In Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, Orsino, the Duke of Illyria, says:
If music be the food of love, play on!
Did I mention that I love music? Okay, I am a theater major! I obtained my undergraduate and first Master’s degrees in the Performing Arts and Arts of the Theater, respectively! There’s just something about music! Music unites!
“Music is the great uniter. An incredible force. Something that people who differ on everything and anything else can have in common.” ― Sarah Dessen
So, I love this vibe (see below)! I love African Music, African Culture, African Fashion! I even own an online store, Abi Eso Accessories, where I curate African-inspired fashion accessories (Shameless plug)! I am Unapologetically African! I am Proudly Nigerian! There’s this quote about being an African:
“Most people write me off when they see me.
They do not know my story.
They say I am just an African.
They judge me before they get to know me.
What they do not know is
The pride I have in the blood that runs through my veins;
The pride I have in my rich culture and the history of my people;
The pride I have in my strong family ties and the deep connection to my community;
The pride I have in the African music, African art, and African dance;
The pride I have in my name and the meaning behind it.
Just as my name has meaning, I too will live my life with meaning.
So you think I am nothing?
Don’t worry about what I am now,
For what I will be, I am gradually becoming.
I will raise my head high wherever I go
Because of my African pride,
And nobody will take that away from me.”
― idowu koyenikan
When you get a moment, Watch the Jerusalema song! There is a story behind this song that has over 380 million views on YouTube!
Check out more on the story behind Master KG’s ‘Jerusalema,’ one of the most Shazamed songs in the world
Thank you for hanging out with me! Dr. Abi Adeleke, #hangingoutwithdrabi on Spotify