Nov 27, 2023
Do Contraceptives Cause Infertility in Women?
Diseases that are Difficult to Diagnose
Kizz Daniel: Why a Grammy Nomination Remains Difficult
Roots of Political Instability in Africa
Nov 24, 2023
Why Bob Marley Never Received a Grammy
Bob Marley. Credit: https://www.udiscovermusic.com |
1. Reggae music was not widely popular in the US: During Bob Marley's time, Reggae music was not as popular in the United States as it was in other parts of the world like the Caribbean, Jamaica, and Europe. Reggae music was often seen as a niche genre and was not widely played on mainstream radio stations. This made it difficult for Reggae artists such as Bob Marley to gain the same level of recognition in the highly competitive US music industry.
2. Lack of representation in Grammy categories: During the early years of the Grammy Awards, there were no specific categories for Reggae music. It was not until 1984 that the Best Reggae Album category was established. Prior to that, Reggae music was lumped in with other genres in the Best World Music or Best Ethnic or Traditional Folk Recording categories. The lack of a specific category for Reggae music may have made it difficult for Bob Marley to earn a Grammy nomination.
3. Political views may have been a factor: Bob Marley was known for his strong political views and activism. He used his music as a platform to speak out against social injustice and inequality, which made him unpopular with some powerful interests and individuals. Some critics suggest that Bob Marley's views may have affected his chances of getting a Grammy nomination.
4. The Grammy Award nomination process is selective: The Grammy Awards are highly selective, and not all deserving artists win awards. Several factors are taken into consideration during the selection process, including an artist's record sales, accomplishments, and the industry's recognition. While Bob Marley had major success outside the US, his commercial success in the US was relatively limited during his lifetime.
In conclusion, Bob Marley's lack of Grammy recognition during his lifetime could be attributed to several factors such as the limited popularity of Reggae music in the US, lack of representation in Grammy categories, his political views, and the highly selective nature of the Grammy awards nomination process. However, Bob Marley's legacy has continued to transcend time, and his music remains a source of inspiration for many around the world
Rasta Controversies Stem from Discrimination
The Rastafari faith or movement has been controversial in some circles, mainly because of their unique beliefs and practices. Here are some reasons why the Rastafari movement can be considered controversial:
1. Use of marijuana: The Rastafari movement has long been associated with the use of marijuana, which they consider to be a sacrament and a means of achieving spiritual consciousness. However, the use of marijuana is illegal in many countries, which has led to the persecution of Rastafarians.
Answer: Rastas argue that there is no religion without controversies and that many nations are now legalizing the smoking of Marijuana at the moment. This means that the larger society is only beginning to see its relevance decades after Rastas had seen it. When a new culture emerges, it will always find opposition against mainstream culture.
2. Dreadlocks: Another controversial aspect of the Rastafari movement is the wearing of dreadlocks, which is considered a symbol of the movement. However, some people view dreadlocks as unprofessional or unkempt. This has led to Rastafarians being discriminated against in schools and workplaces.
Answer: Rasta is a belief. If you believe something to be right, you stand by it regardless of the persecution that comes with sticking to your beliefs.
3. Afrocentric beliefs: The Rastafari movement is a Pan-African movement that emphasizes African heritage and culture. Rastafarians believe that Africa is the birthplace of humanity and that Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie is a divine figure. This belief system challenges Eurocentric views and has led to clashes with mainstream culture.
Answer: Everywhere around the world, inter-religious clashes that leave behind huge devastation in their wake have always been witnessed. Clashes between Rastas and the enemies are isolated when compared to what happens between these mainstream religions.
4. Repatriation: The Rastafari movement promotes the repatriation of Africans to Africa, particularly Ethiopia, which is viewed as the spiritual homeland. This belief has been called unrealistic and impractical by some critics.
Answer: Often you hear other races telling black people to go back to Africa. Many Rastas have moved back to Africa. Rita Marley has been living in Ghana for more than twenty years. Franky Paul, a Jamaican Reggae artist died in the Gambia. So, what makes it unrealistic?
5. Perceived anti-establishment views: Rastafarians have been viewed as anti-establishment because of their opposition to political and social institutions. They believe in living outside the mainstream and living a natural and simple life. This has led to clashes with police and governments, who often view Rastafarians as a threat.
Answer: the establishment has always discriminated against the black Diaspora. Take the case of Jim Crow laws in the US.
The founders of the main religion suffered opposition while he struggled to spread his beliefs. Jesus Christ was crucified and Prophet Mohammed had to flee from Mecca to Medina to escape persecution.
Nov 11, 2023
Ember Months in Nigeria
In Nigeria, what do “ember” months mean? This refers to the last four months of the year, which all end with the five letters e-m-b-e-r.
The Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, was founded to minimize
the high rates of highway crashes in Nigeria. The commission, in its survey,
realized that the high level of deaths on our highways is disproportionately
higher during the period. Every year, when the ember months come, the FRSC steps
up its battle to minimize the level of road crashes by embarking on awareness,
through media channels.
In Nigeria, many prefer to spend Christmas in ancestral
homes. Thus, there is often a high level of migration. Such migrations are most
common to the people of the southeastern region of Nigeria. The roads are
busier, thereby escalating the possibility of vehicular accidents. Aside from that,
the high levels of migration present a window for motorists, who move people
for money. They drive at horrific speeds to make as many trips as possible. As is
often said though, speed kills.
Highway activities have, however, failed to account for a
small proportion of the strange level of deaths often recorded only during the
ember months. At the end of the year, people just want a total Christmas, one
that even deviates from what Christmas is supposed to be about. There will be
business partners who will rat on their colleagues. There will be men or women
who believe in money-making through rituals. They will kill their victims leaving
bizarre remains of the victim, after wrenching the eyes, tongues, and private parts of their victims.
The ember month period is a perilous period of the year when
wise people are considerate of all that is pertinent.
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