MUSIC AND FILM IN CHAD

I was excited to get to take a look at different cultural aspect of Chad, like music and film, but quickly became intimidated by the lack of information on arts overall in the country of Chad. I think that music and film can be very personal, and getting to know, see, or listen to art created by the people of a country can say a lot without saying much at all. Once I sifted my way through the Google search, showing way too many results on Chad Michael Murray, I was able to find some interesting and entertaining information.

Like many places in the world, the music influences and sounds greatly vary by the region of the country. Southern Chad is largely Christian and the north is a mainly Muslim area. Traditional music is most commonly heard in churches, millet beer bars, and at village dance nights. Some traditional instruments include the drum or tam-tam, African maracas, the balafon, lute, and harp along with other stringed instruments.

Today the music industry in Chad is small but still admired. Western influence, like pop, is beginning to appear, but not without the traditional instruments and songs close along side. Soukous and sai are popular musical styles today in Chad.

The film industry in Chad has only started developing in the last few decades, but has had continual growth since then. Chad’s first feature film, Bye Bye Africa, won several awards, while addressing the issue of making, distributing, or viewing films in Chad and touching on the advantages of film.

Source: Globalreadings.com

COSMIC ORDER

Living according to the peculiarity of each one's cosmic energy is/was the religion of Africa before the advent of the foreign religions. It created cosmic harmony which manifested in religious tolerance across the continent of Africa. It was responsible for longevity, low crime rate and surplus in the land simply because everyone was functioning in the place of his manifest destiny.

It is known knowledge that there are invisible cosmic forces that interact and determine human behaviors and general consciousness. It is what the astrologers code in the zodiac which can be traced to your date of birth. That is the same thing that Yorubas find out through Ìkọsẹ̀dayé and Ìtẹfá, so as to know the cosmic force/energy that is operational in the individual's life.

An understanding of the cosmic force operational in a person's life thus forms that person's personal religion. He knows what kinds of behaviors that he can use to enhance himself towards leading a successful life, he knows the kinds of foods to avoid, the kinds of colors of dresses to wear, the kind of vocation to choose and the kind of marriage to have. All these knowledge were part of what was used to create Order in the pristine African society as they were part of the parenting guide. Today, we are fixated with social ideologies from Hollywood, Bollywood, Zee world and BBNaija. Little wonder we have a society that doesn't resonate with our authentic self and we are now trying to accuse God that the life he created "no balance". No, the life is balance, we have just left the eternal order to be chasing after shadows.

There was/is no centralized religion in Africa where everyone is subject to the same set of rules and regulations because each individual has his own unique destiny which is tied to the cosmic energy/force or Irunmole that guides that person's life. That Irunmole or cosmic energy is what is known as guardian angel. Your guardian angel is the one that is assigned to you as you journey from Òrun (the invisible realm) to Ayé (the visible realm -earth) to support you through life to ensure that you fulfill your heanvely mandate. You therefore need to know the dos and donts of your guardian angel in order not to create discordant vibrations in your life that will make your guardian angel incapacitated in assisting you fully.

This is why some people will go and pray in some prayer centers and they will be told that there is an Òrìṣà (imole) in their ancestral home that they have neglected and that they need to go and appease. These guardian angels neglect their Wards when their Wards neglect them. Sometimes, they create obstacles in the way of their Wards, not as a manner of punishment but as a means of getting their attention so that they can retrace their steps.

Usually, the presence of frustration, depression, stagnation and other unfortunate events are not mere coincidences but an evidence of a disalignment from the eternal order. And these issues are usually orchestrated by the cosmic forces to call our attention to something that might be fundamentally wrong in our lives. Due to our drowsiness in the Western philosophy however, we seek to address the symptoms by either reacting to create laws or checks and balances that will fix that particular problem. We might end up being able to solve that problem but because the underlying cause, which is a cosmic disorder has not been fixed, some other problems will surface sooner or later. 

Back in the days, when something unusual begins to happen in inexplicable succession, either in the life of an individual or a community, what is done is that the person or persons concerned will go to find out from the wise men, the disciples of Ọ̀rúnmìlà, to find out what is really the root cause of the matter. And because Ọ̀rúnmìlà is Olódùmarè's witness of destiny, he is able to point out what is at the base of the unpleasant reality. When that has been corrected, the doctors can start to treat and politicians can start to create reforms.

This is how the society used to be ordered. 

It is from the pristine Yoruba society that we got the understanding that everything that is happening in the physical has a spiritual undertone. And it is for this reason that consulting the wise men, otherwise known as Babaláwos before taking a major step in life used to be a honorable thing in the pristine Yoruba society. That practice has become what people hide to do and do not really wish to be identified with today, all thanks to colonial education and religion.

It has caused and is causing a lot of people to therefore act according to the limited ability of their heads. This will undoubtedly result in social disharmony for the ordinary brain of a man is not enough to organize a his own life and by extension the entire community according to the Order of the Almighty; both vertical and horizontal thinking is needed to sustain life and order here.

Copyrights: © Olalekan Oduntan 2020

OLUGBO, THE FIRST LORD IN YORUBALAND!

 The authentic history of ancient Ile-Ife cannot be distorted; the Tree of Brotherhood does not break. It may bend a while but it will eventually straighten out, so is truth!

The term Ife Oodaye, Ife Ooye, Ugbomokun and Ile Ife all point to the same historical location but different era. Oranfe Alafere, was greatly revered and mystified as the 201st of the 201 gods/deities (Oba Igba Imole) of ancient Ile Ife. Hewas the father of Osangangan Obamakin. Oranfe was the first person to emit naked fire from his mouth at his own will in Yoruba history. Also, he was the custodian of Thunder(Ara) and Sanponna (Olode). All these powers and many more were bequited to Osangangan Obamakin who wore the aboriginal crown of Ile Ife.

Before the advent of Oduduwa to ancient Ile Ife, called Ugbomokun, Ile-Ife existed as a confederacy of sixteen communities. Thirteen of these communities have been identified in present day Ile-Ife: Iwinrin, Ideta, Ido, Iloran, Iloromu, Imojubi, Iraye, Ijugbe, Odin, Oke-Oja, Oke-Awo, Omologun and Parakin. Osangangan Obamakin ruled from Iwinrin, Obatala ruled from Ideta, Olojudo ruled from Ido etc. These Kings also had their cabinet of Chiefs and were the Sixteen Elders who held the spiritual foundation upon which Yoruba land is laid.

Each of these Kings wore beaded crowns. Osangangan Obamakin, the son of Oranfe who ruled from Iwinrin led the Sixteen communities which flourished and had an established system of culture, justice, commerce, agriculture etc.

When Oduduwa came in from the Eastern parts of Ile Ife, through Oke Ora, which many academic historians mistook to mean from the Middle East, he was taken to Ilero, which is unanimously adjudged by the elders of Ile Ife today as the OLDEST ASSEMBLY IN YORUBA LAND, ILE OGBONI AKOKO.

It is also of interest that Ilero is preserved till today, along Iremo road,  in Ile Ife, and the aboriginal language spoken at that time was called Ikedu, which bears 90% similarity as present day Ilaje Ugbo dialect of Yoruba as established by linguistic historians.

It was at Ilero that Osangangan Obamakin, the son of Oranfe, the aboriginal King of ancient Ile Ife, otherwise called, Ugbomokun presided over the affairs of ancient Ile Ife. Osangangan Obamakin had three wives. His first wife, Yeyemoolu turned to the pool of water in the Palace of Ife today, which every Ooni must be betrothed/married to (culture) as a significant part of the blessings of Osangangan Obamakin for Ile-Ife and prosperity within the Palace. Traditionally, up till this day, Yeye moolu remains the first wife in the Palace of Ile Ife till this day. Osangangan Obamakin also had siblings, and among them is Baba Sigidi in Oke-Jan, Ile Ife.

As stated earlier, the leaders of the communities were independent Kings who wore beaded crowns and they all gathered at Ilero to discuss cogent matters that involved the communities, consult Ifa oracle and Osanyin for peaceful administration, perform rituals and sacrifices as well as execution of justice when necessary.

The quarters of Osangangan Obamakin still exist today in Ile Ife with the aboriginal kith and kin still holding principal roles in the affairs of Ile Ife with other aborigines.  Osangangan Obamakin was powerful and worshipped as the god-king of Ife. He was usually praised as:

Kutukutu Oba Ugbo

Osangangan Obamakin

Agbegun Kari

Ife Gbe Gangan Saya

Taataa Eye Ugbo

Alade Oriigi

At the advent of Oduduwa, there was an established display of love from Osangangan Obamakin to Oduduwa. Oduduwa possessed great virtues and was vast in the use of herbs for treatment of all ailments. He was particularly successful at ensuring that pregnant women delivered safely. Indeed, Oduduwa had unfettered access to Ilero and envy began to rouse when many communities wondered at the manner in which Oduduwa was integrated into Ugbomokun, and his influence rose quite considerably. 

Problems started after certain rulers began to complain about how favourably disposed Osangangan Obamakin was to Oduduwa despite Oduduwa being a stranger, so called. It is founded in history that it took Oduduwa about 16 years to be adept in Ikedu which was the aboriginal language spoken at that time. Oduduwa was generally accepted; he flourished and was a phenomenon to many.

Then, Oduduwa desired to usurp power.

 Nevertheless, trouble broke out when a struggle for supremacy ensued between Oduduwa and Obatala Oseremagbo, who at that time was King of Ideta community. No settlement/town or city would solely hand their sovereignty to a stranger/migrant without some sort of stiff opposition if not an outright war.

The contest was so fierce that Ugbomokun was polarised into war blocs. Obatala-Obalejugbe-Obawinrin Bloc and Oduduwa-Obameri bloc. Some rulers supported Oduduwa while some supported Obatala. Soon enough, more rulers joined blocs and a war broke out.

Oduduwa defeated Obatala (did not kill Obatala as some have wrongly put it) but ousted Obatala and occupied Ideta. Obatala was forced from Ideta-Ile to Ideta-Oko and eventually he took refuge in Iwinrin, the ancestral home of Osangangan Obamakin, the Paramount King of all the communities.

At this instant, Ugbomokun was divided and so many warriors gathered at Igbo Ugbo, at the outskirts of present Ife to launch an attack against Oduduwa, his allies and their quarters. This was because of Oduduwa's insistence to hold on to Ideta after Osangangan Obamakin had waded into the matter and sent a decree for the release of Ideta to Obatala Oseremagbo, Alamo rere. The refusal of Oduduwa to stop his occupation of Ideta where Obatala was ruler, made the whole scenario aggravate beyond measure. Ile-Ife became completely polarised and communities prepared for War. Some communities for Obatala and some for Oduduwa.

While the rancorwas on, final onslaught was declared and all warriors gathered at Igbo Ugbo to launch an attack against the Oduduwa bloc. They decided to consult Ifa Oracle and Osanyin as it was customary. Ifa, the divinity of wisdom must speak before anything could be done. The intended war was never to be, because at Igbo Ugbo, where the warriors gathered, Ifa forbade that Ile-Ife be destroyed or blood be shed, rather, Ifa commanded that the warriors should leave Ile Ife, despite being aborigines and original settlers of Ile Ife, to found a new Kingdom, where Osangangan Obamakin would find what his descendants would feed on till the end of days. In the Ifa corpus, Odu Ifa:

 “Ifa ni ki Osangangan Obamakin gbera lo si Ile tio je wipe ti o bagbin eso, Omi konii je kio wu.

Amo, yi o ba oun ti aromodomo re yi o je”.

It was devastating for the warriors who were ready for War. Many warriors committed suicide at the disappointing divination and some turned to trees, boulders and rocks, streams etc. Baba Sigidi turned himself to a Boulder and his image is still been seen in Ile Ife today, off Iremo road, and is a tourist site. It is said that during the annual traditional bathe of Baba Sigidi, the boulder’s heart still beats.

Osangangan Obamakin and indeed Ugbo were never defeated because there was actually no war between Osangangan Obamakin and Oduduwa because of the divination from Ifa and Osanyin, and the truthful elders of Ile Ife today, will also attest to the fact that Obatala was not killed by Oduduwa but returned to Ideta after the mass migration from Ile Ife until a truce was reached, and Obatala was appeased till date.

This is to let us into a bit of the spiritual power play that occurred, and still reverberate till today in Ile Ife. Nevertheless, the bond between the house of Osangangan Obamakin and Oduduwa was not broken, and till today, every King who is a true descendant of both scions share the deepest secrets and mutual respect and love exclusive only to them.

Up until today, the descendant of Osangangan Obamakin, and all aborigines perform various roles for the development and peace of Ile Ife so much so that the consultations of Ifa oracle for the choice of who becomes an Ooni must be done in Ilero, the ancient palace of Osangangan Obamakin in present day Ile Ife.

All the aboriginal communities are active in the administration of present day Ile-Ife. For example, the Are crown for a new Ooni must be received on the hills of the sacred forest and prepared by the Olojudo (their descendants), after which Obalufon (their descendants), the last son of Osangangan Obamakin, must wear the crown for 3 consecutive days to bless it on behalf of his father. Afterwards, the crown will proceed to Obatala groove where the Obalesun must pick the Ase and proclaim Peace on the Crown before any Ooni can be adorned in the Are, and not until certain rituals are performed in the most sacred part of the Palace of present day Ile-Ife called Ile-Ugbo.

After the Migration of Osangangan Obamakin to found present day, Ilaje, the bond between the house of Osangangan Obamakin and Oduduwa remained unbroken, and of historical significance is the bond between Obalufon and Oranmiyan so much so that after Oranmiyan left Benin to found the great Oyo empire, Oba Eweka/Owomika and subsequent Obas of Benin visited the Olugbo in Ode Ugbo. It is established in history that some Benin Monarchs in ancient times were raised and fortified in Ode-Ugbo, as an offshoot of the relationship between Obalufon and Oranmiyan. High Chief Osayomwabo O. Ero in his book titled The Benin Monarchy and Ogiamien Connection, The Historical Facts page 121, established that Prince Efabo, the son of Oba Ehenmihen who later became Oba Ewedo was born and raised in Ode-Ugbo an Ilaje town in present day Ondo State.

The ancient markets in Ile Ife, Oja Ife and Oja Aiyegbaju were founded by Oranfe and Osangangan Obamakin, and the worship of Aje Diety to which every Ooni must pay obeisance during the annual Olojo festival is undertaken by Obawinrin, Woyeasiri and other aborigines who are the kith and kin of the Olugbo in Ile Ife today.

The Ugbo Ilaje are the original settlers of ancient Ile-Ife as corroborated by the highly knowledgeable and greatly revered Monarch of Oyo Empire, His Imperial Majesty, Iku Baba Yeye, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, CFR, Alaafin of Oyo as well as the highly revered and vast Monarch of Benin Kingdom who joined his ancestors recently, His Royal Majesty, Omonoba Erediauwa in his book, “I remain sir, your obedient servant”.

Oyo Kingdom, Benin Kingdom and Ugbo Kingdom are inseparable because of their roots in Ile-Ife. So also, is the mutuality between the Royal Houses of Osangangan Obamakin and Oduduwa.

Up until today, the descendants of Osangangan Obamakin and the aborigines are the ones who place the Are crown on every Ooni and perform the rites necessary for peace, wellness and safety in Ile Ife.

Professors Anthony Asiwaju and Olomola also lent credence to the fact that the Ugbo of Coastal Yoruba land areNOT the Igbo of South East, Nigeria occupied Ile-Ife.

In furtherance, Kabiyesi Alayeluwa, Iku Baba Yeye, Omo Iku Ti Iku Ko Gbodo Pa,   the Living Spirit of Oranmiyan, said and I quote, "the forefathers of the Olugbo are the aborigines and original settlers of Ile-Ife".

According to Chief (Dr.) M.A. Fabunmi in his book, Ife: The Genesis of Yoruba Race, 1985, he made references to the assertion of Ife Ooye Progressives with membership consisting prominent Ife indigenes like Chief Abdulrahman Ademola Aromolaran, Engr. Ishola Awoterebo (former Minister of Water Resources), Chief Jide Elugbaju and many others who claim that Ile Ife existed in communities Pre-Oduduwa, and they are aborigines in Ile-Ife.

More so, Archeological Survey conducted by Chief (Dr.) Omotosho Eluyemi and certified by the International Body of Archeology established 13 Pre-Oduduwa communities.

Dr. Moses Adetunmbi further ascerted in his Book, with a foreword written by His Royal Majesty, Oba Sijuwade, Olubuse II, who has left us to join his ancestors, that Ile-Ife existed as 13 aboriginal communities before the advent of Oduduwa, and Oduduwa met a thriving system. Ile-Ife has been structured from the outset and Oduduwa had maintained the structure after the Truce which was significantly orchestrated by Ifa and Osanyin.

The complete works of German Professor Leo Frobeneus, Herodotus (the father of history), Professors J.A Atanda,  I.AAkinjogbin, A.F.C. Ryder, T. Falola, Akin Alao, Ogen Olukoya, M.A. Fabunmi, R.O. Ajetumobi, Olupona, A. Adetugbo as well as Dr. Ikuejube, Chief B Eweka, J. Egharevba are just a miniature in the volume of academic references of the Ugbohegemony and framework in Ile-Ife.

Credit: Fifthview Magazine

Culture Festivals in Indonesia

You must know that Indonesia is rich with many tribes, languages, culture, natural beauty, and food? And there are many beautiful tourist attractions and best honeymoon destinations. Need information about the culture that is often used as a ceremony and festival in Indonesia. Well, we will discuss the famous cultural festivals in Indonesia.

Indonesia has many international cultural festivals, and even foreign tourists and world-renowned photographers are willing to come all the way to Indonesia to watch and see the beauty and fame of cultural festivals in Indonesia. Find out what the best festivals in Indonesia that you must attend when you are visiting Indonesia.

Famous Indonesia Cultural Festivals:

Indonesia Festival – This annual festival is one of the traditions that closely related to the local wisdom of each region. Also, now also this yearly festival became one of the magnets that attract domestic tourists and foreign tourists. Here are more reviews about the annual festival you can enjoy in various regions in Indonesia.

1. Baliem Valley Festival, Papua:

Baliem Valley Festival – Credit: goodnewsfromindonesia.id

This is a traditional festival of war and inter-ethnic culture involving three tribes in Papua: Dani, Lani, and Yani. Although called a celebration but it includes a real weapon, and there are also war scenarios such as tribal abduction and retaliation. Here you can see directly and meet directly with the tribe of the interior of Papua complete with the typical clothing of the tribe.

If you claim to be a real traveler, at least you must see one of these festivals. And the original will not be a loss to be part of the best cultural celebration in Indonesia. Well, that’s an example of exciting festivals in Indonesia that you do not miss. Find out more about this Indonesia Valley on Baliem Valley and Guide for Baliem Valley.

2. Karapan Sapi Festival, Madura:

Karapan Sapi Festival – Credit: lingtangbatas.blogspot.com

This festival is one of the hallmarks and typical of Madura. For the Madurese themselves, it is a prestigious event to showcase the strength of their cows. Winner of this Karapan will get a prize of money with the value up to hundreds of millions of rupiah, so the people of Madura also will not miss being part of this festival.

The Karapan Sapi which is a cattle race originating from Madura located in East Java, for most Madurese, Karapan Sapi is not just a folk party or event held annually inherited from generation to generation.

But Karapan Sapi for the people of Madura is a form of prestige symbol that can raise the dignity of Madurese society because the cows used for the match are cows of the excellent quality of course with a special treatment as well.

3. Dieng Culture Festival, Dieng:

Dieng Culture Festival – Credit: indonesiakaya.com

Dieng, an area that earned the nickname ‘Negeri diatas awan’ has a cultural festival that annually is always full of domestic and foreign tourists.

The main attraction is the cutting of dreadlocks of children who supposedly are believed to be descendants of the gods and should not be carelessly cut. Besides jazz on clouds and lantern flights make this Dieng culture festival romantic.

4. Rambu Solo Festival, Tana Toraja:

Rambu Solo Festival – Credit: bisniswisata.co.id

This is a Toraja’s farewell ceremonial and community tradition and became one of the most expensive ceremonies in the world. It is said that the most expensive because to perform this ceremony can cost hundreds of millions to billions of dollars due to sacrifices that must be done from the family left behind.

Hundreds of buffalo will be chopped down during this ceremony, and the corpse will be taken to the top of the cliff to be buried. This festival is one of the famous tradition and culture of Indonesia. Find out more about Tana Toraja on Torajaland in Indonesia.

5. Erau Festival, Kutai Kertanegara:

Erau Kertanegara Festival – Credit: topindonesiaholidays.com

The long history of bringing Kutai Kartanegara Borneo into the oldest Hindu kingdom in the archipelago, Kutai Kartanegara save a remarkable culture. Cultural wealth is summarized in the Festival Erau Kertanegara.

Kutai Kartanegara is the wealthiest district in Indonesia. There is abundant natural wealth with a thick culture. The natural landscape of the tropical rainforest is cleaved by the Mahakam river, the unique life of Kutai and Dayak people, and a very ancient culture is here. The Kutai Kertanegara Kingdom is the oldest kingdom in Indonesia, and not many people know this fact.

6. Nias Ya’ahowu Cultural Festival, Nias:

Nias Cultural Festival – Credit: bisniswisata.co.id

Nias is known as a destination that has many megalithic sites, in addition to Nias is known for its waves to surf. The people of Nias still hold firm to their culture. One of their fondness is to hold the Nias Cultural Festival which is usually held in August in Bawomataluo Village.

This village has been registered to World Heritage in Unesco since 2009 as a cultural heritage of Indonesia. This town is a traditional village and well known cultural village in South Nias. To reach this town, it takes a 3-hour overland journey from Gunung Sitoli to the south coast of Nias.

In Nias, Bawomataluo means the sun hill. So named because this village is located at an altitude of 400 meters above the mountain. In this peaceful village, we can see many traditional houses of South Nias that are still awake. Nias Cultural Festival is held in this village as well as we can see the famous stone jump.

 7. Cap Go Meh Festival, Singkawang:

Cap Go Meh Festival – Credit: okey-tours.com

The celebration of Capgomeh which is the closing of Chinese New Year is a very festive holiday, the Singkawang city of Kalimantan is the center of the Colossal Capgomeh Celebration. This event is very famous both domestically and abroad.

Why? because in this festival there are attractions Tatung, Tatung cast is in a state of trance or unconscious. And the celebration at Capgomeh Singkawang was attended by more than 700 Tatung coming from all corners of the archipelago.

Because Tatung is a fusion of Chinese culture with Indigenous Culture, so the Tatung of the Dayak tribe also participated in the celebration of Capgomeh Singkawang.

8. Jailolo Bay Festival, Maluku:

Jailolo Bay Festival – Credit: facebook.com/FestivalTelukJailolo

The festival is held to revive the glory of Halmahera as the origin of the world to recognize spices and recognize the abundant natural and cultural riches on the island, from year to year the Jailolo Bay Festival gives the cultural attractions of Halmahera and Maluku.

Organized by the West Halmahera Tourism Office, the event aims to introduce and promote the natural splendor, cultural attractions, and other potential attractions of the district.

During the celebration, the community will be presented with a variety of unique programs such as Spice Parade, Spice Expo, Spice Trip, Fishing Competition, Swimming Competition, Rowing Competition, Fun Diving, Ngolo Sigofi, and Fiesta Culinary.

 

9. Raja Ampat Maritime Festival, Papua:

Raja Ampat Marine Festival – Credit: pinterest.com

Raja Ampat Marine Festival is held in the Capital District of Raja Ampat, Waisai located on Waigeo Island. The first performance of the maritime festival is focused on marine tourism. One of them is the dive in the Diving location that entered in the top 10 of the most beautiful dive sites in the world.

Raja Ampat Regency in West Papua Province wants to maintain its popularity as the best maritime area in Indonesia by conducting naval festival on a regular basis. And showcase the richness of nature, art, and culture.

The Maritime Festival is held at Waisai Capital Center, which is located 3 hours speedboat ride from the Sorong City of Papua. What is interesting about this Festival is that they invite art and culture from other districts in Papua.

Also, Wakatobi District also included in this Marine Festival. Some details of the festival are Underwater Photo Competition, Rowing Boat Competition, underwater orientation, beach sports like volleyball, etc., and local cultural attractions. Local cultural attractions will be featured by the Raja Ampat community and participants from other districts. Find out more about this area for their tourism at Raja Ampat Diving and Raja Ampat Honeymoon.

10. Yadnya Kasada Ceremony, Mount Bromo:

Yadnya Kasada Ceremony – Credit: hellomister.net

Yadnya Kasada or Kesodo is one of the most extensive annual rituals of the original Tengger tribe in Bromo. Every year, on the 14th day of Kasada month, Tengger Hindus will throw offerings to the crater of Mount Bromo.

Starting from vegetables, fruits, livestock, to money made offerings to Sang Hyang Widhi. All of that is a form of gratitude and thanks for the welfare that is considered has been given Mount Bromo throughout the year to the surrounding community.

Yadnya Kasada’s ritual is open to the public and is usually done after sunrise. Previously, the people of Tengger will pray first at Pura Luhur Poten located at the foot of Mount Bromo. The ceremony took place in the early hours of the morning. After that, then people climb Mount Bromo to throw their offerings. Find out more about this beautiful volcano in Indonesia for Mount Bromo Facts. 

Source: Captureindonesia.com

Central African Republic. Music from A Country in the Heart of Africa

At the center of Africa, the Central African Republic preserves through art and music their traditions and the wonderful nature that characterizes this country.

In the Central African Republic, the beliefs and customs of the native peoples who have inhabited the country for millennia are interwoven with the beliefs and customs of its French colonizers. The various native ethnic groups express their identities through visual arts and through music, song and dance which use the Sango language to transmit the oldest traditions. During their rituals, the main focus is on the people’s relationship with nature, whether they live in the country or the city. Its landscapes include spectacular tropical forests and rivers, and contain a biodiversity treasure-trove, which has always been celebrated through the country’s artistic expression, especially through music, which plays a central role in traditional culture. The waterfalls, the animal reserves and the savanna, which extends to the foothills of the Bouar Plateau, provide spectacular backdrops to traditional villages perched beside the rivers, which preserve the most authentic forms of the country’s ancient heritage.

Gastronomical Expressions of Tradition:

Among the Central African Republic’s typical dishes, the most frequently eaten is Jollof Rice, a loosely defined one-pot rice dish with various kinds of vegetables. Traditional ingredients and tastes dominate, hence the numerous dishes based on cereals and vegetables, with meat usually consisting of chicken or antelope. Fish is eaten fresh, accompanied by spicy chilli sauces and bananas, or else dried and eaten together with tropical fruit, especially papaya or mango.

Craftwork to tell the Story of A Nation’s History:

The Central African Republic’s Pavilion is situated inside the Arid Zones Cluster. The country has chosen to express itself in Expo Milano 2015 above all through native art and artefacts, through which visitors can perceive and appreciate the lifestyle and customs of its peoples. The domestic objects and utensils in ebony, and the finely handcrafted wicker baskets, used to prepare and conserve food on an everyday basis, vibrate with heritage and energy.

By ILARIA D’AMBROSI

Source: Expo2015.org

Musical Horns the Broto in the Central African Republic

The Broto in the Central African Republic, belonging to the Banda ethnic group, are known for their traditional dances accompanied by heavy horns made of tree roots. Today this tradition falls into disuse and its history is now forgotten by the new generations. A musical tradition that was once passed down to the young as a form of celebration and ancestor worship today finds its notes scarcely played and the roots to worship lost in transit.

A young Broto musician trains to play the wooden horn in Bambari, in the centre of Central African Republic. Since time immemorial this instrument has been central to celebration and worship among the Broto people. Raising the blistered trunk to his mouth, the player blows into the thin end of the instrument, letting out a muffled rumble the other end.

A Broto man holds his traditional horn on his shoulder, in Bambari. Under threat of fading out at the hands of modernity, the Broto musical tradition was doubly hit by the outbreak of the Central African crisis in 2013 and the violence that spread in its wake.

A group of Broto traditional musicians get dressed in a ruined house before performing in Bambari. The musicians, dress in wooden bark clothes called Koundou that help their sway to the tones of the music.

A Broto musician adorns himself with his seed necklaces in a ruined house. In January, Bambari was the scene of clashes between the Blue Helmets and elements of the Central African Peace Unit (UPC), one of 16 armed groups that control most of the territory. The looting that ensued also destroyed the musicians’ instruments.

A group of Broto traditional musicians perform with bells made from palm leaves tied to their ankles in Bambari. Once ready, the musicians began their performance. Not long after a crowd approached, some sketched dance steps, happy to hear music rather than the rattle of gunfire.

 A Broto musician plays the horn in the middle of his troupe during a performance. The polyphonic sounds follow a score of extreme rhythmic precision. In olden times the art was transmitted to all from generation to generation as an initiation rite. Today, only the youngest receive training.

The group leader of Broto traditional musicians conducts a performance in front of residents of Bambari. The Broto with their instruments were fixtures during ancestor worship ceremonies, weddings, and even burials. But with the loss of knowledge about the rites associated with this music, it survives only as a performance art in its present form.

A sign indicating the house of the traditional group of dancers “Ongo-Broto” in Bambari. In the early 2000s, the troupe performed as far away as in France and Algeria. But since then, opportunities have dwindled. The troupe has only one performance lined this year –sounding their trumpets at Bangui’s French cultural centre at the end of 2019.

The leader of the group rests on a hill after a performance. Despite being the troupe leader even he was unable to explain the significance this music had to Broto ancestors. The Broto musicians’ is a case of tradition trying to find its footing in a culture in transit.

Source: Hindustantimes.com

OlaleOne: Nigerian Musician

Biography:

OlaleOne on Marimba

Olalekan Azeez Oduntan aka OlaleOne was born (26/05/1964). He is a song writer, composer, griot, xylophonist, percussionist and an entrepreneur. He started his artistic carrier at age twelve gathering his peers together back then and teaching them drama and music. It was also at that young age that he was reciting poetry for Nigerian Radio and Television stations. He used to travel from Lagos to other states of Nigeria to recite poetry at the weddings, burials and coronation ceremonies depending on the invites.

After his secondary education, he joined the then Center for Cultural Studies University of Lagos, Nigeria as an associate member(now Creative Art Department) taking part in drama, music and cultural productions. It was there that he met the late Professor Akin Euba who was the head of the Center. He performed in the Professor's Band called Akin Euba and the Elekotos. Series of programmes were recorded for radio and television by the band and some albums were recorded too. Because the Cultural Studies was a place of learning, he was also participating in stage drama productions by Professors Bode Osanyin and Uwa Hunwick. It was there that he learnt how to play the xylophone from Nigerian ace xylophonist Late Ede Nwigwe. An instrument he plays so well today.

Also at this department, he met and performed with Music Professors like Laz Ekwemen, Alaja Brown and Joy Nwosu Lo-Bamijoko. He was a member of Joy Nwosu's band that was performing all over Nigeria and within the University of Lagos back then. And Joy Nwosu's band also recorded some albums for Decca Records. He was the xylophonist for the band. He has done sound tracks for stage and movie productions.

CAREER:

OlaleOne recorded his very first album in the year 2014 entitled Abracadabra. The album consists 6 tracks like Abracadabra, Orente, Iyawo, Ore, Orente Instrumental and Ore Acappella. The album shows the musical prowess and dexterity of his capability to handle different genres of music at the same time. And the track Orente topped the Riverbnation Nigerian Afro Hiphop Chart as #1 for more than four times that year.

 

He dropped another 6 tracker album number two in 2016 entitled Mama Afrika. The album consists of tracks like Mama Afrika, Peace Song, Ojumo Mo, Enu, Ololufe and Peju Sweetie. Again, the track Peace Song has been topping the Reverberation Nigerian Afro Hiphop Chart as #1 for the past four years. At a time in between those years, Peace Song nearly topped the world music chart!!! Because it was either #150 or #200 in the world.

OlaleOne's number three album was dropped in 2018 entitled Afrikan Jazz. This project involves the African wooden xylophone leading other western instruments to make good music. And the project is very successful. It is musical marriage of local instrument and modern musical instruments like guitar, keyboard etc but the local wooden instrument xylophone dominating the whole musical arrangement. The album consists of 6 tracks like Nnenekwo, Dedebi, Ayangayanga, Akoi Wata Geri, Ero Oja Olowo and Olusegun. This musical project is completely instrumental and that is why it is being referred to as Afrikan Jazz.

OlaleOne's fourth album was just released three weeks ago. It was a musical project put together during the stay at home Pandemic Covid-19 period. The album entitled The Message and it consists of 6 tracks like The Message, Omolara Babie, Eko Ile, Aye, Shake Ur Body and Ina Fe e Ran. Just as the title of the album implies, the whole tracks of the album are all loaded with message. In the album, the musician deals with issues affecting the world and our society at large. The album the message is indeed a message for this messed age!!!

Discography:

Title                                      Album Details

Abracadabra                       Released 8 March 2014

Mama Afrika                       Released 6 December 2016

Afrikan Jazz                        Released 4 June 2018

The Message                       Released 8 September 2020

His Contacts

+2348173190077

+2347026496440

You can purchase all the music on this link: https://songwhip.com/olaleone

The 10 Most Important Festivals in India

Holi Festival of Colors.

There are endless reasons to visit India - Indian cuisine, tiger safaris, national landmarks ranking among the 7 Wonders of the World, a diverse landscape including the northern Himalayas and the golden beaches of Goa, and an incredibly vibrant culture largely contributed to by India's most popular festivals. As a year-round destination with so much to offer, when to visit India can often be a tricky undertaking, so why not plan your travels around India's best festivals? There are said to be more festivals in India than there are days of the year so we have compiled a list of the top 10 festivals in India that should absolutely be taken into consideration when planning your next visit. So make the most of your travels and celebrate some of India's most popular festivals where beautiful colors, music, food, arts, religion and people come together and bring even more life to an already extraordinary destination.

Keep in mind that some of these festivals have a specific location and others are celebrated country-wide, so make a note of which Indian cities are at the top of your list and select festivals accordingly - or vice-versa.

1. Diwali - The Festival of Lights:

Diwali is one of India's most popular and prominent Hindu festivals, also known as the Festival of Lights. During Diwali, people celebrate all over the country by decorating their homes with clay lamps, candles and Ashok leaves. Everyone takes to the bustling streets and markets to show off their new clothes, to share sweets with friends, family and visitors alike and to light the night with fireworks and crackers.

Diwali takes place over the course of 5 days between mid-October & mid-November every year. (Specifically scheduled for the darkest new moon night during the month of Kartika in hte Hindu lunisolar calendar)

2. Ganesh Chaturthi - The Elephant-Headed God, Pujas & the Final Day of Visarjan:

Ganesh Chaturthi is another very important Hindu festival in India, celebrating the birthday of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed God. Beautifully crafted life size idols of Ganesha adorn both the interiors and exteriors of homes and are further used to compliment public pandals or fabricated structures that are commonly used in religious ceremonies. During this festival, people celebrate with song, dance, theater, and a special focus on giving back with the setup of free medical and blood donation stations.

Ganesha Chaturthi is a 10-day affair that takes place in either August or September. (Specifically scheduled for the 4th day of the 1st fortnight during the month of Bhadrapada in the Hindu lunisolar calendar) Pujas are performed every morning and every night and the last day of the festival is known as the day of Visarjan - the immersion of an idol in a body of water. You probably won't be present for the entirety of the festival so you should definitely try to make the last day as it's said to be the most special.

3. Holi - The Festival of Colors:

You could say that Holi is a prime contender and Diwali's main competition for the title of India's most famous festival. Not only is it celebrated country-wide, Holi is internationally acclaimed and probably the most well-known Indian festival beyond national borders - Holi is often referred to as the Festival of Colors. On the eve of Holi, people celebrate by constructing enormous Holika bonfires and thereafter singing and dancing through the night. On the actual day of, everyone gathers to partake in the world's largest paint fight - people cheerfully decorate each other with every color imaginable and some come fully decked with water guns and colored water filled balloons. The festival commemorates the victory of good over evil and the onset of spring.

Holi is held in March (Specifically scheduled for the full moon during the month of Phalgun in the Hindu lunisolar calendar) and though it is celebrated all over the country, the most vibrant celebrations can typically be found in the North.

4. Navrati & Dussehra or Durga Puja - The Holy Ganges & a 10-day Celebration:

The first 9 days of this festival are known as Navrati and are filled with dance in honor of the Mother Goddess; the 10th day is called Dussehra and this 2-part festival is observed country-wide. In Eastern India however, the same festival is referred to as Durga Puja, where large statues of the celebrated Goddess are made and then immersed in the holy waters of the Ganges. Regardless of where it takes place, what it's named or how it's celebrated in different regions, this is by far one of India's best festivals and an incredibly social oriented event, allowing you the amazing opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture and both observe and partake in the dramatic dance performances that Navrati, Dussehra & Durga Puja are so well-known for.

The festival takes place between the months of September & October. (Specifically the first 10 days of the month of Ashwin in the Hindu lunisolar calendar)

5. Krishna Janmashtami - Mathura, Vrindavan & Human Pyramids:

Krishna Janmashtami is a particularly esthetic and colorful festival beyond being one of India's most important religious festivals. People fast during the day, they break with a special meal after dusk and then go on to visit temples, pray, dance and sing throughout the night. Younger children are often dressed up like Lord Krishna as this festival celebrates Krishna's birthday. A special traditional component of the festival involves people forming massive human pyramids in an attempt to reach and break clay pots which have been strung up high for the occasion.

The festival occurs in either August or September (specifically the 8th day of the month of Bhadrapad in the Hindu lunisolar calendar) and is celebrated by the Hindu community all over India - though the festivities in Mathura and Vrindavan are especially popular.

6. Pushkar Camel Fair, Rajasthan - 50,000 Camels & the World's Largest Pop-up Marketplace:

The Pushkar Camel Fair is an incredible event where 50,000 camels and as many as a quarter-million people assemble in the tiny desert town of Pushkar, Rajasthan. It is a 5-day affair and is exactly what it's called - a camel fair - where merchants come from near and far to buy, sell and trade camels. The camels are adorned with jewels and dressed to impress, and the festival is accompanied by great feasts, cultural shows and the world's largest pop-up marketplace.

The Pushkar Camel Fair occurs in autumn, at the same exact time as the Kartik Purnima Full Moon Festival. So you're actually getting 2-1 as a livestock fair converges with a religious festival and takes over the beautiful rural town of Pushkar. If you prefer to avoid the larger crowds that inevitably come with the fair, you can always arrive a few days before the actual event as the traders and their camels will already be there.

7. Kerala Temple Festivals, Kerala - Thrissur Pooram & Exotic Elephant Processions:

The southern state of Kerala is a must when visiting India, regardless of any special festivities. That being said, Kerala's exotic temple festivals are definitely worth planning your travels around. Magnificent processions of bejeweled elephants fill the streets and are accompanied by colorful floats, fireworks, drummers and other musicians.

The temple festivals are only held in Kerala and the most popular of them all takes place at Vadakkumnathan Temple in Thrissur - it is hence referred to as Thrissur Pooram. They are held between the months of February and May and each one typically runs for about 10 days.

8. Goa Carnival, Goa - Never-ending Party on India's Beaches:

Similar to Kerala, we recommend a visit to the golden hippy beaches of Goa any day of the year, but if you can, you might as well visit when it's exceptionally lively and experience a fantastic cultural celebration. Goa Carnival is greatly anticipated by all and attracts people from all over the world. During the festival, the streets come alive with color, enthusiastic parades, guitarists, musicians, traditional dance and all-around never-ending party.

The Goa Carnival typically lasts 3-4 days and is of course only held in Goa. It takes place during the month of February.

9. Onam, Kerala - Intricate Floral Designs & Snake Boat Races:

Onam is yet another one of India's most important festivals as it marks the homecoming of legendary King Mahabali. People celebrate by wearing traditional dress, decorating the ground in front of their homes with incredibly intricate floral designs known as 'Pookalam' and preparing a very elaborate meal consisting of 13 dishes called 'Onasadya'. The main attractions of this lively festival include snake boat races (Vallamkali), as well as public dances such as Kaikottikali clap dance and the Pulikali procession where artists are disguised as tigers and hunters.

Onam is a 10-day harvest festival that occurs in either August or September and is only celebrated by the communities of Kerala. (Specifically corresponds to the month of Chingam in the Malayalam calendar)

10. Ratha Yatra, Puri (Orissa) - Colorful Chariot Parades:

Ratha Yatra is a huge Hindu celebration and one of India's most famous festivals. The main attraction of the festival are the enormous, colorful and intricately designed chariots that are built to resemble temples and pulled through the streets of Puri. People come from all over the world and volunteer to help local priests pull these chariots all the way to the grand avenue of the Gundicha temple.

The festival is held during the months of June & July and only takes place in Puri, Orissa.

Source: Epicroad.com

Hong Kong festivals

Stanley Dragon Boat Association

Ferocious drumming and firecrackers galore always make Chinese festivals exuberant occasions. While Hong Kong’s biggest celebrations are without doubtChinese New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival, being in such a culturally rich metropolis, there are tons of other special occasions that you might not be familiar with. If you’ve ever wondered where to witness Chinese festivals up close and personal, you’ve come to the right place.

Guide to Hong Kong festivals:

Chinese New Year (Jan or Feb):

There’s no doubting the significance of Chinese New Year. Like most festivals here, it’s an amalgamation of commercialism and culture – think the Cathay Pacific Parade and the more down-to-earth Victoria Park Flower Market. Nevertheless, you can head to Wong Tai Sin Temple for a somewhat more tranquil way to ring in the new year, with incense sticks and praylers to pave the way for an auspicious year ahead.

Image: istolethetv/Flickr

Ching Ming Festival (Apr):

Ching Ming Festival, otherwise known as Tomb Sweeping Festival, isn’t your regular solemn sacrificial ceremony but a joyous occasion that welcomes the arrival of spring. On this day, people head to cemeteries to sweep their ancestor’s graves and provide offerings of fresh food, flowers and incense. Afterwards, you might see people flying kites, picnicking and simply enjoying the outdoors. After all, Ching Ming Festival also represents the coming of the new season.

Image: Bailey Cheng/Flickr

Buddha's Birthday:

For this celebration, Buddhists head to temples and pour water over statues of Buddha, a ritual to cleanse their soul. You’ll also see a plethora of lit lanterns around Hong Kong symbolising enlightenment as well as altars adorned with offerings and incense. Wong Tai Sing Temple is the place to be on this day but pop along to Victoria Park for an even bigger event, with meditation classes, vegetarian food, carnival games and a flower show dedicated to Buddha.

Cheung Chau Bun Festival (Apr or May):

Paper effigies, scintillating costumes and a massive tower covered in buns – these are just some of the highlights of the annual Cheung Chau Bun Festival. Every year on Buddha’s Birthday, thousands of worshippers make a pilgrimage to Cheung Chau for this boisterous Taoist celebration. The buns represent peace and harmony and the famous bun competition remains the pinnacle of the festival.

Tin Hau Festival (Apr or May):

Relatively unknown outside of Hong Kong, Tin Hau Festival celebrates the birthday of Tin Hau, goddess of the sea. It falls on the 23rd day of the third lunar month. For the city’s most honoured deity, worshippers young and old head to Tin Hau temples – there are more than 70 in the city – to join in colourful parades with kung fu troupes, marching bands and lion dances. These festivities ensure calm seas and abundant fish stocks for the coming year.

Dragon Boat Festival (May or Jun):

While other festivals force you to eschew your diet, this one requires a lot more calories if you go all-in and join a competitive team. The event sees dragon boat races taking place all over Hong Kong. The origins of the festival start with the suicide of Chinese scholar Qu Yuan some 2,000 years ago. Locals attempted to save him by paddling down into the river he drowned in – hence the dragon boats.

Hungry Ghost Festival (Aug or Sep):

Burning incense and ritual offerings aren’t unusual in Hong Kong, but as it gets closer to Hungry Ghost Festival, the sight becomes a lot more common. Legend has it that around this time the gates to hell open, unleashing ghosts to wander the streets. People try to appease these ghosts and honour their ancestors with offerings of paper replicas of iPhones, money and designer accessories. All kinds of taboos surround this fest, from not swimming at night (because a ghost might drown you) to not leaving your clothes out to dry in case a ghost tries them on.

Mid-Autumn Festival (Sep or Oct):

In Chinese culture, the moon symbolises unity and love. Mid-Autumn Festival – which falls on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month when the moon is at its fullest – embodies just that. Before the big day is even close, you’ll be bombarded with millions of mooncake ads everywhere. Come the day itself, all kinds of festivities commence around town, most notably the Victoria Park Lantern Display and the extravagant Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance featuring a 220ft-long dragon, 300 performers and 70,000 incense sticks and firecrackers.

Chung Yeung Festival (Oct):

Often confused with Ching Ming Festival, Chung Yeung Festival occurs in autumn rather than spring and is a commemoration for people’s ancestors. On this day people visit the graves and columbaria of their families to pay their respects. It’s also believed that picnicking or hiking to the city’s highest points will help bring about good luck.

Halloween (Oct 31):

The celebrations for All Hallow’s Eve seem to get bigger and bigger each year. While trick-or-treating is not really part of the culture here, if you’re keen on keeping your spirits (pun intended) up, you might want to visit Disneyland or Ocean Park, which host chilling, hair-raising experiences every year. Think haunted mansions, villainised rides and creepy characters roaming the streets. For a more adult affair, strut down Lan Kwai Fong and show off your risqué costume. Bars and clubs will usually have special deals – and freaky décor – so keep an eye out for those.

Christmas (Dec 25):

While not a Chinese festival, Hong Kong has fully embraced the craze of Christmas. During this time, the city looks a little more magical than usual, especially in Statue Square where a giant Christmas tree always stands. There are shopping sales, New Year’s Eve fireworks to look forward to and even more festivities in theme parks and shopping malls across town. Head down to Central Harbourfront for the regular AIA Great European Carnival for fun winter-themed rides and game stalls.

By Karl Lam

Source: Timeout.com

OlaleOne: Nigerian Musician

OlaleOne

Biography:

Olalekan Azeez Oduntan aka OlaleOne was born (26/05/1964). He is a song writer, composer, griot, xylophonist, percussionist and an entrepreneur. He started his artistic carrier at age twelve gathering his peers together back then and teaching them drama and music with his little level of understanding and knowledge. It was also at that young age that he was reciting poetry for Nigerian Radio and Television stations. He used to travel from Lagos to other states of Nigeria to recite poetry at the weddings, burials and coronation ceremonies depending on the invites.

OlaleOne with his Xylophone

After his secondary education, he joined the then Center for Cultural Studies University of Lagos, Nigeria as an associate member (now Creative Art Department) taking part in drama, music and cultural productions. It was there that he met the late Professor Akin Euba who was the head of the Center. He performed in the Professor's Band called Akin Euba and the Elekotos. Series of programmes were recorded for radio and television by the band and some albums were recorded too. Because the Cultural Studies was a place of learning, he was also participating in stage drama productions by Professors Bode Osanyin and Uwa Hunwick. It was there that he learnt how to play the xylophone from Nigerian ace xylophonist Late Ede Nwigwe. An instrument he plays so well today.

OlaleOne

Also at this department, he met and performed with Music Professors like Laz Ekwemen, Alaja Brown and Joy Nwosu Lo-Bamijoko. He was a member of Joy Nwosu's band that was performing all over Nigeria and within the University of Lagos back then. And Joy Nwosu's band also recorded some albums for Decca Records. He was the Xylophonist for the band. He has done sound tracks for stage and movie productions.

OlaleOne

CAREER:

OlaleOne recorded his very first album in the year 2014 entitled Abracadabra. The album consists 6 tracks like Abracadabra, Orente, Iyawo, Ore, Orente Instrumental and Ore Acappella. The album shows the musical prowess and dexterity of his capability to handle different genres of music at the same time. And the track Orente topped the Reverbnation Nigerian Afro Hip hop Chart as #1 for more than four times that year. And thereafter, it started shuttling between #1 and #3 on that same Reverbnation Chart.

He dropped another 6 tracker album number two in 2016 entitled Mama Afrika. The album consists of tracks like Mama Afrika, Peace Song, Ojumo Mo, Enu, Ololufemi and Peju Sweetie. Again, the track Peace Song has been topping the Reverberation Nigerian Afro Hiphop Chart as #1 for the past four years. At a time in between those years, Peace Song nearly topped the world music chart!!! Because it was either #100 or #120 in the world chart. Presently, the track Peace Song is currently in #2 on Reverbnation Afro Hip hop Nigerian Chart.

OlaleOne's number three album was dropped in 2018 entitled Afrikan Jazz. This project involves the Afrikan wooden xylophone leading other western instruments to make good music. And the project is very successful. It is musical marriage of the local instrument and modern musical instruments like guitar, keyboard etc coming together to make rhythmic sound but the local instrument xylophone dominating the whole musical arrangement. The album consists of 6 tracks like Nnenekwo, Dedebi, Ayangayanga, Akoi Wata Geri, Ero Oja Olowo and Olusegun. This musical project is completely instrumental and that is why it is being referred to as Afrikan Jazz.

OlaleOne's fourth album was just released three weeks ago. It is a musical project put together during the stay at home Pandemic Covid-19 period. The album is entitled The Message and it consists of 6 tracks like The Message, Omolara Babie, Eko Ile, Aye, Shake Ur Body and Ina Fe e Ran. Just as the title of the album implies, the whole tracks of the album are all loaded with messages. In the album, the musician deals with issues affecting the world at large and our society in general. The album, the message is indeed a musical message for this messed age!!!

Discography:

Title                                      Album Details

Abracadabra                       Released 8 March 2014

Mama Afrika                       Released 6 December 2016

Afrikan Jazz                        Released 4 June 2018

The Message                      Released 8 September2020

His Contact

YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/OlalekanOduntan

You can purchase all the music on this link: https://songwhip.com/olaleone

+2348173190077

+2347026496440

East Timor Holidays and Festivals

Though still a relatively young and recovering country, East Timor holidays and events include a number of cultural celebrations, including Christian and Islamic celebrations, as well as observances related to the long struggle for independence.

Festival of Culture and Food of Timor-Leste:

Held early in the year (March), the annual Festival of Culture and Food of Timor-Leste aims to share the Timorese culture with the world. Expect traditional dances, music, and many other forms of entertainment, enhanced by good eats.

Independence Restoration Day:

Observed May 20 as a public holiday, this day in 2002 marked the UN’s transfer of sovereignty to the newly elected East Timor government. Festivities take place nationwide with Mass at church and tributes paid to those who fought for freedom.

Festival for Peace (Festa ba Dame):

Held in June, the Festival for Peace is a series of shows and exhibits performed and organized by the youth who attend intensive art, multimedia, dancing, and music lessons at Ba Futuru. It aims to promote personal growth and improve the life of those living in conflict-prone areas of Dili, as well as those who are impacted directly or indirectly by violence.

Ramelau Cultural Festival:

Named after the country’s highest peak, the Ramelau Cultural Festival is the biggest cultural event held outside of the capital in East Timor. It is based in the Ainaro district and held late in the year usually in October. The three-day event of cultural pride honors Mount Ramelau, a symbol of Timorese pride and unity.

National Youth Day:

November 12 marks the anniversary of the massacre of Santa Cruz, which occurred in Dili in 1991. A public holiday, this tragic day saw peaceful, pro-independence protesters massacred by Indonesian military forces.

National Heroes’ Day:

Observed on December 7, this public holiday pays tribute to the country’s many heroes in the fight for independence while also remembering the day of the 1975 invasion of East Timor by Indonesia.

Source: Itap-world.com

OlaleOne: Nigerian Contemporary Musician

BIOGRAPHY:

OlaleOne on Marimba

OlaleOne

OlaleOne

Olalekan Azeez Oduntan aka OlaleOne was born (26/05/1964). He is a song writer, composer, griot, xylophonist, percussionist and an entrepreneur. He started his artistic carrier at age twelve gathering his peers together back then and teaching them drama and music with his little level of understanding and knowledge. It was also at that young age that he was reciting poetry for Nigerian Radio and Television stations. He used to travel from Lagos to other states of Nigeria to recite poetry at the weddings, burials and coronation ceremonies depending on the invites.

After his secondary education, he joined the then Center for Cultural Studies University of Lagos, Nigeria as an associate member(now Creative Art Department) taking part in drama, music and cultural productions. It was there that he met the late Professor Akin Euba who was the head of the Center. He performed in the Professor's Band called Akin Euba and the Elekotos. Series of programmes were recorded for radio and television by the band and some albums were recorded too. Because the Cultural Studies was a place of learning, he was also participating in stage drama productions by Professors Bode Osanyin and Uwa Hunwick. It was there that he learnt how to play the xylophone from Nigerian ace xylophonist Ede Nwigwe. An instrument he plays so well today.

OlaleOne

OlaleOne First Album Abracadabra

Also at this department, he met and performed with Music Professors like Laz Ekwemen, Alaja Brown and Joy Nwosu Lo-Bamijoko. He was a member of Joy Nwosu's band that was performing all over Nigeria and within the University of Lagos back then. And Joy Nwosu's band also recorded some albums for Decca Records. He was the xylophonist for the band. He has done sound tracks for stage and movie productions.

CAREER:

OlaleOne Second Album Mama Afrika

OlaleOne recorded his very first album in the year 2014 entitled Abracadabra. The album consists 6 tracks like Abracadabra, Orente, Iyawo, Ore, Orente Instrumental and Ore Acappella. The album shows the musical prowess and dexterity of his capability to handle different genres of music at the same time. And the track Orente topped the Reverbnation Nigerian Afro Hip hop Chart as #1 for more than four times that year. And thereafter, it started shuttling between #1 and #3 on that same Reverbnation Chart.

He dropped another 6 tracker album number two in 2016 entitled Mama Afrika. The album consists of tracks like Mama Afrika, Peace Song, Ojumo Mo, Enu, Ololufemi and Peju Sweetie. Again, the track Peace Song has been topping the Reverberation Nigerian Afro Hiphop Chart as #1 for the past four years. At a time in between those years, Peace Song nearly topped the world music chart!!! Because it was either #100 or #120 in the world. But presently today, the track Peace Song is in #2 on Reverberation Nigerian Afro hop Chart.

OlaleOne Fourth Album The Message

OlaleOne's number three album was dropped in 2018 entitled Afrikan Jazz. This project involves the African wooden Xylophone leading other western instruments combining together to make good music. And the project is very successful. It is musical marriage of the local instrument xylophone and modern musical instruments like guitar, keyboard etc fusing together to make rhythmic sound but the local instrument xylophone dominating the whole musical arrangement. The album consists of 6 tracks like Nnenekwo, Dedebi, Ayangayanga, Akoi Wata Geri, Ero Oja Olowo and Olusegun. This musical project is completely instrumental and that is why it is being referred to as Afrikan Jazz.

OlaleOne's fourth album was just released three weeks ago. It is a musical project put together during the stay at home Pandemic Covid-19 period. The album is entitled The Message and it consists of 6 tracks like The Message, Omolara Babie, Eko Ile, Aye, Shake Ur Body and Ina Fe e Ran. Just as the title of the album implies, the whole tracks on the album are all loaded with messages. In the album, the musician deals with issues affecting the world at large and our society in general. The album the message is indeed a message for this messed age!!!

Discography:

Title                                      Album Details

Abracadabra                       Released 8 March 2014

Mama Afrika                       Released 6 December 2016

Afrikan Jazz                        Released 4 June 2018

The Message                      Released 8 September 2020

His Contact:

YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/OlalekanOduntan

You can purchase all the music on this link: https://songwhip.com/olaleone

+2348173190077

+2347026496440