Nigerian Artistes Lead MTV Africa Music Awards 2014

Africa's number one music authority, MTV Base has announced the nominees for this year's MTV Africa Music Awards.

The announcement, which was made last night, Wednesday, 16 April 2014 at an impressive nominations party at The Sands in Johannesburg, South Africa recorded a large number of Nigeria entries.
Once again, the spotlight is beamed on Nigeria as the hub and leader of entertainment in Africa.  Out of fifteen different categories, Nigeria was nominated in eleven categories and includes some of the biggest names in the Nigerian entertainment industry such as  Omotola Jalade, Chimamanda Adichie, 2Face, PSquare, Wizkid, Burna Boy, Olamide, Flavour among many others.

The different categories, which include Best Male, Best Female, Song of the Year and Artist of the Year has also broadened the scope of the MAMA  franchise as achievements in non-music fields will also be recognized. They include "Personality of the Year" and "Transform Today by Absolut", an award designed to recognize and support young, emerging and original African creative talents who use their imagination to fuel social transformation and bring positive attention to the continent.

Davido clinched  most of the  nominations this year with four nods for Song of the Year, Best male, Artist of the Year and Best Collaboration. Following closely behind with 3 nominations is dynamic duo, P Square with Best Group, Artist of the Year and Song of the Year while Wizkid receives two nods for Best Male and Best Collaboration.

Other Nigerian nominees include 2Face, Burna Boy, Chidinma, Don Jazzy, Dr Sid, Flavour, Ice Prince, KCEE, May D, Olamide, Phyno and Tiwa Savage.

Senior Vice President & Managing Director, Viacom International Media Networks Africa, Alex Okosi said "We congratulate all the nominees for the 2014 MTV Africa Music Awards. This year, the MAMA offers a stunning platform for African artists, it also celebrates the young personalities, leaders and creatives who are making a positive impact on the continent."

Check out the Nigerian nominees

NIGERIAN NOMINEES
Best Male: Davido; Wizkid
Best Female: Chidinma; Tiwa Savage
Best Group: P-Square
Best New Act: Burna Boy; Phyno
Best Live Act: 2face; Flavour
Best Collaboration:
Diamond feat Davido – 'Number One' (Remix) (Tanzania/Nigeria)
Mafikizolo feat May D – 'Happiness' (South Africa/Nigeria)
R2bees feat Wizkid – 'Slow Down' (Ghana/Nigeria)
Artist of the Year : Davido; P Square
Song of the Year: Davido- 'Skelewu'
Dr Sid feat Don Jazzy – 'Surulere'
KCee - 'Limpopo'
P Square – 'Personally'
Best Hip Hop: Ice Prince; Olamide
Personality of the Year:Chimamanda Adichie
Omotola Jalade Ekeinde
Transform Today by Absolut: Clarence Peters

...and here are the nominations in full

MUSIC CATEGORIES

Best Male:
Anselmo Ralph (Angola)
Davido (Nigeria)
Diamond (Tanzania)
Donald (South Africa)
Wizkid (Nigeria)

Best Female:
Arielle T (Gabon)
Chidinma (Nigeria)
DJ C'ndo (South Africa)
Efya (Ghana)
Tiwa Savage (Nigeria)

Best Group:
Big Nuz (South Africa)
Mafikizolo (South Africa)
Mi Casa (South Africa)
P Square (Nigeria)
Sauti Sol (Kenya)

Best New Act:
Burna Boy (Nigeria)
Heavy K (South Africa)
Phyno (Nigeria)
Stanley Enow (Cameroon)
Uhuru (South Africa)

Best Live Act:
2face (Nigeria)
Fally Ipupa (DRC)
Flavour (Nigeria)
Dr Malinga (South Africa)
Zakes Bantwini (South Africa)

Best Collaboration:
Amani ft. Radio and Weasel – 'Kiboko Changu' (Kenya/Uganda)
Diamond feat Davido – 'Number One' (Remix) (Tanzania/Nigeria)
Mafikizolo feat May D – 'Happiness' (South Africa/Nigeria)
R2bees feat Wizkid – 'Slow Down' (Ghana/Nigeria)
Uhuru feat DJ Buckz, Oskido, Professor, Yuri Da Cunha – 'Y-tjukutja' (South Africa/Angola)

Artist of the Year:
Davido (Nigeria)
Mafikizolo (South Africa)
Mi Casa (South Africa)
P Square (Nigeria)
Uhuru (South Africa)

Song of the Year:
Davido- 'Skelewu' (Nigeria)
DJ Clock feat Beatenberg – 'Pluto' (Remember Me) (South Africa)
DJ Ganyani feat FB – 'Xigubu' (South Africa)
DJ Kent feat The Arrows –'Spin My World Around' (South Africa)
Dr Sid feat Don Jazzy – 'Surulere' (Nigeria)
KCee - 'Limpopo' (Nigeria)
Mafikizolo feat Uhuru 'Khona' (South Africa)
Mi Casa- 'Jika' (South Africa)
P Square – 'Personally' (Nigeria)
Yuri Da Cunha -'Atchu Tchu Tcha' (Angola)

Best Hip Hop:
AKA (South Africa)
Ice Prince (Nigeria)
Khuli Chana (South Africa)
Olamide (Nigeria)
Sarkodie (Ghana)

Best Pop:
Danny K (South Africa)
Fuse ODG (Ghana)
Goldfish (South Africa)
LCNVL (South Africa)
Mathew Mole (South Africa)

Best Alternative:
Gangs of Ballet (South Africa)
Michael Loman (South Africa)
Nakhane Toure (South Africa)
Parlotones (South Africa)
Shortstraw (South Africa)

Best Francophone:
Arielle T (Gabon)
Espoir 2000 (Ivory Coast)
Ferre Gola (DRC)
Toofan (Togo)
Youssoupha (Congo)

Best Lusophone:
Anselmo Ralph (Angola)
JD (Angola)
Lizha James (Mozambique)
Nelson Freitas (Cape Verde)
Yuri Da Cunha (Angola)

NON MUSIC CATEGORIES

Personality of the Year:
Chimamanda Adiche (Nigeria)
Omotola Jalade Ekeinde (Nigeria)
Trevor Noah (South Africa)
Lupita Nyong'o (Kenya)
Yaya Toure (Cote d'Ivoire)

Transform Today by Absolut
Anisa Mpungwe (Tanzania)
Clarence Peters (Nigeria)
Leti Arts (Ghana)
Rasty (South Africa)

The MTV Africa Music Awards KwaZulu-Natal supported by Absolut will take place in South Africa for the first time on 7 June 2014 at the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC) in Durban. The awards will air live across the continent at 9:00PM on MTV Base (DStv Channel 322) and MTV (DStv Channel 130).

Voting for the MTV Africa Music Awards is open at www.mtvbase.com from 16 April 2014 until midnight on 4 June 2014.

 
 

MI, MODE NINE, SASHA, EVA, OTHERS BRING DOWN THE HOUSE AT THE VS CLASS!

 

Last Thursday would go down as one of the most memorable day in the Nigerian entertainment industry as the biggest and most successful HipHop radio show made its debut  on Nigerian radio. The VS Class, an  initiative which was created by the world's No.1 premium cognac Hennessy in partnership with Nigeria's leading urban radio station The Beat 99.9 FM to promote the rap music genre took HipHop fans to another level.

The show which was  hosted by Olisa Adubua and Jimmie marked the launch and first of three episodes. With Host MCs like MI, ModeNine, Sasha, Show Dem Camp and Eva, the show kicked off hot! After rigorous auditions that held for two weeks, ten contenders were called upon to be a part of the show where they were given the opportunity to showcase their skills to the world and to be known for this skill.

 

Host DJ for the evening was veteran DJ; DJ Jimmy Jatt who dished out back-to-back Hip Hop tracks. The finalists invited to be on the show came prepared dropping sixteen mind-blowing bars thrilling the judges and other guests present in the studio.

 

"I'm really glad to be here witnessing the evolution of HipHop in Nigeria. These MCs came prepared… they have totally blown our minds with some of the lyrics we have heard today." ModeNine said during the show.

 

The realness of the show was particularly evident as M.I, Show Dem Camp, Eva, Sasha and ModeNine took to the mic to drop a few bars of their own. The height of the show was taken to another level when M.I, ModeNine and rap duo, Show Dem Camp performed breath-taking freestyles non-stop that got everyone in the studio screaming with excitement.

 

Other guests present at the show include Beat FM OAPs, Douglas, Osi Suave, Tee Billz, Mark Redguard among others.

 

The VS Class will feature two more episodes this year and will also feature other rap heads as well as some of Nigeria's hottest indigenous rappers.

I will like to own a radio station-Darey Art Alade

In 2013, Darey Art Alade stunned Nigerians with his world class love concert titled "Love Like A Movie". With this ingenious showmanship, Darey effortlessly earned his reputation as the grand show stopper in the Nigerian entertainment industry. But this time around, the soul singer is hatching another project.

Recently, the Soul Muzik co-founder hinted on his plans to own a radio station. "I will like to have my own radio station. I don't want to work for anybody. I have already started making plans and inquiries to see what is feasible. It's something that can't go away." he told members of the press in a brief chat.

Darey was formerly an OAP with Cool FM Lagos where he honed his skills in radio production, presentation and marketing skills until he left for the Project Fame reality show in South Africa in 2004 where he emerged third. The multiple award-winning singer will be fulfilling another lifetime dream if this project comes to fruition.
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Afrobeat is a way of life-Dede Mabiaku

Dede Mabiaku, the versatile musician and a judge on the Nigerian idol reality show has described Afrobeat as a way of life and not just another genre of music. Citing the legendary Afrobeat king Fela Anikulapo-Kuti as an example, the late Fela protege urged the new generation afrobeat musicians to see afrobeat as music for the people.

He lauded the late Fela for his immense contribution to the way Nigerian music is perceived outside the country. "Fela played music live, he never used synthesised sounds, Fela scored his music and his lyrics came along. Fela groomed his band with the sounds he has called, so ethically he has cultured a sound and build it with a band. After that, he now performed these songs over a period of time before going to the studio."

He continued "That is why people still listen to his songs so many years after his physical exit. He is the most regarded Nigerian musician ever. He is the most regarded African celebrated in Broadway. That's because he was doing it the live way. These kids have to go back to basics, go and learn instruments, go and culture bands, culture yourself."


He also urged the contemporary musicians to leave the realm of synthesised sounds and work on live bands. According to him, learning the culture of live bands will take Nigerian music to the next level. Though he stated that these artistes have tried in their own way to promote Nigerian music through their packaging and vocal rendition but he insisted that a lot need to be done to make the Nigerian music better. He commended artistes like Flavour, Davido, Tuface for their input in the Nigerian music industry through the fusion of pure natural African sounds in their music.
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Mutiu Adepoju-Why I'm a Teetotaller

The moment we were introduced, my eyes unconsciously settled on his head. perhaps because he was popularly known as the headmaster during his heydays on the soccer pitch. In this interview, the former Super Eagles player revealed the other side of his persona.

He never headed a school before but he knew how to use his head (literally and otherwise) to score goals that left his counterparts in awe. This fetched him the unique nickname, ‘headmaster’. Nigeria’s ex-international Mutiu Adepoju is one of the best players the country has ever produced. His performance at the FIFA 1989 World Youth Championship in Saudi Arabia seemed to have earned him a place in the football hall of fame. Now living in retirement, Adepoju, however, misses those days etched in evergreen memories when he was active on the field.

CITYPEOPLE ENTERTAINMENT CELEBRATES INSPIRO/NAIJAZZ BOSS, AYOOLA SADARE

THE BOSS-AYOOLA SADARE

Citypeople Entertainment recently celebrated Inspiro productions CEO and NAIJAZZ (Nigerian Jazz Project) Founder Ayoola Sadare in recognition of his contribution in the Jazz, Entertainment and Arts/Culture sector. The event tagged ‘An Exclusive Evening with Ayoola Sadare and His friends' was an eclectic time of live Jazz, Spoken Word, Comedy, Art and more at one of the Nation’s  rave culture hotspots Freedom Park, Broad Street, Lagos.

From Koko Master to Banger Lee, Breaking up with Don Jazzy: The Right Thing To Do.

There is always something new about Nigeria's international pop artiste, D'banj. My editor (Nseobong Okon-Ekong) and I recently caught up with him few days before his birthday and discovered his hilarious side.

 There was no air of a celebrity about him as he mixed freely with the small gathering of journalists and friends of the media. The camaradie was magnetic with Nigeria’s international super artiste, Dapo Oyebanjo, better known as, D'banj, personally doing a bear hug with everyone and backslapping them with amazing familiarity. Even if it was an effected emotion, it was well executed as he had a joke for each person. And because he never repeated a joke, this betrayed a little known side of the entertainer who took Nigeria (first and later the world) by storm about one decade ago.

Hafiz Oyetoro aka Saka I Don Port Unveiled

Is Hafiz Oyetoro aka Saka unhappy at his newfound fame? Or is he acting a script prompted by his controversial switch of loyalty? Nseobong Okon-Ekong and Vanessa Obioha took the question to Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, Ijanikin, Lagos where Saka is employed as a lecturer. Oyetoro declines comments on all of that, but speaks about himself as he has never done before…

I'M BACK!!!

YAY!!!! Finally i kicked the laziness bug out of my system. Hello everyone, it's been a minute I updated this blog last...like when i was still a toddler???? 

It feels good to get back here. I guess you were wondering what I've been up to lately.  Let's just say I have been getting the real taste of life in the real world as a journalist and I promise to give you a peek of my latest adventures. From celebrity interviews to features, I will endeavour to give you the latest juice. To start off my return from Venus, here is an interview I did with my editor on  Hafiz Oyetoro popularly known as Saka. it was published a fortnight ago on Thisday newspaper, Sunday edition.

ever since he started the corporate way between MTN and Etisalat, the comic actor had maintained a reserved disposition towards the issue of his loyalty to his corporate masters. We decided to trail him down to Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Educatio, Ijanikin where  where he lectures. 

ANOTHER PIECE OF METAL???

I've always wondered why my former employer never wore his wedding ring. Throughout my short stay in his company, I never saw that piece of metal on his finger. Once or twice, I confronted him but his response was always automated: "What for? It's just a piece of metal!"
Recently, I encountered a married woman who works as a marketing personnel in an oil company. I noticed also that the symbolic finger of marital bond was also not adorned with a ring. Being the curious cat, I asked her if she was divorced or separated and she gave me a surprising look before replying excitedly that she is happily married. "Where is the wedding ring?" I inquired.
She gave me a sly grin and said in a low tone "it's not good for my career"

THE THING ABOUT “I LOVE YOU”

We've heard it on many lips. These three words have the power to make you feel elated or downright dumb. It's been the headlines for most romantic movies and music, driving us insane to a world of fantasy filled with faint glimpses of reality which at the end of the day could be nothing short of a mirage.

These words have been spoken in moments of intense passion, be it temporal or permanent. This love phrase seems to have the antidote to melt a heart of steel like a candle wax, especially if one has been longing to hear the words. Unfulfilled promises are made with these words, virtues are lost by the mere mention of this phrase, hearts are twisted and tricked, and souls are renewed and shattered. This shows the potency of this magical love phrase “I love you.”

Wet lines...freestyle

Please do not read this if you are in the office. I won't be responsible for any actions. Something kinky from my stables. Enjoy!

The night creeps in with its sounds; the chirping crickets, the squeaky mouse, and the whooshing sound of the trees.
Somewhere in the dark, right behind the back door I stood, awaiting the familiar footsteps and musky scent that assail my senses.
But above all, the loudest sound of the night was my heartbeat as it anticipates the rhythm of the night.
A rhythm created by two untamed souls, seeking the tasty wine of the gods in the middle of the night.

THE WAY TO A MAN'S HEART

What's the way to a man's heart? This is the billion dollar question most women ask. What could make him hold me dear in his heart? How can I make him love me like no other? How can I totally win a man's love and trust?

Friday Heat: Should the groom foot the wedding bills alone or not?

I attended a wedding recently and was quite intrigued by the opulence of the occasion. From the decoration of the reception hall to the slew of gifts shared smelled wealth. The buffet was top class, the attire worn by both couple's family was classy and elegant to the boot. In fact, it was similar to a fairytale wedding.

Zulu Lulu by Amos Bwire...contd

"E yeah e yeah e yeah eh…e yeah eyeah…yeah
E yeah e yeah eh…e yeah eyeah
Mama meh eh eh eh eh …Nne meh eh eh eh eh…
She's my beautiful onyinye eh eh eh eh… Eyeah!"
 
Sings an obviously drunk guy, leaning over an idle Bajaj, near Afrika Sanaa bus stop. The guy has kiroba in his trembling hand. His name is Juma Mchupa, a Bajaj driver famously known for his overly-drinking habit and a foul mouth. "Oyaaa, chippy! 'Samaki' bei gani huyo?" He blurts, pointing his middle-finger at the rear side of one girl as she passes near his Bajaj.
Still locomotive, Eighteen years-old prostitute, Leila tilts her head slightly towards Juma Mchupa, trying hard to ignore him.
"Hey, if you were to cut off all dudes you've climbed on, and lay them down end to end; how far would your line go from here…Morogoro or Mwanza?"
Leila flips her lips over. She throws a hooker-stare at Juma Mchupa, whose mouth is stuck on to his packet of ethanol. "Depends on their sizes." She addresses him, sarcastically, her eyes measuring him, head to toe. "If all were like yours, I'd have needed a cargo-train full of them, to make it to where you stand from where I stand."
Juma chokes off a mouthful of alcohol. "Slut!"
A number of prostitutes and fellow Bajaj drivers laugh at him, their eyes following Leila, as she disappears towards Kona bar.
________________________
 
 
Stepping off Daladala, Lulu hastily sweeps past a number of people. A group of men; mostly petty traders, Bodaboda and Bajaj drivers blow mocking whistles at her physical endowments, obscene gestures along with that. She ignores them and goes further towards the direction near Club Ambiance where fellow traders spread in small groups.  
Just before she reaches the group, a vehicle stops besides her. The driver, a man in his early fifties, stares at Lulu lustfully.
"Niachie huyu mbabu(let me have this grandpa!)" A voice comes from behind her. It's Rabiyah, a fellow prostitute of Somali origin, "I know him. I know what he wants..." She whispers at Lulu, who nodes uninterestingly. Rabiyah strolls past, and towards the car. "Hey, baby, I'm here!" She speaks to the man behind the wheel. The man's eyes bulged. In a quick motion, he waves a hand, ushering for her to climb on. The girl jumps in and the vehicle drives away.
 
Lulu walks past Ambiance, and to a nearby open space that host a dozens of junkie' grills. She glances at people around the place. No one pays attention. She squeezes her hand between a massive pan of fries and a burning charcoal. She lights-on a rolled piece of paper. It's marijuana. She steps back and walks away quickly, before the infectious smell of fried chicken gets into her empty stomach. She finds a lone corner and starts getting a high.
 
"Oya vipi we mtoto, umeridhika leo, eeh?(are you satisfied today huh?)" It's Leila, walking towards the corner where Lulu is seated, immersed in a dark tunnel of thoughts.
"Mambo, Leila?" Speaks Lulu, forcing a smile that fades as quickly anyhow.
"Poa poa!" Says a cheerful Leila, her eyes hanging at the burning stuff in-between Lulu's thumb and index finger, with intense appetite.
Lulu handles it to her. "Just one puff, boo!"
Leila ignores the warning. She takes a long one, giving out a hissing sound and a sniff as her wide mouth blows out a thin white smoke. "You sick?" She asks carefreely. "If so, you better take your bad omen to the ghetto. Wagonjwa mnatuletea nuksi katika biashara…(You sick people do jinx our business!)"
Lulu ignores the naturally-impudent Leila. "You sound sick, Zulu Lulu..."
"I'm fine." Speaks Lulu, matter of fact. "I just feel for my sis, Mwajuma, She's suffering…"
"Eish! Is she still sick?"
"She coughs all the time! And today, since morning she hasn't eaten a thing. Whatever I brought her, she didn't like. I don't know what to do…"
"Mh, shughuli!!"
"And the landlady threatens to throw us out if I don't pay my rent, tomorrow…"
"Eish! Kazi unayo!" Says Leila, with a wryly smile. "So, will seating here bring you rent, stupid?"
"Watch your mouth, Leila!"
"Mh! Alaaafu, yule nae ana roho ya paka ujue! Hafi tu? (Mh! That girl has a soul of a cat! Why can't she just die?)"
Lulu gets agitated, "Hey! Stop saying that! Kuwa na huruma kidogo bwana!(You should feel for the sick!)"

"Eight years now in this business. I've seen many come, fall flat on their backs, die, and get to hell. Sembuse huyo Mwajuma wako? Asepe zake kule!(who is she to me?Nothing!)"

"Nipe jani langu! (Give me my leaf!)"
Leila gives Lulu her leaf, at the same time she pulls her off the pavement.

"It's almost One a.m. Twende-tukauze! (Let's go sell pussies!)"
_
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Zulu Lulu by Amos Bwire

This is for all 'Jezebel' lovers. The writer's ink is flowing again and this time, it's hotter, sexier and definitely better than anything you've ever read. Amos Bwire, my talented Tanzanian writer, in this masterpiece tells an intriguing story of love and betrayal in a socio-political setting. Trust me when I say this is definitely going to blow your mind and soul away. Enjoy!!!

Zulu Lulu (One)
September 2, 2011
She stares at her image through a cracky mirror.
A weak smile is drawn on her face overwhelmed by cheap makeups that are intended to give her an older, impressive persona.  Certainly knowing she could be innocently gorgeous without any of that, Lulu curses at the reflection. With a frown, she drops a stare at her wrist watch.
It's 10:45pm. She curses again impromptu, this time against a heavy rain that has been part of the day. Though now it's reduced to mere drizzles, the rain has left her dull-room mushy-mushy, with pools of water across abraded, eroded floor. Her earning potential for the night is also at stake. The rain makes it difficult for guys like her to prowl the streets and make a living.

Thoughts of a Bohemian: Think Africa

The future of Africa is no longer in any nation's hands. Excuse the cliché. The future of Africa is here and now. Africa doesn't belong to the world. The world belongs to Africa.

Through years of abuse and misuse the continent of Africa has consistently powered and sustained the world's economy. Check the catalogue of natural resources blessed Africa. Sadly this continent has been ravaged by its leaders through corruption, political misfits and unnecessary sectarian, tribal and to some extent,religious and cultural wars. These nomenclatures have polarised the geo-political economy of an enriched and endowed continent with a consumer populace of near one billion.

I am a firm advocate for a better Africa, a free enterprise continent which citizenry must benefit from their God given rich natural resources. To achieve these, the new Africans must be prepared to do what is just and right; part of which must include the execution of all corrupt African leaders and corrupt politicians that have knowingly benefited by misappropriating the wealth of the continent for their sole benefits.

I love the Jerry Rawlings Doctrine. Until then, God Save Africa from Africans.
Azuka Jebose
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IT'S NOT ALL ABOUT SEX

Contrary to the general belief that most married men engage in extra-marital affairs for sex, some married men said this is not actually true. "It's not all about the sex" said a male BBM contact of mine. "Sex could be a driving force but it's not what really leads the men astray." Majority of married women out there believe that sex is the main driving force that leads their husbands away from them. Well, it’s more than the sex.

Here are a few things that could make a man stray outside his marital home.

Friday Heat: New Year Resolutions: A Necessity or a Cliché?

Happy New Year everyone!

So it's a new year and a new beginning. Probably you've spent the past few days scribbling the do's and dont's of the New Year. Maybe quit smoking or dating sugar daddies, or probably stop cheating on your boyfriend. Or you may want to achieve some big dreams no matter how unrealistic they are. These all fall into your New Year resolutions.

It's exciting to make New Year resolutions, isn't it? Let's face it, the joy of stepping into a new year signify a new beginning. It's time to start afresh. To do something new. To achieve the impossible. To change from your past ways. Isn't it thrilling to be a new leaf in the New Year?

But how many of us actually stick to our New Year resolutions till the end of the year? How many of us actually pick up the worn-out paper at the end of the year to see how far we adhere to our resolutions?

Do we just make resolutions as a tradition or because we really want to make that change?
Is making of New Year resolutions a cliché or a necessity?


What do you think?
#TGIF#
Let the heat begin!!!
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Thoughts of a Bohemian: Letter to God... contd

Six months after Papa died, I returned home to begin burial passages for him. The family had kept my dad's death from our mother. I did not agree with this decision. I wanted them to inform her because if the shock of papa's death was going to end her life then, I needed for that to happen so I could bury them within days. But my family overruled my "western reality". They pleaded that there were hopes Mama Reggie would break from stroke and live normal again. I didn't want to dash their hopes, so I respected their wishes and queued into their game plan of keeping the news out of her ears.