Africa, Live the Dream

AFRICA INSIGHT

2006-12-14T21:47:00.000+03:00

Africa challenges require visions to tackle. They don’t call for expert mourners who are skilled in scripting elegiac apologetics bewailing why we are so poor, passing the buck and begging the world to help out. No, Africa doesn’t need philosophers to rationalize her impregnable bunker of underdevelopment. It needs visionaries who could craft a vision of all-round progress, tap into the continents incredible natural wealth and engage its resilient people to birth a new continent- New African, December 2006

The point of articulating why we shouldn’t dispense our energies in convincing the west that we are not as hopeless as they tell the world we are, is not a call to victory and cessation of effort, but to free time, so we can concentrate our effort some of which we expend in explaining ourselves to the world, into getting us on the track to where we need to be from where we are right now

Tackling migration:

Talents abound in Africa; but unfortunately they lie hidden from view until they immigrate to Europe and start making waves there. Brain drain, the loss of knowledge workers to other continents occurs because we don’t seek and appreciate the ability to identify and cultivate talent; and Africa needs people with such ability. People who love, not dread talents and will bring them on board (Dr William F. Kumuyi- New African)

Migration of people from Africa for primarily economic reasons presents the continent with two threats

In the form of lost brain power and disrupted families and communities
Opportunities in the form of resources available for productive use to build up Africa.

The London- based African Foundation for Development (AFFORD) set about curbing the above into practice. It recruited 15 people to pool their resources starting with their skills and contracts to work with mostly young entrepreneurs and small enterprises in the West African country of Sierra Leone. Different forces motivated the resource persons in spite of diverse ethnic, professional, educational, and ideological backgrounds and perspectives, what the all was a passion for Africa, for enterprise, and for helping young people to help themselves

The effort yields some very positive results, said one of the member. People caught up with us later and said things like “I went back to my business and now am starting to write accounts. You should see that change of heart in terms of how they’re going to conduct their business afterwards”

Such an initiative connects in big way with Africa live the dream. Our big change comes when we all realize the full impact of our being there in Africa. It could be hugely successful. Africa live the dream is an expression, which will help people to reconnect emotionally with their homeland. It takes Africans themselves to reduce the sense of hopelessness on their continent

Africa live the dream initiative is moving and touching. It will make us feel proud to be engaged in something bigger than ourselves, to feel that in our creative ways we can be able to help people who need help. You are not engaged until you laugh or cry in joy upon realizing whom you are and what your values can do for you

AFRICA LIVE THE DREAM PREVIEW

2006-12-14T20:47:00.000+03:00

I was told to write about Africa
I wrote opportunities
I wrote tropics
I wrote ever-changing colors
I wrote independence
I wrote Africa…

Africa live the dream is an expression with a success mentality. An experience that can conceive. An expression characterized by process of change. An expression that will lead people to a new experience

Let it always be that our minds will always be covered with giant heathers, beautiful wild flowers and the fantastic giant groundsel
Let it always be that we shall respond to the storm of persecution with the mood of persecution with the mood of transformation
Let our eyes face the snow- peaked mountains; with this dimension we shall narrow the jail cells…

The total liberation of the continent is just a question of time Our love for Africa, and our commitment to its causes, will not be dimmed We have to reinvent ourselves to keep with the times. A new generation is getting ready to take the lead

Africa
Home for many creations
From the clear little stream cascading from snow-capped mountains to the creatures hiding within the natural diaries
From the humming of streams to the beauty of forests
I see Africa
I see in it, progress, promise and growth
The grotesque appearance of the baobab gives the impression of some pre-historic relic. Especially in its leafless stage, the giant baobab appears unusually formidable
Showers of rain fall under sun
This is my face
My superior face
Every little ripple, cascade and waterfall reflects the energy of a new born Africa
(Uwe, uwe, uwe)

Africa is the continent of color, of life, of joie de vivre, and we must portray this in expression. If there is not much that have been done in the past, we are going to do it now

The war of blood is over
The war of the heart has begun
We must climb our mountains if we need to see God
We already have the dream
Let us live it

Africa live the dream is a unique experience to the world to say things can happen in Africa. The nail biting tension brought by this video is probably the reason the expression will attract million of viewers across the globe. It is like going up the ladder and you are adequately rewarded with every step you take.

It’s exhilarating
It’s compelling
A story of Africa well told
A forceful awakening…

FROM THE MINDS OF GREAT MEN

2006-12-14T18:39:00.001+03:00

Africans have always shaped the world in their own image. In great African personalities we see excellence, which has continued over thousands of years. We see a story truly inspiring

It is not enough to say that corruption and other ills in Africa can be eliminated by hiring investigative firms or by forming commissions. We need a heart reformation as well as a mind transition for the people. This can well be stipulated through creativity and a style that would bring change to everybody. This would easily lead to invention, decoration and restoration of our continent through the people’s effort. Africa live the dream offers this revelation…

The brighter day is rising upon Africa. Already I seem to see her chains dissolved, her desert plains red with harvest, her Abyssinia and Zululand the seats of science and religion, reflecting the glory of the rising sun from the spires of their churches and universities- Kwameh Nkrumah

The darkest thing about Africa has always been our ignorance of it- George Kimble, American Geographer

Africa is a land of rich variety, of noble and ancient cultures, of vital and gifted people- US President John F Kennedy addressing the American society of African culture, June 1959

Why is it you can never hope to describe the emotion Africa creates? You are lifted out of whatever pit? Unbound from whatever tie, relieved from whatever fear. You are lifted and you see it all from above (Francesca Marciano, Italian writer)

Africa’s future will be determined by Africans. To build this future, to end the conflicts, cure the diseases and alleviate the multiple hardships that have held it back, Africa will need all the wisdom, political will and creativity it can muster- UN Secretary general, Koffi Annan

Africa my yet prove to be the spiritual conservatory of the world… when the civilized nations, in consequence of their wonderful material development, shall have had their spiritual perceptions darkened and their spiritual susceptibility blunted through the agency of a captivating and absorbing materialism, it may be that they may have to resort to Africa to recover some of the simple elements of faith- Edward Wilmot Blyden, Liberian statesman and educator

AFRICA LIVE THE DREAM: THE PROJECT

2006-12-14T18:39:00.000+03:00

As the plane landed, I looked down to the faces of the crowd that had gathered to welcome their hero. Even before we touched down, the faces seemed to pull us, to ignite us
I found myself laughing in joy
I looked at the mountains and I saw the same force
I looked at the soil and saw the power of the people in it
These were my people. This was my home
I have not seen people as beautiful as this. Their will and courage. Their belief and expectation was a force by itself. Their songs and games. Their hope and homes was distinct and defined
Even in their problems their dreams and values and strength still painted their faces making it shine with beauty…
I thought, if these people can be empowered in a manner that their superiority can surpass their problems, Africa will experience a strength never seen anywhere because nothing can prevent these people from proving themselves. There light that came to their faces despite problems could generate sparks

We want to create people of Africa who represent the strength and ability of the human spirit to overcome immense odds and make outstanding achievements that rewrite the history books

This idea should surpass the most optimistic high road scenario to development and democracy. It would be great marketing opportunity for Africa, marketing of its passion, culture, and economy if it’s true a billion will watch it across every continent

Breakdown of the project

A poem in 16 pieces (Africa, live the dream)
Original theme song
Original African anthem
2 dances
Cast

We intend to capture this in a 20-minute video clip

Budget

The cost for the project amounts to 4.5 million shillings. This is an initiative by a group of Daystar University students. The success of the project depends wholly on sponsorship. We are calling on organizations, companies, agencies and people of good will to support us financially

Our email address is: africalivedream@yahoo.co.uk

GIVING LIGHT TO THE IMAGE OF AFRICA:

2006-12-14T18:31:00.000+03:00

There’s no way your face can show light unless you are developed in your heart. It is the heart that should glow first then it lights the face. For a heart to glow, there’s a call for positive thinking and discipline, one feeling empowered, determined and confident. Giving light to African image begins with building the heart, which are its people. Empowering them with knowledge, reformation, satisfaction and awareness. There’s a direct relationship between light and beauty. Light is the confidence. When it is full it shines to the face thus unveiling the beauty (satisfaction)
The beauty that Africa has in terms of nature, location and culture can be transferred to its people therefore helping them to redefine themselves their goals, future and work

So many things that can be achieved in Africa without much foreign interventions or billions of dollars in Aid. It only takes Africa collective will, compassion and a lot of determination to beat the effects of many odds. There’s a way all of us can get involved as far as giving light to the image of Africa is concerned

These are the visible moments for Africa. It is about us. It is about battling the prejudice of a world skewed against Africa. It is about retrieving our stolen legacy
We are helping to set the record straight. There is no greater calling for an African

From Africa, am born
The map makes me feel as if am taller
The swaying trees are my dreams
In the humming streams I hear poetry reciting itself, my desire and my love
From Africa, am born
From the happy Maasai morans jumping to their cultural songs
From the content of strength from the initiation dance
From the voice singing in the gardens and the glory showing in the culture
From the showers cutting through our marathon runners
From heroes alighting from the plane
From the scout boys running with the flags
From the face of young girls walking against wars
From the sound of drums saying its time
From the sound of footsteps of boys running to school
From the anthem coming from the mouths of women soldiers
From the smile seeming on a mother who have just delivered
From the children praying under the moon
From the cry of a new born Africa
I am born

The Maasai are among the most picturesque tribes of East Africa. They have been a nomadic people, roaming with their vast cattle from place to place. Formerly fierce warriors they now love to dance and sing to re-tell the exploits of their tribe. Since they become interested in education, they show themselves as friendly, eager, charming individuals (African scenes and symbols)

Like Maasai nomads in their search for new pastures, our move to the life of Africa is part of our eternal plan. Every country or continent has a positive and negative side. Africa has its good side too, and we ought to reflect it in all we do.

WORKING TOGETHER WITH COMPANIES AND MEDIA:

2006-12-14T17:07:00.000+03:00

Two ways:
Engaging companies through their visions and missions, for them to help in empowering and motivating people’s abilities and creativity towards nations building. We have many companies whose goals focuses on development o0f the continent

The below message run recently in one of the papers
Celtel Company has succeeded in bringing East Africa closer by breaking down geographical borders. Celtel has more than 15 million customers in 15 countries throughout Africa

“Our goal and core mission is to change the future of Africa while making life better for all living on the continent- Managing Director said

Working with Celtel company can help reach to the countries and people they have as their customers. What more? Through combined effort, it would be easier to reach every person in the whole of Africa, therefore raising their standards and values

Born. In Africa: Celtel is Africa’s only homegrown communications network, delivering world-class technology, infrastructure and services
Fruits of our minds. And our hearts. Celtel. The soul of Africa. (This advert appeared on the front page of New African Magazine 2005 page 5)

We have such successful companies as Kenya Airways whose determination to create pride in Africa can be felt everywhere. And this tells you how the idea to build Africa could be effective if all gets involved

Media
“It is nauseating to keep blaming the western media for portraying Africa in bad light because to them it is war, famine and others that make news there because they are not familiar with them. It will be until we start giving our stories that trend will change” (June Arunga, in search of true Africa story)

Two new TV channels, recently launched in the USA and Brazil hope to change how the world sees Africa and people of Africa descent. Starving children, tribal warfare and diseases are all that most Americans see of Africa on their Television sets. Whether by design or accident, US Television stations present Africa when they bother to cover it at all, as a ‘dark continent’ with little light on it

But with the launch in America September 2005 of the Africa Channel, a 24-hour cable Television station, featuring top quality programming from several African countries, Africa will be seen in a more positive light in the US than ever before

“Africa has been called a ‘Dark continent’ for such a long time.” Says 45-year-old Makawa, the CEO of the Africa channel. “We are trying to shed light on that incredibly vibrant place in a very, very positive way.”

Another Africa- related channel, TV da Gente (which means ‘Our TV) was launched in Brazil with almost the same initiative, as the first black TV channel in a country where more than ½ the population of 180 million people is African descended people

The money to start the channel came from a variety of sources. Dikembe Mutombo, the US based Congolese basketball superstar is an investor, as is the consulting firm, Good works International and Weller/ Grossman productions a Television company that has made its name as a producer of reality programs

Andrew Young, the civil rights activist and former US ambassador to the United Nations, is also an investor

“One of the things that we do know is that we don’t know anything about Africa” Andrew Young said of Americans in a recent Television interview. “Most of us still think of Africa either in terms of Tarzan or tragedy (New African Magazine Feb. 2005)

Africa live the dream, through its initiative would want to engage with companies, media channels, investors and personalities to express awakening, awareness and revelation to Africans and Africa at all cost. First the project must change the hearts and mind of Africans. It is very difficult to get people energized about their continent unless they change their hearts and minds to it. This change comes through transformation and empowerment

What Others Say

2006-05-30T17:57:00.000+03:00

Mrs. Rebecca Nganga is a Communication and Culture lecturer at Daystar University in Kenya. She is also a motivational speaker and has for many years been invited to various institutions to speak on various issues.

Below is a letter that she wrote to the team encouraging us to live the African Dream. This is a motivation to most of us as we have been able to interact with her in a lecturer-student way.

As you think about Africa we are also hopeful that you will be motivated by her words as much as we have been. Africa will always be what we think of it and not what others make us think of it. It is time for us to live the noble dream that Africa has carried all this years.

Note that we are welcome to any comments and any words that you would love to share with the rest of Africa and the world.

Oliver M. - Editor

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Dear Peter and friends,
Sorry that I could not get to you earlier. The dream of Africa is very good. It is excellent. Yes there is need for children of Africa to express the beauty and depths of love that flow from the great and rich continent that seem to be unexplored.

Foreigners have seen Africa from their perspective and sometimes from great culture shock and that has given the continent an image that is not correct. It is us who know the breath of Africa and its technology that can speak it out for the world to hear and for ourselves.

Miriam Makeba of South Africa said,'When I look at a stream, I see myself, a native African woman, irresistibly moving over hard obstacles until they become smooth and one day disappear'. Africa Alive is a move against beliefs that are imbedded in people that see poverty, disease, unnecessary fights, illogical people etc, Africa Alive has to remind us that ignorance, poverty and disease is not our second name.
Peter you have the seed in you that can become a forest of beauty , wealth and health of Africa.

Another student said "My life has a superb cast, but I can't figure it out." That is what I feel of Africa. Africa has a superb cast and all we have to do is figure it out. That is what I hear you doing.

Peter as you mine the gift of expressing through poetry what you so ably see, clarify your source of authority if possible. Is it God or ancestors and history. If God which one? That is what Daystar was meant to instil in you. However if it is not clear just leave it out but the expressions will remain hollow. Those Rwanda characteristics that resemble Sawi cannot be eradicated by just knowledge.

Rebecca Ng'ang'a (Mrs)

NATURE: THE PRIDE OF AFRICA

2006-05-30T17:30:00.000+03:00

The pride of Africa can be identified through nature- infact every resource that we can think of. I wonder why for long we have not been proud of Africa and the Africaness.

For sure, at Africa, live the Dream we are proud of the African pride.

Oliver M. - Editor

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NATURE: PRIDE OF AFRICA

I tend to see it in nature. Africa is a positive virtue

Nature is our identity
It is what we can look and see ourselves
There is no other way I know that Africa can be described
When it comes to defining Africa, nature is the first word that comes to mind
It is our Noun, and pronoun and adverb
It is our language
It is our values. Discipline. Pride. Opportunity and destiny
When nature is full and rich, we are satisfied. When it is dry and wanting, we are also dry and wanting
We become angry. We revenge. We start wars. People kill each other
With all my knowledge and feelings, I can say nature is peace. Nature is our food. Nature is our goals and strategies. Nature is Africa…

The struggle for survival is found in all of nature. Many varieties of plants have learned to survive the unusual conditions found on high mountaintops. Often they become like new varieties as they adapt themselves to their new surroundings. They reach up toward the sunshine, change the structure of their leaves, and sink deep roots to break up rocky formations in search of adequate soil and moisture (From Africans scenes and symbols)

African people could earn this principle and characteristics as nature. If African people can lift up their heads in the same dimension of courage and purpose, it would be easy to contain the struggles and frustrations. It would be easy to realize their destiny

The sound of a waterfall is heard from a distance. In the early morning a mysterious mist arises and fills the canyon. It waters the rain forest on the tableland and spreads out over the nearby countryside. But even when the falls are entirely in the mist, its voice can be heard and its power is available to those who make use of it
Like the power from the fall, whose electricity can cook and light and refrigerate, Africa power can work miracles when it is well defined and revealed through its people

The hills and mountains, level plains and virgin forests stretch out towards distant horizons. In the quiet freshness of early morning, one can see mountains one hundred miles away. There’s magic an unreality about the early stillness that speaks of true reality, the need of every person to take time to know his purpose. What an Africa? What pride we have?
Africa live the dream is here to bring out the force. Ours is to express Africa in its rich, positive standard in away that will bring change liberation, independence and development to all people…

Our land; Tour and Travel

2006-05-26T17:43:00.000+03:00

Without much for me to add, this is what the team says our land and tours and travels
Oliver M - Editor

MAKING OUR LAND THE BEST- ENVIRONMENT

To change our land, we need to change ourselves, our attitudes and possibly our ideas. Those who struggle to make their inside environment beautiful will possibly struggle to make the outside environment as beautiful. A withered tree for example symbolizes that tree in us that needs to be watered by human contribution. To plant and tender a tree requires our discipline and effort. Where are we as Africans? Does the outside environment tell about us?

Africa needs attention in terms of environment

This goes too to our poor roads. Our governments needs to be stabilized. Our cultures needs to be improved and also the races that keep fighting. To tackle all these, we need first to build the African person, his character, his courage, believe and purpose.

We need to build an African who can contain troubles. Who can keep his health, who is aggressive and determined

What Africa needs is Africans who are unstoppable, bold, focussed and creative

TOUR AND TRAVEL

We can make it better with our friendly mind. With hearts in good infrastructure. With thoughts well connected. Rich behaviours. Innovative character. Well maintained human sources and characteristics. Being vibrant. Attractive and ambitious

All these will equal to attractive Africa, with rich colours of environment and wide geographical structures, rich and diverse, permanent game reserves and awesomeness which would increase marketing opporunities for tour and travel industries

Africa Live the Dream Team

The Vision and the Mission

2006-05-26T13:24:00.000+03:00

As the Africa Live the Dream team we find it honourable to give you our vision and mission. and without saying much let it speak for itself.
Oliver M - Editor
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Our Vision
To bring out the best image of Africa in the face of resourcefulness, enterprise and integrity through an environment that will invoke optimism and power of belief to all Africans. We are doing this through expression of talents
Our Mission
To challenge Africans to awaken and see the possibility of living positively as productive, responsible and accountable generation

By giving light to the image of Africa, we want to bring out a face unconditional, forceful and vibrant. We want to bring out the strength of Africa, its determination and boldness through an _expression which is intended to invoke its people to become as thus, i.e, forceful, purposeful, creative and innovative

It is the dawn of Africa and new countries and nations are in its making. A whole continent is on the march. It is a fascinating, exhilarating and exciting period. We are euphoric in our call, full of enthusiasm and idealism. We know for certain that we are right and that our struggle to make Africa a marveling continent is not in vain. We have a mission

We want to convince Africans that within them there are a great awesomeness, beauty, height and distinction as symbolized by nature, geographical creations that are so rich and in variety. The transfer of this knowledge from outside to our inside will help create a forceful African people who will think and act positively to raise their standards and values

We are taking a journey through Africa, highlighting the potential, ecstasy and giving information through the expression which will inspire confidence, awakening and change to the people. We are bringing out the richness that Africa has, integrating it with emotion and ability of its people to create opportunities, awareness and awakening

If people of Africa can concentrate on the strength of the continent, their thoughts will be diverted from war and dependence and they will feel secure. This will help create peace and development
There is no comparison to strength when it comes to African people and their human spirit. It just needs to be awakened and lived

Africa Live, the Dream .

Message From the Music Director

2006-05-26T12:07:00.000+03:00

Esther Njeri Kihang'ah aka KEN is a member of the Africa Live the Dream team and a very talented Musician and song writer. KEN has written some awesome songs for the project which will be used to hype up the whole thing. This adds another reason why you should not miss the opportunity of experience the Africa Live the Dream. Soon we will be telling you what to expect in the project.
This is KEN's message to you and me.
Oliver M. - Editor
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Africa live the dream is the realization of hearty desires. My main interest would be to see how this clip will sensitize Africans all around the world on what it really means too be African. Contrary to popular belief,as depicted by todays international media, Africa has more to it than just PLIGHT. We also have PRIDE.
Features that draw tourists from far and wide for reasons other than ‘study’. The joys and sorrows of being African are what makes us who we are, PROUDLY AFRICAN. This is not however to say that we are content with what we see in the continent, it so lies in the hearts of those who birthed this brilliant idea that sacrificial efforts are required to achieve the Africa that we desire.
May those whose passion is to see a better Africa take pride in this idea soon to unfold into reality.

Njeri Kihang’ah
Music director,
Africa Live the Dream.

Splendor amidst dangers I never knew

2006-05-26T10:16:00.000+03:00

Below you will find a masterpiece by one of the members of Afica Live Dream, Ms. Sarah Wakasa. She also doubles up as our main graphic designer in all aspects of designs. She is also a gifted poet with a passion for our motherland and the piece below can tell this clearly. Sarah says that this is her expression of the Africa Live Dream project.
Follow it carefully as raw as it is.
Oliver M. - Editor
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I never knew that I was no innocent
Never knew what a predicament
Never knew that I lived in misery
Never knew the troubles and maladies enveloping me
Never knew….

For if I’d known earlier would have lived in guilt
In plight of this predicament of a tugging over me
Diseases and poverty
If I had known that I lacked
The way they want it to be
I would have searched
If I had known better
But I never knew…

Until they made me realize
Gradually I came to apprehend
That it’s no wonder that they mesmerize at the sight of me
An African girl who could afford a smile amidst whirls of storms
The African was not meant to afford a smile… never knew…

That what lay around me was scandal
But I never knew how bad they wanted it to seem
Did they glory in the misery amidst?
Well some never cared to even care less

Never knew until they said we are diseased
Never knew until exotic helpers were fascinated
All so pitiful, drowned in tears
Taking photos in disbelief of this African melancholy
Never knew the sight of us was that sympathetic

Now that it was made it known to me
That what good could come out me
I had to confirmed a true reflection of me
What I saw true grandeur that the world just had to glimpse
An I saw they black light it me
Sparkling with unmistakable rays
Never knew how striking an image of me
Would be… me?
Never imagined.

It was not made it known
Never on the head lines that I am
Never knew the greatest inside of me
The wondrous of creation
An image of Him…

That is Africa for me splendor amidst dangers. But I never knew.

Wakasa Sarah,
Graphics Director,
Africa Live the Dream.

From the Director

2006-05-22T20:01:00.000+03:00

The following is an introductory piece from the project's director, Peter Wamwea. I love this piece and I hope you love it too.
- Editor.

AFRICA LIVE THE DREAM
…For Such A Time As This

Most of our life as Africans is spent trying to respond to our chaos rather than developing our values. We need to change the environment of our thoughts, perception and conviction in order to recognize who we are and what we have. Unfortunately, most of us have this mind that sees black as colour of inferiority. This mind tells us we are black (dark) even in our hearts, goals, focus and vision. It also cultivates other people’s attitude towards us as Africans. Peter Wamwea, 2006

Exactly, who are we?
To answer this question, I should let us read what Binyavanga Wainaina describes Africans in the magazine GRANTA, view for Africa

'How to write about Africa' by Binyavanga Wainaina

Some tips: sunsets and starvation are good

Always use the word 'Africa' or 'Darkness' or 'Safari' in your title. Subtitles may include the words 'Zanzibar', 'Masai', 'Zulu', 'Zambezi', 'Congo', 'Nile', 'Big', 'Sky', 'Shadow', 'Drum', 'Sun' or 'Bygone'. Also useful are words such as 'Guerrillas', 'Timeless', 'Primordial' and 'Tribal'. Note that 'People' means Africans who are not black, while 'The People' means black Africans

In your text, treat Africa as if it were one country. It is hot and dusty with rolling grasslands and huge herds of animals and tall, thin people who are starving. Or it is hot and steamy with very short people who eat primates. Don't get bogged down with precise descriptions. Africa is big: fifty-four countries, 900 million people who are too busy starving and dying and warring and emigrating to read your book.

Taboo subjects: ordinary domestic scenes, love between Africans (unless a death is involved), references to African writers or intellectuals, mention of school-going children who are not suffering from yaws or Ebola fever or female genital mutilation...

Throughout the book, adopt a sotto voice, in conspiracy with the reader, and a sad I-expected-so-much tone. If you are a woman, treat Africa as a man who wears a bush jacket and disappears off into the sunset. Africa is to be pitied, worshipped or dominated. Whichever angle you take, be sure to leave the strong impression that without your intervention and your important book, Africa is doomed...

Your African characters may include naked warriors, loyal servants, diviners and seers, ancient wise men living in hermitic splendor. Or corrupt politicians, inept polygamous travel-guides, and prostitutes you have slept with. The Loyal Servant always behaves like a seven-year-old and needs a firm hand...

The Modern African is a fat man who steals and works in the visa office, refusing to give work permits to qualified Westerners who really care about Africa. He is an enemy of development, always using his government job to make it difficult for pragmatic and good-hearted experts to set up NGOs or Legal Conservation Areas. Or he is an Oxford-educated intellectual turned serial-killing politician in a Savile Row suit. He is a cannibal who likes Cristal champagne, and his mother is a rich witch doctor who really runs the country.

Among your characters you must always include The Starving African, who wanders the refugee camp nearly naked, and waits for the benevolence of the West. Her children have flies on their eyelids and potbellies, and her breasts are flat and empty. She must look utterly helpless. She can have no past, no history; such diversions ruin the dramatic moment. Moans are good. She must never say anything about herself in the dialogue except to speak of her (unspeakable) suffering...

Avoid having the African characters laugh, or struggle to educate their kids, or just make do in mundane circumstances. Have them illuminate something about Europe or America in Africa...

Remember, any work you submit in which people look filthy and miserable will be referred to as the 'real Africa', and you want that on your dust jacket. Do not feel queasy about this: you are trying to help them to get aid from the West. The biggest taboo in writing about Africa is to describe or show dead or suffering white people.

When writing about the plight of flora and fauna, make sure you mention that Africa is overpopulated. When your main character is in a desert or jungle living with indigenous peoples (anybody short) it is okay to mention that Africa has been severely depopulated by Aids and War (use caps).

The above description of Africa is not a new thing, or so it seem. Our problem as Africans is not how other people rate us rather it is how we carry ourselves as Africans. Our believes, actions and confidence determines what other people would say about us (we first of all rate ourselves, then other people look at the pattern we have put on ourselves and rate us according to it). It is as a result of the sub-standard cloth we wear that other people call us sub-standard, meaning, we cannot become of standard if we in our own ways are sub-standard. If the negative picture given about us is what we believe we are, then, how could we feel challenged?

Africa live the dream project is meant to enlighten the mind of pessimists (the victims of uncertainty and circumstances) challenging them to act responsibly towards developing their continent and to embrace unity and justice
It meets people at their point of life. It vindicates those enslaved to bad systems and unreformed governments. As they realize the environment of the dream light, they are replenished and enlightened to see productive aspects in themselves and what is around them. The light also encourages those who have already begun working on principles of development. For those undermined by bad systems, it gives hope and direction

Live the dream team is a call to Africa to show its resourcefulness, enterprise and integrity; racial and tribal tolerance plus the power to forgive and rise above the differences.

It’s a call to the leaders to be responsible, accountable, efficient, effective, and productive. The challenge begins with an individual. It’s a call for personal transformation.

The poems are compelling and irresistible. A forceful awakening to all Africans

PETER WAMWEA

Director (Africa live the dream)

About Africa Living The dream

2006-05-08T19:55:00.000+03:00

My name is Oliver Mathenge otherwisely known as the Global Kenyan and today I introduce the Africa Live, the Dream project. The project is the brainchild of on Peter Wamwea, a student at Daystar university and is run by him and other students of whom you will learn of later on.
I am the editor of this blog on behalf of the project, an idea I thought could help us in the project and help us move steps further in the vision of the project.

Africa Live the Dream is just that living the African dream that has for years been overshadowed by diseases, wars, poverty, negative media coverage by the west, political and leadership struggles, religion just to name a few.
In Africa Live the Dream Project we see beyond this obstacles and find pride in saying that Africa has hope and what remains is for us to live the dream.
The climax of the project is a 20 minute video clip in form of poem music and dance that will help communicate and bring Africa together.
To learn more about this living of the African dream you know where to visit. or better still make this your homepage and you will never miss an part of the dream.
Join the journey you know the addresses to reach us at.
Welcome to the African Dream

Welcome to the African Dream

2006-05-04T21:40:00.000+03:00

Africa has a dream, its time to live it

Watch this space