A new app from Nigeria is here to help in the quest for more diverse emojis, and this time the wacky characters have been designed with West Africans in mind.
"Afro Emoji" launched Wednesday for free download on Android and Apple devices.
The West African-themed "stickers" in the app consists of a diverse array of characters dressed in traditional African clothing and accompanied by familiar pan-African phrases in pidgin English, including "Abeg no vex" (please, don’t be annoyed), "Chai!" (an exclamation of surprise) and "Akwaaba" ("Welcome" in the Ghanaian language Twi).
Ayoola Daramola, the Nigerian-American team lead of the app, said he believes that the idea is plugging into a key demographic that's been largely ignored in the tech world. In a press release, Daramola explained the desire behind creating the Afro Emoji app:
We, as Africans, definitely have an idiosyncratic way of communicating with one another, and Afro Emoji is really a fun, accessible graphic depiction of that. We are building a modern African hieroglyph that represents us.
While the economies of African countries like Nigeria and Ghana surge, the tech and mobile industry on the continent is also continuing to grow. Over 400 million smartphones are projected to be use on the continent by 2020.
“Mobile is king in Africa," Dramola said. "It is the tool for communication and media consumption, so we expect the Afro Emoji to become a key component in how Africans message and chat.”
Inspirational speech Indian yogi and author, Sandguru, who wonders why we humans believe making a living is and should be our life goals. Listen to it and get inspired!
There are some stories you hear and instantly have a teary eye because it is soo beautiful, so full of love. Charles and Louise's Evans story is such. "My wife and I were sweethearts in high school. You can say it was love at first sight. We actually had 59 years and 11 months,” Charles "Lala" Evans says. “Every Sunday, before or after church, she’d have me take her picture. And that’s how the collection grew — so much memorabilia and pictures and everything.” When Louise passed away, Charles wanted to do something to honor her memory, so he turned his house, their house, into a museum about her.
The American alternative rock band Mutemath was looking for inspiration for their new song "Monument" when they heard about the beautiful love story of Charles and Louise. They decided to focus solely on Charles "Monument" for Louise. Everything you see in the video is all about Charles keeping the memory of Louise alive. Inside their house you see thousands of photographs of them and outside the house you see umbrellas that remind Charles of his lady. “On any given day I look out at any umbrella and see her smiling at me,” Charles said.
As for the outcome of the video, LaLa says he’s “so grateful to be a little part of it.”LaLa also told BuzzFeed he believes Louise would have loved the final product.“Oh she would have loved it. She’s loving it now. Yeah, she would’ve been a little bashful about it because she’s a bashful kinda lady, but she would have loved it.” And LaLa’s reaction to the video was nothing but genuine. “I was sitting here crying. All the memories came back to me.” Charles' advice for couples is: “I tell people, ‘put that lady first!’” LaLa laughs. “They’ll be some ups and downs, but work hard at it.”“People come to me saying they have their problems and want to know how we do it. I tell them, ‘It’s all about love, that’s the key.”
"
"Monument"
There's a daylight going under There's a new spark to discover And you know we're not getting any young So remember, this is our time
I wanna drive an open road Can we go out tonight Anything goes Let's make a monument for our love, our love Our love, our love Let's make a monument for our love, our love Our love, our love
There's a memory around the corner There's an angel on our shoulders To remind us life is far from over So remember, this is our time
I wanna drive an open road Can we go out tonight Anything goes Let's make a monument for our love, our love Our love, our love Let's make a monument for our love, our love Our love, our love
Every night is ours to own Everywhere is ours to roam Every sun is sunshine gold Everywhere Let's make a monument for our love, our love Another monument for our love, our love
Our love, our love Let's make a monument for our love, our love Make a monument for our love, our love
I love this song so much. Brings me back to the time I was a teenager. British singer Black (Black Vearncombe) died on Sunday at the age of 53 years. The singer had a severe car accident some months ago and was since on life support. May his soul rest in Peace and thank you for this beautiful song that liveth on.
Here I go out to sea again
The sunshine fills my hair
And dreams hang in the air
Gulls in the sky and in my blue eye
You know it feels unfair
There's magic everywhere
Look at me standing
Here on my own again
Up straight in the sunshine
No need to run and hide
It's a wonderful, wonderful life
No need to laugh and cry
It's a wonderful, wonderful life
The sun's in your eyes
the heat is in your hair
They seem to hate you
because you're there
And I need a friend
oh I need a friend
to make me happy
Not stand here on my own
Look at me standing
Here on my own again
Up straight in the sunshine
No need to run and hide
It's a wonderful, wonderful life
No need to laugh and cry
It's a wonderful, wonderful life
I need a friend, oh I need a friend
To make me happy, not so alone
Look at me here
Here on my own again
Up straight in the sunshine
No need to run and hide
It's a wonderful, wonderful life
No need to laugh and cry
It's a wonderful, wonderful life
No need to run and hide
It's a wonderful, wonderful life
No need to laugh and cry
It's a wonderful, wonderful life
Wonderful life
Wonderful life
Read more: Black - Wonderful Life Lyrics | MetroLyrics
I can't point out why I'm moved by this, but I love the beautiful feeling after watching this video. It is raw, wild and kind of crazy but still so emotional! I love it!
Quick introduction: Haka is an ancient war cry of the Maori that was used before battles as an intimidation tactic. Today it's used as a battle cry before games or as a victory chant after a win, to show a sign of respect to someone, or to acknowledge, bless or honor a special occasion or funeral.
The video was filmed at Benjamin and Aaliyah's wedding reception in Auckland last week. In it, they watch with emotion as the groomsmen and guests surprise them with a heartfelt performance of the traditional haka dance, before joining in themselves.
"I wasn't planning on jumping in until one bridesmaid did. I felt the need to show love and respect back," said Ms Armstrong. "I was really blown away." Women do not normally perform the haka in Maori culture, but she said they can do at weddings. The nearly three-minute video ends with the couple emotionally embracing the performers.
The haka was organised by the 23-year-old groom's best man and was led by his older brother.
It was filmed by her cousin's production company. Benjamin Armstrong thanks the groomsmen with a Maori greeting at the end of the dance "Ben is a Maori, he is probably more Maori than I am," Ms Armstrong said. "Because he has fair skin, some people have been saying on social media that 'he'd better not hurt the bride', but they're actually his family."
Wow great move from the Simbawian government, this is the way to go Africa! Girls need to go to school so they have the chance to be independent. No great society can succeed without educated men and women!
Zimbabwe’s highest court outlawed marriage for any person under the age of 18 on Wednesday. The decision is a victory for gender equality and anti-poverty efforts. The nation’s Constitutional Court made this ruling in a case brought by two women who were forced into child marriages. Both claim the early marriage restricted their access to education and sentenced them to a life of poverty.
Zimbabwe currently has a high rate of child marriage, with some estimates saying 21% of children are married before their 18th birthday. The majority of those children are girls. Across the African continent there are an estimated 14 million under-age girls married each year. Child marriage is a major obstacle to the development of girls and eventually communities. These early marriages often keep girls out of school and the workforce and, therefore, reliant on their husbands.
The scourge of child and early forced marriages (known by policy makers as CEFM) has kept millions and millions of people in poverty. The victory in Zimbabwe is a big step towards creating gender equality and ending extreme poverty, and is hopefully a sign that African nations are taking this issue more seriously. The African Union held its first major summit on the issue last year, calling for nations to enact and enforce laws protecting children. This is an especially important call in the wake of UNICEF predicting that without a change in laws and enforcement, child marriages on the continent will double by 2050. Source: Global Citizen
yeah Togo's own music Queen has dropped another gorgeous dance hit. ALMOK released the music video of her latest song "Molo Molo". ALMOK is has been around for awhile but the last year has advanced her to the Top of Togo and beyond.
Enjoy the video!
*headshaking* this is alot of money in the hands of few!
A recent global inequality report released by Oxfam confirms new findings on the growing gap between the rich and poor. Around 16 African billionaires live amongst 350 million people in poverty in the sub-Saharan region of the continent. The report also confirmed that the 62 richest people in the world have more money combined than the poorest 3.6 billion people.
“Power and privilege are being used to rig the system to increase the gap between the richest and the rest of us to levels we have not seen before,” said Raymond C. Offenheiser, President of Oxfam America. “Far from trickling down, income and wealth are instead being pulled upwards at an alarming rate.”
Hardworking people at the bottom of the income curve don’t make enough to put food on the table or buy medicine when their kids get sick, much less money to buy a home, start a business or save for the future. And so the engine of economic growth breaks down.
A year ago, Oxfam predicted that the 1% would soon own more than the rest of us, a prediction that came true even before 2015 ended.
BBC Africa's host Akwasi Sarpong interviewed Oxfam's executive director, Winnie Byanyima. Very interesting!
Tax havens are at the core of the global system that allows large corporations and wealthy individuals to avoid paying their fair share, depriving governments, rich and poor, of the resources they need to provide vital public services and tackle rising inequality.
Globally, it is estimated that a total of $7.6 trillion of personal wealth sits offshore. If tax would be paid on the income that this wealth generates, an extra $190 billion would be available to governments every year. Such tax revenues could pay for public services, infrastructure, regulatory bodies, welfare systems and other goods and services that keep countries running.
In developing countries in particular, where there is an even bigger need for strengthening health and education services for the hundreds of millions of people who still live in extreme poverty, revenues from taxes could make such a difference. But when money is hidden in tax havens instead, this can work in reverse, shifting the burden on the poorest people.
I normally decided not to post anything about #Oscarssowhite because I didn't like the way blacks were presenting themselves in this matter. Till I found this video of Jada Pinkett Smith, saying it the way I was feeling about it! I really respect this woman for this video! We black people both in Africa and America need to carry ourselves with pride and we need to start investing in ourselves and mostly let's start creating ourselves so that our children will have a platform to be honored like the whites honor their people on the Oscars and so on. We have to start now so that in maybe 50 years our academy will be huge like the Oscars even, if possible, bigger than the Oscars. If we are begging them like the hashtag #Oscarssowhite is insinuating then we will lose and our children and grandchildren will lose to. This hashtag makes me feel like the black race is asking whites to acknowledge them and if they don't do then we fall back in the time of the slavery. This is the wrong way to handle this matter! I don't know why blacks do not see the opportunities that stand before them. If Afro-Americans and African film industry collaborate and establish an annual movie award that celebrate black people. With a lot of handworks and the will to succeed, we will be taken seriously in no time. Black American filmmakers need to start seeing the potential that is in Africa (Nollywood & Ghollywood) and start to collaborate with this industry. Africa is the fastest growing continent and the people in Africa love watching films! This is a great opportunity and time for us to create something of our own. It doesn't have to stop at the movie industries we can expand it to the fashion industry then we can use our black models and present the beauty that lies in the black race. The future generation will have something to be inspired by and to build on. This is just my own view on that matter.
How beautiful is this gospel group. I get goose bumps anytime I listen to it!
I hope your day was filled with the holy spirit.
Have a wonderful Sunday!
10 years ago today, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf was sworn in as Liberia’s new president, becoming Africa’s first female elected head of state. The election of Africa’s “Iron Lady” marked the beginning of the nation’s success story, in the wake of fourteen years of brutal civil conflict. (2006)
Sirleaf was awarded the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize jointly with two other African women recognized “for their non-violent struggle for the safety of women and for women’s rights to full participation in peace-building work.”
Her autobiography, This Child Will Be Great: Memoir of a Remarkable Life by Africa’s First Woman President, tells the tale of her childhood, her experiences with abuse, imprisonment, and exile, and later, her rise to power. She studied in the United States and worked as an international bank executive, but became a social reformer in her homeland who fought the oppression of
dictators.
Source: GoodNewsNetwork
After 10 years of being a president what is the feedback? Listen to an BBC evaluation.
Girls take out your tissues out Its getting emotional right here! An Indian man cycled from India to Europe just to be unite with the love of his life! He drove everyday about 70km (44 miles).
Indian artist PK Mahanandia met Charlotte Von Schedvin on a winter evening in Delhi in 1975 when she asked him to draw her portrait.
What eventually followed was an epic bicycle journey from India to Europe - all for love.
Ms Von Schedvin was visiting India as a tourist when she spotted Mr Mahanandia in Delhi's Connaught Place district.
He had made a name for himself as a sketch artist and enjoyed a good reputation in the local press.
Intrigued by his claim of "making a portrait in 10 minutes", she decided to give it a try.
But she wasn't impressed with the result and decided to come back the next day.
The next day sadly, proved no better. Read the rest of the story
Egypt is set to host Africa 2016 forum, the first international business and investment forum of its kind, from February 20-21, 2016, organizers said.
This is an Africa to Africa investment forum aimed at strengthening business ties within Africa, both at a business and presidential level. The Forum will be opened by the President of Egypt, Abdel Fateh El-Sisi, and a number of African Heads of State are also expected at the forum. Last June, in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt, three African regional economic communities, COMESA, SADC and the EAC signed a tripartite agreement creating the biggest free trade area on the continent. The Africa 2016 Forum aims to reflect on the African opportunity, as well as putting to practice the African integration story.
The Forum was initiated - and is spearheaded by the Egyptian Agency of Partnership for Development (EAPD), the development arm of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Ambassador Dr. Hazem Fahmy, the Secretary General of the EAPD, is confident that the Forum will help drive the business agenda: "We are launching what we feel will become an important event to help drive more intra-African investment and trade. Egypt is an important partner. We have a number of established groups that have already successfully invested in East and Southern Africa.
A number of Egyptian companies in the pharmaceutical and ICT industries can offer expertise and solutions that can be replicated throughout our beloved continent. We also have the needed infrastructure to support them. Lastly, our strategic relationship with a number of countries in the Gulf can help other African countries access international capital.
The Africa 2016 Forum will help us better understand the African opportunity and will help ensure that policymakers start putting the mechanics in place to make it easier for investors to access our markets.
"This was a sentiment that was also expressed by Heba Salama, who heads COMESA's Regional Investment Agency: "The aim of the Forum, as well as discussing some of the most pressing issues in Africa today, is to encourage as much B2B interaction. We know that Africa offers the highest rate of return of any region in the world. However, too often, the African private sector is not taking advantage of this opportunity outside of their borders. We aim to change this."
The programme will have a big focus on boosting intra-Africa trade and investment by developing new and strategic public and private sector alliances. The organizers expect 1,000 delegates to attend the Forum.
Egypt is becoming an attractive regional gateway for international businesses wanting to access large African markets and for the private sector looking for growth partners. A number of Egyptian conglomerates have already invested in a number of African countries in infrastructure, mining, telecoms, manufacturing, finance, and other important economic sectors. And some Egyptian investment banks have in the past year facilitated investments from the Middle East into the region.
Sitting at the crossroads of Europe, the Gulf, Asia, and Africa, Egypt is not only focusing on building on its existing relationships with its traditional neighbors but also strengthening its engagement with partners within Africa.
"Last year, following our Egypt the Future conference, we managed to secure billions of dollars of commitments and investment. Recently, another investor from the Gulf also announced a multi-billion dollar real estate investment project in the country. The opportunity is very much alive, as much in Egypt as in the rest of Africa, and the time is now," according to Ashraf Salman, Minister of Investment for Egypt.
The Bretton Woods institutions have forecast economic growth figures for Egypt of around 4 percent over the next two years. This growth, characterised by renewed investments by several multinational companies across various sectors- from oil (BP has invested in $12-billion in a new project) to beverages (Coca-Cola has made a commitment to spend $500m in Egypt within the next three years) and agribusiness, infrastructure materials and pharmaceuticals, coupled with the new political dispensation, clearly demonstrate that Egypt is on the road of transformational change.
The new Tripartite Free Trade Area (TFTA) will lead to the creation of a "borderless economy" that would rank 13th in the world in terms of GDP. It presents an important opportunity not only to harmonise regulations but also to enable deep integration amongst African economies, with a focus on boosting intra-African trade and implementing a number of action plans that relate to investment, trade, infrastructure, industrialisation, productive capacity and trade facilitation.
The structure and format of the forum has been specifically designed to provide opportunities to meet face-to-face with high-profile government and business decision-makers. There will also be unrivalled access to high-level Egyptian policy makers who will be able to provide first-hand insights into opportunities and projects in the country.
Investment promotion agencies from all over Africa will also be showcasing both public and private investment opportunities and projects that are seeking partners. Africa 2016 will bring such partners to the table.
"Europe was united through economic collaboration," added Ambassador Fahmy, "and by creating a competitive edge in strategic sectors, primarily in steel and coal. We as Africans need to get together and collaborate strategically, taking advantage of the huge wealth we have beneath the earth and with our young population and dynamic economies."-
The Western World like to portrait Africa with the Ugly sides only but I want to broadcast the beautiful side they never show, yes those still exist. Just that the medias are not interested in it, but we African should be proud of our Continent because it is gradually progressing! Here are some awesome pictures of Cotonou in Benin that you must see!
A man wanted by Ohio police sent authorities a selfie because he was unhappy with the mugshot being circulated on his arrest warant. Donald Pugh says the unflattering mugshot made him look "like I was a Thundercat"
Donald "Chip" Pugh was wanted for a failure to appear in several cases including arson and vandalism, according to Lima Police Department. In a post on its Facebook page, Lima Police urged people to contact them if they spotted Pugh - along with an 'unflattering' mugshot of the 45-year-old
Pugh then sent an image of himself sitting in a car wearing sunglasses, with the comment:
"Here is a better photo that one is terrible."
The fugitive even carried out an interview with Ohio radio station The Eagle, in which he claimed Lima Police "just did me wrong".
He said: "They put a picture out that made me look like I was a Thundercat... or James Brown on the run. I can't do that."
Lima Police responded to the photo, adding: "We thank (Pugh) for being helpful, but now we would appreciate it if he would come speak to us at the (police station) about his charges". So far Pugh has not been caught.
Another beautiful song by Beninese artist Marx Sedegan with the encouragious song Azan Didin. The song has two parts in it. The starting the singer describes his struggle in life and he ask God not to forget him. In the second part God really shows him his mercy and he is praising Lord for blessing him. Enjoy the song!
There is so much we don't know about the different African Nations, thats why I'm very thankful about the videos from Youtuber Paul Barbato. Geography Now! attemps to cover profiles on every single country of the world. They do it in a alphabetically order. There last video was about Chad. I learned so much about many african countrys such as Botswana, Burkina Faso and Chad. In this series he describes the national flag, the location, the landscape the demographics and the relation to other country. I really appreciate his efforts.
As I introduced Beninese singer Sessime I fell the urge to find out more about the country of Benin so I came across the videos of Paul Barbato.
Here is the video he made about Benin
Watch and learn as I did :)
I will be posting more of his videos mainly about African Countries but I plan to combine it with an indigenous famous person mostly music artist.
What is your passion, a question that I used to ask myself alot especially when it comes to my career path. But the answer is never easy for me because if there is something constant in my life then the things Im passionate about. That's why I get frustrated when I think of that question.
Terri Trespicio summed in one phrase will be:
Don't wait for passion to show up because you'll be waiting a long time. Passion will come when you take action!
Take apportunities that shows up and be passionate about them and you shall succeed!
This is such a beautiful and inspiring message for me!
There are some stories that can make you cry for their positive way, yes we all know that life is not all that great sometimes but these beautiful stories still happens so why not enjoy it!
This video is about appreciation of good step parenting, some stepparents are a blessing for their stepchildren, but for the biological parents to acknowledge that is a huge step and this is what happens in this video!
Watch the video and share your opinion!
The point with visionboard is sooo true, my husband and I started two years ago with a Goal list, By the end of the year we write down everything we want to achieve. Some Dreams/ Goals are realistic others are just phantasies, but we still write them down. So far we are blown away of the outcome!
Visionboard and Letter to oneself is a great strategies to achieve your goals. Mimi Ikonn made a very inspiring video about goal setting that I can only recommend!
Watch the video below!
Yep, this video made my day. This is the sad truth of those Instagram picture that we women enjoy so much. Never be blinded by seemingly perfect Instagram pictures, you never know how much work it took to take those 'effortless' shots. This video reflects in a funny way how some of those picture are made. I love it!
Thank you Mark Zuckerberg, I really feel touched by your statement about stigmatizing ALL Muslims. I'm not a Muslim but I really feel for the innocent Muslim believers who just want to live their lifes. Why can't we just condemn terrorists as such and leave the religion outside?
Read Mark Zuckerberg statement "I want to add my voice in support of Muslims in our community and around the world," He wrote. "After the Paris attacks and hate this week, I can only imagine the fear Muslims feel that they will be persecuted for the actions of others. As a Jew, my parents taught me that we must stand up against attacks on all communities. Even if an attack isn't against you today, in time attacks on freedom for anyone will hurt everyone. If you're a Muslim in this community, as the leader of Facebook I want you to know that you are always welcome here and that we will fight to protect your rights and create a peaceful and safe environment for you. Having a child has given us so much hope, but the hate of some can make it easy to succumb to cynicism. We must not lose hope. As long as we stand together and see the good in each other, we can b!uild a better world for all people."
Happy Independence Day to Tanzania!
Listen to some great music from Tanzania!
Story is been written to day in Tanzania as the new elected President John Magufuli cancelled the celebration and announced that today is a nationwide cleaning day.
And the President is a role model by doing the cleaning as well!
One of many reasons the African continent can't emerge to become great. The continent is still enslaved by Western Industries. We have the resources but we don't benefit from it. They keep our presidents shut by mesmerizing them with money and some privileges and make us the population believe that they are helping us with their so called development aids! We must wake up and stand our ground!
Before this video I didn't know about Mary M'Mukinda, but I must say that after watching this interview, I was amazed about her honesty and her achievements.
A great woman!
This is such a innovative and efficient way of recycling the Environment, creating jobs and producing Goods that are needed!
Keep it up Ghana!
P.S. A great business to invest in!
I want to introduce to you my next Meet! artist- It's Ugandan superstar singer Rema Namakula.
Rema is well known singer. She started her singing career as a backup singer an Ugandan singer Halima Namakula. Because of her outstanding voice she was chosen to be a backup singer of Bebe Cool. She decided to go solo 2013 with her first album. With her first released song "Oli Wange" she became a household name in the Ugandan music industry.
Rema Namakula is in a relationship with Ugandan superstar Eddy Kenzo that she has a one year daughter with.
It's Wednesday why not have some fun with this educational and fun Video. After 3 minutes of watching this video, I bet with you that you can draw a cartoon character.
So grab a piece of paper and a pen!
Enjoy
New Collabo that makes a lot of sense, because it sounds GREAT!
The nigerian star Harry Song collaborated with the togolese stars TOOFAN. Thank you for this great dance track!
I really love the confidence that Sean Stephenson shows in this speech, it is fierce!
There are three life lessons I learned in his speech, Never pity or bully yourself or your condition, because it limit your abilities! Learn to love yourself, except things that you can't change in your life and move on with a positive mindset. Carry yourself with confidence and most of all, have love for yourself!
Enjoy his message!
New and great song by Ugandan superstar - Eddy Kenzo. In this song he is thanking Almighty God for all the blessing. The music video is starring The Ghetto Kids.
Have a wonderful Sunday - God Bless
Anybody who follow my blog since the beginning, will notice my love for Ugandan music. I fell in love 2009 when I listened to my first Ugandan song by the artist David Lutalo ft. Bebe Cool which was "I can see" I listened to that song many times a day but I wouldn't be fed up with it, up till now it is one of my favorite songs. Especially the female artist got my attention, such as Blue 3, Ray C, Sylvia Namugenyi, JulianKanyomozi, Rema, Benah Namisinga just to mention a few.
So the day before yesterday I was browsing the Internet when I came across the video of the Dance group Tabu Flo which I shared here
The song used in that video was from the Ugandan songstress Ekky, the songs name is Do you remember me I loved it from the first beat, so I tried to find out more about her music, and what can I say; she is great!
Ekky is a singer and songwriter residing in Ugandan capital city Kampala.
She is the daughter of a neurosurgeon (father) and a banker (mother), she has one little brother. She moved to London to persue her studies in the Aberystwyth University in Wales. In 2009 she gradueted with an LLB law degree. She worked shortly in London but decided to return to Uganda to follow her dream of becoming a singer.
Ekky
Ekkys music career started 2012 with her debut single Why lie, it was very successful in Ugandan with many radio stations playing it.
In 2013, Ekky was nominated in two categories for the Hihipo music awards for best breakthrough artist and her single Why Lie for best Afropop and Soul song.
Ekky is currently working on her new studio album, "The African Love Story", the first song that she released from that album is Do you remember me
I personally can't wait to hear more of her music, make sure to follow her on social media such as: Facebook Instagram Twitter
I love, love this dancing group from Uganda! So refreshing and fun to watch!
By the way they choosed a great song by the Ugandan artist Ekky. The song is called "Do you remember me"
So beautiful people enjoy the dance performance and the song!
