Month: July 2017

Desire Exploring our uniqueness for gain as a 1 people

Are we exploring our uniqueness for gain?

Ever wondered why music genres continue to be relabelled and fused? It is an attempt to influence a popular genre by fusing elements of originality to own that sound. That said, are we exploring our uniqueness for gain?

We are endowed with a wide array of artistic tools; unique traditional elements like language, music/musical instruments, landscapes & locations, folklore, dances, Griots–to the modern elements that aid in boosting the economic viability of the aforementioned elements.  

How about exploring these before strangling ourselves with award schemes that seek to elevate egos and not necessarily improve our artistic being and economic standing? Are we exploring our uniqueness for gain?

Exploring our uniqueness for gain

Truly pursuing the task of exploring our uniqueness for gain

I will not bore you with winding narratives on how we manage to stifle our growth with the numerous award schemes. Admittedly musicians are just like any other brand and so every aspect of their being must be to perfection or at least close to it. This requires a careful retrospection and also analysis of whom your target audience is albeit you want to be a global celebration.

The Demands of today’s showbiz is eased through exploring our uniqueness for gain

Exploring our uniqueness for gain is like art, we’ll have to be tactful and deliberate. As subjective as defining a good brand can be, we will agree there is a common ground when we seek to compare impactful artistry, and that is where our self-entitled attitude could further derail us from the path of glory.

Today’s music business goes beyond the local champion syndrome; so, one must seek to get same or similar acclamation wherever they exhibit their artistry. This requires thinking outside the scope of pleasing your townsfolk or people in your immediate region. I’m not in any way suggesting that using your indigenous language in composing music is defeatist, because language can be as effective as any of the elements one employs in creating a masterpiece.  The artistic use of language can actually be the selling point of an artiste.

The onus is largely on the artiste and management to fully understand the nature of what makes good music and not just stick to one element which may get them a small following. One needs to go beyond language and pay good attention to instrumentation & the quality of production of all musical pieces. The introduction of traditional elements of music can also be a major feature in creating a unique artiste in the quest to dominate the global scene.

Others are already exploring our uniqueness for gain.

Nuggets to consider in exploring our uniqueness for gain

Stay humble; humility is a virtue that continues to aid the soaring of artistes like Stonebwoy; I’ve known Stonebwoy for a while and we can all attest to the force with which he is dominating the music scene in Ghana, he could have laid back and enjoy the street disciples’ praise but no, he values and knows who will actually label him a star hence he paid the price by staying humble in dealing with his peers, media and even fans.

This has made him a toast of many.  Can that be said about the numerous acts that adorn the savanna? From experience I will emphatically say NO, and by that I’m not bundling all artistes together, but if front liners are not humble, how do we expect the younger ones to be humble.

The sacrifice and investment; Music as we’ve come to know is a full-time business that requires a lot of sacrifice and investment; both time and finances. We’ve heard people say, “talent is not enough”, how we relate to that phrase actually can impact our success as musicians.

From the image of an artiste which involves the quality of photography, artworks, quality of videos, to investing in vocal performances, studio recordings, live instrumentations and even self-improvement programs that can help in interviews and managing your persona in the corporate world, we need to consciously dedicate resources to ensure the aforementioned are at the apex of quality.  

These will set-up any artiste for every market that appreciates hard quality work. The above is also one thing artistes need to really take seriously; friends and family will do you favours but the bills they have to foot inform how much they can do for you for free.

A key element in this life is loyalty, however when this is misplaced one is sure going to face the repercussions associated with it. Many artistes form cliques and movements, which really don’t have anything in line with improving musical worth, but rather creates the impression of a following.

This births paranoia as artistes find themselves making music to please the few people in these cliques; most of who will never pay to attend a show or purchase an album. Usually, most members of these cliques are personal friends and family who would rarely give objective criticism on works. If you believe objective criticism is a much-needed fuel in improving your artistry you should be re-examining where you place your loyalty.

Crowning of mediocrity in all aspects of this multi-faceted industry.

Maccasio

In as much as I have no problems with putting together award schemes, the sectarian nature and limited number of artistes creates a situation where mediocrity is crowned.  The recent Upper East Awards is a good case to cite here, a good number of demo songs actually found their way on the nominations list and even went ahead to win some awards. Are we then celebrating amazing music or just trying to crown some people?

No serious artiste will enter a demo song in an award scheme neither wills any serious event organizer accept entries that don’t meet a certain standard of quality. However, given the small operational zone of the scheme, it is easy for such to happen. We therefore need to look beyond our small enclaves and aspire to be part of more competitive schemes, after all whether Navrongo, Tamale or Accra, every artiste wants to be seen as the ultimate when it comes to good music.

Unguided trend following.

Whilst artistes will swear to forever stay true to the kind of music they represent, the temptation not to follow trends is far more daunting hence they succumb. Whilst others argue that an ability to adapt to styles and trends is proof of versatility, I believe an ability to walk unchartered zones and still stay you is actually proof that you mastered your craft and control of your audience.

Succumbing to trends can only destroy the originality in style of an artiste thereby creating genres like Reggae/Dancehall when both are very different genres. Our artistes therefore need to stay true to themselves, their styles and not just hop from genre to genre. Don Sigli is one of current crop of artistes who has stayed true to his kind of music and maintained relevance no matter which stage he is on.

Lack of ingenuity. (Your native language is not enough)

Music lovers are constantly looking for out of the box performers and musicians, this is because as humans we constantly strive to experience same or similar things in varied ways. This when brought into music can be a massive selling point for an artiste.

King Ayisoba is busy travelling the world with his beloved Kologo and unique brand of music. How is he different from the many “world” artistes that we’ve listened to? Well, he brought a unique musical instrument, fused it with a lot of other instruments and offered something different from all the other artistes. His collaboration with Mobeatz on the song “Me ka” is proof of his ingenious superiority. This then suggests that our artiste need to adopt relevant elements of their various cultures to create a unique sound in their chosen genres.

I would wanna hear an rnb tune over a xylophone, I would love to hear some dondo in our reggae songs. Yes, just be ingenious and you will reap fruits sweeter than mangoes. (lol…You get it right?)

Instead of exploring our uniqueness for gain, we’ve allowed rivalry to gain roots in an industry that can only be said to be in its infantile stage. Many would cringe at the word infantile but that’s my assertion. Recently fans of Fancy Gadam and Macassio clashed resulting in broken windscreens etc. Why would two talented artistes be subject to such damning rivalry?

If we do not have any immediate memories of the results of these “gangs” we might have to revisit the era of Tupac & Biggie, Game and Gunplay, and the many great artistes we’ve lost to unnecessary rivalry to understand the repercussions of these rivalries often employed in an attempt to create hype. First off, there are enough fans for everybody to reach so there’s really no need to make play rivals when artistes are uniting to do amazing musical works.

An artiste who lacks the ability to fully comprehend the import of criticism is definitely bound to fail since they perceive anyone who critics as an enemy. Some of us have a penchant for looking beyond the surface of issues and works and so we would continue criticize hoping that it helps shape the arts in the savanna.

Artistes and their management therefore need to desist from making enemies out of all who criticize and rather look at the issues presented. Your enemy doesn’t want you to succeed, but your critics urge you to reach higher and prove them wrong.

The numerous award schemes have created a career killing mafia since organizers accord themselves a god status because they covertly have an influence in deciding who deserves an award, a situation that has spread even to deejays and radio presenters.

Deejays and radio presenters play a vital role in promoting music, so when they suddenly take sides, a number of things manifest–sidelining and continuously running down the efforts of acts they don’t support. This is done with concerted efforts so much so that it becomes evidently clear to the entire public. If indeed we want to see our music and art industry develop, we would need to stop playing God and give equal opportunity to all artistes we encounter.

We can do what we want to fit but that will not make us stand out, yet we all agree standing out is the through case of master artistry.

If we truly want to soar, we need to start exploring our uniqueness for gain.

#Exploring our uniqueness for gain

Soorebia – Putting Bolgatanga on the Rap Map of the World

Who is Soorebia?

As a musical enthusiast with an inclination towards Rap, Reggae, R & B and very Traditional African Music, I listen to a lot of it from across Ghana.  Which always leave me with many questions regarding the permeation of music made in other parts of Ghana into the rest of Ghana.

Soorebia

The argument is usually limited to quality and language, which I think is a lame excuse, but I reserve that subject for another day.

After rebranding www.thesavannaonline.com and introducing a music download feature my attention was drawn to a song making waves in the Ghana titled “Primus” performed by a Youngman, Soorebia featuring a lady by name Ayilla.

For me, I just couldn’t believe such a talent is only now being uncovered considering how rap music has taken centre stage among the Ghanaian youth and the fact that acts like Edem have been doing it so well in their native languages.

Growing up & Ambitions

Soorebia started his rap career some eight years ago in Bolgatanga where he made massive inroads with his mystical yet revealing lyrics exposing a musical prowess, which his contemporaries can only wish they had. His music is usually a blend of Frafra, Nankani & Kasem with regular punch lines in English making him appeal to a wider audience.

Musical Influences

Collaborations & Features

Soorebia has an extensive list of collaborations. From his early days, the eclectic rapper opened up to other creatives. Below is a list of some of his. This list is in no particular order:

Party – By Soorebia Ft. Leety

Party – By Fasetwo Ft. Soorebia, Carl Blingx, Teflon Flexx, and Isaac

2 Strings – Featuring Akan

Gaafara – Ft. Rockcity Bongo & Sarauta (Produced By Azkonna)

Caution – Featuring Zazzy

Primus – Featuring Ayillah

Guyman – Featuring Maccasio

Fantasy – Dr Pushkin Ft. Soorebia & Ataman Nikita

Elephant – Featuring Nambawan

Bartender – Mani Mandela x Soorebia

Yinemi – Zazzy Featuring Soorebia

Everybody Bad – Jojo lytel featuring Soorebia

Discography

Starting his career with a Bolgatanga based record label 7ireblaze, he released several rib cracking demos and mixtapes, which earned him street discipleship leading to the invention of the word “Tumanneh,” meaning the “stacked brother.”

His dedication to the craft over the years has made him strive to attain bigger heights releasing club bangers and hot freestyles under a new movement #BBT (Bolga Boy Tins) with a very talented producer – Azkonna.

So far, he’s been a phenomenon on radio stations in the savanna regions especially around Bolgatanga, but with the release of “Primus” which enjoys airplay on YFM in Accra and radio stations as well as nightclubs across the country. I strongly believe Soorebia “the lyrical Gem” is about to be unleashed on a bigger audience.

Primus is composed of two verses with a chorus from Ayilla beautifully laced on a banging beat from a very talented producer, Azkonna. In this song, Soorebia boasts of his lyrical superiority, detailing how he killed the competition to emerge as the king of rap in his neighbourhood and the region, and his plans to conquer the rap game.

The melodious chorus from Ayilla soothes non-rap lovers and takes you to a more powerful rap verse where the rapper shows his versatility by dropping few bars in Kasem and alternating between Frafra-English. Primus is a pure rap song that can rub shoulders with ones from titans in the Ghanaian rap game.

Though unconfirmed one of Ghana’s finest Lyricists, Quata, told thesavannaonline “the song is sick, and I would really want a collaboration with him after the launch of my album”..

Soorebia – Bag of Rocks

Awards

Story By: Atigsibadek Afoko/thesavannaonline.com

I know what Substance Abuse is

Substance Abuse1

Conquering SUSBSTANCE ABUSE – The Story of Mr. Kasise Ricky Peprah

Substance Abuse is intricate, however, I am duty bound to be here, for there is none other I know who can give a first-hand, intimate and personal account of alcoholism, drug abuse and irresponsible youth life.

Most of my fellow sufferers are either too involved with our disease, to be invited or, if even invited, to bother to accept your invitation. The rest are dead. Those in-betweens are too weakened to offer anything useful on this occasion. Since my breed is rare, survivors I mean, I crave your indulgence to spare a few minutes for my account of my personal knowledge of these all- too-real tragic phenomena that are laying to waste too many brilliant and talented people.

The Struggle to understand and define Substance Abuse

In my experience, I find that dictionaries almost never offer the definitions you need when you need them. Last night was no exception as I tried to no avail to find the definitions of “alcoholism”, of “drug abuse” or of “irresponsible youth life”. I have therefore elected to provide working definitions for the three phenomena.

For our purpose today, I dare to define “alcoholism” as “the continuous excessive use of and consequent dependence on alcohol, to the extent that it alters behaviour, warps reality and endangers one’s life and/or that of others”. “Drug abuse, I plead to define as “the continuous and persistent misuse and use of medication and drugs, prescription and illicit, to induce temporary euphoric effects (a high), which use subsequently has to be maintained or increased, over time, in order to attain said hallucinatory effects”.

Finally, let us agree to define “irresponsible youth life” as “any behaviour that is inconsistent with social mores and expectation”. Ladies and gentlemen, if no one is begrudging my operational definitions shall I then quickly move on to attempt to discuss their causes. Like many phenomena, the causes are many, diverse and varied.

Abusing Alcohol – Substance Abuse in a Bottle

“Alcoholism may be caused by peer pressure, acquiesced-to by apparent social acceptability or indifference and may be ignited by a misguided but widely held belief that it provides relief albeit temporary from nagging problems. There is also no accounting for the role of pure and naked puerile and youthful adventurism, normally starting with casual and occasional drinking euphemized as ‘social drinking’ and finally leading into full-fledged alcoholism. Same can be said of drug abuse. It starts as just a try, then another and soon turns into a craving and finally dependence, maybe not in that order.

Irresponsible youth life can be caused by any of the aforementioned or by pure truancy or delinquency. It may also emanate from maladjustment, personality disorder or simple rebellion. However, let it be said that some people are misfits, maybe even genetically programmed miscreants, plain and simple.

Khaya Language App is Africa’s Language Translator

I am just a layman not an Authority on Substance Abuse – Mr. Kasise

Ladies and gentlemen, I want to state categorically that I have received NO formal education in these matters. I am neither a psychiatrist nor clinical psychologist. I am not a sociologist and definitely not an anthropologist. I am simply a recovering alcoholic, literate enough and sufficiently desperate to read the available literature. Since I am also lucky to still have a fair amount of my brain intact and recovering, I have, on occasion, consciously and otherwise engaged in analytical thought of these issues. Personally, I have been guilty, not of one or two but of all three of the cankers that we are attempting to understand today.

Ladies and gentlemen, the effects of these three maladies are plenty and varied BUT all unanimously negative. Their effect, negative of course, go from threats to your profession and professionalism, impediments to your smooth study, trouble in family life and marriage and finally causes extensive ill health.

Be warned that when one of the three makes an entry into your life, progress walks out of your life. One comes in and your sanity is threatened, One comes in and your studies, job or profession is in jeopardy. Their beginning in your life is the end of everything good in it. What then is the way forward? I have said on other occasions and repeat here today that the best way to prevent alcoholism, drug abuse and the resultant irresponsible youth life is NOT to even start trying out with these substances.

DO NOT BEGIN IF YOU HAVEN’T YET.

STOP IF YOU HAVE BEGUN.

And SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP IF YOU CAN NOT STOP.

I want to end with the words of LEO BUSCAGLIA; ’your talent is God’s gift to you. What you do with it is your gift back to God’ THANK YOU.

An end to Substance Abuse is the start of a new journey towards growth.

Checkout Some music here

Diva 1 is the torchbearer of contemporary Music in Tamale

Who is Diva 1?

She is arguably the most prolific female musical gem blessing the Tamale music scene; her energetic, and animated performances continue to serve as a thrill wherever she performs. With a laudable vocal strength, she matches her male counterparts with frequent releases.

Diva 1

Her consistency in the industry exudes the characteristics of a focused individual. One might attribute her resilience to a formidable team, but the enigmatic performer is yet to land a record deal – if you are looking to manage or produce an artiste whose skill and commitment to the art is peerless, then you should reach out to her.

Life & Music of Diva 1

She remains one of the most consistent female artistes from Tamale. Not only is she consistent, but she is also respected as the foremost talent amongst her peers in contemporary music. Joggling between rap, dancehall, and rap, her versatility makes her one of the best musicians from Tamale.

Diva 1 Goes for Beef

In an obvious display of temerity, the high-energy performer has dropped another song titled “drop that sh*t”. Unfortunately, the lyrics and tone of the song professes insecurity. The song makes her appear to be threatened by the emergence of a particular new artiste.  Performed in Dagbani, English & Pidgin, Diva 1 jabs an unnamed person she referred to as “Local Girl”.

Checkout We Take Dem Run – Diva One

Diva 1 doesn’t seem to rest on her oars, a demeanour that has got her performing different genres effortlessly. However, her recent singled titled “drop that sh*t” may cast a dent on what she represents as a brand; Diva 1 appears to have thrown caution to the wind and launched an unwarranted attack on another artiste.

Even though goes at her target without explicitly stating who it is, one doesn’t need a soothsayer to detect the animosity deeply enshrined in “drop that sh*t”.

Tamale has been saddled with so much musical “beef”, a situation that transcends the loyalty of fans. Whilst “beef” has culminated into success for some artistes, it’s also led others to an abyss, an oblivion beyond redemption.

For the budding industry to truly become a huge economic success, tact and strategy must dominate the actions or inactions of artistes. To survive a religiously polarized society, one needs to employ a lot of thought into all they do.

Whilst many might jump to an explicit and raunchy song, they will rather patronize music that entertains and educates them wholly in a very creative way. So, the release of “drop that sh*t” is not only a deviation from the fun-nature of Diva 1’s songs but an attempt at confusing some of us who have fallen in love with what she brings to the musical buffet.

As one of the few ladies giving the male dominated music industry in Tamale a true taste of what a lady-musician brings to the table; shifting focus from entertaining music to war-like music is not in your best interest.  The gangster posturing of artistes in the name of appearing street comes with a price, and if that’s the path she has chosen to travel, she should state that explicitly.

Diva 1’s Discography

Adey beg.
TIZANGBAVAAKUUGI
Ayiko
The girl
Latifu

We Take Dem Run

Her Collaborations

Dankanda – ft Mak Dee
Letter to the exes – Ft. Israhim

Oboy, not a week without controversy in Tamale.

Tamale’s Diva 1 has made a significant shift in her music, opting for a more confrontational approach. The artist’s recent discography and collaborations showcase a departure from her previous style. However, it is important for Diva 1 to explicitly acknowledge the implications of this new direction, as it involves adopting a street persona. Controversy continues to surround Tamale’s music scene.

Prioritising a grand emancipation 101 – What Africans need

We seek a grand emancipation because who we have become, and who we should be doesn’t appear to be the reality we must live.

Why Seek the Grand Emancipation?

The souls of our fathers’ wallow in pain and shame.

Their graves have become tombstones of intense heat.

They died and were proclaimed famous, famous for a reason that we must beat.

But the very generations they laid their lives down for have rather turned that fame to shame.

Builsa Warriors In Accra

The African or the African’t?

The land we occupy as an African people has proven to be the most blessed when it comes to natural resources.

Yet, what do we see?

Hunger, ill-accomplishment, negativity, inferiority and constant backward movement.

This we cry each day to abolish, to overcome and to turn around.

Each day an educated African comes up with a new policy and the brain behind that policy is obviously a westerner.

Can’t we as an African people do unto us as we wish them westerners to do unto us?

Do we throw our resources to the western man and ask him to help make the most out of it?

Need a Copy?

The Grand Emancipation is a Must

Until me and my brothers, sisters, aunties, uncles, fathers, mothers and grandparents at home are fully emancipated, we shall want more of the west that will keep asking for our souls as an inferior race and our forefathers would have been disgraced by our actions.

It must start with:

Knowing our roots.

Knowing the resources available to us.

Knowing our needs as an African people.

Knowing the world’s technology.

Recognizing the talents available to us.

Africa can fix our own problems.

Africa can feed itself.

Africa can have its own technologies.

Africa can cure its own ailments.

Africa can be a MAN WITH ENOUGH BALLS TO TAKE OVER THE WORLD.

THE TIME IS NOW…Time for the Grand Emancipation.

Do you want to know the other truth?

Humans have thrived across varied geographic locations for only one reason, ‘The Other Truth”.

Sometimes we need people to remind us of beauty, the beauty of our traditions and the fact that our ethnographic belonging is not by mere coincidence or a grand plot by nature to render us poor or lesser citizens of the world.

THE OTHER TRUTH

What Influences the Other Truth

Our being a part of a society, which seems damned because of the comparisons often carried out by our minds based on what the media portrays as the ideal society in a modern world continues to harm our progress as a people belonging to an ethnic minority.

Technological advancement may have a role to play in our ill appreciation of our world, yet a careful look will suggest our appreciation of technology is also based on a rather pathetic look at the sophisticated societies with sophisticated problems. Technology is to make us improve on our traditional ways of doing things and not necessarily take us away from “who we are” and make us “who they are”.

I have often bemoaned the seeming stagnant state of our development as a people; this seemed true until a lady by name Barbara pointed out some of the other truth to me.  I say the other truth because most of what we pitifully moan about is also a form of truth. The challenges we as a people from a presumably minor ethnic group face is presumably vast.

All the sectors that drive the economy of our nation averagely do not consider our input as significant. It may be true, but the truth or false aspect of it lies in our point of view as per who we are and what we have.

The Consequences of Our Thoughts

Many of us dwell on the problems/challenges we face in savanna and hardly ever consider the beauty/opportunities we as people are blessed with. God/Nature has never planted people in an area that can’t be used as a transformational tool in our pursuit of progress.

The Other Truth

We are rich yet we do not see, we have rich cultural practices, yet we prefer a foreign culture, we live in Fumbisi and still think we should live somewhere else to make us accepted.

Reflecting on the other truth in Sandema

The past 2 months in Sandema gave me an opportunity to reflect on the words of Barbara Meier, which suggests we should make the most of our ethnographical location.

As I spent hours running around Buluk I began to appreciate it more and more. As I saw the green fields with men and women busy tilling the soil in anticipation of a successful harvest season. I realized what we often refer to as peasant farming is a proof of potential large-scale farming and can therefore be improved.

Our unique and tenacious spirit

As I saw boys aged 13-display great knowledge of animal husbandry, I realized the natural intelligence of our “village folk”.

The distances young boys and girls have to travel to attend schools in some of the villages after a whole lot of house chores in the morning suggested how industrious, ambitious and determined we are and can be. 

Despite the unavailability of electricity in some of the towns and villages one can only imagine how/why that is not used as an excuse to study yet determined pupils and students can be found busily studying with the aid of lanterns.

The preserved cultures/traditions can’t be left out, people greeting you and being concerned about your day obviously is a show of love from a fellow man. People’s willingness to help you get to your destination without asking for anything in return is so awesome.  The communal spirit can still be seen when people gather to plow the lands of their neighbors, which is simply amazing.

The beautiful scenery that greet us in almost every town/village and the freshness of the air we breath, the rock formations with beautiful shade from trees all over Buluk make an ideal destination for campers and picnics. The beautiful view of the stars not forgetting the moon, that lying on a “gbung” gives you can only be experienced and not imagined.

The Other Truth in Builsaland (Buluk)

There is so much that can be said about Buluk positively, yet we do not seek to utilize those positives to improve our society. We rather dwell on the negatives which can be attributed to the corruption of our minds by the “powers that be” (media and the few citizens who have spent some time in other parts of the country or world).

All the above when carefully analysed can be transformed into viable economic and cultural gain. But we assume it is too much work. Policy makers have constantly made us think, it will take the policies of other parts of the world or of the country to make us a “better” people.

How can we make us better without building on the positives of our society, shall we continue to presume everything about us is substandard? I will say a big NO, but it’s beyond an individual. It will take all of us to build a better society in all aspects of our lives.

My commitment is to use what we have to the best advantage of Buluk, what is yours?

There are varied truths and depending on which we accept, the journey to a “better” Buluk and savanna either becomes shorter and fun or a sophisticated set of trial and errors.

The choice is ours. The Other Truth can be created.

Long live Ghana, long live the Savanna.

A Free Bank for all Entrepreneurs

If you want to succeed, read the Relationship goodie-bag

The Relationship Goodie-Bag is an entrepreneur’s bank

2018 is here; with a rejuvenated spirit many are frantically making resolutions towards a better life. However, we are often too busy to realize our successes are closely tied to things regarded as trivial. Our inter-personal relations will always have a bearing on our success stories. The relationship goodie-bag is an asset we all have. How then do we maximize gain by accessing our relationship goodie-bag?

How then do we maximize gain by accessing our relationship goodie-bag?

I come from a background where “useless” doesn’t exist. Because inherently each person has something unique that when tabled can bring about change. Since humanity is a wild composition of relationships, our successes, to a large extent hinges on extracting all we can from our relationships to inch closer to success. Each relationship presents a different set of opportunities. Identifying the contents of your contact base, relationships and the value it can potentially add to your story is the first step to success.

Identifying your contact base, relationships and the value:

Primarily we each have 4 types of relationships we may be in i.e.

Family, Friendships, Romantic relationships & Professional relationships. Each of the listed, presents other forms of relationships that can affect us positively in the pursuit of entrepreneurial success. However, the egoistic part of humanity becomes a borderline that MUST be crossed to attain success. Relationships and emotions are a wild blend.

Relationship Goodie-Bag

Relationships and emotions are a wild blend.

How we feel(intuition), what we hear, what we know, appears to drive our relationships. However, I want to challenge you to think success by prioritizing your goals. I am not suggesting cutting links and becoming a loner. I mean ask yourself “WHAT ARE MY GOALS, IF I WANT TO SUCCEED”. Remember success is relative and can be in several ways but it must gratify you. The beautiful thing about a goal is that you can always re-adjust, re-order or change completely if they don’t lead to success.  Goals & Relationships are bedfellows.

Goals & Relationships are bedfellows.

Meetings, brainstorming, proposals, designs, business plans; define the preparedness for success. However, we need to ensure the content of the above are rich enough to truly radiate success.  Our goals are meant to help attain success, so in building the content of the aforementioned, we dip our hands into the relationship goodie-bag. In that bag, you have friends, family, lovers, and Professional relationships. Within the four types of relationships you will find Mentors, Entrepreneurs & Professionals. You might even have fixers & investors in there.  That is where you think strategically for gain.

Think STRATEGICALLY for GAIN.

How many of us will ever receive a blank cheque?

How many of us have the financial muscle to implement all aspects of what would culminate in success? Very few.

So, your bank is your relationship goodie-bag. Remember, all you need to succeed is within reach, but you can only see it when you carefully search. The search should start with the relationship-goodie bag. How do you search the bag?

How do you search the relationship goodie-bag?

  • Identify the individuals in your relationship-goodie bag.
  • Categorize them according to your needs.
  • Analyse your relationship with each person.
  • Gather as much knowledge on what you intend to do.
  • Be sure your endeavour is realistic and not just an over-ambition.
  • Make initial contact on the subject matter.

Your initial contact regarding what you seek is typically the game-changer, even though you may not get to discuss your goals and dreams in full, treat it as a pitch. This interaction should be one you pay rapt attention to, because the demeanour & language will give you indicators on your next step. However, NEVER assume based on the demeanour UNTIL it’s a categorical NO. (There’s a way to deal with Categorical NO but we’ll look at it some other time). A categorical NO can be received with more questions as to why the NO, you’ll be surprised how much you will learn from the response. Also, remember to thank the person for the time spent with you.

The relationship-goodie bag is available for everyone, but many hit a snag at the initial contact stage. Advice: NEVER allow your ego/emotions to cloud your analysis of encounters with people you brought out from your relationship goodie-bag. That’s a first step towards failure. You need to understand, whilst there’s an existing relationship with the person, they are not obliged to assist you.

So, meet them knowing that.

  • People have challenges of their own.
  • They will dictate times to meet etc.
  • They will decide what aspect of your plan to fit in.
  • They can pull out at any time.
  • They may even refer you to others you don’t know from their relationship goodie-bag.
  • They may offer to help for a fee.

Knowing all the above, you will need to REMIND YOURSELF, at every stage, that YOU NEED THEM, they may not need you beyond the already existing relationship. So, when you decide not to CALL AGAIN, it is your loss.

When you decide to brand the relationship goodie-bag content as UNWILLING TO HELP, it is your loss.

The line between success and failure can be your assumption.

Seek assistance but don’t be intrusive because everyone has a role in our lives.

Let 2018 be a year of success…The relationship goodie-bag is an insurance

Ever Seen A Builsa Warrior? Come To Feok

The Story of Feok

The story of Feok is one premised on a cultural celebration of bravery and a bountiful harvest. The nostalgia surrounding it is not confined to merry making and the pouring of libation. It is more centred on a unified celebration of one festival by 13 autonomous towns; though linked by lineage, language, locale and similarities in cultural practices.

The Warriors of Builsaland

Characterized by a massive influx of indigenes from all over Ghana (the world). Many simply come to Sandema to witness the famous war dance/march believed to have been a major tactic used to repel & defeat slave raiders in colonial times.

Whilst the dance/march is a sight to behold, the nostalgia from the beautiful Smock apparel fitted with talismans of different sizes and different spiritual efficacies speak volumes of the traditional nature of the celebrations.

Warriors who double as hunters hang several animal skins & bones as part of their regalia.

The majestic back and forth strides in semblance of a marauding bull is said to have re-enforced the camouflage tact adopted by Builsas in times of war. The horned hats, the sharp axe, as well as the bow and arrow (often laced with poison in true war situations) remain a Builsa warriors toolkit.

Builsa Warriors In Accra

Archery Competition

The Archery competition often held a day after the grand durbar of the Chiefs and people is proof of our superiority in using arrows as weapons during war. It has been said that some of our great warriors were master archers on horseback.

Even though music drives the entire celebrations, there is a lot of spiritual exercises to commence and ensure a peaceful and successful celebration. The spirituality of the celebrations is however not entirely open to the public.

Feok in its truest form is therefore the spirit of Buluk.

The Spirit of Buluk

As the spirit of a unique people, each celebration must assume a milestone and a new phase for our forthright march towards economic emancipation.

The above has governed the celebrations since the inception of Feok by the late Nab Ayieta Azantilow. The thematic celebrations are testament to the development-oriented nature of the celebrations. Whilst we may argue about the effective pursuance of the themes that characterize each celebration, we can also re-orient our minds to adjust for a take-off. One that fully sees the realization of set targets by way of the governing themes.

Such is the nature of a spirit – oneness for growth. The direct benefits for the business community and the gains for the two Builsa districts as tourism surges remain limitless. It is therefore prudent to see the spirit of Buluk and fully adopt it for empowerment of all.

Empowerment for all

The traditional Builsa is perceived to be fearless, tactical and very resourceful. These assertions may have arisen from the many wars fought to repel slave raiders. The unconventional tactics used by Builsa warriors, which were later adopted by neighboring towns lend credence to the tactical and fearless nature of our being.

Our resourcefulness stem from our ability to turn any situation into gain and emerge victors. This may have accounted for the role of Nab Ayieta Azantilow in psyching the Ghanaian contingent drafted to fight alongside the British in Burma. It is therefore appropriate to explore Feok and its adjoining activities to open up economic opportunities for all. Opportunities abound yet we have done little to nothing in realizing the gains from those opportunities.

Who are the Bulsa Ethnic Group?

Opportunities

Feok is a celebration of culture & History. Culture & History is an intricate part of tourism. Tourism is a major economic development tool.

Evidence of the slave trade abound in Buluk; this considers the multi-pronged fight approach in defeating slave raiders; Builsa-land definitely has insightful evidence worthy of visits to all who have an interest in the history of slave trade.

The birth of Buluk is quiet interesting and ascertaining the origin of Builsa’s and the reasons behind the 13 autonomous Builsa towns is worth exploring.

The myths surrounding the giant who lived in Kadema and the speculated total annihilation of “Vari” around Bachongsa  is also worth probing.

There is so much Buluk has to offer the world by way of tourism.

Relics from some battles with slave raiders still exist in Fiisa and some other places. the activities surrounding Feok is capable of attracting a huge volume of tourists when properly marketed.

When we open up by branding and marketing Feok well, a lot of jobs will be created…

I will be sharing some business ideals in my next article.

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