Akanni, Where Is Your Dance?

Láolú Poe Àlàní

Akanni ọmọ Akankẹ́, Akankẹ́ obìnrin bí ọkùnrin
Can you keep a secret?

Secrecy is worth a thousand titles if not a kingdom

& An ọmọlúwàbí always pays his debt

Akanni, can you know a thing and never speak of it?

Patience turns a waiting lover into a spinster

& Time takes away the novelty of her eventual marriage

Akanni, is now not the time to take a chance?

Impatience turns an enduring lover’s justness into guilt

Now, nobody remembers the pain that forced her blade

Should one trust time to bring better tidings?

Ọ̀rẹ́, where the walls have ears, secrets become mouthed songs

Songs that only the initiated know the dance to

& In that garden of concealed meanings, metaphors and parables bloom

Akanni, I have sung songs,where is your dance?

Have you heard of the songbird whose call the heavens await?

It is I, Alani,the love child of…

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Changes!

Progress is impossible without change and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.
– George Bernard Shaw

Hi readers!
Writing this post, a scene from Shrek 2 came to mind. The part where donkey, Shrek and puss drank the love potion and they became fresh and fly. They walk into town and everyone’s swooning over them, David Bowie’s Changes song is playing in the background.

I still don’t know what I was looking for
And my time was running wild
A million dead-end streets
Every time I thought I’d got it made
It seemed the taste was not so sweet
So I turned myself to face me
But I’ve never caught a glimpse
Of how the others must see the faker
I’m much too fast to take that test

Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes
(Turn and face the strange)
Ch-ch-Changes
Don’t want to be a richer one
Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes
(Turn and face the strange)
Ch-ch-Changes
Just gonna have to be a different one
Time may change me
But I can’t trace time

Change they say is inevitable. Some times a bit of change is profitable to a person.

This is to bring to your attention some changes in the blog. So we’re moving from .wordpress.com to .com
The new blog link is now lifeofdammy.com
Working on redirecting the old link to the new one but pending that change, kindly update the new blog link on your bookmarks and don’t forget to subscribe below to get new posts alert via email.
Updated the blog’s “about” page too. Check it out to find out more about the blog. A new post would be on the blog daily. Do tell others about the change.

I really appreciate you! Thank you for taking out time to check my blog posts. I love your comments and your likes make me smile.

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Perversion: Restricted To The Males?

Hi readers!
How are you doing today? Good I hope. School work would be hopefully back on next week! Yay! However, new posts would be up on the blog hopefully everyday.

Kindly check out my first article on The Naked Convos, a platform for writers to express themselves. Thank you!

Today’s blog post was motivated by a remark my younger sister made earlier this week which is “Guys are perverts. Girls are rarely perverted.” I thought about it for a while. She can be quite the stock of knowledge. If you do not feel comfortable reading about this issue, kindly stop now and check out the other posts.

I have known the meaning of pervert since age 10, all thanks to American Pie. And no, I don’t think the early knowledge of some things affected me in any way. It helped with relating to people and situations. Let’s not be hypocritical here.

A pervert is a person whose sexual habits are not considered acceptable

One with twisted sense of humor, values or morals.

Acceptable by who I wonder? Society and people of course. Perversion can be developed in a person or influenced by others. People seem to think some of the oddities we have these days are restricted to the male sex but no, we have female affected too.

But are girls more perverted than guys? If you ask me, girls are either perverted or not perverted, while guys have a middle ground where they can be a little perverted. Generally girls are not as perverted as guys, but girl perverts are more extreme than guy perverts.
Girls can be equally perverted but guys are more open about perversion. Society shuns the idea of girls being perverted hence they hide it. To some, being perverted is somewhat normal and many of society’s rules are outdated and psychologically limiting.

Boys do a lot of things that make them more perverted though e.g. accidental touching twice or thrice (really? That old line), creepy stare (Some guys will undress you with their eyes), bringing up sexual and vulgar issues in most conversations. Some of these are just wrong.

Indeed we live in perverted times and like many of the issues wrong with this generation, there is little that can be done about it.

What’s your say about this?

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Poetry || Shortsighted

Many have eyes but do not see
A couple of these things
Converging light passing through my retina
Maybe I’m just another nobody in Nigeria

I see pain and suffering on some days
I see beneath your surface
Beyond your pretence and lies
Yet shortsighted are these eyes

I see beyond the smile
More than the guile
I see beyond your strength
I see the pain’s depth

Maybe I see from different perspective
Maybe I’m too assertive
Maybe four-eyed geeks are normal
Cool and yet could be formal

Today I’ve seen faces
Been to places
Around I see life
And different strive

I have eyes every where
Maybe about you I do care
Maybe things happen because God want them to
But maybe we are God too.

©Ajibike O.

Here’s to the eighth year of being shortsighted. The frame of my old glasses broke last week and I had to go without glasses for three days. Some days ago I got this Tom Ford frame.
What’s that one thing you wish you could change about yourself?

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Bits About Being An OAP

Hi readers!
Wondering what an OAP is? That’s basically on-air personality/presenter. You know that gadget called a radio? When you tune it on and you hear people talking, a program being hosted or music being played, that includes the job of OAPs.

I haven’t always been the talkative type. Used to bury myself in books (I still do till date) and observe people without saying much. Decided to change that in 2014. I had observed so much that I just wanted to talk. Being a music fan too, I was addicted to listening to the radio all day during the six months ASUU strike. It was awesome how OAPs on my two favorite stations: Beat FM and Splash FM would talk about issues that I could relate too. It felt great that they were far away but actually understand and I’d picture myself doing the same, someone somewhere feeling how I felt.

When I got into university, I joined the press organisation of my department. Every press organisation is automatically a member of The Union of Campus Journalists. I had a friend who was an OAP at a station in Ibadan but I was too shy to ask her about it and it was quite difficult getting a place as an OAP in Ibadan then. Everything was attached to being connected.
I became the technology editor of the Union of Campus Journalists last year and the union had internship spots at the school’s radio station. So I applied, did the test and interned for 6 weeks. Was observed during that period and after the internship, was asked if I wanted to take up a programme. Said yes and there! An OAP.

Okay I’m not exactly like Ronke Giwa, Toolz or Tosyn Bucknor yet. But I think I just might have found my calling. I haven’t been much of the programming aspect of computer science fan and I have one year to go. Might just go for the broadcasting and information management part. I really do want to work at Beat FM some day or have my own radio station. Amen? Amen!

Now how to go about being an OAP.

1. Be informed! Be infoooooormed.
Lol can’t stress how important that is. I did not even know about the internship till two days before the test and yet some of my friends heard but did not have interest and didn’t bother to tell me. Saw this advert online for a new entertainment radio station too. You should talk to people and find out the steps you’d need in getting the job. Most OAP jobs are not advertised. Some stations require professional qualifications like B.Sc. or even M.Sc. while some don’t. Find out which you qualify for and give it your best shot.

2. Be yourself and have fun at it.
Unless your intended post requires being someone else on air, just be real. Discover your strengths and weaknesses as a presenter. Get tons of practice in presenting. Try out your innate presenting skills. Acquire new presentation skills. Become a better presenter.

3. Are you passionate about it?
Passion goes a long way. Why force yourself to do something you don’t exactly love? Do your research. Meet practitioners and experts in the broadcast media if possible. Get professional advice and guidance in presenting. Acquire the knowledge and develop the skills in presenting.

4. Phonation and accent. This is basically a personal thing. You can decide to work on the way you pronounce to sound more radio worthy and professional or not.

The rise up the ladder is gradual. Start from a level and you’ll get better.

There you have it, bits you need to know about being an OAP.

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Five Reasons Getting Married Might Be Funny

Hi readers!
If you are regular here you probably know just how much I am not eager to grow up and all, particularly to face bills, more responsibilities and then marriage. I have daydreamed of how lovely my wedding ceremony would be, it’d be turnt! What happens after then? I wonder. So I thought of five reasons why being married might be funny… at least to me.

Isn't she lovely? 😍 I'd be lovelier though 🙂

1. Waking up next to someone
So far in my life I have either slept alone in a bed or next to my sister and I’m trying to imagine how it’d be like waking next to someone. The first week of marriage I’d probably wake up with a jump at first, remember what has happened and then laugh at myself. And then having someone’s hands in my face in the middle of the night.

2. Lazy day moments
Some days I just might wake up feeling like doing nothing and the hubby might need me to. I could just say “Nope, not today.” or sing that line from Bruno Mars’ lazy song. I hate being forced to do things. Just gonna lay in bed and laugh at the guy who thinks he has the right to give orders now that I have his surname.

3. Jealousy drama
I like cute boys a lot and I’m not even ashamed. Bleh! What if I get married and I can’t express how cute or fine or talented guys are beside the hubby? I mean what’s that? It’d be so hilarious seeing the look on his face green with envy.

4. Mood swings
I get these sometimes and it’s best for me to be left alone. What if hubby starts bothering me wanting to know what’s wrong and I just really want to be left alone? I’d probably yell at him, watch him scurry away, later apologise and laugh at myself.

5. Sweet nothings
Have you heard some couples when they’re all loved up or whispering to themselves? It’s hilarious really. And some pet names are just funny though e.g. biscuit cake, honey muffin etc. Bleh! If I ever have to call hubby such names, I’d die of laughter first.

There you have it. Five reasons I think being married would be funny. Things might turn out to be different than I think it would but let’s get to that bridge first.

What reasons can you think of? Comment below!

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The Leibster Award Nomination

Hi readers!
So I was nominated by Funke, Ayomide and Maureen for the Leibster Award today. Awesome! Thank you guys. 🐒

The rules of the Liebster Award are pretty simple. All that has to be done is:
– Thank the blogger who nominated you.
– Display the Liebster Badge on your site.
– Answer the questions that were sent.
– Choose 5 (to 11) blogs to nominate.
– Send 10 questions for your nominees to answer.

I humbly accept the award.

Here I goooooo!

What inspired the start of your blog?

Boredom basically. Wanted an avenue to share my thoughts.

Got any pet peeves?

Nope.

Do you consider yourself an extrovert or introvert?

Most times I’d rather be in bed reading a book and munching hobnobs while listening to Ed Sheeran but sometimes I do go out and have fun. I’m more of the ambivert.

If you could change anything about yourself what would it be?

I hate being shortsighted.

How would you describe your personal style?

Dependent on my mood, tomboyish sometimes and chic other times.

What’s your favourite time of the day and why?

Midnight. I get to think without being disturbed. The quietness of the night is awesome.

Do you ever get “writer’s block,” and, if so, how do you deal with it?

Yeah. I usually have a couple of blog post drafts ready to go and some in my notebook. Thinking that readers of this blog would be waiting eagerly for a new post also motivates me.

What would be the first thing you’d do if you won the lottery?

Scream.

With the money?

Invest, invest and invest. In everything and everyone.

Which talent don’t you have but want?

How to play a music instrument well.

What inspires new ideas for your blog?

Things going on around me and daily happenings.

Three words that best describes you?

Down-to-Earth, different and honest.

I hereby nominate:

Tobi of Journal Three Sixty

Smallee Writes

Uduak

Caleb

Margaret CAMAA

The questions are as follows:
1. Your current mood with a song?
2. Summarise your most memorable day.
3. A devil you know or an angel you just met, which would you choose?
4. If you had the opportunity to travel outside the country, where would you go?
5. Assuming there’s national robbery day, what would you steal first?
6. What’s your idea of a good time?
7. Public proposal or private affair?
8. Would you marry someone from another culture?
9. Love, money, health, wisdom; pick three.
10. Your favorite game of all time and why.

Your acceptance of the award would be much appreciated. Don’t forget to tag other people.

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Off With The Shoulder

Perhaps if we were Cinderella,

we’d leave the ball with both slippers.

 

 

Hi readers!
We are gradually slipping into the rainy season here in Ibadan, Nigeria and words can’t describe how much I love the rain. Once upon a time I used to be young and dancing in the rain was wonderful. Maybe words can *getting inspiration for a poem*
How are you doing today? The strike is still ongoing in my university, for about 6 weeks now. Lord help us in this country!

Listened to a radio program in a cab this morning on which an elderly male called in and gave “turning back to God” as a solution for this country’s problems. One of the passengers in the cab then commented “Who’s going to lead us back? Our leaders?”. I was going to comment but then I thought about it. He was actually right. Each person would just have to do their share of prayers till the country gets better.

What’s with the quote above? Sometimes I post my musings on my Snapchat story and Smallee wrote that line for my poem. It was about standing out and being different. I really like the line and did feel like Cinderella at the ball in this dress. 😀

So I wore this blue off-shoulder gown to church and a luncheon on Sunday. Made by a famous designer? Nope! Tailor made? Yes. Kindly shoot me a mail if you’d like one. It’s made of satin and available in different colors.

Inappropriate for church you think? I adjusted the neckline. I’m loving the off-shoulder style trend a lot. It’s so cool having females confident enough to bare their neckline. Although I’ve seen some pictures in which the style was overdone and parts of the body which were not supposed to show were visible. Some ladies can like to overdo things. My neckline looks like I need more food I know. I swear I don’t! 😂 And this pixie bob hairstyle seems to be trending also. I didn’t even intend to follow the trend.

What trend are you loving now? Guys and wide hats? Girls and denim? Vintage? Comment below 🙆

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Poetry || Judgemental

How funny it seems
To judge other people’s sins
And appraise others
Because of their wealth and looks
What goes on in personal lives
You have no idea
What pain they go through
Can you really see through?

But no you’d rather criticize
These poor people you traumatize
With your words
Mean and sharp like swords
You are no better
For your insides are bitter
You are not God
And you should be warned
For what gain comes with bullying
Self-esteems that you have dying
Fight for something more
Fight for something core
Why create diversity
Compromise your integrity
Hatred and shame for fun
Is this what parents and the nation would want?

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11 Thoughts At 11 O’Clock

Hi readers,
This is a kind of playful post. Just thoughts from earlier today. Enjoy!

1. What’s with Ibadan nights and generator noise? You can’t even think of turning in early these days ’cause some sets would still be on till 12am. God bless my insomnia.

2. Annoying neighbours who make noise when walking.

3. When will IBEDC have mercy on us? Electricity is really important for a lot of things e.g. staying alive.

4. Still on neighbours, ever heard some conversations and you can’t help but laugh?
“I can’t find my panties!”
“How am I supposed to know where it is?”
“Are you sure you didn’t take it?”
“What would I use it for?”

5. Labrinth’s Jealous is like one of the coolest songs innit?

6. Is it just me or there’s actually that bliss that comes with wearing no bra on some days?

7. What’s with guys and bragging to impress girls? Some of us are not freaked about some things.
“So I’m working on a rap single and it’s gonna be the bomb!” Release it first let’s hear. “I just got the new Samsung phone. I’m cool like that I know.” *inserts eye rolling emoji*

8. A typical Nigerian funeral is advertised on every medium possible, how come the same is not done for weddings?

9. And this trend of most girls wanting to be either, hol’ up:
– Makeup artist (Banke Meshida is making money. Why can’t I too?)
– Model (The next Gigi Handid)
– Photographer (Ty Bello is my inspiration)
– Baby mama to a rich guy
– Fashion blogger
– Vlogger
Come on, you shouldn’t do things just because other people are. *sips tea*

10 On to the kids that depend so much on their parents, errr times are changing. You need to find something productive to do.

11 Whatever happened to Fanta apple? That sexy bottle of sugar filled liquid gold. Helloooo Coca Cola company, epp me!

Sooooo, what’s on your mind? Share your comments and thoughts below 😁

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And huh, kindly download the latest episode of News Straight Out Of The Calabash here. Humor in another light 😂

Thanks for stopping by ❤