Nneka is a singer/songwriter from Warri,Nigeria.Her music is a mix of RMB,Soul,Hip Hop,Reggae,Afrobeat,which combined create beautiful sounds of pleasure.
Take a listen.
Three weeks ago I decided to go out and enjoy a night of poetry and live bands in downtown Los Angeles with an opened mind and up for anything that came my way.When I arrived I felt a bit strange because I hardly go to those type of events on my own but soon enough I started feeling the environment and the souls beside me.As I walked in the bookstore I encountered a young boy who was signing up people coming in to recite their poetry.I thought about signing up, but then I thought I would rather listen.With my hand in my black jacket I sat in a green wooded chair waiting for the poetry slam to start.When all of a sudden as fast as a blinking eye, a man which appeared to look in his late forties approached me and sat on a chair that was right by me and said hello with a smile.That man spoke in a delicate manner yet affirmative of what he said.His name was Malu,he spoke of his life,he said as a child he raised himself.And I asked what did he mean by that.He cleared his throat,crossed his legs,and began to speak of the story of his life.
His childhood wasn't flowers and candy.He was a runaway from home,not because he wanted to be but because his parents were abusing drugs,did not take care of him at all.He lived in Brazil most of his young life.At the age of five he left his home and began to prostitute himself for a piece of bread.He began to wander the streets with nobody to tell him what was right from wrong,with no inspiration,no role model,no hope,no faith.As the years past he began to become weary and tired of everything he had to go through everyday.One day he was wandering the streets like any other day but the difference was that there was a young boy of almost the same age as him that he met, seventeen years of age by the name of Sal.That day him and Sal had a deep conversation that blossomed into a great friendship. Sal gave Malu his first book, Malu didn't know how to read,nobody ever taught him.Malu picked up the book and asked his new friend Sal to teach him how to read. In no time Malu became I quote, "very obsessed with reading books".He became so obsessed he enrolled in school,graduated from high school, and even attended a University where he majored in psychology. He said he felt like he was on top of the world at that point, yet he still felt an empty space in his heart that he did not quite understand.He began searching for what was something he didn't comprehend but he knew he was in search for it,whatever that was. He began to travel all over the world but he could not shake off that feeling inside that just didn't quite feel right.He traveled to Los Angeles and decided to stay.He was introduced to great people from a church that help those in need.Not just by reading the bible to those in need but by going out there and helping the homeless,the weary,the hopeless,and giving them a sanctuary.He was more than eager to participate in this group of individuals who help from the good of their hearts. Soon enough he was happy like never before,he had finally found what he was looking for.To help others as he was helped from an oblivion.
Visions penetrating my mind
When hearts race they melt into evaporated songs that
diffuse into skin admitting vibrations
piercing deeper and deeper
puncturing
entering
with every slight breath..
every touch,
every look,
if the eyes are the windows to the soul,
may I gaze into them and wander...
