Tuesday, January 31, 2012

This is CRAZY but I wish this KID all the BEST!

If I was in this game playing against this kid, I would have faked an injury. He's dunking every time he gets the ball. I've been dunked on once in my life and it's one of the worst things to the male ego. It makes you feel like fighting because you can't dunk back. With some work and time in the gym maybe he can make it to the league and provide for his family. GOOD LUCK!

Story Tellers: Remember these Days

Watching this video I was able to relate and reminisce to my boarding school days. When we were in boarding in Entebbe, Uganda we did the exact same story telling. During our school breaks, we went home and watched movies. When we returned to school, we sat in groups telling each other those various films. It was fun because that's how we spread information, in school we weren't allowed to watch TV. It wasn't because we didn't have one but it was based upon a certain discipline at the institution. Money wasn't allowed at school, snacks weren't allowed, visitation during a three month stay was only once for parents so it did bring it back to those days.

Monday, January 30, 2012

Happy Center in Ilala!


 
Took a short visit while in Dar just to check out these talented young people. Rite in the middle of town is this small sanctuary for youth to exercise but also learn acrobatics that could one day earn them a proper living. Everyone there was friendly and I had a great time with Monica being my esteemed host. Anytime I need a workout thus my first location as a gym. Thanks to TIN B for introducing me to this nice bunch during our video shoot.

LISTEN to this TRACK!

ALI KIBA - Mapenzi yana run Dunia!

The Essential 5 SENSES - "Tssst"

First and foremost if you like a woman no matter the speed. By speed I mean the speed at which she moves from being a regular conversation to being physical. You always have to take pride in being unforgettable, like no matter if you met for a day or knew each other for years. If you pay attention to the five senses you'll be unforgettable.

TOUCH
Don't sweat your clothing, if you are on a budget like myself your clothing won't be the thing to remember. Instead focus on the TOUCH, pay attention to your body, take good care of it. When someone touches any part of you, even a simple hug can mean a lot if you workout. 
Here's the trick - Toned Body, Soft Skin with Rough Hands
Exercise,  just 50 pushups a day is enough


Moisturize, more than clothes or style its your SKIN
Firm Handshake leads to more

TANZANIA's DEADLY DOZEN!

So I was just thinking to myself. Who TZ's DEADLY DOZEN?
You will see a lot of beautiful women but sexy is different. SEXY has 5 QUALITIES:
FACE - BODY - WHIT - STYLE - ATTITUDE
I LOVE WOMEN, they are on my brain 24/7 so I think I am a pretty good judge on this topic.

Rosemary Kokuhilwa
Nancy Sumari

Sunday, January 29, 2012

“Real” Reason Her and Kanye Split


I guess Amber Rose isn’t the only one trying to resurrect old news about the reasons her and Kanye West broke up in an attempt to draw attention to upcoming projects. A few weeks ago, the blond bombshell told Starmagazine that Kim Kardashian was a “home wrecker” who cheated with Kanye thus breaking up her happy home back in 2010, but Amber’s former publicist Janero Marchand just aired her out for her own cheating andthieving ways, which he claims are the real reason the couple split.
“I was the person who introduced Kanye West and Amber Rose. Amber wanted me to lie to Kanye when he asked me about her stealing. My integrity and morals I was raised on would not allow me to do something like that.

Arsenal recovers 2-0 deficit to advance in FA Cup

LONDON (AP)—Arsenal kept its bid to end a seven-year trophy drought on track Sunday, scoring three times in eight second-half minutes to beat Aston Villa 3-2 and reach the fifth round of the FA Cup.
Villa led 2-0 at halftime on goals by Richard Dunne and Darren Bent, prompting near silence from Arsenal fans still waiting for a trophy to follow the 2005 FA Cup.
The home side got back in the game with Robin van Persie’s 54th-minute penalty, tied it on Theo Walcott’s lucky rebound and took the lead in the 61st on a second spot kick from Van Persie.
Middlesbrough and Sunderland will replay on Feb. 7 for the right to face Arsenal after drawing their fourth-round match 1-1.

Saturday, January 28, 2012

SWITCH ur STYLE!

In my eyes nowadays, everyone seems to copy the growing trends. From skinny jeans to the bright color fiasco, wait its called color blocking and the list goes on. I think at the end of the day everyone has to create their own personal image. Back in the day especially here in the states each coast had their own fashion sense. People in LA had their own way of dressing, in the south they had there own weird taste and those around the NY also had their own distinct style. 
College Party with an 80's Theme
Dressing especially for the normal person on a budget is based upon events. You buy clothes based upon a certain party, celebration, job requirement etc. In order to make sure you look great I suggest always buying an entire outfit instead of picking one thing at a time. 
Wether it's a New Year's Eve celebration, casual get-together or even a wedding, buy everything at once. It's the worst thing looking in your closet or dresser and having tons of clothes but none that go together. When you purchase clothes for events, you buy everything even down to the socks. It gives you that new feeling and it's cheaper to shop this way. I do not even come next to any stores or shop unless I have somewhere to attend. It's CHEAPER, makes it easier to COORDINATE and saves LAUNDRY time. 

When it comes to following fashion trends, I am not a fashionista so those things never matter. My fashion sense is based upon what's in my wallet and what I see in the mirror. Maybe that will change once I make a lit bit more money. MAYBE!

Remember to save money & time, buy clothing when it's required. BUY an OUTFIT not an ITEM.

Friday, January 27, 2012

RATINGS - She's a DIME, WHO?




So the first thing that came up when I searched for a dime piece was these images. No am not a sick guy or have nasty thoughts but this is the public's image of a DIME PIECE. For those that do not know because we all use different slangs, DIME is equal to ten. The America dollar has 100 cents and 10cents is a dime. When we think of women we love rating them on this scale. Is she a 1, 2, 3, 4 or is she hot and what number does hot start? Is hot on a 7 or 8, I dunno. 



Living in America, especially New York dating or even having a normal social life is very difficult. Everyone is stuck on letting who they date describe how they look. Just because you were with JLO or Beyonce doesn't mean your hot as well. It simply means she gave you a chance. I run into girls all the time who's standards are high because they dated someone attractive. I am hot because I am hot, even if I made out with Precious, its all based on confidence. Those people looking for "the attractive person" are usually looking to feel the same. At this stage of my life I am looking for someone I am attracted to.

So here is a list of "attractive people" and my attraction level 

Sanaa Lathan - 8
Meagan Good - 7


Zoe Saldana - 6
Nia Long - 9



















I can't explain my scores but at least you can analyze and come to a conclusion. It doesn't matter who others think is attractive. The most important thing is who and what type of person are you attracted to. It's all depends on behaviors, mannerisms, and last of all if they like you as well. Know who you can get and know when you're reaching, unless you're rich. 

Tyra Banks - 5
Kerri Hilson - 8
Emotionally speaking I can date anyone and it wouldn't be a problem. If I met someone and they sincerely just were there for me I'd be good with even a 1. Emotion not physical appearance is what defines a woman. My sense of attraction defers based upon morals, family values, motivation and several other qualities excluding a just physical. But that's when am sober, I get wasted n turn into a very shallow individual. Sorry!

NEW TASTE - Soccer & Football, Football is Soccer

Pele, Maradona, Ronaldo, Messi, Beckham and the list goes on and on. All these names and you couldn't get one of my friends in NY to name even five players in the game of football. Football on these shores is the sport I grew up watching and it's what we call a man's game because it's full contact. When in Tanzania or Kenya I usually have no option but to sit and watch their football. 

At first during these matches, I wasn't really interested and neither did I partake in the festivities. To me the game seemed boring and lacked any sort of true strategy. It was people kicking the ball around for 45minutes switching sides and doing the same exact thing for another half.  It was crazie because everywhere I went the matches were on: in the taxi, at the pool, in the pubs, restaurants even at people's jobs it was true dedication. 
In the following weeks and months I got a lil bit more tolerant to watching the game. I am a competitive person so it was my nephews who got me into watching. During this time we usually played FIFA and when it comes to competition I don't care if it's cricket or canoeing. Playing FIFA everyday kind of got me used to watching the game. It was the same for GOLF in the states, I never liked golf until I played it on Playstation. Now I know a bunker, various golf clubs, par, birdie and other terms. It's not like I like golf but I am able to appreciate their profession because I do understand the difficulty. 


Each day we would sit in the living room and play rounds through rounds of tournaments. Sad to say I think I won only two games out of a million but I am proud to say that now I am a true FOOTBALL fan. I like both sports and within three weeks or I know a lot more than the average fan. I am able to look at a game and notice the formation, dependent on the style (defensive or offensive) each team is different. During the games each team has their own temple, Barcelona is fast paced. A team like Man City just likes to grind you down, they are bullies almost. Now that I am able to understand the game I can patiently unless it's my team, sit down and watch. The sport has unique athletes like Rooney and Drogba who present a different type of entertainment. I get tired of people comparing sports because an athlete is an athlete. Lebron isn't Chris Johnson, neither is Usain Bold compared Roger Federer. Each athlete has their own unique abilities and it's just for your entertainment. Why even constrict yourself to a particular sport? Remember Michael Phelps! An ATHLETE is an ATHLETE

GIFTED VOCALIST - Linah from THT

I don't remember the exact date but while in Tanzania I attended this great event known as The Red Ribbon Fashion Gala. First off in TZ everyone is always behind schedule including myself. For an event that listed 7PM as the starting point everyone started arriving close to 9PM. It's okay to do that because we own the town, if the big bosses wonna come late there's nothing you can do. 

Clouds Rep - Helen Kazimoto, Date
It was a really nice event that raised a ton of money for a great cause. In this event they had designers showing off their latest creations and also an auction to raise funds. I looked great that day but couldn't compete with company pockets. The ticket itself was a 100,000 shillings almost $100 based on purchasing power. People were purchasing items through the auction in upwards of $3000 to five grand. Russell Simmons sneakers even fetched a pretty penny, I think it was $2000. Luckily it was for a great cause so no quarrels here. I was invited last minute so my outfit was by accident. In order to cope, I borrowed my nephew's sneakers, mind you they were just out the box. And managed to just throw a jacket on because my laundry wasnt even washed. No matter what you wear never forget deodorant and a great cup of confidence. Just being confident goes a long way no matter what you're wearing.
What does this event have to do with the featured artist? Well, this is the place where I was blessed to hear her sing. Listening to an artist on the radio, youtube or tv is totally different from being live. Some artists have flare in front of the camera but lack that presence to perform for an audience. This young lady was quite different from the opening track till the last goodbye. 

She complemented this event in an amazing way, I admit she's not gonna wow you with her dance moves but she's a real vocalist. 

Just from observing which is something I do a lot to Bongo Celebs, she's cool. I've ran into her several times and she was always cordial.

In comparison although the artists here have millions upon millions invested into their projects. I can compare her to Ashanti if I choose to say so.
These two videos have the same message but it's better portrayed in the latter because of capital. If you understood Swahili and also watched "Rain on Me" it's almost the same message.

I think she has a bright future and pretty soon, I know we'll be working together on several projects.

Thursday, January 26, 2012

AJ Ubao - "Maisha Yangu" (DIRECTOR)

This vid took us like three separate occasions to complete. Every time we recorded, we still felt like it was meant to be tweaked. Usually once I complete a piece I am proud to hand it to someone in the media to critique and it was surprising. There comes a time when you feel like you cannot win.

From Left: DMK (Manager), Johnson (Director) & AJ Ubao (Artist)

This video was shot in order to elevate other artists in TZ & Africa to step their game up especially in the diaspora. Artists on the mainland have an easier time because their budgets cannot compare to the outside.   You go and pay someone between $500 to $2000 and you have yourself a great video.



It's quite different on international grounds because of all the costs. In Dar es salaam I can shoot whoever, whenever and whatever. In New York or any other location it's much harder because of the costs. Getting extras and people to be included in the video, selecting locations, wadrobe are all very difficult. Here you have to be the director, cameraman, editor and supervise every aspect of the shoot. At times I feel that people fail to appreciate the effort these artists take to rep their countries.

So back to the story, when I handed this video to be critiqued by people it was alarming. Here in the states the video has been receiving great feedback. Everyone is proud of AJ because he always represents TZ & Africa. In Tanzania it was quite different. People are used to a certain type of sound so it was harder trying to win them over. All in all, we all have different tastes.

It takes pride and compassion to appreciate effort. In the future we will get better but it takes artists like AJ who already live abroad to bridge the gap. Yes, you might have an artist who's hot in Uganda or Tanzania or Kenya but they need to appreciate those reppin them internationally. Their effort and experience will open the doors for local artists to gain credibility.

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

RAP DUDE versus the R&B FELLOW



I've always thought to myself why do people get on my case for listening to so much R&B?
I can actually sit throughout the entire day just jamming to R&B tracks. The rest of my peoples jus sit back and bump RAP all day as if they're going to war.  Yes, I understand the rhymes and getting the message and it does require superior creativity compared to talent for singing. I get it, its clear & understood.
DMX - Slippin' (Zone Out Session)
On my side, every choice of music has it's time and place. I just cannot listen to RAP songs all day because of my personality. My mind always wonders and am prone to imitate what I hear. So if I sit for an entire four(4) hours bumping to hardcore rap songs am liable to do something stupid. Not like ama shoot someone or start dealing powder but it puts me on the edge. During the entire day I'll be pushy or just aggressive towards casual situations. Someone cuts me in line am flipping, someone cuts me off and am out my car, just little things. Thus just ME!

In turn, I realize for me to be able to function as a normal person, being social/collaborative I have to slow it down and cool my nerves. I spend 60% of my day almost rapping through arguments with family and business contacts so MUSIC to me is a relief. I am used to expressing myself just like a rapper, I usually don't need a second voice to egg me on to flip out.

NAS - One Mic (Great Setting for the Video)

There comes a time though when RAP is required, if I am driving and need to get somewhere in time. Yes, then ama need RAP as my artificial REDBULL. A drive that would take 15minutes takes just five. Let's say I just need inspiration before a game, job interview or even approaching a certain female I'll  turn up my headphones. I do have a true appreciation for RAP, it's like ALCOHOL. It's great but has to be taken in moderation.

At this point rite now am on J Cole & Rick Ross, in reference to back home am looking forward to working with rappers such as FID Q, Mwana FA, of course the people's champ Juma Nature, CPwaa, Chidi and the list goes on. I am very proud of the artists we have in Tanzania, slowly but surely we're catching up. 

J Cole
Mwana FA from TZ
FID Q w/ Fat Joe

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

"Round Hii" - Tin B & Kebin B (DIRECTOR)

So while in Dar es salaam and I say cities instead of Africa or the country in order to inform those that need to learn. While in Dar es salaam I was running around all over the place busy trying to make a name for myself besides GUA. Everyone there, well at least most people recognize me from the show. I wanted to work on a few projects to show my creative side which at times my sister Bea thinks is very limited.

During a short shooting for a Comedy Sketch I happened to be helping the director on different viewpoints. I was able to meet up with these young upcoming comedian who needed to shoot his 1st video. Sometimes we look at ourselves differently but when you recognize hustle and see someone who just needs that extra push you offer your help.

I promised to listen to his song and see if it made sense to even make such a video. Couple days later they managed to coordinate everything and there I was in Ilala shooting my 1st video in TZ. TZ = Tanzania

Ilala is like an urban environment and the same personalities and characters u'd see in Brooklyn, Queens or the Bronx it's the same kids running around the video shoot. Some where just funny huuuh huh type of dudes, others maybe needed to just nab my film equipment. The shooting went great tho without a hitch and everyone was very respectful and polite towards the project.

I remember this scene we didn't even have loud speakers and young dude at work offered to lend his sound system. The shoot took the entire day with one camera man, like 7 locations but in the end it was a job worth while.

Some people wait for the perfect opportunity to have the perfect set with a full team. Me: I just go! Get my camera, use the little skills I have to make a minimal difference in another person's life. No need to raise money, or make a charity or whatever. You just go interact with people, be normal and they'll respect you for that.


DARK au POINT 5

DARK AU POINT 5 (.50) - What's with color preference?

So while in Dar es salaam/Bongo Tanzania, I regularly had the argument with my young nephews about light and dark. One was strongly opinionated about their preference and the other just didn't give it much concern. In my eyes I think people take this entire notion way too serious.

Moving on to the Superbowl and Man City as the top team in the world. In my opinion, go GIANTS as my hometown and I am disappointed in the Man City suspension. Okay let me get back to topic and not even going to discuss Dwight Howard to the Knicks or how the "Top 11" had no black players from last year.
 
Manchester City HotHead - Mario Balotelli (He's a character, if you don't know him just google, learn something)
New York Giants are headed to their 2nd SUPERBOWL matchup under Tom Coughlin (#Biggest Game Ever) 
LIGHT & DARK what would I prefer, should there be a preference?


First of all, compared to myself these women up here seem to be light, at the most brown skinned. When I said DARK I mean your real natural skin tone, am dark and it's not even an issue. In pictures especially by professional photographers, they like to make us appear lighter.  In photography, I've experienced this myself once the lights come on we tend to lighten up.

The discussion about light or dark shouldn't even be a topic? It's a preference based upon someone's feelings and attitude. Some people are shallow and stupid, I've met plenty of stupid women. Some just preferred MONEY, some SWAG, some FAME, some like THUGS others prefer BODY TYPES (fat, skinny, tall whatever) If I meet a woman who isn't interested, I will never blame it on being DARK but I'll just think she's stupid. Either that or I just don't have what she's looking for, maybe she wanted a short dude. As a woman you know what you bring to the TABLE so just let the stupid person STARVE. Don't worry about why they didn't like you, place pity upon their terrible mishap.


In dating and every other aspect in life don't over analyze issues. If you do everything to make yourself a positive in another person's life just move on. Being POSITIVE might mean you know certain tricks, or have a great job, or you can cook, or you're trustworthy, you have a car, a great body or whatever. Once you accept yourself nothing else matters. But please accept yourself at your best, meaning you have to workout, eat healthy, do your hair, smell good and everything.

When am not at my best like if I don't dress correctly. I wont blame it on being dark, accept reality and move forward.

PS: I love a beautiful woman no matter her skin tone, I've dated every shade from white till charcoal and beauty always caught my eye. Sometimes it was the booty but beauty is key not color.

DON'T MIND THE IDIOTS! If you prefer just one type of color, YOU ARE AN IDIOT.

Point Five - A mixed girl in Tanzania that young kids go crazie over no matter how they look. I like Tanzania for it's diversity tho and people are very accepting of each culture.