Racism,Sexism,etc............are definitely not totally gone.

I was going through the pages of a reputable website online and I stumbled on an article on Serena William's un-sportsmanship conduct at the semi-finals of the US Open tournament.And bebeath the article were comments on her behavior;some crucifying her and others backing her up and giving reasons for her actions. But as I scrolled down through the comments,I got stuck to a particular one which had abusive and racially driven contents.The commentator had said,not in this exact words,but close.That he blames the organizers of the sports for letting monkeys play games that are meant or humans.I immediately couldn't stand it,not in this century and Age.How dare anyone refer to another group,whether minority or majority in a racial manner. I immediately reported the abusive to the administrators of the site,first of all scolding them for lack of moderation on contents that come on their pages.And when I checked back through a link that was personally sent to me,I found out that the abusive content had been erased.And also,I was told that the abusive commentator was going to be punished or restricted from the use of their service.How?They didn't specify. Don't be caught in the act of racism,ethnocentrism,prejudice or stereotyping.It'll be better you expressed attitudes and actions in this regard on a private scale,'coz I can bet you'd be punished and taken back to the past if you're caught in the act.

Segun Obe’s One-Off “Hands on Jamati Pulp”.

Despite lots of interview bookings and events to minister in, this talented, fun-to-be-with and good-hearted Nigerian, who is not novice to the Nigerian music industry as one of its best male vocalists, had a lot to talk about in this interview with Jamati Entourage ‘Seun Johnson. In this encounter, Segun Obe, a successful gospel artist, talked about his entry into music, the industry so far, his passion for orphans, and his plans to collaborate with a rap artist in his upcoming single.

Wondering what the title of this write-up means I guess (lol)? Well we also had more from him, but this time, in his own writing, with an autograph to his fans around the world.

Doyinsola Ogunye treads a rare path all for the love of her country.

Doing things that would rarely be found among her female or male counter-parts, this energetic, fun-loving, passionate and patriotic young Nigerian was caught in the act by Jamati Entourage,’Seun Johnson doing what she knows to do best…..because she loves Nigeria!!

She is a lawyer-in-the-making and an environmentalist with thoughts of her fellow man at heart.This was actually evident during our conversation,as I almost lost track of time talking to her.She takes us on a journey through her non-governmental organization,her passion,her plans for the future and why she decided to take this “solo course”.She is no other person than Doyinsola Ogunye of Kids Clean Club.

Jamati Entourage catches up with the Man behind Mode Brand

Interview by Seun Johnson, Jamati Entourage Nigeria | Posted Saturday, April 18, 2009 Jamati: Tell us a little bit about yourself?

Abubakar: I was born in Lagos,my late father was a diplomat while my mother was a business woman.I’m the last of three from my mother. I had my primary education in the United Kingdom ( Blackpool), secondary school at the Nigerian Military school and University at ABU both in Zaria, where I graduated with a degree in Law. I had my Law school in Enugu campus of the Nigerian law School. I worked in a Law firm for a year and a half before taking time off and then venturing into publishing.

Omawunmi Megbele:The Voice Of A West African Idol

Written by Seun Johnson, Jamati Entourage (Nigeria) | Posted Wednesday, December 24, 2008. The name Omawunmi Megbele when mentioned, might not strike a cord but when attached with Idols West Africa, she comes like a flash. The Nigerian born diva stunned viewers of the TV reality show with her captivating voice and charisma each time she came on stage to perform a song, securing her position as the first runner-up of Idols West Africa, 2007. Not surprisingly, six months later she storms the Music industry with two hit songs-“In The Music” and “Miss My Baby”, that have since then enjoyed air play by radio stations all around the country. Omawunmi Megbele, was the first runner-up of Idols West Africa 2007. On December 23,2008 – Jamati Entourage,'Seun Johnson (Nigeria), had the opportunity to chat with this talented lady from home.

Folarin ‘Flo’ Jackson: The Fresh Prince from Kentro World.

Interview by 'Seun Johnson,Jamati Entourage Nigeria Photography by Folarin Jackson. | Posted Saturday, August 29, 2009.

Folarin Jackson, popularly known as ‘Flo’, a member of one of Nigeria’s most sensational and ground breaking hip hop brands “Kentro World“, had a lot to say in this interview with Jamati’s Entourage, ‘Seun Johnson.

Kel’s Big Time Investment into Rap Music….

Interview by 'Seun Johnson,Jamati Entourage Nigeria | Posted Thursday, August 27, 2009

Jamati Entourage, Nigeria’s ‘Seun Johnson catches up with Kelechi Ohia, the Nigerian-born, sexy diva, and lyrically skilled female rapper, known to many as Kel’, who launched into the Nigerian music scene with the hit single “Waa Waa Alright” in 2008.

The Jamati Entourage: ‘Seun catches up with Steve Babaeko

Interview by 'Seun Johnson, Jamati Entourage (Nigeria) | Posted Tuesday, October 7, 2008

The Nigerian music scene is definitely witnessing a renaissance, and X3M(extreme)Music, founded by Steve Babaeko, is one of the frontline record labels fanning the embers of the quiet revolution sweeping across Africa’s most populous nation.”Apart from promoting good music, they strongly believe in reconnecting African artistes living in the diaspora back to their roots.”

Yetty D: A Touch of Afro, Urban and Western Flavor

Interview by,'Seun Johnson(The Wild Black Child),Photos by YettyD.

Despite piles of work and activities to attend to, including meeting deadlines, consulting with clients, keeping abreast of current trends, looking through fashion magazines, co-coordinating stylists, choosing models, organizing fashion shows, photography, sketching new ideas, and showcasing new designs for press, buyers and clients, Yetunde Ogunnubi, who prefers to be called Yetty Ogunnubi, took some time out to chat with Jamati Entourage’s, ‘Seun Johnson, about how her passion for arts and fashion inspired the creation of Yetty D . She is a UK-based Nigerian fashion designer, artist, CEO, creative director and DSPA Ambassador. Not to mention the uniqueness of her one-off piece designs, and her plans to open up her brand’s outlet back in her home country, Nigeria. Jamati: Can we meet you? Tell us about your family and educational background. I’m Yetty and I come from a family of six–my parents and 3 brothers. We’re art lovers in my family. My parents and my brothers are artists. I grew up in Lagos, and then went to boarding school in Ogun State, studied Business Administration, and now I’m a fashion designer/artist Jamati: What inspired the conception of the Yetty D brand? The concept behind it all relates to me merging my talents in art to my passion for fashion. Jamati: Why did you decide to fuse Afro, urban and western flavors together in the delivery of your works? All relates to my every day lifestyle, from my African roots, to my urban lifestyle and way of thinking, to a modern culture. Jamati: You paint or do your artwork directly on fabrics or clothes, shoes, and other items by hand. What makes this method unique as compared to technological ones? Yes, I paint directly on fabrics, shoes, accessories and all. What I want to give to my customers is a uniqueness, and add their personalities, and my ideas, to the product I design for them. The method is different from technology… As I provide my clientele with what actually relates to them, and they have their input in the design, as well as giving them the option of also personalizing it, all at an affordable price tag. Jamati: What’s the designing process like and how do you ensure longevity of your pieces? Designing process–meet up with my customer and [get to] know what their personalities are and what they want to achieve. I then get to pitch some ideas to them, merging my ideas with theirs. Then I create. Longevity wise, I use top quality products. Rest assured each item will last a lifetime. Jamati: Your brother is also into artwork. Can we say it’s a family thing? You mean my brothers and my parents; it’s certainly a family thingy. Jamati: Can we have a rundown of your past and recent works or activities? The list is very long but I’ll just name a few: Molten Art festival London ‘07 Hip-hop Weekender London ‘08 Best of Nigeria London ‘08 Yetty D fashion show’ O8 DSPA ball ‘ 08 Speechless talent show ‘08 Fat Talent London ‘09 Yetty D Fashion Show ‘09 Jamati: You recently held a fashion show on the 15th of August, 2009. How was it? Yup, I recently organized my annual fashion show and showcased my collection. I got to feature some other cool designers and performers that night. It was a huge success and we had a great turn out as well. Jamati: How many sales outlets do you have presently and where are they located? Right now I only sell via my website and some other online shops; peeps can visit my website [to see my designs]. Jamati: You are an Ambassador of the Do Sumthing Positive for Africa (DSPA) project. Yes I am. Jamati: What do you think were the things responsible for your being worthy of the status? I won’t go as far as to say worthy.. I’ve been brought up to know that it is good to give to the needy, and give back to the society. I have always had the intention of making sure Yetty D gives back to the society and it wasn’t that hard to accept the role when Dumebi, the Director of the charity, approached me to be an ambassador. Jamati: What exactly are you meant to do as a DSPA Ambassador and what have you been able to do so far? Well part of my job is to create awareness and represent [the organization], as well as raise money for the charity in order to help young Africans. From the Yetty D Show that was a held a couple of weeks ago we were able to raise £85 and some stuff that will be auctioned off later this year for the charity. To donate or for more info please log on to their (website) Jamati: Can you also tell us about print-and-wear? It is the children’s version of Yetty D. We organize fun parties as well as workshops for schools. I act as the Creative Director, while the Managing Director is Mrs Ngozi Molowku. For more information, visit the website. Jamati: Why are you primarily focused on customizing and personalizing one-off pieces? ‘Cos that’s what I do best. I like unique items. I really don’t want to go out and see someone else wearing the same thing I am. I want my customers to stand out and be the center of attention. Jamati: Yeah, one-off piece! What does that really mean? It means, what I create for a particular client won’t be found on somebody else. Jamati: What were the challenges you faced during the budding phase of YettyD ? I won’t use past tense as it’s still all a process. One of the challenges will definitely be getting into the mainstream, as well as working in an industry mainly dominated by men. Jamati: By merely looking at your products (shoes, T-shirts, etc) it is obvious that you like playing with bright colors. Any special reason for this? No special reason. People often ask me what my favorite color is. I love all colors. As I work with different clients and they all have different personalities, I have to work with different colors all the time. Jamati: How often do you visit your home country? I haven’t been back home in ages, but the plan is go back next year, as I have some projects I am working on, especially opening an outlet shop for my clients in Nigeria, so they can have easy access to the Yetty D label and apparel. Jamati: Where is Yetunde Ogunnubi going to be in the next 5 years? By the grace of God, I’ll be married with children, and Yetty D will be well established internationally by then. Jamati: How affordable are your pieces to every potential buyer out there? All my pieces are affordable, in respect to the exclusivity and workmanship of each piece. Jamati: What keeps your head up amidst lots of challenges? God and the fact that I’m determined to be a success. Jamati: Any special project or event we’re to look forward to? Yup, I have some shows I’m doing later this year in London. ”The Future of Fashion” in September and the ‘‘I LOVE RUNWAY Fashion Showcase” in October. I will also be working on the DSPA Charity Exhibition and Fashion Show TBC… I’ll be exhibiting some of my artwork and 3 will be auctioned off for the charity. Jamati: What else do you do besides Yetty D? I do Yetty D and Print-And-Wear full time. Jamati: All your pieces are hand-made, unique and one-off. How do you cope with orders from clients, especially with having to make each piece distinct from another? So far God has been my strength, and having good support (my family) and a great team helps a lot. My manager, Mr. Mesembe Glover, and Miss Lola Aworanti ,my Public Relations person, make everything easier. Jamati: What is your advice to young people who also want to tread your path? Follow your dreams, believe in yourself, and trust in God. Jamati: What’s your source of inspiration? God, and everything around me. Jamati: What distinguishes Yetunde Ogunnubi from another young lady out there. What makes you tick? My personality and creativity….My desire to succeed makes me tick. Jamati: Your favorite quote? “The world changes when people have the imagination to dream, and the strength to act.” “My dream is of a world without poverty. To make it come true, we need to share not just what we have, but what we know”. - Both by the late Martin Luther King. Jamati: Who are your Role models? My mum and Oprah Winfrey. Jamati: Your favorite meal? Plantain and Spicy grilled Chicken. Jamati: Your dream destination? Miami and Lala land (LA). Jamati: What is your most cherished possession? My talent– without it I wouldn’t be doing what I am. Jamati: What are your Hobbies? Going to the movies with friends, and listening to music. Jamati: Any current book you’re reading. The Holy Bible. Jamati: Marital status Single. Thank you for taking your time to answer our questions. We at Jamati Online wish you success and all the best in your endeavors.

Was it Facebook That Called My Relationship Quits?

I call it suddenly,yes suddenly,'cos it happened suddenly!!!My girlfriend called it quits last night after a couple of days in silence.I had called her phone line for several times,sent lots of text messages and online mails,but I never got a reply.Wondering what could be wrong. Still consistent in reaching her,she finally picks up.And I'm like what did I do?And she's like,nothing!And i keep asking till she opens up alil',referring me back to one of my facebook status updates,where we both made comments.She said my response to her comments were "finger-pointing",in the sense that,I was latently referring to her.Shocked!I had to seek her permission to go check my old status updates to see what she was really talking about.Still not finding anything to link her up with in the status,she replies,"I don't wanna do this again","Us","I don't really know what I want",...........................etc. Whoa!You might say!Is it because of a status update?Same question I asked,but she said,No! Maybe there's another guy,she says No! And suddenly my less than two months relationship is over!! Maybe next time I'd not even make my girlfriend be on my friends list,to avoid placing comments on her posts.Or better still,avoid getting my girlfriend online,'cos we might end up breaking up for some online reasons(lol)....................Once bitten,twice shy!!!!!!!!!!!!

placebo of love

"Have you ever been in love? Horrible isn't it? It makes you so vulnerable. It opens your chest and it opens up your heart and it means that someone can get inside you and mess you up. You build up all these defenses, you build up a whole suit of armor, so that nothing can hurt you, then one stupid person, no different from any other stupid person, wanders into your stupid life...You give them a piece of you. They didn't ask for it. They did something dumb one day, like smile at you, and then your life isn't your own anymore. Love takes hostages. It gets inside you. It eats you out and leaves you crying in the darkness, so simple a phrase like 'maybe we should be just friends' turns into a glass splinter working its way into your heart. It hurts. Not just in the imagination. Not just in the mind. It's a soul-hurt, a real gets-inside-you-and-rips-you-apart pain. I hate love". I love you. It's not a weight you must carry around. I love you. It's not a box that holds you in. I love you. It's not a standard you have to bear. I love you. It's not a sacrifice I make. I love you. It's not a pedestal you are frozen upon. I love you. It's not an expectation of perfection. I love you. It's not my life's whole purpose (or your's). I love you. It's not to make you change. I love you. It's not even to make you love me. I love you. It's as pure and simple as that. ~ Anonymous

Leader Vs. Follower

culled from Achieving Personal Greatness-Tim Lavender. written and edited by 'Seun Johnson. ............perhaps one of the best ways to understand what it means to be a leader is to take a brief look at what it means to be a follower. A follower *follows the crowd.He does what others are doing or what others tell him to do. *follows his nose.He does what is immediately in front of him with no fore thought of the future. *follows his emotions.He does what feels good at any particular moment,with little concern for consequences,personal growth,or the development of his potentials. *follows the lead of others.He takes a job because it is offered rather than looking at the way that job fits and challenges his innate talents;he joins a club because he is asked to join instead of considering how that club's purposes reflects his purpose in living. *follows the path of least resistance.He does not actively seek out the things that demand intellectual,emotional,or spiritual growth. The exact opposite is true of a genuine leader. A leader who manifests personal greatness *determines the right path to follow personally,and then marks out hat path. *thinks about tomorrow.He sets goals and makes plans to get to the place he wants to be. *recognizes that he has the potential always for influencing others,and he seeks to influence others for good. *weighs affiliations,memberships,and opportunities in the light of their ability to help him become the person he wants to be.He intentionally pursues opportunities and relationships that he believes will be mutually beneficial for the accomplishment of worthy goals. "I am going somwhere.I am bcoming today more than I was yesterday-by intention,efforts,learning,and practice,with a goal,plan,and a purpose" "I know I can Be,Exactly what I want to Be!"

Whats with Forgiveness?

I really wanna talk about forgiveness....suddenly issues around me have been revolving around forgiveness.Whats really about it that peeps find it hard to exhibit.lemme do some ground snifing before extensively talking about it.catch you guys in a bit........

It just doesn't work at times!

Why do some people refuse to learn from other people's experiences?Lets not go too far into prior generations before ours,our parents and elderly ones of their generation always told us stories,gave advice and tutored us using their age and most times EXPERIENCE as a knowledge base.''In our time..........,I know what I'm talking about............,It's for your own good............,'' all are familiar words that are often sirened into our ears to pass the message of caution,love,modesty,patience,hardwork,intergrity,e.t.c., into our hearts,to make us assets to our society and great citizens of the world.But we grumbled and often times listened to them,not because we reasoned with them,but because they were our parents. As time passed,some of their words payed-off and diverted us from danger,shame and regrets,while some we had to experience ourselves(like failure,disappointment,etc). Now,we have also assumed the status and age of also repeating such lines as ''In our time............'' to the younger generation.And we wonder! why can't they just obey and help themselves.Where does the problem lie?Is it the period at which each generation was socialized,the remix of values,or the diffusion of our cultures? Placing our hands on a particular reason might be faulty,but at least a few could be emphasized. Why do some people refuse to learn from other people's experiences? *maybe because they think they'll be different somehow. *the details or circumstances surrounding their situation will change the outcome. *they'll have more control over a situation than the experienced person in question. *they'll not feel the same pressure and stress. *their luck will run better. *they'll have more knowledge or information when the time comes. *their timing will be more appropriate. *they'll be more careful,they think! *others are more stupid to have experienced such. Despite all these,do the experienced ones keep quite and assume they have tried,or should they keep ringing those words and pray it will be internalized.Or maybe some people just can't learn from the experience of others;until they experience it themselves.It is said that '' Experience will be the cheapest yet most valuable thing you can use in life-if you decide to get it second-hand.''

A Mirage?

The world is continuously being plagued at a geometric rate with the HIV/AIDS virus,despite all that has and is still being done to reduce it's prevalence.The HIV/AIDS issue is one that would take anyone countless days to exhaust in totality.That's why in this write up,emphasis will be on certain areas of concern. Digressing alil',I was fortunate to team up with like minded peers running a National programme in Nigeria like myself who tirelessly dessiminate to people,especially adolescents in high school(via training sessions),the realities surrounding the deadly virus.In one of our recently held outreach programmes,a visit to women living with HIV/AIDS,I unconsciously saw a pinch of what it really felt to be infected.The visit was to donate tangible items to them,hangout,and share our love.We had the Press at hand to cover the whole event,only to be surprised at the reaction of some of the PLWHA;they ran away for the cameras,saying they can't stand being showed on TV.A particular lady I talked to said she always sneaked to their meeting venue to get drugs and other valuables they're often given,but keeps it a secret from her boss at work,whom she claimed would not hesitate to throw her out if she knew her health status.Among the issues raised by their coordinator is the fact that some members had after numerous counseling session came to disclose being pregnant.Another innocent victim,the unborn child,you'd say.But,these women despite being adequately informed of the possibility of transferring the virus to the unborn child can't still stop getting pregnant,basically because their husbands are not aware of their health status and keep having sex,and bearing kids. Why do they keep hiding and undelibrately spreading the virus we might ask,but the answer in one word is 'STIGMATIZATION'-fear of being discriminated,fear of losing loved ones,friends,their careers and a load of other things.There is more to lose by talking than by keeping quite.The world's battle against HIV/AIDS is counter-attacked by other issues apart from the virus itself.Issues like politics,greed,wrong problem-solving approach,media,vengeance,distorted information,traditional practices and belief systems,in a nutshell,culture. At this point,whether you're infected or not,let's all sit,brain-storm,strategize,and work towards a more lasting solution to this life threating disease.