on the Cameroonian film industry. He is a currently a film criticism trainee. Kanjo has several awards from his works in film reporting.

BAMENDA: USA-BASED NGOs RESPOND TO COVID-19

Responding to the Coronavirus, in a bid to reduce its spread and eventually expunge it completely, requires enormous means. These means are not always readily available in some communities, largely because the current situation was not expected neither were any kick-back measures anticipated. COVID-19 checked in and caught everyone unprepared for it, yet something needs to be done.

Fortunately, the civil society has never been indifferent every time the population is faced with such difficulties. In their habit as support systems, COMPASUDA, the Belinda Babila Foundation, the Limona Foundation International and the Josephine Ncho Foundation, will organize a two-day sensitization against COVID-19 in Bamenda, from April 24 to 25 this year. During the campaign hand-made facemasks, hand sanitizers and thermometers will be distributed to the population. Terence Limona is the founder of COMPASUDA. This Friday, April 17, he explains the project on radio. He will be guest on APEX SNAPSHOT on Apex 1 Radio. The show that will be hosted by Ernest Kanjo will start at 12pm EST (5pm in Bamenda) on www.apex1radio.com – tunein app – Facebook live at Apex 1 Radio-www.apex1radio.com – Take the appointment!

 

EBANGHA NJANG TELLS OWN STORY

Music and the media are two important portions of art and cultural development. They market the cultural heritage of a people more than any other sector. When she found interest, built her passion and invested in these areas, Ebangha Njang was simply printing her name in annals of a bigger entertainment environment. Today, the Publisher of SA MAJESTE who doubles as co-founder of KREEF ENTERTAINMENT (music production outfit), fields in enough experience. In a bid to inspire young and aspiring entertainment promoters and media executives, she brings her story on radio. The art, culture and entertainment enthusiast will be riding ON BOARD WITH ERNEST KANJO this Thursday. Join the radio journey, 12pm EST at www.apex1radio.com – tunein app – Facebook Live at Apex 1 Radio-www.apex1radio.com – Take the appointment with us!

MANU, HIS SAX AND LESSONS FOR CONTEMPORARY MUSIC

An observer once described a musician as someone who can play at least, one musical instrument. We may argue that there are scores and scores of musicians, some of whom are so renowned, that do not play any instrument, yet sing so well.

Good and reasonable argument may be – but if we reduce music to only singing, then, we are getting it all wrong. Wrong because as it stands, virtually every human being can sing. By that, we mean God created man with music – otherwise, music came along with creation. And so, whatever sound comes from a man, could be considered music – even a hum, a scream and what have you.

Does this automatically make you a musician? Difficult question!

If Manu Dibango became the legend he was and still it, it is largely thanks to his solid attachment and immeasurable skill in the SAXOPHONE. He got married to this instrument and displayed a fantastic knowledge of it for more than five decades. In fact, Manu was synonymous to the saxophone and he caused many people to love this instrument.

The musicians of Manu’s generation displayed a similar behavior towards respective musical instruments. To them, the journey of music started with an instrument. A good number of them started from an instrument before reaching to the microphone to sing.

Who would forget that Prince Eyango, the makossa icon, started his career as a guitarist way back in 1979? Before releasing MAIMOUNA, his first album in 1989, Maurice Njoume had been a dexterous guitarist for Lapiro De Mbanga, himself a talented player of the instrument.

When Manulo, author of FUNDAMEN, San Fan Thomas, author of AFRICA TYPIQUE COLLECTION and Gilly Ndoumbe, author of THINGS LIKE THIS got on the guitar, their fingers ran and smiled on the instrument – just like those of Eboa Lotin, Zamzibar of the Tete Brules band, Ekwe Silo, Kotto Bass, Jean Paul Mondo, all of blessed memory. Mbida Douglas and Marco Mbela sang so well, but their piano skills spoke more.

Over in the DRC, some of the leading singers were also great instrument players. While Diblo Dibala and Dally Kimoko are some of the greatest guitarists the continent ever produced, Mark Macaire created an indelible mark with the drums. Examples abound!

The interesting twist about this discourse, is that these musicians worked with live bands in the studio during recording and produced some of the most complicated tracks in the history of African music, be it Makossa, Zaiko, Soukouss, Bikutsi, Highlife and you name them. They would spend long weeks and at times months in the studio and upon coming out, their products were masterpieces.

Fast-forward to today – in contemporary times, things have changed. Today, the description of a musician, is the one who can do a track faster by just singing a few lines and the computer takes care of the rest. Then, once they have uploaded the single track on YouTube and have had a hundred thousand views in two days, they are superstar.

Superstar with no knowledge of any musical instrument, for, their own guitar, piano, saxophone, trumpet, konga, violin, and other instruments, are carefully programmed digitally. All the musician needs to do is to show up at the studio and sing a few lines or record those lines on their phone and email to the producer and the next day, the track is ready to hit YouTube. No effort, less use of skill, no stress!

In an interview some weeks ago, an artist revealed to this commentator that he recoded his song, a track that won him an award, for just 45 minutes in the studio. What a revelation! But, ainsi va la musique d’aujour’dhui. Should we describe this as laziness? Perhaps, if we do, reminded that times have changed.

Changing times indeed – but those changing times did not deprive Manu Dibango from staying at the apex – if he is still celebrated today the way he is, it is because he turned a musical instrument into a great thing. That was unique, reason why he distinguished himself.

Should our artists today only rely on singing which is so common and everyone noted for? Can’t some of them attempt an instrument and create a different scenario just like the legendary Manu did? Can Manu’s example be worth emulating? Can music return to the days of live performance? Can music be a little be natural once again and not all artificial? Can some artists of this generation step into the shoes of Manu Dibango?

These questions may or may not require answers and without saying young musicians must play instruments but doing so will always remain part of the art, even in the most digitalized era.

May Manu Dibango’s legacy be an inspiration to generations after him!

WEEKEND ECSTACY: ZOOM ON MANU DIBANGO

Even though departed physically, Manu Dibango lives on. His works provide the coloration of the music icon’s legacy. As the world continues to celebrate his life, Batimu FM adds its voice to the success story of a fulfilled musician. Today, WEEKEND ECSTACY focuses on Manu Dibango – his humble beginnings, career and exit. On the show today, we talk to colleagues of Manu, fans and arts, culture and entertainment analysts. A major contribution on the show will come from Apex 1 Radio’s Ernest Kanjo (Arts and Culture Journalist) and Ken Shally Monnette (Resource Person in charge of arts and cultural issues). Join us at 7pm (in Belgium), 2pm (Eastern time), 1pm (in Minnesota) on www.batimufm.com Take the appointment with host Titus Banyoh (Batimu)!

LOCKDOWN: CHILD AUTHOR OFFERS FROM-HOME EDUCATION, ENTERTAINMENT

EDITORS NOTE: Stacey Fru is author of five books. At her tender age, she has amassed experience in areas such as writing, conferencing, TV hosting and media interviews. She has been guests on Apex 1 Radio shows a good number of times. While at home, during the lockdown declared by South Africa’s President, Cyril Ramaphosa, Stacey has opted to use her talent/skills, to educate as well as entertainment people who stay home. Meantime, she will be back on our airwaves in the coming days to throw more light on this latest project.

STACEY WRITES:

Good afternoon,

I have gone through a week of house schooling and it has been challenging and at the same time, exciting. I have made and share videos, but with the When President Cyril Ramaphosa declared a 21-days locked down of the country, I felt the natural need to set to work. do more. I’m a writer, guitarist and public speaker. As such, I have decided to offer my services of reading, writing, music and motivational speaking to everyone and every institution who requests them.

I would like to dedicate time every day for you. All you need to do is make a request. It does not matter where you are based, I will respond to everyone anywhere in the world on stacey@staceyfru.co.za or +27825486385. My effort is to enable us seek beauty and find solace in the smallest things during these periods.

Check me out for the following: live/recorded reading, motivation, writing or guitar/music sessions, free-of-charge. This will start from April the 3rd when my school officially goes on vacation.

Otherwise, follow my social media pages @staceyfru on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to see and share in what I will be doing. In this time of isolation, I thought I could help everyone remain positive and find inspiration in what they will be doing. As a child of the universe, my works and pieces of literature will have to give us more than 101 reasons to look after each other, survive, fight for ourselves and most importantly, come together.

For inspiration and the motivation to go viral, you have to help me open my platform to everyone to watch, share and read my work.

Are you wondering why I am doing this?

I have been scared, so are my siblings and parents. Yes, the world is a scary place right now. My aim is to turn this feeling around for everyone and make this difficult experience meaningful. I would like us to flashback on Coronavirus by the words we read, wrote and shared. Let us make them count.

Give me a chance and book online sessions with me.

Stacey Fru, 13

Johannesburg, S.A