EP 87 - NIGERIA AT 61

 

In This Episode: 

61 years in, and I still find it hard to celebrate Nigeria's Independence wholeheartedly. The events of October 20th, 2020, do not make it any easier, as the first anniversary of the Lekki Toll Gate Massacre is only 19 days away.  May the souls of the departed continue to rest in peace. 

HOWEVER ...

Despite the failure, greediness, and general gross negligence of our nation's leaders, I have decided that no matter where I go or who I become, I will never forget home, Nigeria. I will never stop fighting and advocating for a better nation. 

(Not So) Happy Independence, Nigeria!

Mentioned In This Episode:

1. Lekki Toll Gate Massacre (Oct 20th, 2020): https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/18/africa/lagos-nigeria-lekki-toll-gate-feature-intl/index.html (WARNING: Article Contains Graphic Images)

Connect:

Email: excusemyafrican@gmail.com

Website: http://www.excusemyafrican.com/

Stella Damasus Blog: http://www.stelladamasusblog.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/excusemyafrican 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/excusemyafrican/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/excusemyafrican 

EP 58 - Africans and Retirement

In This Episode: 

When I moved to the USA, I had a shocking realization. This was something I didn't see a lot in my country (Nigeria). People above the age of 60 or 70, still in the workforce. In Nigeria, almost everyone within that age bracket is retired.

However, in the USA, I have seen several elderly people working and even doing odd jobs. 

Listen to the episode to find out how I feel about this.

Mentioned In This Episode:

1. Nigeria: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nigeria
   

Connect:

Email: excusemyafrican@gmail.com

Website: http://www.excusemyafrican.com/

Stella Damasus Blog: http://www.stelladamasusblog.com

Stella Damasus Website : https://www.stelladamasus.com 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/excusemyafrican 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realexcusemyafrican/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Excuse-My-African-1360118967397852/

EP 49 - The Truth About Kunta Kinte

In This Episode: 

Many of us know of Kunta Kinte from all the slavery stories we've been told. However, most of us do not know the truth about where the name originated from.

I will be taking you on a journey of the beautiful country, where the name originated.

Mentioned In This Episode:

1. Kunta Kinte: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kunta_Kinte 
2. Republic of the Gambia: https://eros.usgs.gov/westafrica/country/republic-gambia 
3. Harmattan: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harmattan  
4. Alex Haley: https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/alex-haley 
5. Roots: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0075572/ 
6. Transatlantic Slave Trade: https://www.usaid.gov/letgirlslearn 
7. Afro manding Blues: https://allafrica.com/stories/201405020675.html 

Connect:

Email: excusemyafrican@gmail.com

Website: http://www.excusemyafrican.com/ 

Stella Damasus Blog: http://www.stelladamasusblog.com

Stella Damasus Website : https://www.stelladamasus.com 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/excusemyafrican 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realexcusemyafrican/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Excuse-My-African-1360118967397852/ 

EP 45 - CULTURAL APPROPRIATION

In This Episode: 

There has been a lot of talk about Cultural Appropriation these days, and even though I understand where a lot of people are coming from, I still think there is a bit of a double standard regarding the issue. 

I know this is a very controversial episode, but it's my opinion, and I would love to hear yours too. 

[ DISCLAIMER (7:15) - I do not support or condone ‘Black Face’ or any costume that is intended to make a mockery of any race. ] 

Mentioned In This Episode:

1. Braids: https://bit.ly/2P4QxKk 
2. Cornrows: https://bit.ly/1QHl7Ab 
3. Kardashians: https://eonli.ne/2ItF549 
4. LGBTQ: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT
5. 4c Natural Hair: https://bit.ly/2yaurIV
6. Human Hair: https://bit.ly/2RvEm5J 
7. Dashiki: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dashiki

Connect:

Email: excusemyafrican@gmail.com

Website: http://www.excusemyafrican.com/ 

Stella Damasus Blog: http://www.stelladamasusblog.com

Stella Damasus Website : https://www.stelladamasus.com 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/excusemyafrican 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realexcusemyafrican/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Excuse-My-African-1360118967397852/ 

EP 43 - The Relationship Between India and Africa

In This Episode: 

I was watching a documentary with my husband a while ago, and we were shocked to see an Indian and an African getting married. 

I have always wondered why it’s so rare to find such a union. Is there some underlying issue between Indians and Africans? 

We have so much in common, so why is there such a great divide?

Mentioned In This Episode:

1. Anchor Podcast Lab: https://twitter.com/anchor/status/1022501209519915009
2. Excuse My African Blog: https://www.stelladamasusblog.com/2017/04/excuse-my-african.html
3. Code 55 Store: https://www.code55store.com/
4. Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/
5. Hollywood: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hollywood
6. Bollywood: https://www.bollywood.com/
7. Nollywood: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nollywood 
8. Shah Rukh Khan: https://www.facebook.com/IamSRK/
9. Amitabh Bachchan: https://www.facebook.com/AmitabhBachchan/
10. Girl Child Education: https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/girlseducation
11. Child Marriage: https://www.girlsnotbrides.org/about-child-marriage/

Connect:

Email: excusemyafrican@gmail.com

Website: http://www.excusemyafrican.com/ 

Stella Damasus Blog: http://www.stelladamasusblog.com

Stella Damasus Website : https://www.stelladamasus.com 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/excusemyafrican 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realexcusemyafrican/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Excuse-My-African-1360118967397852/ 

EP 5 - HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY NIGERIA

In This Episode:

I have never admitted it publicly, but for a while I have had this love/hate feeling for MY country, Nigeria. From the place to the people, I just couldn’t deal with it. BUT, that feeling didn’t last very long becuase honestly, I REALLY DO LOVE MY COUNTRY! There are so many experiences and opportunities I have today that I won’t trade for anything in this world, because it’s a big part of who I am.

That’s why in honor of our Independence Day (1st of October), I decided to dedicate this episode to my country. I am going to share with you, all the amazing things that I love about Nigeria.

Mentioned In This Episode:
1. Nollywood (Nigerian Film Industry)
2. Oscars - http://oscar.go.com
3. Hollywood
4. Bollywood 
5. United Nations - http://www.un.org/en/index.html
6. Toronto Film Festival - https://www.tiff.net
7. Nigerian Music Industry
8. Nicki Minaj
9. Drake - http://www.drakeofficial.com/music.html
10. Akon - http://www.akon.com
11. Jay-Z
12. Roc Nation - http://rocnation.com
13. Beyoncé - https://www.beyonce.com
14. Trey Songz - http://www.treysongz.com/#
15. Missy Elliot - http://www.missy-elliott.com/#
16. Queen Idia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Idia
17. Queen Amina - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amina
18. Obaseki
19. Oba Ovonramwen - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ovonramwen
20. Festac 77 Head - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FESTAC_77
21.  Will Smith - http://www.willsmith.com
22.  Concussion - http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/concussion/

Connect:
Email: excusemyafrican@gmail.com
Website: http://www.excusemyafrican.com/
Stella Damasus Blog: http://www.stelladamasusblog.com
Stella Damasus Website : https://www.stelladamasus.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/excusemyafrican
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realexcusemyafrican/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Excuse-My-African-1360118967397852/