THE HOPE FOR A PEACEFUL YEAR-2007

There is no doubt, last year 2006, has been a year with much ethnic conflicts, tribal wars and bloodshed, especially in Iraq, which has cost many dear lives. The USA alone has lost over three thousand soldiers. I know how those who have lost their dear ones may feel. Nothing at all could replace those who have died. I pray that the lord will give them the strength and power to overcome this sadness that has occupied their hearts.

On October 7, 2006 I met the great Jamaican singer called Anthony B. I was very delighted when he spoke about peace for all during his interview. You can read it hear.
http://blogcritics.org/archives/2006/12/18/084236.php

I wish everyone who visits this site a beautiful year. (2007) Greetings from

Joel Savage. The writer

TRIBUTE TO THE GREAT JOSEPH HILL OF CULTURE

I have been following and studing about musicians for a very long time. One musician whose music, particularly the lyrics, caught my attention in the late seventies, is Joseph Hill, of the Jamaican musical group called " CULTURE " I can't name all his numerous great hits but the one which influence my life religiously and put me on the right track is " Rally round Jehovah's throne " from the album international herb.

He wasn't a politician but a normal musician whose music against injustice, corruption, discrimination and other evil things affecting our society today, had a greater impact worldwide, for him to be internationally recognised. Many musicians in the diaspora, show their love of Africa in the music. The question is how many of them has set foot on that continent?

Joseph Hill's constant love and visit to Africa countries, including Republic of Sierra Leone, do not only gave him recognition as a brave and peaceful singer, doing what exactly he is singing about but also a peaceful ambassador. He toured many war torn countries in Africa calling for peace. On one of his visit to Sierra Leone, the rebels told the head of state that "He should be glad that Joe Hills is in the country, else they would destroy the country within twenty four hours"

(You can read the full interview I had with Joseph Hill in the year 2004, after playing live at Pole-pole festival in Gent-Belgium, at " Blogcritics.org ") I was amazed when he told me that "Greed is the stumbling block that has denied peace between the Palestinians and the Israelites " Joseph Hill is known to be there first reggae artist who played a peace concert trying to unify the Palestinians and the Israelites to avoid bloodsheds.

Spiritually it good to see him in concert. His marvelous in concert. Many believe that he was a another prophet besides the great Bob Marley. In August 18, 2006, he arrived at the venue "Petrol" in Antwerp to play. At the venue I combed the whole backstage, but couldn't find Mr Hill. I was still standing at the backstage, when I heard Joseph Hill singing, without knowing where he had passed to the frontstage.

I quickly went ther and saw him in action with one of those powerful tunes that have made " Culture " what it is today. However, getting closer to him I realised that his physical appearance has cahanged. His condition shut my happiness. Joseph Hill is sick. He used to dance and kick around in concert but this time, he stood at one place giving his fans what they like best. He played every song his fans requested but he left earlier, even though it wasn't yet time for him to leave.

I went to the back stage and saw him passing with Mr Albert Walker, one of the original members of " Culture " but something stopped me. I couldn't talk to him. I left the venue and arrived home very depressed and worried over Mr Hill's condition. My wife realised that I'm sad. She asked me of the reason and I told her that Mr Hill is very sick and I'm afraid to say that the man has finished the task God gave him to do on this earth.

I started playing the tunes of " Culture " that early morning. My wife told me that I'm disturbing. I refused to listen to her. I sang and danced around for about two hours. It was noon, when I heard when I of Mr Hill's death in Berlin, Germany. The death of Joseph Hill, is not only a shock to his fans and the reggae world but also a big blow to everyone who love peace, justice and happiness.

The vacuum his death has created can never be filled. He played " Psalms of Bob Marley " as a tribute to his friend Bob. He came out with " World Peace " denouncing war and brutal activities against mankind. Joseph Hill was born on January 22, 1949 and died August 19, 2006. He left behind his wife, Pauline and Kenyatta. Truly Mr Joseph Hill, a " Slice of Mount Zion " belongs to you. May your soul rest in perfect peace. Everything shall pass away but your music will stay always.

Social and economic effects of teenage pregnancy

Teenage pregnancy has been a national phenomenon, affecting every country's economy, development and educational sector. It was once thought to be a "Third World" problem, since poverty has been the main issue forcing under age girls to be prematurely mothers, in many poverty stricken countries of Africa, South America and Asia. But now it has been a much concern issue in Europe and even the United States of America.

The causes of teenage pregnacy vary considerably. For example in Africa, young girls from the rural areas who arrive in the cities to work or study without proper living conditions, often end up in prostitution. Lack of education, without the awareness of dangers in sex, contribute to teenage pregnancy as well at a very fast rate.

In Asia, Africa and in some developed countries, girls plagued by financial difficulties readily take men for money and within a short period become pregnant and they bear the responsibilities alone, if the men do not accept the responsibility. Some girls who have reached their puberty, believe that up to a certain stage in life, abstinence from sex could lead them to mental instability, thus; they are compelled to go for boyfriends.

Teenage pregnancy has great effect in many ways. For example, it is the main cause of population growth, which leads to unemployment and accommodation problems. In Africa, teenage pregnancy puts pressure on schools and hospitals. Since a teenage mother is not a fully adult, she and her child stand at risk, because the mother's reproductive organs is not fully matured.

Measures: To arrest the incidence of teenage pregnancy, there is the need to intensify education on this issue at all levels. The old customs of chiefs and other royal leaders in Africa, marrying young under-age girls must be abolished. Finanally, governments must take the impregnation of under-aged girls as a serious offence.

Manu Dibango speaks to Joel Savage

Manu Dibango is perhaps one of the world's best jazz saxophonists. A true international super star, with a career starting from the 50's. At 15, he was sent to Paris to prepare a professional career. He is a tireless globe trotting musician. Last year he played for hundreds of funs at "Mano-Mundo festival" in Antwerp and this year he was invited once again to play at "Pole-pole festival" in Gent. Both cities are in Belgium. Now he speaks about his passion in music to me.

Joel: As an African musician you have made such an enormous contribution to African music internationally. How do you feel about this achievement?

Manu: I'm glad I'm still in motion. I don't think of my past achievements. The most important thing is what I'm going to do tomorrow. I'm happy that I did what I did . Thanks be to God.

Joel: In 1972, your hit "Soul Makossa" stormed the world. Since then you are still on the music scene. What keeps you moving all these years?

Manu: Passion "La passion" What I would want African youths to have is passion. Because if you have passion you can easily accept suffering and when there is no passion you have to try to cultivate it. If you can't do that then you can really bring out the best of your self.

Joel: In 1985, you raised funds for the famine stricken Ethiopia, through your "Tam-tams for Ethiopia project" with Mory Kante and others. What do you feel about the present situation in Ethiopia?

Manu: Well, talking about Ethiopia is like talking about the whole Africa continent. A month ago we played against AIDS and famine. We also played in Dakar. It is not only the music which is playing an important role on this issue of problems affecting Africa, but the activities of doctors, sportsmen and journalists are also helping in various ways.

Joel: According to an international music magazine I read recently, you and the late Fela Anikulapo Kuti are among the world best saxophonists. How do you feel about this?

Manu: It's nice to hear that. You know that one doesn't play music for the hours just to pass. But you play music because you are in love with music and luckily if it happens that people like what I'm proposing, then I'm happy. Although music is business, yet you don't start thinking of money from the initial stages when you are in music. First you propose to the people what they want and if they like it, then the money comes later.

Joel: Last year, I watched you playing at the Mano-Mundo festival, when the frenzied crowd called for more songs. What was your experince at that moment?

Manu: Well you can see that I'm still in motion. It happens that you share the music with the audience. That is the best happiness an artist can have. I'm not alone on stage but with a group of musicians. So the more the music is successful the more the audience feel happy about the music. Its the responsiblity of an artist to make his or her fans happy. That is proposition. I'm always talking about proposition.

Joel: This question comes from one of your fans who lives in United States of America. He said I must ask you the reason you do always play in Africa and Europe but not in the USA?

Manu: If they want me there, I will be there. I go every country that wants Manu. I have management and those who want me to play contact my management. I have played in Canada and some parts of South America. I lived in America for two years in the 70's. The most important thing is they love my music.

Joel: This is another question from one of your fans. He said that when he was young, he heard that you sued Michael Jackson for using "Makossa"in his music without your permission. Is it true?

Manu: Yes that is true. It is a long time story in 1986. But the problem has been solved long time.

Joel: I believe that you are now in your seventies. What is the secrete behind your fitness?

Manu: If I have a secrete of what keeps me young, then definitely I'm going to sell it. (He laughed) I told you before. It's passion.

Joel: In 1994, you released "The rough guide of Manu Dibango" What do you have in store for your numerous fans worldwide?

Manu: Well, at the moment I have a big band in France. The name is "Marabuti". We have big projects presently and the future and we are going in the studios probably in autumn for recording.

Joel: Sir, thank you very much for this interview.

Manu: You are welcome.

Problems in Africa, Is the leaders responsible?

My hope and belief is that Africa can be a model for the world in finding a balance between the needs of the people and the needs of the world. Watching the hurricane disaster in New Orleans and the thousands of people left homeless and destitude in the United States of America, I began to imagine how blessed and privileged we are as Africans.

Many of the problems Africans are facing are human cause. Poverty, hunger, HIV/Aids, malaria, disease, corruption, fraud, poor governance are caused by human negligence. How do we explain the natural violence sweeping across the United States of America or Asia? Is there any lessons in all these for the world to learn and most especially the Africans?

We are the cause of our suffering in Africa. Instead of the leaders addressing the problems affecting the countries, rather they are looking to the advanced world for help. What is the significance of the independence our past leaders fought for? Africans leaders havea responsiblity on their shoulders. They should be reminded.

DEATH FOR SALE-The killing indulgence

Illicit drug consumption, production and trafficking are on the ascendency in many parts of the world. The effect of hard drugs such as cocaine, heroine, marijuana and hashish is causing concern to the society and governments through out the world. The escalated trend in this illicit business has led to the increase of crime and other social cankers.

On the occasion of International Day Against Drug Abuse, June 1994, it is estimated that at least 40 million people through out the world regularly abuse drugs. The disastrous effect of drug on mankind could be seen in Europe and America more than Africa. But health magazines report of the gradual abuse of drugs in some parts of Africa today.

On almost every street in Europe, junkies are commonly seen. Especially in Spain, Germany, Holland and Belgium, hard drug has transformed able-bodied men into some fearful creatures. Some are gaunt at the edge of death. Others have lost their families and properties. Some are insane, leading them to permanent confinement in mental institutions.

Once hooked on drugs, they can't do without them. The more they use it, the more they want it. In order to satisfy thier demand, junkies resort to stealing, committing serious crimes to lay their hands on anything that come their way to raise money for drugs. It is for this reason worldwide that governments are fighting against drugs to bring good health to its citizens. But are they winning? The harvest is plentiful but the labourers are few they say.

Despite previous and recent progress in arresting some pushers, the trade is still going on. The drug clan is one of the largest underworld group, having links and networks all over. To fight against or reduce drug trafficking means to eliminate its roots and links completely. But this hasn't been an easy task. United States of America with other world leaders are trying to solve this social menace. Modern airports have been well equipped with computer detecters backed by sniffing dogs.

All these measures are just to prevent the smuggle of drug across our borders. But what about what is already in the countries? Here the press has an important role to play. Drug awareness lessons and campaigns are also possible ways to warn children from drugs. In fact the campaign on drug abuse and its effect in the society should be equal to the one on AIDS.

HOMES TELL WHAT WE ARE

Very often, psychologists and psychiatrists have traced the cause of much of our present day ailments to homes. "Home sweet home" they say but at times dirty environments have made our present day abode "Home miserable home".

Homes have straight forward stories to tell. The set up of our homes immediately conveys the message to a visitor, the nature and character of those dwelling there and the sort of training or life being acquired from it. Truly, the life and character of a person can easily be determined from the home he or she was raised.

It is often said "never judge a man by his appearance but his inner most heart that could reveal who he is. Again "it not the beauty or the dress a woman wears, that makes her a lady but examination of her character would show who she really is. It is very common and part of our daily lives to see beautiful ladies and gentlemen in town and the offices.

The perfume they wear add programme to their personalities with sweet charm. But led by chance some of these glamorous workers invite you to their homes, you may not like to go there again on second invitation. One's refusal to visit the house again does not mean that he or she hates the friend who invited him to the house. But the filth he or she wasn't expecting might have put him off.

In the lives of people, many things do happen without knowing the cause. Let's take for example, someone's girlfriend or boyfriend does not seem to have a real place in his or her heart, so dates turn out to be disappointments. When these disappointments occur, it may turn out to be that the partner does not like something about the other, especially about his or her home.

This is where the importance of an ideal home and cleanliness come in. The ideal home has brought comfort, happiness and understanding to many people who face unfavourable conditions outside his or her home. An ideal home does not mean money or luxury but a simple comfortable and airy home free from filth. How can this be achieved? Dusting of films of dirt every day at our homes, make the old furniture looks brighter always. A clean environment could be created by disposing off refuse in a properly manner, then the "Home miserable home" would surely be "Home sweet home"