"Innovation Katogo" was the theme for the last Wapi Event in 2008 (organised by the British Council plus Silk Events) and I managed to spray paint my very first amateur Graffiti before making my annual Christmas pilgrimage to Arua the next weekend (Didn't even attend my Old Fellow Jona's Wedding).
My very first professional painting was around August 2007 but it wasn't graffiti, just an interior decoration for an old boy. The second followed immediately just before CHOGM.
Imran Azad, the uniquely colourful artist taught me some valuable techniques I applied to produce my 'INOV8RZ' Graffiti piece, maybe you can use them too! Someone said he liked the way I did the Z, I liked it too. Not bad overall but I felt I needed to do much better than I did, paint dripped in some areas even after I started fantastically. I lost my nerve somehow close to the climax and even held my spray-can with two hands. Some stranger who came late and couldn't get a board wanted to help me finish my name smoothly. I let him do it; he advised me to spray once (that is continuously) while creating a letter. Another guy asked me to spray on his trousers, wow! Was that fan courtesy? Naah, I think I was just available. Roland who did a live painting during Kirk Franklin's previous Serena Concert was on my right side. The girl on my left side was also doing it for her first time and told her friends I was quite 'good' despite everything else but the highlight guy whom my second cousin Edwin (holding a videocam) told me to check out was a white painter whose meticulous touch was so smooth that it attracted several watchers. Owl (real name Derrick Muhiirwa) had remarkable stuff near the fence. Imran , my mentor was also loud with about two pieces. The master (who bravely appeared in Desire Luzinda’s song “Bingi” while other men shunned the bare-chested role in the video) painted great stuff too. He later confessed that I did better than he thought I would on my first attempt. I know that everybody has a certain talent but we need practice to perfect our disciplines.
Here are a few guidelines he shared with me before and during the December drill. I have chosen to summarise them into seven entries:
1. Spray from a distance, it may be faint but it prevents the dripping of paint. (Remember to always wear a mask covering your nose to avoid poisoning!)
2. Learn to use the index finger, weaker than the thumb but allows flexibility. The thumb may not give you very good results compared to the index finger (aka second or forefinger)
3. Do not try to rub away paint when there is another colour around, will cause a mixture and result in a new colour
4. Be free (and not uneasy). Don't be nervous, relax, YOU CAN DO IT! (He said that just about the time Obama became the First Black President of America)
5. To create a line that is smooth, depress the aerosol and spray once while making lines
6. To keep the paint mixed, you can turn the can upside down in addition to shaking
7. Start by spraying light colours like yellow first, then add dark ones (As for me, I don't mind the reverse as long as you know your vision)!
(Personal Exploration) Maisha Filmlab Master Class taught on Eid el Fitiri (8th August 2013) by WILLIAM WHEELER [Screenwriter of Mira Nair’s The Reluctant Fundamentalist (2012 Film)]:
''If you have an Idea, write it down! We are all given Ideas. Some of us bring them to fruition, some of us don’t. Don’t say you are not good at this; who cares? Don’t say ‘I’m the most Boring Person in the World’! Forces inside of us come up with Ideas that slow us down yet Stories unite us and change Cultures. A brilliant entertaining Film can take Someone’s Cares away after a long Day at Work. Make Time to write daily, you are most likely to finish! What is the One Thing a Story needs? Characters! The more deeply connected viewers are to the characters, the more they will be interested in the film. Share the Hopes and Dreams of the Person in the Situation; it’s their Life and Reality! Your Characters have no Idea that it’s just a Story. Viewers can connect with the Person even if they do not like them. All Characters possess Traits, Desires and must make Decisions. Character is the Problem a Story solves. Complications take a Character through a Metamorphosis of his Desires from conscious to unconscious for instance in The Reluctant Fundamentalist, Changez was chasing the American Dream, but after the 9/11 World Trade Centre Terror Attacks, he wished for a Pakistani Dream instead. As a Private Exercise, Wheeler advised that you should honestly write about your Problem while answering some specific Questions! In the End, you will have written a Story that obeys the Laws of Drama, Triumphs and Transformations based on the Parts of yourself investigated. Draw Narratives from your Experience!''
In the Afternoon, the Movie screened was “Tootsie” from Columbia Pictures about an Actor named Michael who cross-dressed as a Woman in order to get a professional acting Role that had eluded him for 20 Years. One line that summarizes the Drama in the Story came at the end when the Main Protagonist speaks to Julie, a fellow Cast Member with whom he shared a Dressing Room throughout his Falsehood, “I was a better Man with you as a Woman than I ever was as a Man with a Woman…”
During the Question Session, Maisha Filmlab Founder Mira Nair confessed that she likes the creative Uniqueness of Ugandan English just like Indian English, and narrated an Incident at Makerere University Kampala where a Campuser dressed in Army Fatigue was asked where he was going. His amusing reply was, “I’m going to attack the Library!”
Monday
Launching a Website documenting Uganda’s Built Heritage
On Tuesday 30th June 2009 at the Uganda National Museum opposite Seascallop Restaurant on Kira Road, the Makerere University Faculty of Technology Department of Architecture launched the website (www.tech.mak.ac.ug/heritage) documenting and illuminating the surviving historic built heritage of Uganda. The Mission of the Website is: To create awareness about surviving built heritage resources of Uganda so as to impact the local preservation arena with a research, publishing and archiving culture as a powerful tool for conservation action. The website features religious bodies, primary plus tertiary institutions, culture functions, health services, residences and public art. As referred to in the 1972 UNESCO Convention for Conservation and Protection of the World Natural and Cultural Heritage, it includes works of monumental sculpture, painting and other monuments, elements or structures of archaeological nature, inscriptions, cave dwellings and combinations of features, groups of buildings: groups of separate or connected buildings which because of their architecture, their homogeneity or their place in the landscape are outstanding historically, artistically or scientifically. Also included are residential precincts, business premises, sites, parks and gardens and or mixed use facilities.
Many interesting ideas were shared during the workshop. I came in very late and couldn’t place names to the various contributors but here are a few of the ideas:
“Without architectural acumen, you may create a lame building, or a deaf one. Create things like you for the future generations! Beautiful buildings attract tourists. Souvenirs of buildings for example T-Shirts of Namirembe Cathedral when sold can be bought and earn money.”
“There is a problem in Uganda as a result of the education system; people do not appreciate culture. Some politicians speak bad about other regions. There is no spirit of cooperation. We have our own innovations but do not believe in ourselves. Some MUK professors reject bibliographies that include work by professors like Justice George Wilson Kanyeihamba (Chancellor of KIU – Kampala International University) from our own country. In our Primary Schools, if you speak vernacular, you are caned. The issue of culture should be brought up at the primary level. When rebels wage wars, they shouldn’t destroy the existing landmarks.
“(In some European countries, they pray for maximum destruction during war so that they can start the first development program.) For architecture, whenever you look at a building, there is a signal in your brain. Someone once asked: ‘Why zone floors, here don’t go beyond three floors?’ Let us appreciate the dwarf, the tall, the Karimojong.”
“Forces of globalization (colonialism) have destroyed indigenous values where people would sit down and listen to their grandparents. These were negative trends brought before we were born, it’s now up to us to change that. Nevertheless, English helps us understand further, higher, deeper and larger. We do not have to abandon vernacular.”
“Students fail simple exams set at the Faculty of Technology because they never understand the fundamentals or abstracts which can be taught best using vernacular. Uganda teaches sciences in English but if you draw a line from Nimule, in Southern Sudan or New Sudan, to the North Pole you will find that all teach in their local languages.”
“If you want to know the future, you must glorify the present. This project has come to fill the vacuum. The grant from the U.S. Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation will surely ignite Ugandans.”
Nelson Abiti aka Nelly, one of the Uganda Museum facilitators at the workshop emphasized to me after the proceedings that, “Colonial evangelists taught us how our traditional cultures were of the Devil, yet when someone takes very good care of a certain tree in his homestead, he is actually honouring GOD who made the tree.”
Many interesting ideas were shared during the workshop. I came in very late and couldn’t place names to the various contributors but here are a few of the ideas:
“Without architectural acumen, you may create a lame building, or a deaf one. Create things like you for the future generations! Beautiful buildings attract tourists. Souvenirs of buildings for example T-Shirts of Namirembe Cathedral when sold can be bought and earn money.”
“There is a problem in Uganda as a result of the education system; people do not appreciate culture. Some politicians speak bad about other regions. There is no spirit of cooperation. We have our own innovations but do not believe in ourselves. Some MUK professors reject bibliographies that include work by professors like Justice George Wilson Kanyeihamba (Chancellor of KIU – Kampala International University) from our own country. In our Primary Schools, if you speak vernacular, you are caned. The issue of culture should be brought up at the primary level. When rebels wage wars, they shouldn’t destroy the existing landmarks.
“(In some European countries, they pray for maximum destruction during war so that they can start the first development program.) For architecture, whenever you look at a building, there is a signal in your brain. Someone once asked: ‘Why zone floors, here don’t go beyond three floors?’ Let us appreciate the dwarf, the tall, the Karimojong.”
“Forces of globalization (colonialism) have destroyed indigenous values where people would sit down and listen to their grandparents. These were negative trends brought before we were born, it’s now up to us to change that. Nevertheless, English helps us understand further, higher, deeper and larger. We do not have to abandon vernacular.”
“Students fail simple exams set at the Faculty of Technology because they never understand the fundamentals or abstracts which can be taught best using vernacular. Uganda teaches sciences in English but if you draw a line from Nimule, in Southern Sudan or New Sudan, to the North Pole you will find that all teach in their local languages.”
“If you want to know the future, you must glorify the present. This project has come to fill the vacuum. The grant from the U.S. Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation will surely ignite Ugandans.”
Nelson Abiti aka Nelly, one of the Uganda Museum facilitators at the workshop emphasized to me after the proceedings that, “Colonial evangelists taught us how our traditional cultures were of the Devil, yet when someone takes very good care of a certain tree in his homestead, he is actually honouring GOD who made the tree.”
Church-itecture
Uganda is blessed with many inspired Church designs from East to West, North to South eg St. Andrew's Church of Uganda Jinja, St. Andrew's Bukoto, SMACK Chapel (rooftop like an eagle), St. Philip's Arua, Namirembe Cathedral, Emmanuel Cathedral, Miracle Centre Rubaga, etc...
Treating the Common Cold (plus My Top 11 Cartoons)
Having a Cold is a terrible Health experience, the mucus, sneezing and difficult-breathing through a blocked nose can drive you mad! But don’t worry, on Thursday 12th February 2009, Deutsche Welle (DW-TV) featured an interview on the Health Programme ‘in good shape’ to get you in good shape when you have a cold: “Drink lemon in hot water, add honey; drink Carmamile in hot water, eucalyptus base; Get some rest, put your feet in hot Water to make your Temperature rise; drink a hot cup of herbal tea (3 Cups a day); take it easy; tie a scarf around your neck to keep yourself warm..." [The last one I have tried so many times and it works wonders; I wish I did not overlook it during my school career. The Heat generated by a warm cloth around your neck makes the Flu Virus uncomfortable like sweet Revenge against the devils partying inside your nose, heehee; ask Osmosis Jones! If you are using garlic to soathe a sore throat, you might find that it tastes better with Groundnuts, that’s what my Arua Uncle Diyo once told me. Sometimes, I would gargle salt water or sniff eucalyptus leaves hoping they work like Vicks Kingo or similar balms; the leaves smell like the green Sweet Peps (Cough drops) very popular in Ordinary Level.] The other Super-Remedy for Common Flu I discovered in February Twenty21 is Pine Needle Tea; it contains five times more Vitamin C than Oranges. This is a Jungle Hack or Wilderness Survival tip I accepted to try out while watching Discovery Channel at my Best Friend's crib. Sickness is war, so you have to search for the Most Ballistic medicines to stage a resistance. Pine needle tea literally removes mucus from the lungs in two days; I found small amounts of blood in my nostrils when I overdosed on the green tea which was a sign that it is quite potent. Kung Flu (Coronavirus Disease-19) may be lethal to our breathing system, but there is no infectious disease without a GOD-engineered herb already in existence. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are 39 categories of diseases. JESUS was whipped 39 times to heal all our infirmities and sicknesses. Call on HIM...
My Top 11 Cartoons
Here are 11 of the Best Cartoons I have ever marveled at, but in no particular hierarchy:
1. Galaxy Rangers: I guess the team was something like the Fantastic Four, the main guy had an arm that could turn into probably a gun (not sure), another was probably massive like the beast in X-Men, and the third man could turn on flames and fly or was he invisible at times? Meanwhile the woman probably had similar qualities like Mr. Reed’s wife in F4 but she wasn’t called Invisible Woman. I cannot remember the details properly because I was below 10 years of age…
2. The Adventures of X-Men (Probably Japanese Anime): I loved this creatively produced show because of the flowing adult dialogue and interesting characters…My favourite X-Mutants included the Beast because he seemed untouchable, invincible and could walk on the wall as well as ceiling. Wolverine’s fury inspired me to remain angry whenever I wanted to feel macho. Gangbit was a fantastic rogue like the red masked guy in Wild Cats. I admired Cyclopes’s laser emitting eye power…Someone, probably the creator of the story, once commented that there is a GOD-made X-Man in each one of us, great stuff!
3. Adventures of Zelda: It usually came after the Kids’ Kamp Show (My motivating factor for story-telling), a collection of very interesting cultural folk stories and legends from Europe and it featured a macho young man who was out to fight evil plus save the beautiful woman of his life in each episode she faced very difficult trouble in. It was more like a romantic action cartoon…
4. Batman Animated Series: The previous three were watched mainly on KTV (Kids Television) in Jinja but when I came to Kampala, Zoom Club - STV (Sanyu Television)’s Children’s Extravaganza during the weekend had a feature of the caped crusader that sizzled. I love Batman because he does not kill, does not mind losing out on love because he is dedicated to his service, hides his real identity from even the best spies and does not claim to have super powers. He is just a normal human being with very unusual gadgets when on duty, things that would make bats and policemen jealous…
5. Wild Cats: I loved reading about them in Comics (like The Price) and they are a wonderful covert team fighting the wicked Demonites, no wonder “(Wild) Cats” stands for “(Wild) Covert Action Teams”. I also like the TV series because of the mature dialogue and well designed costumes…
6. Galactik Football: A football fanatic (especially one appreciative of Arsenal’s entertaining offensive play, also called “Kawoowo” meaning ‘delicious flavour’ by Kampalans) who cannot feel this French animated series has a conflict of interests for sure. This is simply fantasy football brought to life on screen…
7. 2 Stupid Dogs: I have never met any individuals as stupid, funny and ridiculously brainless as these two homedogs. They are truly man’s best friend. If all dogs were like these two, the world would be a laughing village…
8. Kissyfur: A nice Woodland adventure about a young cute bear that had to be very watchful or else he would be trapped by the two evil crocodiles in the forest marshes. This toon alongside two others marketed well the profile of CTV (Cablesat Television). Its appearance was also more polished than the 3 bears in the Goldilocks story I always read earlier on in life…
9. Duck Tales: This was the other of CTV’s first three gem-toons featuring the Richest Duck in the whole world. His name was neither Bill Gates, Warren Buffet nor Slim but Donald, and I mean Donald Duck, not Donald Trump ... Duck Tales, oohwooh ooh!
10. M.I.B (Men In Black) Animated - The Instrumental at the end from a song written by Will Smith (also Agent J in the Movie) and others, makes each episode feel unforgetable even if it's over...
11. Animation Films: It would be unreasonable not to mention feature length animation films as one of my favourite toons. So I have decided to make that the final entry on my list and they are quite many including The Incredibles, Antz, Finding Nemo, Prince of Egypt, et cetera…
My Top 11 Cartoons
Here are 11 of the Best Cartoons I have ever marveled at, but in no particular hierarchy:
1. Galaxy Rangers: I guess the team was something like the Fantastic Four, the main guy had an arm that could turn into probably a gun (not sure), another was probably massive like the beast in X-Men, and the third man could turn on flames and fly or was he invisible at times? Meanwhile the woman probably had similar qualities like Mr. Reed’s wife in F4 but she wasn’t called Invisible Woman. I cannot remember the details properly because I was below 10 years of age…
2. The Adventures of X-Men (Probably Japanese Anime): I loved this creatively produced show because of the flowing adult dialogue and interesting characters…My favourite X-Mutants included the Beast because he seemed untouchable, invincible and could walk on the wall as well as ceiling. Wolverine’s fury inspired me to remain angry whenever I wanted to feel macho. Gangbit was a fantastic rogue like the red masked guy in Wild Cats. I admired Cyclopes’s laser emitting eye power…Someone, probably the creator of the story, once commented that there is a GOD-made X-Man in each one of us, great stuff!
3. Adventures of Zelda: It usually came after the Kids’ Kamp Show (My motivating factor for story-telling), a collection of very interesting cultural folk stories and legends from Europe and it featured a macho young man who was out to fight evil plus save the beautiful woman of his life in each episode she faced very difficult trouble in. It was more like a romantic action cartoon…
4. Batman Animated Series: The previous three were watched mainly on KTV (Kids Television) in Jinja but when I came to Kampala, Zoom Club - STV (Sanyu Television)’s Children’s Extravaganza during the weekend had a feature of the caped crusader that sizzled. I love Batman because he does not kill, does not mind losing out on love because he is dedicated to his service, hides his real identity from even the best spies and does not claim to have super powers. He is just a normal human being with very unusual gadgets when on duty, things that would make bats and policemen jealous…
5. Wild Cats: I loved reading about them in Comics (like The Price) and they are a wonderful covert team fighting the wicked Demonites, no wonder “(Wild) Cats” stands for “(Wild) Covert Action Teams”. I also like the TV series because of the mature dialogue and well designed costumes…
6. Galactik Football: A football fanatic (especially one appreciative of Arsenal’s entertaining offensive play, also called “Kawoowo” meaning ‘delicious flavour’ by Kampalans) who cannot feel this French animated series has a conflict of interests for sure. This is simply fantasy football brought to life on screen…
7. 2 Stupid Dogs: I have never met any individuals as stupid, funny and ridiculously brainless as these two homedogs. They are truly man’s best friend. If all dogs were like these two, the world would be a laughing village…
8. Kissyfur: A nice Woodland adventure about a young cute bear that had to be very watchful or else he would be trapped by the two evil crocodiles in the forest marshes. This toon alongside two others marketed well the profile of CTV (Cablesat Television). Its appearance was also more polished than the 3 bears in the Goldilocks story I always read earlier on in life…
9. Duck Tales: This was the other of CTV’s first three gem-toons featuring the Richest Duck in the whole world. His name was neither Bill Gates, Warren Buffet nor Slim but Donald, and I mean Donald Duck, not Donald Trump ... Duck Tales, oohwooh ooh!
10. M.I.B (Men In Black) Animated - The Instrumental at the end from a song written by Will Smith (also Agent J in the Movie) and others, makes each episode feel unforgetable even if it's over...
11. Animation Films: It would be unreasonable not to mention feature length animation films as one of my favourite toons. So I have decided to make that the final entry on my list and they are quite many including The Incredibles, Antz, Finding Nemo, Prince of Egypt, et cetera…
Footsubishi (Poem by Aiko)
My P5 English teacher called me a hypocrite.
My A-Level classmate called me daft, stupid, fake and boring with cassava stem legs.
My campus crush told me everything I want to give her she will get from another man.
My neighbour labelled me an Earlyman,
But here I am.
Foot-subishi and Pa-jero,
Keep walking!
Tuesday
Isn't Michael Jackson still alive?
Despite his cardiac arrest on Thursday 25th June 2009, I believe Michael Jackson is still alive just like Aaliyah whom he inspired (at least in the hearts of many music lovers). Uganda is many hours ahead of the US and around the afternoon of the same day here, someone played ‘Heal the World’ in the office and I sang along not knowing that by the following morning I would be reading on a friend’s Facebook update that MJ had gone to meet his MAKER, Glory to HIM! The friend didn’t even have kind words for him but MJ will forever be an icon in my Hall of Fame. I became a fan of MJ’s music around 1991 when the psychedelically marketed ‘Dangerous’ Album came to Jinja, my birthplace. I was just over 7 years old but love (or lust) for the opposite sex was becoming a real thing for me so I understood what he was saying. ‘Black or White’ featuring the Coolest Kid at that time (McClurkin from the addictive ‘Home Alone’ film franchise) was overplayed on TV in the 90s cementing the Black Elvis’s status in my mind as the World’s Favourite Entertainer. Little did I know that in 1982 two years before I was born, he had achieved a music marketing record that has never been broken. He literally died an invincible Record Holder with the Best Selling Album of All – Time, that is, “Thriller”. It is not my favourite but regardless of my preferences, his record still stands. Nevertheless, I must confess that most, if not all, of his songs are really good and he had a knack of featuring well known personalities in his videos.
My favourite Michael Jackson song is ‘Stranger in Moscow’. It is so heart-warming that you feel even rain falling on your skin or anything refreshing (instead of tears) can actually wash away the pain in your heart. Just bask in the sun of a beach, rain of a street or lose yourself in anything good and feel it wash away the troubles in your life: “Your Madness is Your Gladness” is usually my Pain Therapy. Amazingly, Wacko Jacko – nickname due to his changing face – wrote this song while on tour in Moscow, Russia. He was being accused in law courts back home of molesting kids and he felt lonely, isolated, abandoned and on the verge of madness. After everything he had done for people, he couldn’t believe they had turned against him, talk of Ba Yuda (Traitors, Impostors, Masqueraders, Liars, Back Stabbers, Haters, Opportunists, Viper Snakes, Hypocrites, Slimy Mud Slingers, Kigeugeu (Double Standards), Bloodsuckers or in Biblical terms Judases, Balaams, Jezebels, Delilahs and Absaloms. They smile in the light and hate in the dark like Two faced Vultures, Hypocrites, and Sons of the Devil). He actually acquired his Neverland Ranch to get away from this celebrity life. Judie Brisse, his caretaker at the ranch, confessed that Michael ‘could not trust anyone.’ ‘Stranger in Moscow’ is the 5th and final single in “HIStory” (his 1996 album), “When you are alone and you’re cold inside. Like Stranger in Moscow, LORD have mercy. (We are talkin' danger. We are talkin' danger, baby! Like Stranger in Moscow X2) I'm livin' lonely, I'm livin' lonely, baby. Like Stranger in Moscow”
Quincy Jones, his long time production partner was shocked by the sad news. I guess he will miss the hugest gem he had ever handled by my standards. Before playing the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup Final (the precursor of the 2010 Soccer World Cup – the first in Africa) against defending champions Brazil, American striker Landon Donovan told a press conference that when they win, he would dedicate the championship to Michael Jackson and not Barack Obama. Blacks have always been doing great things. Personally, I was not too excited when Obama became the first Black President, there had already been Blacks in high governmental and judicial positions. This was just the final frontier that was definitely going to be conquered. I knew it wasn’t about race, we are all brothers and sisters and can do what others do. That’s what MJ preached. I do not even care what religion he was, what I know is that he taught unity and equality. If that is evil, then I would rather spend my time listening to artists like him than pretend to be holier than him like some people. In the game, American goalie Tim Howard (Golden Glove Recipient) kept Brazil chasing shadows in the first half. Then Donovan consumating a thrilling fast break scored USA’s second, what to me was the Goal of the Match dedicated to Michael Jackson, even though the World Champions inevitably returned in the Second Half with three Cup-Winning strikes: Two from Luis Fabiano (Silver Ball and Golden Shoe) and the winner headed in late from Elano’s corner by Samba Boys Captain Lucio (Fair Play Award Recipient). Golden Ball winner Kaka’s legitimate goal was even disallowed, the linesman was blind that moment. I knew Brazil could come back but felt for Dempsey (Bronze Ball Award Winner) who scored the first US goal. The pain of losing the final made him shed tears; that’s how painful it must have also felt losing MJ: Fans cried profusely outside the Ronald Reagan Hospital where he had been taken from his home. No hard feelings Uncle Sam, but MJ featured Brazil (who also belong to Jesus) in his song ‘They Don’t Care About Us’ so they probably deserved to win too. His moves have been copied in small time studios around the world and even parodied by contemporary artists like Eminem and Keri Hilson. In my Mad Thoughts, if Usher, Justin Timberlake, Ginuwine, Chris Brown and Omarion stage a concert in Memory of the King, it could be the best alternative gift to the world that was anticipating the real thing MJ died preparing for.
My favourite Videos by MJ were "Black or White" (Of course) and “Bad”, for the 1987 Album’s title track, directed by Martin Scorsese and featuring Wesley Snipes. The quality is so classy that it beats some modern ones. His high pitched voice and thrilling dance strokes can also be viewed in ‘Earth Song’, ‘Cry’, ‘You Are Not Alone’, ‘Beat It’, ‘Billie Jean’, ‘Do U Remember the Time?’ featuring Magic Johnson and Eddie Murphy. Wow, USA has really produced many legends with the MJ initials from Michael Jordan to Magic Johnson, Michael Johnson to Marion Jones to Mick Jagger (of the Rolling Stones) and Montell Jordan. The videos ‘USA for Africa’ and ‘Liberian Girl’ have a star-studded cast showing you just how far MJ reached. The latter (Dedicated to Elizabeth Taylor - the Most Beautiful Woman in the World) actually features the greatest actors during their generation namely Whoopi Goldberg, Danny Glover, John Travolta plus others. My Favourite American Director Steven Spielberg also made an appearance when someone asked,, ‘Who’s directing this? Where is Michael?” Another wonder is that the girl at the start of the video speaks in Swahili, East Africa’s Official Language. By the way, a maid who once worked for MJ has a home in Bushenyi, Western Uganda so his loss is felt here too. If you watch ‘Moonwalker’, a musical movie by the ‘King of Pop’, you will notice how movie-like most of his music videos were, fantastic stuff. In my life, I do not think I will ever see another performer as thrilling as Michael Jackson, he was simply the World’s Greatest. Unfortunately, he made some Satanic Covenants, LORD have Mercy!
Quincy Jones, his long time production partner was shocked by the sad news. I guess he will miss the hugest gem he had ever handled by my standards. Before playing the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup Final (the precursor of the 2010 Soccer World Cup – the first in Africa) against defending champions Brazil, American striker Landon Donovan told a press conference that when they win, he would dedicate the championship to Michael Jackson and not Barack Obama. Blacks have always been doing great things. Personally, I was not too excited when Obama became the first Black President, there had already been Blacks in high governmental and judicial positions. This was just the final frontier that was definitely going to be conquered. I knew it wasn’t about race, we are all brothers and sisters and can do what others do. That’s what MJ preached. I do not even care what religion he was, what I know is that he taught unity and equality. If that is evil, then I would rather spend my time listening to artists like him than pretend to be holier than him like some people. In the game, American goalie Tim Howard (Golden Glove Recipient) kept Brazil chasing shadows in the first half. Then Donovan consumating a thrilling fast break scored USA’s second, what to me was the Goal of the Match dedicated to Michael Jackson, even though the World Champions inevitably returned in the Second Half with three Cup-Winning strikes: Two from Luis Fabiano (Silver Ball and Golden Shoe) and the winner headed in late from Elano’s corner by Samba Boys Captain Lucio (Fair Play Award Recipient). Golden Ball winner Kaka’s legitimate goal was even disallowed, the linesman was blind that moment. I knew Brazil could come back but felt for Dempsey (Bronze Ball Award Winner) who scored the first US goal. The pain of losing the final made him shed tears; that’s how painful it must have also felt losing MJ: Fans cried profusely outside the Ronald Reagan Hospital where he had been taken from his home. No hard feelings Uncle Sam, but MJ featured Brazil (who also belong to Jesus) in his song ‘They Don’t Care About Us’ so they probably deserved to win too. His moves have been copied in small time studios around the world and even parodied by contemporary artists like Eminem and Keri Hilson. In my Mad Thoughts, if Usher, Justin Timberlake, Ginuwine, Chris Brown and Omarion stage a concert in Memory of the King, it could be the best alternative gift to the world that was anticipating the real thing MJ died preparing for.
My favourite Videos by MJ were "Black or White" (Of course) and “Bad”, for the 1987 Album’s title track, directed by Martin Scorsese and featuring Wesley Snipes. The quality is so classy that it beats some modern ones. His high pitched voice and thrilling dance strokes can also be viewed in ‘Earth Song’, ‘Cry’, ‘You Are Not Alone’, ‘Beat It’, ‘Billie Jean’, ‘Do U Remember the Time?’ featuring Magic Johnson and Eddie Murphy. Wow, USA has really produced many legends with the MJ initials from Michael Jordan to Magic Johnson, Michael Johnson to Marion Jones to Mick Jagger (of the Rolling Stones) and Montell Jordan. The videos ‘USA for Africa’ and ‘Liberian Girl’ have a star-studded cast showing you just how far MJ reached. The latter (Dedicated to Elizabeth Taylor - the Most Beautiful Woman in the World) actually features the greatest actors during their generation namely Whoopi Goldberg, Danny Glover, John Travolta plus others. My Favourite American Director Steven Spielberg also made an appearance when someone asked,, ‘Who’s directing this? Where is Michael?” Another wonder is that the girl at the start of the video speaks in Swahili, East Africa’s Official Language. By the way, a maid who once worked for MJ has a home in Bushenyi, Western Uganda so his loss is felt here too. If you watch ‘Moonwalker’, a musical movie by the ‘King of Pop’, you will notice how movie-like most of his music videos were, fantastic stuff. In my life, I do not think I will ever see another performer as thrilling as Michael Jackson, he was simply the World’s Greatest. Unfortunately, he made some Satanic Covenants, LORD have Mercy!
Thursday
Whose Role is it in Supporting Arts?
The third series of the Bayimba Cultural Discussions (sponsored by Hivos) were held on Friday 24th April 2009 at Club Rouge.
("It became clear during the first discussions that culture and arts are important in shaping and transforming society. The arts were defined as expressions and visible parts of culture.
In any developing economy, the creative arts industry is a key sector that contributes to both economic and social development. It is widely recognized that arts can reach corners no one can reach. It can pass on powerful messages: for the good (e.g. Jose Chameleone sang about domestic violence, Bobi Wine pleads to his ghetto families for community work and self realisation, Pamela of Shalom Rapperz (Holy Rhapsody) - a Hiphop Gospel group comprising three hunks and a Mukiga belle - sings about integrity in the promiscuous world (Catch their videos on TOP TV or at JP Plaza Nkrumah Road), Lady J from West Nile sings about having fun while we are still alive, Chandiru Leila sings about Prostitutes fleecing promiscuous men, Desire Luzinda featuring Ngoni sings about Faithfulness in Marriage while Silver Kyagulanyi writes songs about Love) but also for bad (e.g. a Rwandan artist that was recently convicted for having contributed to the genocide).
However, the creative arts industry needs to be supported to reach this level – a vision for a sustainable creative arts industry needs to be in place. And, for the creative arts industry to contribute successfully to shaping and transforming society arts and creative minds need to be supported – their quality and professionalism needs to be enhanced.
The question is who should support the arts sector?
The role of the community:
In the absence of funding, communities often pitch in to ensure that initiatives go forward. One should not underestimate the community spirit and spirit of volunteers in sustaining the arts. However, to reach a certain level of professionalism and quality that is called for, these communities and individuals need to be supported in their efforts.
The role of the government:
There are several reasons why a government could/should support arts and art institutions. First, because arts can be seen as a collective good: everyone should be able to enjoy. The government assist in making sure that everyone can actually enjoy. Second, because arts is considered a merit good: art as a means to educate people and the population. Third, because it is necessary to conserve some forms of arts (heritage). Finally, because of the potential positive external effects of arts: arts centres and events have an effect on (local) economy while arts can contribute to national tourism and boost a country’s image.
Role of the private sector:
Private businesses, foundations and wealthy individuals have been an important factor in support of arts. What motivates businesses, foundations and individuals to give to the arts – what reason or benefit do they see to support the arts sector? Whereas foundations and individuals are inclined to have more altruistic reasons to provide support (linked to individual interest in arts and belief in role of arts in society), private businesses provide support because they see a mileage in a certain arts initiative or see it as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR).
It is mind-boggling how private businesses perceive sponsorship to arts activities: support to the arts sector is rather ad hoc and at an individual level – there is no advert that is made without the involvement of arts (radio spots use music, television spots use graphics, artists are appearing in adverts or used for posters). There are also disciplines of arts that are more attracting to businesses. Whereas private businesses are testifying that music and arts form the thesis of all things we do in life, there is no ground support to the arts sector. It would be preferred if businesses would not only use arts to make money but also return to the very sector they are relying on for their publicity and marketing. A mutual relationship between arts and private businesses would eventually be beneficial to both sectors.
The following questions are raised:
1. Do arts need to be supported?
2. Who should support the arts? What blending of public and private support is needed?
3. How do government and private sector relate to arts? What are the reason(s) for supporting arts?
4. What is the government responsibility in the creation of a cultural vibrant society?
5. What is the role of private businesses? Who are other supporters of arts?
6. How do we support arts? In what way can government, private businesses assist? Direct funding, indirect support?
7. Is there a way we can build an arts sector that is sustainably and not only depending on external (public or private) support?
Arts play a beneficial role in society – the benefits can be both social and economic. We will need to agree that art is good for people as well as for the economy – it provides jobs, it educates, it keeps kids off the street. We also need to agree that our talented artists can be excellent ambassadors of Uganda – they can change the image of Uganda that remains to be known for its violent history and politics.
Our wish is to see Uganda as a community where arts are vibrant and alive, balancing between the more traditional forms of arts (Kiganda dance, entoogoro etc.) and the emerging creative industries. To become recognised as a creative nation and to develop the full potential of arts as a contributing factor to positive change requires a certain level of support to our creative arts industry.") Most of this information was courtesy of the Bayimba Team.
Panellists included:
Steven Rwangyezi – Ndere Cultural Centre
Emily Drani – Cross Cultural Foundation
Mark Kaheru – UTL
Ms. Kuruhiira – Commissioner for Culture and Family Affairs
("It became clear during the first discussions that culture and arts are important in shaping and transforming society. The arts were defined as expressions and visible parts of culture.
In any developing economy, the creative arts industry is a key sector that contributes to both economic and social development. It is widely recognized that arts can reach corners no one can reach. It can pass on powerful messages: for the good (e.g. Jose Chameleone sang about domestic violence, Bobi Wine pleads to his ghetto families for community work and self realisation, Pamela of Shalom Rapperz (Holy Rhapsody) - a Hiphop Gospel group comprising three hunks and a Mukiga belle - sings about integrity in the promiscuous world (Catch their videos on TOP TV or at JP Plaza Nkrumah Road), Lady J from West Nile sings about having fun while we are still alive, Chandiru Leila sings about Prostitutes fleecing promiscuous men, Desire Luzinda featuring Ngoni sings about Faithfulness in Marriage while Silver Kyagulanyi writes songs about Love) but also for bad (e.g. a Rwandan artist that was recently convicted for having contributed to the genocide).
However, the creative arts industry needs to be supported to reach this level – a vision for a sustainable creative arts industry needs to be in place. And, for the creative arts industry to contribute successfully to shaping and transforming society arts and creative minds need to be supported – their quality and professionalism needs to be enhanced.
The question is who should support the arts sector?
The role of the community:
In the absence of funding, communities often pitch in to ensure that initiatives go forward. One should not underestimate the community spirit and spirit of volunteers in sustaining the arts. However, to reach a certain level of professionalism and quality that is called for, these communities and individuals need to be supported in their efforts.
The role of the government:
There are several reasons why a government could/should support arts and art institutions. First, because arts can be seen as a collective good: everyone should be able to enjoy. The government assist in making sure that everyone can actually enjoy. Second, because arts is considered a merit good: art as a means to educate people and the population. Third, because it is necessary to conserve some forms of arts (heritage). Finally, because of the potential positive external effects of arts: arts centres and events have an effect on (local) economy while arts can contribute to national tourism and boost a country’s image.
Role of the private sector:
Private businesses, foundations and wealthy individuals have been an important factor in support of arts. What motivates businesses, foundations and individuals to give to the arts – what reason or benefit do they see to support the arts sector? Whereas foundations and individuals are inclined to have more altruistic reasons to provide support (linked to individual interest in arts and belief in role of arts in society), private businesses provide support because they see a mileage in a certain arts initiative or see it as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR).
It is mind-boggling how private businesses perceive sponsorship to arts activities: support to the arts sector is rather ad hoc and at an individual level – there is no advert that is made without the involvement of arts (radio spots use music, television spots use graphics, artists are appearing in adverts or used for posters). There are also disciplines of arts that are more attracting to businesses. Whereas private businesses are testifying that music and arts form the thesis of all things we do in life, there is no ground support to the arts sector. It would be preferred if businesses would not only use arts to make money but also return to the very sector they are relying on for their publicity and marketing. A mutual relationship between arts and private businesses would eventually be beneficial to both sectors.
The following questions are raised:
1. Do arts need to be supported?
2. Who should support the arts? What blending of public and private support is needed?
3. How do government and private sector relate to arts? What are the reason(s) for supporting arts?
4. What is the government responsibility in the creation of a cultural vibrant society?
5. What is the role of private businesses? Who are other supporters of arts?
6. How do we support arts? In what way can government, private businesses assist? Direct funding, indirect support?
7. Is there a way we can build an arts sector that is sustainably and not only depending on external (public or private) support?
Arts play a beneficial role in society – the benefits can be both social and economic. We will need to agree that art is good for people as well as for the economy – it provides jobs, it educates, it keeps kids off the street. We also need to agree that our talented artists can be excellent ambassadors of Uganda – they can change the image of Uganda that remains to be known for its violent history and politics.
Our wish is to see Uganda as a community where arts are vibrant and alive, balancing between the more traditional forms of arts (Kiganda dance, entoogoro etc.) and the emerging creative industries. To become recognised as a creative nation and to develop the full potential of arts as a contributing factor to positive change requires a certain level of support to our creative arts industry.") Most of this information was courtesy of the Bayimba Team.
Panellists included:
Steven Rwangyezi – Ndere Cultural Centre
Emily Drani – Cross Cultural Foundation
Mark Kaheru – UTL
Ms. Kuruhiira – Commissioner for Culture and Family Affairs
Memoirs of a Cartoonist (plus What is Happiness?)
On Thursday 7th May 2009, I will be marking exactly two years since my editorial cartoons (with the copyright 'Aiko' moniker) started being published on page 4, then 6 of 'The Standard', Uganda Christian University's community newspaper. It was an honour to be part of a dream come true even though it came with its ups and downs, glories and humiliations. Many readers either abhorred or loved my cartoons. I do not know much about the half way house but I will start with criticisms before I come to the good parts later.
Some lady once shouted that I was dry - I do not know if she was referring to my humour, pockets or something else but after that shell I tried to make my pieces more colourful and easy on the eye. Then a campus girl doubted, 'Taja kumalako' meaning 'He will not finish' in Luganda. I wish she could eat those words and tell me how they taste...It's all about GOD's grace now, I literally made it through two years - contract term for UCU staff - even if some pieces were below my personal benchmark and only two issues lacked my toons during this period - one drawn by comics artist Christian Mafigiri and a Grad' issue that lacked a cartoon. It's not how hard you push along the way but having something in you to finish. Other criticisms included 'plastic...unoriginal...rigid...wordy...too detailed' and so on.
When the 4th issue of Volume One came out 18th June 2007, Edmund K.(the management accountant) commented that the toons were 'still not yet funny' but when he saw a Chogm toon published later in Issue 15 on 19th November 2007, he was happy. It featured M7 and Queen Elizabeth touring UCU in a limo. My 3rd and 4th sisters wanted to show it to their workmates; maybe it was that good. The toon I dislike most is in Volume One, Issue 6 featuring two boys reading a notice banning 'buveera' - polythene bags - on campus, it was rushingly done and shows waist-up characters. I believe there is always room for improvement so I never let failure, criticism or correction make me walk with depression. People encouraged me (which was very positive). New Vision editorial cartoonist Mr. Ras taught me that combo pens are more professional even if I still find my preferred BIC pens produce darker shades without smudges. What I need to learn is how to use combos which I never liked during school, that's how it is. He also introduced me to ivory paper which stores your work for ages. Danny Barongo commonly known as B.Danny or BD, my favourite Ugandan illustrator told me not to let another artist criticise my style because it is "not bad". Wow, imagine someone you admire telling you that! Kisangala Onghwens suggested my name as an Illustrator for the Human Rights series to his employers at The Independent Weekly Newspaper (Published in Magazine form like The Economist of UK) but it ended before my style was approved but I took it as a lesson. I also got the chance to meet the revolutionary and fearless journalist Andrew Mwenda and his fellow chief Charles O. Bichacho. I cannot exhaust the names of all my motivators. Most Importantly though, Wanyama Wangah - The Standard's very experienced production manager, the man who can walk on water as the proprietor of Bob FM said, told me he chased away another guy who brought his pieces for evaluation. It is Wanyama who also recommended me to The New Vision and if I ever make it there or elsewhere, I dedicate my career to him. He was my lecturer during my UCU career (2003 - 6) and taught (Advanced) Editing in my final two years. I enjoyed his lectures because he was very laid back and usually brought us England’s best newspapers to study during his lessons. That was when everybody in our Mass Communication class had to study editing but I guess the rest remember him for dummys and editing tricks. Then when a few of us specialised in print journalism (while others did either public relations or radio and tv production) in our final year, I will never forget him for two special things. He introduced me to QuarkExpress, the fantastic newspaper editing software used at New Vision plus international media houses that makes editing fun and secondly we studied in an air conditioned classroom - the Linux room at Technology Park using the latest Acer computers while other scholars were using old makes. Even some of the I.T. Students never got to use this room which was amazingly in their department. How posh, I had never studied in an air conditioned classroom all my life yet nursery schools in Nigeria have air conditioning. Wow, there must have been a gap between us. Special thanks also go to my workmates - the unflinching editors - all of whom I have drawn - from the four pioneers to the two replacements. I used to keep inspirational articles written by Emma Wafula, the Lifestyle Editor (daughter of the Uganda Clays mogul) without knowing that one day I would work with her in the same newspaper. I did not even know her. Wow, she was a year behind us but topped her Class of 2004-7, another lady on top just like Adeline K. in our year.
When our 2nd issue came out - 21 May 2007, a Mass Comm finalist in a red blouse and khaki jeans blubbered on how she wanted us to focus on the current national issues like the Mabira saga. She told John that she couldn't waste money on buying the campus paper despite the crisp printing done at New Vision. In fact the only thing that amused her was my cartoon, 'I wonder what the scholar (in the toon) was downloading.' Another added that it also made her laugh. So John introduced me to them which was kinda sweet, you know; didn't blush though. Another girl told me that GOD had revealed to her that she would marry me, ooops! Maybe she was just stepping on my toe, but the irony is: I admired her too!
By the way, Thomas Froese the Canadian coordinator of The Standard chose me because my pieces were 'more modern' than those of two other applicants evaluated in April 2007. I had shown him a collection I started making around October 2006, two months after graduation. He advised, "A good cartoon must tell the whole story with as few writings as possible. It's even better if it makes a point without a caption. To be a good cartoonist, you must know how to marry skilful illustration with news analysis..." Also, if it hadn't been for Frank Obonyo, the first sports editor who informed me, I might not have known much about this opportunity to live a dream early on.
Brian "Windman" Semujju, the Managing Editor and John Mary Semakula, Campus Life Editor were also motivating old classmates. The former actually told me that "We should thank GOD for this pain because other people may wish to be in our place..." Now that's a lifeline. John was always a natural leader to me, I can follow him anywhere...
What is Happiness?
Define Happiness! Is it a Drug or Food, Popularity, Love, Money, Cars, Movies, Wealth and Long Life? All these Things symbolise it but what is Happiness really? Why do Rich and admired People commit Suicide, weren’t they happy according to worldly Standards? If they also kill themselves, then Happiness must be deeper than what we see on the Surface. Maybe true Happiness is what the Scriptures refer to as the Beatitudes (Matthew 5) or the Joy of the Lord and it is only Skin-deep. Walt Disney once said, ''Happiness is a State of Mind...'' That’s Real Talk by far; it’s like Happiness is simply how you think about whatever happens to you. To People watching you, being fired from your Job is Misery but to the Happy (Wo)Man, Retrenchment and Unemployment might simply translate as Freedom to find a better Job or be your own Boss, it’s an Escape from being someone else’s corporate Slave. It’s all about how you look at it. Missing a Free Ride is surviving an Accident, pay for Public Transport! Breakups give you another Chance for True Love in the right Arms. Spilling your Milk even though unwittingly might save you from a contaminated or poisoned Drink; do not cry, get up, go out and get more or drink Water! Failure might just be a Wake up Call that you have to work harder and pray ceaselessly to get exactly what you covet and desire; after all, most of what you need is already provided by GOD’s Grace: Oxygen, Safety, etc. Don’t forget to thank GOD every Moment! Misplacing a particular Item gives you Room to get something bigger or more long-lasting. My Mother named me “Ayikobua” in 1984 after losing her Father the preceding Year. She also had some Troubles, so the Name was fitting. It literally means “Happiness is in Heaven (the Sky) or the Grave, depending on where you look for it. There is basically no Happiness on Earth, however much you pursue it. This name haunts me like a Jinx but I’m glad my Father also told me to drop the Letter ‘Y’ giving the Name a whole new Meaning even though it may not seem that Way. I’m literally searching for the Salt I do not have which is the Reality anyway, I’m fine with that. It gives me Purpose in everything I do. I need not worry about Happiness; GOD is closer to me than the Blood in my Veins, HE’s greater than Happiness!
Some lady once shouted that I was dry - I do not know if she was referring to my humour, pockets or something else but after that shell I tried to make my pieces more colourful and easy on the eye. Then a campus girl doubted, 'Taja kumalako' meaning 'He will not finish' in Luganda. I wish she could eat those words and tell me how they taste...It's all about GOD's grace now, I literally made it through two years - contract term for UCU staff - even if some pieces were below my personal benchmark and only two issues lacked my toons during this period - one drawn by comics artist Christian Mafigiri and a Grad' issue that lacked a cartoon. It's not how hard you push along the way but having something in you to finish. Other criticisms included 'plastic...unoriginal...rigid...wordy...too detailed' and so on.
When the 4th issue of Volume One came out 18th June 2007, Edmund K.(the management accountant) commented that the toons were 'still not yet funny' but when he saw a Chogm toon published later in Issue 15 on 19th November 2007, he was happy. It featured M7 and Queen Elizabeth touring UCU in a limo. My 3rd and 4th sisters wanted to show it to their workmates; maybe it was that good. The toon I dislike most is in Volume One, Issue 6 featuring two boys reading a notice banning 'buveera' - polythene bags - on campus, it was rushingly done and shows waist-up characters. I believe there is always room for improvement so I never let failure, criticism or correction make me walk with depression. People encouraged me (which was very positive). New Vision editorial cartoonist Mr. Ras taught me that combo pens are more professional even if I still find my preferred BIC pens produce darker shades without smudges. What I need to learn is how to use combos which I never liked during school, that's how it is. He also introduced me to ivory paper which stores your work for ages. Danny Barongo commonly known as B.Danny or BD, my favourite Ugandan illustrator told me not to let another artist criticise my style because it is "not bad". Wow, imagine someone you admire telling you that! Kisangala Onghwens suggested my name as an Illustrator for the Human Rights series to his employers at The Independent Weekly Newspaper (Published in Magazine form like The Economist of UK) but it ended before my style was approved but I took it as a lesson. I also got the chance to meet the revolutionary and fearless journalist Andrew Mwenda and his fellow chief Charles O. Bichacho. I cannot exhaust the names of all my motivators. Most Importantly though, Wanyama Wangah - The Standard's very experienced production manager, the man who can walk on water as the proprietor of Bob FM said, told me he chased away another guy who brought his pieces for evaluation. It is Wanyama who also recommended me to The New Vision and if I ever make it there or elsewhere, I dedicate my career to him. He was my lecturer during my UCU career (2003 - 6) and taught (Advanced) Editing in my final two years. I enjoyed his lectures because he was very laid back and usually brought us England’s best newspapers to study during his lessons. That was when everybody in our Mass Communication class had to study editing but I guess the rest remember him for dummys and editing tricks. Then when a few of us specialised in print journalism (while others did either public relations or radio and tv production) in our final year, I will never forget him for two special things. He introduced me to QuarkExpress, the fantastic newspaper editing software used at New Vision plus international media houses that makes editing fun and secondly we studied in an air conditioned classroom - the Linux room at Technology Park using the latest Acer computers while other scholars were using old makes. Even some of the I.T. Students never got to use this room which was amazingly in their department. How posh, I had never studied in an air conditioned classroom all my life yet nursery schools in Nigeria have air conditioning. Wow, there must have been a gap between us. Special thanks also go to my workmates - the unflinching editors - all of whom I have drawn - from the four pioneers to the two replacements. I used to keep inspirational articles written by Emma Wafula, the Lifestyle Editor (daughter of the Uganda Clays mogul) without knowing that one day I would work with her in the same newspaper. I did not even know her. Wow, she was a year behind us but topped her Class of 2004-7, another lady on top just like Adeline K. in our year.
When our 2nd issue came out - 21 May 2007, a Mass Comm finalist in a red blouse and khaki jeans blubbered on how she wanted us to focus on the current national issues like the Mabira saga. She told John that she couldn't waste money on buying the campus paper despite the crisp printing done at New Vision. In fact the only thing that amused her was my cartoon, 'I wonder what the scholar (in the toon) was downloading.' Another added that it also made her laugh. So John introduced me to them which was kinda sweet, you know; didn't blush though. Another girl told me that GOD had revealed to her that she would marry me, ooops! Maybe she was just stepping on my toe, but the irony is: I admired her too!
By the way, Thomas Froese the Canadian coordinator of The Standard chose me because my pieces were 'more modern' than those of two other applicants evaluated in April 2007. I had shown him a collection I started making around October 2006, two months after graduation. He advised, "A good cartoon must tell the whole story with as few writings as possible. It's even better if it makes a point without a caption. To be a good cartoonist, you must know how to marry skilful illustration with news analysis..." Also, if it hadn't been for Frank Obonyo, the first sports editor who informed me, I might not have known much about this opportunity to live a dream early on.
Brian "Windman" Semujju, the Managing Editor and John Mary Semakula, Campus Life Editor were also motivating old classmates. The former actually told me that "We should thank GOD for this pain because other people may wish to be in our place..." Now that's a lifeline. John was always a natural leader to me, I can follow him anywhere...
What is Happiness?
Define Happiness! Is it a Drug or Food, Popularity, Love, Money, Cars, Movies, Wealth and Long Life? All these Things symbolise it but what is Happiness really? Why do Rich and admired People commit Suicide, weren’t they happy according to worldly Standards? If they also kill themselves, then Happiness must be deeper than what we see on the Surface. Maybe true Happiness is what the Scriptures refer to as the Beatitudes (Matthew 5) or the Joy of the Lord and it is only Skin-deep. Walt Disney once said, ''Happiness is a State of Mind...'' That’s Real Talk by far; it’s like Happiness is simply how you think about whatever happens to you. To People watching you, being fired from your Job is Misery but to the Happy (Wo)Man, Retrenchment and Unemployment might simply translate as Freedom to find a better Job or be your own Boss, it’s an Escape from being someone else’s corporate Slave. It’s all about how you look at it. Missing a Free Ride is surviving an Accident, pay for Public Transport! Breakups give you another Chance for True Love in the right Arms. Spilling your Milk even though unwittingly might save you from a contaminated or poisoned Drink; do not cry, get up, go out and get more or drink Water! Failure might just be a Wake up Call that you have to work harder and pray ceaselessly to get exactly what you covet and desire; after all, most of what you need is already provided by GOD’s Grace: Oxygen, Safety, etc. Don’t forget to thank GOD every Moment! Misplacing a particular Item gives you Room to get something bigger or more long-lasting. My Mother named me “Ayikobua” in 1984 after losing her Father the preceding Year. She also had some Troubles, so the Name was fitting. It literally means “Happiness is in Heaven (the Sky) or the Grave, depending on where you look for it. There is basically no Happiness on Earth, however much you pursue it. This name haunts me like a Jinx but I’m glad my Father also told me to drop the Letter ‘Y’ giving the Name a whole new Meaning even though it may not seem that Way. I’m literally searching for the Salt I do not have which is the Reality anyway, I’m fine with that. It gives me Purpose in everything I do. I need not worry about Happiness; GOD is closer to me than the Blood in my Veins, HE’s greater than Happiness!
Saturday
Why the Birds Sing to Me...
“Do you know why the birds sing to me? It’s because they are comforting me. It’s because they are telling me that I should never forget what love is or who I am.” When birds sing to me, they sound like Blu*3 (3 Black Ladies of Uganda - the only surviving group among the three East African countries ever since the Coca Cola Popstars 2003) in their song "Where U Are" featuring song maestros Mozey Radio and Weasel, Jose Chameleone's brother.
This mid March, the Community Musical Theatre Project for Northern Uganda presents a musical drama production. Set during wartime northern Uganda, 'Why the Birds Sing to Me' depicts the story of the children who were abducted and returned to their communities in northern Uganda during the 20 years of the LRA Guerilla War.
The drama features the story of a young girl who was abducted and a young boy who, in friendship, follows her deep into the world of the LRA. Their story weaves tragedy, love, hatred, betrayal, hope and redemption. The story brings broader messages, expressing the community’s great need for holistic reconstruction and reconciliation, for the prevention of violence against children, and the promotion of human rights. The story is for all Ugandans (and the world), to impart a sense of accomplishment while inspiring a wellspring of hope for the future. Let's Clap with Gulu!
Tickets are available at the National Theatre Box Office; For the opening day on Wednesday 18th March 2009 at 7.30 PM, they will cost 8,000 UgShs each (about 4 US Dollars) but 12,000 UgShs (about 6 US Dollars) on the other three nights up to Saturday 21st March 2009. For more information, contact Arfaan Ahmed (+256) 752624251, Flora Aduk (+256) 712874023 or Jeffrey W. Harrison (Project Coordinator/Musical Director/Composer) (+256) 774423274
These performances are proudly sponsored and supported by KADS - Kampala Amateur Dramatics Society, the Embassy of Ireland and the United Nations OHCHR. Traditional instrumentalist Joseph Odongkara from Gulu will join Jeffrey to round out this truly inspirational performance. Enjoy the performance.
More music by JWH can be heard here: http://web.mac.com/jeffreywharrison/iWeb/Site%202/Welcome.html
This mid March, the Community Musical Theatre Project for Northern Uganda presents a musical drama production. Set during wartime northern Uganda, 'Why the Birds Sing to Me' depicts the story of the children who were abducted and returned to their communities in northern Uganda during the 20 years of the LRA Guerilla War.
The drama features the story of a young girl who was abducted and a young boy who, in friendship, follows her deep into the world of the LRA. Their story weaves tragedy, love, hatred, betrayal, hope and redemption. The story brings broader messages, expressing the community’s great need for holistic reconstruction and reconciliation, for the prevention of violence against children, and the promotion of human rights. The story is for all Ugandans (and the world), to impart a sense of accomplishment while inspiring a wellspring of hope for the future. Let's Clap with Gulu!
Tickets are available at the National Theatre Box Office; For the opening day on Wednesday 18th March 2009 at 7.30 PM, they will cost 8,000 UgShs each (about 4 US Dollars) but 12,000 UgShs (about 6 US Dollars) on the other three nights up to Saturday 21st March 2009. For more information, contact Arfaan Ahmed (+256) 752624251, Flora Aduk (+256) 712874023 or Jeffrey W. Harrison (Project Coordinator/Musical Director/Composer) (+256) 774423274
These performances are proudly sponsored and supported by KADS - Kampala Amateur Dramatics Society, the Embassy of Ireland and the United Nations OHCHR. Traditional instrumentalist Joseph Odongkara from Gulu will join Jeffrey to round out this truly inspirational performance. Enjoy the performance.
More music by JWH can be heard here: http://web.mac.com/jeffreywharrison/iWeb/Site%202/Welcome.html
Tuesday
Jesus (had and) still has Swag
He had 12, 72 or more bodyguards, one of whom pulled out a knife and cut off an enemy's ear. He transformed a young boy's lunch into a luncheon for thousands. He walked on water, healed lepers, limpers, a woman with a 12-year blood problem plus blind men and calmed a storm with three words. He exorcised a Legion of demons that begged for mercy (He must be the Destroyer of Demons). At a wedding in Cana, he created the finest wine for the lucky couple, his first miracle in a Big Circle of Friends. Whom are we talking about? No one but Jesus, aka Isa, Yesu, Yeshua, Christus, etc. He's the Lord! Even Prophet Muhammad recited in the Quran that he is Al-Masih (the Messiah) and he'll be back soon. In the first Battle of the End in which Pagan Nations are destroyed (according to Revelation 19: 15), Jesus will return and strike with a sharp sword from his mouth. Man, neither the X-Men's Deadpool, Zorro, Samurai X, Paseus (in Clash Of The Titans), Leonidas (King of the 300 Spartan Warriors), Peter Pan, Van Helsing nor Weapon X en so on can compare. For real, Jesus Christ deserves more Honour than any Comic Book (Super) Hero! He's a Superstar! Won't He be more marvelous than Superman when He returns one day? This is electrifying Stuff! Lord, remember us when you return as the Rider on the White Horse...
Below are some of the life transforming teachings I managed to grasp during Andrew Wommack's Ministers' Conference at Serena Hotel Kampala's Victoria Hall on Saturday 18th July 2009. Before he came, his TV shows, books and internet articles had emphasized to me a truth I have been exploring for about a dozen years now, "Hypocrites (Religious Pharisees) can also be mistaken to be Saints." I actually wrote a short story entitled "The Wrong Train" exploring this topic inspired by my own new life and a storyline from a nightmare I had seen close to the end of the previous millenium while studying at St. Mary's College Kisubi (1997 to 2000). Believe me, Hypocrites rot in the Lowest Part of Hell; we preach one thing and then live another. Why? It's because we are still human. Our bodies still have sin in them, but the decay varies in different people depending on whether you listen more to GOD's Holy Spirit or the Devil's demons. Sometimes I feel our righteousness (even if not pretended) is like torn very ancient rags compared to GOD's exquisite and flawless designer fashion." Never put faith in your own works; only Jesus can save us. Galatians 2: 20 says, "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of GOD, who loved me and gave Himself for me."
Andrew taught, "Jesus is like the epitome of worth. His value is as great as the whole universe, so when GOD sends him to die for all of us, we should be proud that we are worth all of that. This joy and pride can even make a statue shout. (Talk of stones praising His name if we human beings don't). It's good to fear GOD but even better to love HIM. Love makes you live a holy life as if by accident. You become prone to holiness. When you accept Christ, your spirit becomes like His - You are righteous even though your mind and body are different. The flesh will repeatedly wrestle against the spirit but that's a No Contest as long as you never commit the one sin that will take people to hell which is rejecting John 16: 9 (Of sin, because they do not believe in Me;). Jesus bought salvation for our souls, so live free. Tithe in order to get more money to tithe. When you tithe, everything is provided to you supernaturally. (What you need to do is get rid of the worry that if you tithe even the last Shilling banknote you have, you will have nothing left! GOD provides in mysterious ways.) We are all on the same level, there is no need for cloaks and collars to differentiate the clergy from the laity. We are all ministers, equal at the foot of the cross. There is nothing like there are some who know GOD more. Before Christianity went to Mexico, they had a big temple built for a GOD who appeared in three different forms, the same happened in Vietnam. We are supposed to pray the LORD's Prayer, not recite it like religious fanatics do. Every culture has an in built sense of GOD and the conscience to differentiate between what is right and what is ungodly or (un-GODlike). The latter is punishable, so must always be avoided. I cannot commit adultery at the moment however much you tempt me because I love GOD and my Wife. Thieves do not have love for their victims, prostitutes do not love their clients nor themselves."
Before a two hour lunch break, Andrew thanked a number of people who helped in the operations in his ministry. One of them, Leland Shores who manages Andrew Wommack's Bookshop at Shop 39 Cham Towers (Former UCB Main Building) on Kampala Road revealed that after the previous evening's conference, while returning to his rest place, Andrew commented that among all the nations in the world he had been to, the people of Uganda understood his message fastest even though it took Andrew about two decades to figure out what he preached to Ugandans during his conference. I used to watch Andrew's TV show almost regularly ever since I learnt, close to the end of 2008, that it shows on LTV. Why did it take this long for me to notice? GOD forgive me!
Andrew preaches about exactly the same thing I have been trying to figure out ever since I accepted Jesus into my rotten heart (1997) and then had a demon of 'Pretended Holiness (Hypocrisy)' cast out of me (2000). I learnt a lot from Andrew during 2009 and even bought a book entitled "A Better Way to Pray". The conference was also very eye opening, the thoughts were clear and liberating. He confessed, "I am a plain preacher, I do not shout and show theatrics because I am promoting Jesus not myself. I have kept myself holy and avoided sin so that I can set other people free. Sin is not just breaking a commandment but also failing to do what you know is the right thing to do. Religion has made people compromise with so many Bible truths, but it does not mean we follow the rules to the nail and become robots (like the ones in Will Smith's film entitled 'iRobot').
In conclusion, Andrew Wommack said, "GOD has given us mercy through Jesus Christ but we should not take that as a license to continue sinning. You can even self destruct if the Devil implants his religious doctrines into your mind and goes on vacation. What you need to know is that the righteous things you do cannot save you, only Jesus can save you. So when you sin, GOD forbid, He is the Holy Grace to save you."
Andrew gave away some of his books and recommended that people read the one about "Self Centredness". Joyce Meyer actually ordered for 100 copies and gave to her ministry team. When you sow the word in people, it germinates eventually.
Below are some of the life transforming teachings I managed to grasp during Andrew Wommack's Ministers' Conference at Serena Hotel Kampala's Victoria Hall on Saturday 18th July 2009. Before he came, his TV shows, books and internet articles had emphasized to me a truth I have been exploring for about a dozen years now, "Hypocrites (Religious Pharisees) can also be mistaken to be Saints." I actually wrote a short story entitled "The Wrong Train" exploring this topic inspired by my own new life and a storyline from a nightmare I had seen close to the end of the previous millenium while studying at St. Mary's College Kisubi (1997 to 2000). Believe me, Hypocrites rot in the Lowest Part of Hell; we preach one thing and then live another. Why? It's because we are still human. Our bodies still have sin in them, but the decay varies in different people depending on whether you listen more to GOD's Holy Spirit or the Devil's demons. Sometimes I feel our righteousness (even if not pretended) is like torn very ancient rags compared to GOD's exquisite and flawless designer fashion." Never put faith in your own works; only Jesus can save us. Galatians 2: 20 says, "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of GOD, who loved me and gave Himself for me."
Andrew taught, "Jesus is like the epitome of worth. His value is as great as the whole universe, so when GOD sends him to die for all of us, we should be proud that we are worth all of that. This joy and pride can even make a statue shout. (Talk of stones praising His name if we human beings don't). It's good to fear GOD but even better to love HIM. Love makes you live a holy life as if by accident. You become prone to holiness. When you accept Christ, your spirit becomes like His - You are righteous even though your mind and body are different. The flesh will repeatedly wrestle against the spirit but that's a No Contest as long as you never commit the one sin that will take people to hell which is rejecting John 16: 9 (Of sin, because they do not believe in Me;). Jesus bought salvation for our souls, so live free. Tithe in order to get more money to tithe. When you tithe, everything is provided to you supernaturally. (What you need to do is get rid of the worry that if you tithe even the last Shilling banknote you have, you will have nothing left! GOD provides in mysterious ways.) We are all on the same level, there is no need for cloaks and collars to differentiate the clergy from the laity. We are all ministers, equal at the foot of the cross. There is nothing like there are some who know GOD more. Before Christianity went to Mexico, they had a big temple built for a GOD who appeared in three different forms, the same happened in Vietnam. We are supposed to pray the LORD's Prayer, not recite it like religious fanatics do. Every culture has an in built sense of GOD and the conscience to differentiate between what is right and what is ungodly or (un-GODlike). The latter is punishable, so must always be avoided. I cannot commit adultery at the moment however much you tempt me because I love GOD and my Wife. Thieves do not have love for their victims, prostitutes do not love their clients nor themselves."
Before a two hour lunch break, Andrew thanked a number of people who helped in the operations in his ministry. One of them, Leland Shores who manages Andrew Wommack's Bookshop at Shop 39 Cham Towers (Former UCB Main Building) on Kampala Road revealed that after the previous evening's conference, while returning to his rest place, Andrew commented that among all the nations in the world he had been to, the people of Uganda understood his message fastest even though it took Andrew about two decades to figure out what he preached to Ugandans during his conference. I used to watch Andrew's TV show almost regularly ever since I learnt, close to the end of 2008, that it shows on LTV. Why did it take this long for me to notice? GOD forgive me!
Andrew preaches about exactly the same thing I have been trying to figure out ever since I accepted Jesus into my rotten heart (1997) and then had a demon of 'Pretended Holiness (Hypocrisy)' cast out of me (2000). I learnt a lot from Andrew during 2009 and even bought a book entitled "A Better Way to Pray". The conference was also very eye opening, the thoughts were clear and liberating. He confessed, "I am a plain preacher, I do not shout and show theatrics because I am promoting Jesus not myself. I have kept myself holy and avoided sin so that I can set other people free. Sin is not just breaking a commandment but also failing to do what you know is the right thing to do. Religion has made people compromise with so many Bible truths, but it does not mean we follow the rules to the nail and become robots (like the ones in Will Smith's film entitled 'iRobot').
In conclusion, Andrew Wommack said, "GOD has given us mercy through Jesus Christ but we should not take that as a license to continue sinning. You can even self destruct if the Devil implants his religious doctrines into your mind and goes on vacation. What you need to know is that the righteous things you do cannot save you, only Jesus can save you. So when you sin, GOD forbid, He is the Holy Grace to save you."
Andrew gave away some of his books and recommended that people read the one about "Self Centredness". Joyce Meyer actually ordered for 100 copies and gave to her ministry team. When you sow the word in people, it germinates eventually.
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