Tribute to Ama Ata Aidoo: Africa's literary icon, fear writer who inspired Burna Boy – Newstrends
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Tribute to Ama Ata Aidoo: Africa’s literary icon, fear writer who inspired Burna Boy

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Tribute to Ama Ata Aidoo: Africa’s literary icon, fear writer who inspired Burna Boy

Ama Ata Aidoo, the acclaimed Ghanaian author and poet whose words danced upon the page with eloquence and power, has passed away at the age of 81. Throughout her illustrious career, Aidoo’s literary contributions touched the hearts and minds of readers worldwide, painting vivid pictures of the African experience and challenging societal norms with unyielding courage.

One particular moment that encapsulated Aidoo’s indomitable spirit was her speech from her 1987 interview featured in the Afrobeat singer Burna Boy’s song, “Monsters You Made.” In this powerful anthem popularly titled “What would the world be without Africa?” Aidoo’s voice reverberated, intertwining with Burna Boy’s electrifying music to deliver a resounding message of resilience and liberation.

In her speech, Aidoo spoke with unwavering conviction, confronting the monstrous systems of oppression that have plagued her beloved continent for centuries. Her words, infused with wisdom and grace, echoed through the lyrics, resonating deeply with listeners across the globe. Through her participation in this musical masterpiece, Aidoo showcased her unwavering dedication to amplifying the voices of the marginalized and bringing attention to the urgent issues that demanded attention.

But Aidoo’s impact extends far beyond this momentary collaboration. Born on 23 March 1942 in Abeadzi Kyiakor, near Saltpond, in the Central Region of Ghana, she blazed a trail as a fierce advocate for gender equality and social justice throughout her literary career. Her renowned novel, ‘Changes’ published in 1993, explored the complexities of a changing society, daring to challenge the norms and traditions that stifle progress.

Aidoo fearlessly ventured into uncharted literary territory, weaving narratives that highlighted the often-overlooked stories of African women. Through her celebrated works, including ‘Our Sister Killjoy’ and ‘Anowa’ Aidoo unapologetically exposed the layers of patriarchy, colonialism, and cultural tensions that constrained her society. With a masterful command of language, she wove these themes into a tapestry of beauty and resilience, empowering generations to question an

Beyond her written works, Aidoo was a trailblazer in the realm of education and activism. She championed the importance of education as a means of liberation, tirelessly advocating for the empowerment of African youth. Aidoo’s tenacity and intellect inspired countless individuals to dream beyond the constraints imposed upon them, sparking a fire of hope that continues to burn brightly today.

Over the course of her long and illustrious career, Aido continued to push the boundaries of African literature, experimenting with form and genre and tackling a wide range of social and political issues. Her works, which include novels, plays, and poetry, are characterized by their lyrical prose, incisive social commentary, and unflinching honesty.

She served as the Minister of Education in Ghana from 1982 to 1983, and later founded the Mbaasem Foundation, an organization that supports women’s writing in Africa.

As news of Aidoo’s passing spreads, tributes pour in from literary communities, scholars, and admirers around the world. Lola Shoneyin, a Nigerian author described Aidoo as her literary mother, a towering figure and feminist who taught her and always had the right words. She also sent condolences to her daughter Kinna Likimani who took after her mother’s footsteps becoming an editor and a literary critic.

Aidoo’s legacy as a literary icon and fearless activist will forever be etched into the records of African literature, and her words serving as a beacon of light for generations to come.Her passing is a loss not only for Ghana and Africa but for the entire literary world.

Her memory will forever be cherished, her works cherished, and her spirit will live on in the hearts of those she inspired. Rest in power, Ama Ata Aidoo, for you have left an indelible mark on the world.
-Businessday

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2Baba introduces Natasha to mother, others in viral video

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2Baba introduces Natasha to mother, others in viral video

Music legend 2Baba has officially introduced his new partner, lawmaker Natasha Osawaru, to his family in a video that has since gone viral.

The introduction follows a rocky chapter in 2Baba’s personal life, including a widely publicised breakup with his longtime partner, Annie Macaulay, and an emotional plea from his mother urging Natasha to distance herself from the singer.

Earlier this year, 2Baba’s mother, Rose, made headlines when she tearfully appealed to Natasha to “release” her son from what she described as a troubling relationship.

“This message is for Miss Natasha Osawaru of Edo State. I’m calling on all mothers in Nigeria to help me beg her to free my son,” she stated.

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The matriarch’s heartfelt message sparked widespread attention, with many wondering if the family would ever accept Natasha as a part of 2Baba’s life.

However, it appears that Rose has had a change of heart.

According to recent videos, Natasha met with 2Baba’s family, including his mother, in a private gathering that seemed to signify a new chapter in their relationship.

The meeting also included other key family stakeholders.

2Baba introduces Natasha to mother, others in viral video

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Kollington fires back at Wasiu Ayinde K1

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Alhaji Kollington Ayinla and King Wasiu Ayinde

Kollington fires back at Wasiu Ayinde K1

Veteran Fuji musician, Alhaji Kollington, has responded to claims by King Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as K1 that he failed to offer condolences following the passing of Kwam1’s mother.

K1 had earlier recounted how he supported Kollington during his own mother’s death, accusing Kollington of not returning the favour.

However, speaking in a recent interview on Agbaletu TV, Kollington vehemently denied the allegations, revealing that he had made several attempts to reach out to Kwam1 via phone, but his calls were neither answered nor returned.

Kollington also took a swipe at K1’s character, suggesting that his new title, “Olori Omoba,” had fueled his arrogance.

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The Fuji legend further asserted his dominance in the genre, stating that K1 would have to surpass him before he could claim the top spot.

He said: “When Wasiu Ayinde’s mum died, I called him severally. He didn’t pick up, nor did he return the calls. Even on New Year’s Day, I called, and he didn’t pick up. I was like, what’s wrong with this boy? So, I let him be. He can’t tell me he was busy. What was he busy doing? If it is because he was crowned the ‘Olori omoba’, that position is for his family at Ijebu, not for me. Does he want to become God? I am the leader of all the Fuji singers. He can never be the leader when I am still alive. For me to have survived the sickness that happened to me recently, it is only God that can kpai me”.

Kollington fires back at Wasiu Ayinde K1

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Barrister raised me but didn’t learn Fuji music from him – Wasiu Ayinde

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Alhaji King Wasiu Ayinde

Barrister raised me but didn’t learn Fuji music from him – Wasiu Ayinde

K1 De Ultimate stated this in a viral video during an interview with Agbaletu Radiovision. He explained the nature of the relationship with the late Barrister, the man reputed to be the creator of the Fuji genre of music in Nigeria.

Contrary to insinuations in some quarters that he learnt the music trade from Barrister as a trainee, the Mayegun of Yorubaland clarified that he did not live with the late musician as an apprentice.

He confirmed that some apprentices indeed went to learn fuji music from Barrister, but he instead loved the late fuji legend and embraced him as a role model and later became his child.

Wasiu Ayinde also disclosed that he learnt good character and good virtues from the man he once lived with in a one-room apartment.

“I didn’t go to learn music from Barrister, because some people went to learn music from him; I just loved him from when I was little. I saw him as a role model and I moved closer and identified with him. He welcomed me, and I became his child. I learnt good characters and ideals from him.

“Alhaji Barrister and I did a lot, right from a young age. I lived with him right from when he was staying in one-room apartment. I was always there with him, and it got to a point that he insisted that he wanted to know my parents, so I took my mother to him. Afterwards, he accepted that I should continue staying with him.”

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K1 also denied a report that he once abused Barrister in an interview he granted, saying, ”I have never granted any interview on this issue because it is heavy for me to say and accept that I insulted Barrister. What actually happened was that I had a friend who was also a musician, and he had issues with Barrister. But, I did not have any issue with Barrister.

“Father and child should not fight. On that day, at Liberty Stadium, the show featured Sawaba. He was the one who insulted Barrister, not me.

“The only thing I told him was that the concert we just did, if the boss talked to me, he would do so in a way so as to forgive him because we both performed at the concert. But, I swear with all I have that I did not insult Barrister.”

K1 De Ultimate, as he is fondly called, also spoke about the controversy surrounding his proclamation as the ‘King of Fuji’, saying the title was not conferred on him secretly.

“It was done openly at NTA Ibadan. Those who nominated me to be the ‘King of Fuji’ had their reasons for doing that. We had ‘King of Juju’, ‘Queen of Waka’; so, they wanted to have ‘King of Fuji’; but at that time, a major squabble was going on between the two senior players (Barrister and General Kollington Ayinla).

“The organisers told me that they felt if they chose between the two senior players as king, there would be “war”; so, they would rather settle for me. But, by settling for me, my boss ought to know that it is him they are honouring. That was what made me accept the title.”

Also delving into his relationship with President Bola Tinubu, particularly following the criticism that greeted the recent telephone conversation between them when he lost his mother, he declared that the president has been his big brother for long.

“Asiwaju has been my brother for a long time, and I have known him from my young age. Our mothers knew each other. If you remember, during the call, when he was greeting me, he said that my mum will see her elder sister (Tinubu’s mum) in heaven. That is an acknowledgement of what I’ve been saying that we have a history together.”

 

Barrister raised me but didn’t learn Fuji music from him – Wasiu Ayinde

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