Flaming Desire

When we kiss I feel heaven coming
Shining bright lights,
Dazzling,
Together we cling
Like lightening throbbing down
Lashing it flames of everlasting fantasies
We desire nothing but us
Biting tight each other like a tide clashes
Just then we realize what this means to us
Let forget the noise outside
Let shot our ears to them
That offers distraction
And focus on the sweet vibe
Of two bodies mix in even soothing

When we make love I feel heaven coming
Entering a place where everything is !!!!!
Where our sound becomes our own audience
Our touch leaves us trails
Every sooth caress brings us even closer
To what we are yet to unravel
lets go on until our body's resist us
from this flaming desire
lets continue until our longing
is empty

Immigration

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nothingness part 2

we hold hands under the
moon light
inhaling the sweet crimson thats
falling on us
memories of phrases struck us like wonders
into the deep blues like rain showers
through the deep of your eyes
where the air is so thick and shrill
where two walls collides
tied to a common goal;
we cover our feet from the
rest of the world to see

we continue to drift away
holding on to our past
holding on to those things we've fought
and defeat in battle
nothing seemed to be
just like you said you want it so bad
but before morning you'd change you mind
we become dreamers of LOVE!!

chasing open shadows
nothing seemed to follows
only a dance of a meltdown stage
dressed like a masquerade on halloween
walking backward
back bent to misstep what you feel

missing the flame of a firing love
where we could hold forever
where the radiance of the sun
will climb our back and set free
it lasting pleasure
where the simple sound of nature
will celebrate us
(...i pronounce both of you...)

nothingness

broken in pieces,
shattered under the sun,
i feared this arising with passion
i hold on to the simple truth under my arm
don't wanna lose this world,
can't give away this song

from my home town
closing the chapters of another stillness
broken into million scarlet
rain drop at my feet
caring every thoughts of my fears into the wind

unending nightmares journeys with her
striking the string with pain
singing her song without passion
without any memory of her home town
of her own personality
but she sang her song with truth and conviction

walking the same way
his word are maimed by way
surrounded by empty nothingness
like a whirlwind tide under a tiring storm
though it memories faded in efficacy
plunging with desired authority
no one looks her way
but heard her whirl under the sun

THE VERSION: sinners shall never go to heaven

THE VERSION: sinners shall never go to heaven

sinners shall never go to heaven

if you know wat's good for you
stay out of his way
if you have no insurance
keep out of his sight
he is a police from SUWETO
i can tell he's lookin for a fight
look at his face,
i can tell he's lookin for a fight
look at his noise....
he kills for fun
he is one of those people we were warned
about so many years ago

he says he's gonna come (he says)
every dogs has his ways (every dogs has his ways)

Oh OOO sinners shall never go to heaven
sinners shall never go to heaven
sinners shall never to go heaven
sinners shall never go to heaven

if you are right side of the law
of the ways...
he his wanted DEAD OR ALIVE
he kills for fun
stay out of his way
i can tell he's lookin for a fight
look at his face
i can tell he's lookin for a fight
look at his noise...

he is a police from "SOWETO"
in his word "DOG EAT DOG"
that is how we know
(stay out of his way)
every dog had his day

sinners shall never go to heaven
sinners shall never go to heaven
sinners shall never go to heaven
sinners shall never go to heaven

what women wants

If you kiss her, you are not a gentleman.
If you don't, you are not a man.
If you praise her, she thinks you are lying.
If you don't, you are good for nothing.
If you agree to all her likes, she is abused.
If you don't, you are not understanding.
If you make romance, you are an 'experienced man'.
If you don't, you are half a man.
If you visit her too often, she thinks it is boring.
If you don't, she accuses you of double crossing.
If you are well-dressed, she says you are a playboy.
If you aren't, you are a dull boy.
If you are jealous, she says it's bad.
If you aren't, she thinks you do not love her.
If you attempt a romance, she says you didn't respect her.
If you don't, she thinks you do not like her.
If you are a minute late, she complains it is hard to wait.
If she is late, she says that's a girl's way.
If you visit another, she accuses you of being a heel.
If she is visited by another, 'oh it's natural, we are girls'.
If you kiss her once in a while, she professes you are cold.
If you kiss her too many, she yells that you are taking advantage.
If you fail to help her in crossing the street, you lack ethics.
If you do, she thinks it's just one of the man's tactics.
If you stare at others, she accuses you of flirting.
If she is stared by others, she says that they are just admiring.
If you talk, she wants you to listen.

I want

i want what i need, not what i want

i need a sooth satisfaction, not the satisfaction of materialism

i need what will lift my soul even when i don’t have,

but take away every urge of lustfulness,

and fill my cells with every simplicity.

I only seek for those things that is not of this,

and eject every norm of tech-(…..)

For Immediate Release

02/10/2010
Baoku Moses
Positive Image Productions
www.baokutcr.com
513-266-2070

For immediate release,

Positive Image Productions
&
The Blue Wisp

Present: The 2nd edition.

Cincy Unity Jam
At The Blue Wisp
03-20-2010
5pm to Midnight

Following the success of the 1st Cincy Unity Jam in December last year,
Positive Image Production and The Blue Wisp proudly present the 2nd
edition of Cincy Unity Jam; bringing people together in unity to seek and
celebrate peace, because without unity there is no way peace can be
achieved.

Positive Image Productions, a subsidiary of Positive Image Arts
Organization, hopes to contribute to building a peaceful and respectful
world in which to live. We hope to be able to accomplish this, and many
more positive achievements, through music, arts, entertainment and
collaboration with other organizations.

Cincy Unity Jam will take place on the 20th of March, 2010 at the
legendary jazz club, The Blue Wisp. The doors will be open to the public
at 4pm, and the first performance will kick off at 5pm. Coming back bigger
and better, there are going to be 8 bands in the line up to perform in
this edition; as well as African dance performances, belly dancing,
poetry/spoken word, and a drum cirlce.

The bands in the 2nd Cincy Unity Jam line up are:

Mayan Ruins
MAYAN RUINS performs Psychedelic Tribal music accompanied by Tribal
Bellydancer ZAHARA. Traditional rhythms are improvised over by
musicians Christian Hartman (bass/drums) Derek Garteiz (guitar/drums)
Gregory Morris (violin mandolin & other instruments), Paul Ravenscraft
(conga/percussion/electric sitar), Will Menton (guitar/drums), Rob Dorsey
(throat singing/drums) & Denny Schoeny (drums/Percussion) to create a
trancey sound great for listening intently or dancing wildly!
http://MayanRuinsTribal.com
http://www.myspace.com/mayanruins

Alchemy
Cincinnati power trio Alchemy brings an explosive new sound to the local
music scene in 2010. Forged in the furnace of blues and rock, Alchemy
jams with a unique set of skills. At it's core is guitarist Mike
Connolly, a soulful singer-songwriter, whose style recalls guitarists of
the past while creating his signature sound. He's been heard around
Cincinnati performing solo acoustic and electric over the past few years.
Patrick McMahon is Alchemy's veteran wind wizard, playing harmonica, sax
and flute. Patrick has been in many influential groups, including
fringe-rock pioneers,Bitter Blood Street Theatre, and internationally
acclaimed Blacklight Braille. Richard "Iron Man" Cisneros venerates Peart,
Moon and Mitchell with his African-style hand percussion. Patrick and
Richard play as the duo in "Tree of Life Band", and have performed
together in the CEA-nominated band Totems. Alchemy is adding something
fresh and innovative to the local music scene with their blend of rock,
blues, folk, psychedelic and world music. They're transmuting sound into
gold in a venue near you.
http://www.myspace.com/alchemycincinnati

Matthew Shelton
Matthew Shelton was born in South Carolina and moved to Cincinnati to
study the Arts. He is a prolific singer/songwritter, and a
multi-instrumentalist whose talents include mastery of the mbira, a
traditional African thumb piano. His diverse performance venues include
bars, museums, DIY dives, art galleries, coffee shops and rec centers. He
has opened for Vampire Weekend, Daniel Johnston, Animal Collective, Wussy,
Pit er Pat, Ariel Pink, the Hiders, Howling Hex, and the Sheds, to name a
few. A well-rounded artist, he is also a visual artist who paints and
creates unique lightbox pieces, in addition to his great songwriting
skills. http://www.flexyourlovemuscles.com
http://www.myspace.com/msheltonmusic

Latin Block
Junior Garcia (Lil Yankee), John Lombert (Yung Bronx) and Jonathan Cabot
(Jking) of Latin Block are what some people might say is the future of
Entertainment. The group Started paving their way into the music industry
in 2006, with the unique style of music they call Reggaehiphop. Latin
Block describes Reggaehiphop as a combination of Reggaeton, Hip-Hop and
R&B, with the bi-lingual flow of Spanish and English. Coming into the
music industry with their new unique style, Latin Block is determined to
make a big impact. With the high determination to succeed, members of the
group studied what it takes to be the best in the industry, which lead
them to becoming Jacks-of-all-trades. With the help of their manager
Angel Lombert, not only do they write their own music, but they produce
and record it, make their own videos and photoshoots, and do everything
else that goes into making a master piece. Latin Block's hard work is
paying off as they have accomplished a lot within a short period of time,
from playing numerous concerts to appearing on radio and TV shows. Never
slowing down, they have a number of new projects lined up.
http://www.myspace.com/latinblock

Sandy Suskind Jazz Trio
Sandy Suskind, flute and saxophone, has been playing jazz in the
Cincinnati area for over 30 years. Sandy attended U. of Cincinnati's
College Conservatory of Music, majoring in theory and jazz performance. He
has played and recorded with well-known trumpeter Tim Hagans, guitar great
Cal Collins, and pianist Steve Schmidt to name a few. He has also jammed
with multi-horn legend Ira Sullivan and harmonica virtuoso Howard Levy.
His influences are too numerous to list, but include Coltrane, Sam Most,
Frank Strozier, Mahler and Schoenberg and the Second Viennese School.
Sandy feels that now is the most fruitful musical period of his life, and
is planning to record a CD of his original compositions in the near
future.
http://www.myspace.com/sandysuskind

Shiny Old Soul
Shiny Old Soul (Cosmic roots) is a guitar/bass/drum trio comprised of
former members of The Gregory Morris Group (Cincinnati, Ohio). It
combines fundamental elements of a traveling storyteller, jazz
influenced dynamic percussion, bittersweet folk roots and east coast horn
creating a bastion of invention that shanghais the senses into a hyper
real environment rich with [un]savory characters. One part jazz, one part
folk, one part punk, one part rock, but it's really all about the songs.
Bank robberies, pregnant pirates, time travelers, voodoo spells,
allegory, and plain old sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll conspire to reveal a
world of simple feelings in exotic places. A broken heart by any other
name... A genuine enjoyment of the art and the opportunity to play
together keep the music and the performers fresh and sincere, resulting in
songs, which like any good story, can never really be told the same way
twice. "It's not the upside down backwards smooth as jazz frenetic as
Django guitar playing of leader Gregory Morris or the tight and versatile
rhythm section of Michael and Katherine that make the group unique, but
the cool, progressive blues seated groove they lay down." - Jeff Roberson
http://www.myspace.com/thegregorymorrisgroup

Uptown R&B Band
Influenced by the likes of Wilson Pickett, James Brown, Jackie Wilson,
Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye and The Commodores, Uptown R&B Band ROCKS the
HOUSE! Uptown R&B band has been satisfying dancers and partiers for more
than 20 years in Cincinnati, the tri-state area, and beyond. They have
also funked it up in San Francisco, Atlanta, New Orleans and Orlando to
name a few. They are the hottest and most authentic R&B show in the
country.
http://www.uptownrb.com

Baoku & The Image Afro-beat Band
Afro-beat, a musical combination of western big band jazz with African
instruments and languages, is a musical expression of peace, love, unity,
truth and justice. The Image Afro-beat Band is comprised of talented
musicians that come from different musical & cultural backgrounds to play
the unique style of music known as Afro-beat. Using the power of music,
the band hopes to create appreciation for cultural diversity, respect for
life and to contribute to making the world a more peaceful and respectful
place in which to live. United, we can do it.
www.reverbnation.com/baokutheimageafrobeatband

Dance/solo Performers:

Becky Umeh
Becky Umeh was born in Anambra State, Nigeria and grew up in Lagos. An
activist, she pressed the Nigerian Government to support artists, without
forcing them to serve propaganda goals. Since moving to Washington DC in
2002, Umeh has worked with producers such as Hugh Medrano, Nancy Havlik
and George Faison; and has performed for non-profit organizations, many
cultural centers, universities, and churches. Multitalented, she initially
gained national visibility as an actress in the Nigerian Television
Authority, as well as for roles in various independent films. She then
studied traditional and contemporary African dance at Ivory Dance Academy,
founded by National Troupe of Nigeria member Steve James, with which she
toured in the school's group Ivory Ambassadors, and conducted field
research on traditional dance in Nigerian villages. After graduation from
the program, Umeh served as the Dance Director of Ivory Dance Troupe for 5
years. During this time, Umeh launched her singing career and founded her
band, with which she produced the album "Aiye". In 2005 Becky Umeh went
on tour in multiple US cities with Toby Foyeh and Orchestra Africa; and in
2006 choreographed the Lion King production sponsored by Metropolitan Fine
Arts in Virginia.
http://www.facebook.com/beckyumeh
http://www.myspace.com/beckyumeh

Vincent Etagweyo
Vincent Etagweyo, hails from Nigeria’s Delta state. Recruited at a young
age by the selective and prestigious Black Marbles Dance Academy, he then
advance to join the professional dance company, Body Language Klinik, at
age 21, where he had the chance to explore his creativity on a wider
range, including choreographing his own pieces and teaching children. He
is a member of the Guild of Nigerian Dancers in Lagos, Nigeria. Also an
accomplished poet, he is the founder of the Version Project poetry
association in Miami, FL. Etagweyo’s reputation as a talented artist has
allowed him to work both in Nigeria and internationally, collaborating
with some of the world best choreographers to reach a broader audience.
The deep emotion conveyed through his work comes from a fusion of both
traditional and modern African dancing, with Western-inspired contemporary
styles.
http://vincent24.wordpress.com
http://www.theversionphaseone.blogspot.com
http://www.facebook.com/people/Etagweyo-Efe/710786398
===============================================

Present in addition to the line up of the talented bands and performers,
there will also be arts and crafts vendors present to exhibit their work
throughout the duration of the event.

Cincy Unity Jam is set to take place at:
The Blue Wisp
318 E. 8th Street
Between Broadway & Sycamore
in Downtown Cincinnati, OH.

The door will open to the public at 4pm, and the event will start at 5pm
and go 'til midnight. Tickets will be sold for $12 in advance and $15 at
the door. People can call 513-266-2070 or email baoku@baokutcr.com for
tickets. Additional information about the event can be found at:

www.baokutcr.com
www.thebluewisp.com
www.myspace.com/baoku
www.facebook.com/baoku
www.myspace.com/theimageafrobeatband

With the power of Music, we hope to bring people together in Unity.

Peace to all,

Baoku Moses
Positive Image Productions
513-266-2070
www.baokutcr.com

I CAN

..just playing with words and movements..

freedom of the mind and soul,
freedom that will take you high and reach for the stars,
freedom to express,
freedom to be creative,
freedom of rule,
freedom to love,
freedom of race, culture, religion...
freedom to become STRONG.

"freedom to live today like it the last"
"I ain't no perfect man, but to do the best I can"
hold this day close to you (me)
shine my eyes to see beyond the wounds hiding inside the mind,
passionate to what I love doing,
and create the vision I once foresee in my dream.

put my thoughts into words,
like oxygen filling a void,
put my heart and soul to make a change,
to be a change, ... just a change....

self expression of movement,
self expression of music,
self expression of image,
self expression of me....

Music in Beautiful Space

african dance, contemporary, hip hip, poetry, south beach chamber ensemble.

music in beautiful spaces

Unconfessed

"I have learn not give up, but to keep on striving for better future for me and my family. I have learn not to give heed to filthy words or to those that hove around others progress and make there insolent, incompetence ways seem worthy.
and to those who dwell on others shadows, who walk on hear say without confronting the truth; keep on consuming your self's, your thoughts and waste your energy plotting, in reverse, you actually praying for that individual who knows nothing of your vicious act".
"Unconfessed" from the book/poetry and dance piece by Etagweyo Vincent Onokurte

Sleepless Night

Our Music Recommendations From Among the Official Sleepless Night Events on Saturday

By Arielle Castillo

November 05, 2009 09:00

photo by Ben Thacker

Sleepless Night returns this Saturday to Miami Beach. Staying up all night there is nothing new, but the event is way more high-falutin', asking you to stay awake for things like opera and experimental dance. That can seem like a tall order in this town, but the last edition was surprisingly well-attended, and it's nice to at least say you did something cultural, no? (You can read a general explanation of it here.)

I have to say, though, that this year's musical line-up is somewhat disappointing. There is, indeed, a ton of live music all over the place as part of Sleepless Night, but most of it generally falls along the very wide spectrum from Latin to jazz to Latin jazz. Okay, jazz, I won't hate on, because about the only place to hear it around here these days is the Van Dyke, and jazz lovers gotta get a bone tossed to 'em some time.

But most of the event line-up completely ignores the opportunity to bring in a crowd that would usually give artsy events a wide berth. It would have been a lot more fun and smart to mix in some more dance music, hip-hop, or rock in with the program of short films, art, theater, and dance.

The only organizers who really aimed for a youthful, more party-type crowd are the people behind Rhythm Foundation, who, for the evening, control a stage at the 21st Street beach. However, even they played it safe by asking the Spam Allstars to headline. Yes, people love them, but it's not exactly like there's a shortage of events or venues in Miami regularly featuring Spam and Suenalo.

Anyways, there are a few music-type performances on the official Sleepless Night schedule that sound different and worth seeking out. Check out a few recommendations after the jump.

*Ben Neill and LEMUR (League of Electronic Musical Urban Robots, 6 p.m., Normandy Fountain Stage (Rue Vendome between Normandy Drive and 71st Street).

What is cooler than robots who play electronic music? That's right, pretty much nothing. Ben Neill, meanwhile, is a composer and inventor who created something called the "mutantrumpet." Of course these weirdos live in Brooklyn. Here's an example of a LEMUR tune, to give you an idea. Amazing.

*The Beach High Rock Ensemble, 6 p.m., the Euclid Oval Stage (Lincoln Road at Euclid)

Being in the school band at Beach High is actually cool, and this ensemble has produced local favorites like Jacobs Ladder.

*The Global Cuba Music Fest at the Fillmore Miami Beach, 6 to 11 p.m.

Yes, this is on that Latin jazz spectrum, but they managed to snag some pretty big names in that world. Also, this is a nice venue for that kind of music, with good acoustics and seating, and it's probably the only time you'll get into a show at the Fillmore for free. Click here for a Crossfade post from earlier this week with a breakdown of the performances.

*FLEA Ensemble, 6 to 11:30 p.m., the Wolfsonian-FIU (1001 Washington Ave.)

A very adjective-filled description full of many-syllabled words boils down to this: avant-garde laptop music.

*Rockarchive exhibit, 6 p.m. to midnight, the Betsy South Beach (1440 Ocean Dr.)

Not music per se, but music-related -- classic rock photos and a meet-and-greet with Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Jill Furmanowski.

*Oy-Le! 6:30 p.m., the Ocean Drive Main Stage (Ocean Drive between 8th and 9th Streets)

Siempre Flamenco and the Heavy Shtetl Klezmer Trio come together for a mash-up of klezmer and flamenco! Actually, that doesn't sound like such a discordant combination; it's guaranteed to be loud and dramatic.

*Miami Lyric Opera's La Traviata, 7 p.m., North Beach Band Shell (7255 Collins Ave.)

Stuffy as its reputation may be, opera actually is amazing when performed live -- dramatic, with lots to look at. It's admittedly difficult to make it through one without the translation supertitles, and it's doubtful the bandshell will have that sort of technological set-up. But the emotion and pageantry of this selection should provide enough to follow the general gist of the plot.

*The Entire Rhythm Foundation Stage, 8 p.m. onwards, at the 21st Street Beach

All performers here are a safe bet for fun. The Brazilian samba band and dance ensemble Grupo Embalo goes on at 8 p.m. Pop/rock wunderkind Jacob Jeffries plays with his band at 9 p.m., and Transit Lounge staples Lanzallamas Monofonica go on at 10:20 p.m. If your Spam Allstars tank is running dangerously low, they headline at midnight.

*Deep Surface, 9 p.m., Ocean Drive Main Stage

A multimedia performance created by composer Gabriel E. Pulido, this is an "homage to the sea" involving dance, video, and electronic and live music. This is the premier of the piece, which is sponsored by the Ocean Foundation and the Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO.

*ArtOfficial, from 9 to 11 p.m. at the Catalina (1720 - 1756 Collins Ave.)

One of the few acts to really get the live hip-hop thing right, these guys provide one of the best live shows in town.

*Angela Laino, 10 to 11 p.m., the Florida Room at the Delano (1685 Collins Ave.)

She's already a staple at the Florida Room, which is worth a visit just for its fabulous retro-mobster-chic interior design. But Laino is the real draw here on Saturday -- she's an amazingly talented soul-type singer/songwriter with a serious set of pipes.

*The South Beach Chamber Ensemble, 10 p.m., Ocean Drive Main Stage

Again, this is a stuffy name for something that is actually quite cool and genre-blending. This particular piece includes hip-hop artist La Guardia, drum machine beats from Name Brand, African drumming and dancing by Etagweyo Vincent Onokurte, and Indian percussion from Shri. Oh yes, and live poetry by Carlos Pintado.

*DJ Miguel's Disco Alfresco, 10 p.m. to 4 a.m., Da Leo Trattoria (819 Lincoln Road)

Okay, this is basically a retro DJ set, but disco is classic.

*80's Joe's Home Movies, 11 p.m. Keirin Cycles (235A 9th St.)

Honestly, I can't find any info on this guy, but it's supposed to be an acoustic thing, and the name is promising. The Keirin Cycles crowd is kind of the fixed-gear, cut-off-jeans type so this won't be boring. Also, it's worth sticking around Keirin afterwards for a big-screen showing of the '80s Disney epic Tron!

*Afin-k-o, 11 p.m., South Beach Languages (227 9th St.)

These guys get a shout-out for being the only Vallenato band playing.

*Silvano Monasterios and the Fourth World Ensemble, 11 p.m., Normany Fountain Stage.

Yes, jazz again, but among the best performers in the genre at Sleepless Night. This year Miami New Times even named him "Best Jazz Musician."

*"Rock the World" Featuring DJ Maximus 3000 and Tania Mashay, 1:30 - 5:30 a.m., Ocean Drive Showground (Ocean Drive Between 11th and 12th Streets)

The official description says this is a "kaleidoscope of pop culture presented as a party rock audio/visual showcase... topped off by theatrical light up LED costumes in sync with the music, audience participation and glow products spread throughout the crowd." Hmm, this could turn out to be just a DJ in a light-up suit passing out glowsticks, but the duo also promises live singing from Tania Mashay, showcasing original synth pop! Synth pop and glow products! Could be interesting.

Sleepless Night

THE VERSION: the version workshop

THE VERSION: the version workshop

A Stranformation of Image

Black History

“Untitled”

I am the light that shines in the day,
I am the tender voice that dwells inside the heart of the lonely.
I am the night, a fog swaying deep into every whispering ears sleeping far from home.
I am the song in your heart,
I am the shrill breeze that walks with you even when you find no path to trail.
I am unspoken, I am voiceless,
I am silence, I'm gentle,
tender like I don't exist.

Hubert Adedeji Ogunde (May 31, 1916 in Ososa, near Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, Nigeria – April 4, 1990 in London, England) was a Nigerian actor, playwright, theatre manager, and musician who founded the Ogunde Concert Party in (1945), the first professional theatrical company in Nigeria.
Ogunde starred in Mister Johnson, the 1990 motion picture which also featured Pierce Brosnan. The movie which was shot on location in Jos.

Background

He worked first as a teacher before joining the Nigerian Police Force. Like many of his theatre contemporaries, such as A. B. David, P. A. Dawodu, Layeni and G.T. Onimole, his theatre career began under the patronage of the Church. In 1944, he produced his first opera, The Garden of Eden and The Throne of God, by commission of the Lagos-based Church of the Lord, a sect of the Cherubim and Seraphim Society. The performance was in aid of the Church building fund. The huge success of the production spurred Ogunde on to writing more operas until he decided to leave his amateur status as an artist and turn professional. He founded Ogunde Theatre — the first contemporary professional company in Nigeria. By this act Ogunde began the rise of modern professional theatre in Nigeria, a movement in which he remains the supreme artist and father figure.

Professional theatre work

The first play featured at Ogunde Theatre was entitled Tiger’s Empire. Premiered on March 04 1946, Tiger's Empire was produced by The African Music Research Party and featured Ogunde, Beatrice Oyede and Abike Taiwo. The advertisement for the play was the result of Ogunde’s call for ‘paid actresses’. It marked the first time in Yoruba theatre that women were billed to appear in a play as professional artists in Light in their own right. Tiger’s Empire was an attack on colonial rule. It was followed by Darkness and Light, although Ogunde does not remember writing it. This is the only play that has escaped his memory.[citation needed] A public outcry had been going on for a year over the growth of a ‘social evil’ which was entering into Lagos society and corroding it. This evil was popularly known as the ‘Aso Ebi Craze’, a craze which required both men and women to buy the most expensive materials for social gatherings.

The rule was that: “When someone wants to celebrate a marriage or a funeral obsequies (sic) she chooses a piece of cloth to wear on the occasion and approaches relatives and friends to buy the same stuff to wear with her as uniform on the day. The number of people to wear the uniform with her will depend on her popularity and social connections.

“The custom has lent itself to much abuse in that the occasions for celebrating marriages of funerals occur so often that one may be asked by friends to buy ‘Aso Ebi’ more than ten times a year”. This craze of course bred intense competition with celebrants trying to outshine one another. It was a competition that delighted textile traders but which often ruined marriages, as women were known to leave husbands who could not afford to robe them, for lovers who could. Ogunde decided to make his first social satirical comment by writing a play designed to expose the vulgarity and ostentatiousness of the craze. He called the play Human parasites. A tragedy in two acts commenting that ‘Aso Ebi is a Social evil…

Aduke who kissed and keyed a thousand lovers for the sake of Aso Ebi… what happened when boys refused to be keyed is better seen than described”

Personal life and legacy

Clementina Oguntimirin later married Ogunde and became Adesewa Ogunde or Mama Eko (Lagos Mama) as she was popularly known by her fans in the 60’s, after taking the leading part in the popular play of that name. She had five children for Ogunde. The two senior girls Tokunbo and Tope are now leading members of the company.

Oguntimirin died in a road accident on September 1970 en-route to a scheduled performance in Ilesha. The following year, Ogunde wrote a play in her memory called Ayanmo. Her death was mourned throughout the country and press and mass media coverage of her death and funeral was extensive.[citation needed]

With many internal fightings amongst the elites Ogunde's Yoruba tribe of Nigeria in early 1970s, Ogunde came up with a song "Yoruba ronu" calling for unity of purpose. This has remained an evergreen album in Nigeria.

Ogunde died on April 04, 1990 at London's Cromwell Hospital following a brief illness.

Ogunde became the leading producer of Yoruba celluloid movies with "J'ayesinmi" (Let the world rest)and "Aiye" (Life!)blazing the trail.

Greatest Tap Dancer of all time

Bill"Bo Jangles Robinson- 1878-1949- is known as the greatest Tap Dancer of all time. His fame has reached mythic proportions. He had charm and charisma and, it was said, "He talked with his Feet". His rhythms were so intricate and fast it was impossible for other dances to repeat some of them.
During the great depression of the 1930s Bill Robinson was the highest paid black entertainer. He shared his wealth with less fortunate friends and neighbors through those hard times.
Bill Robinson performed shows on Broadway as well as in famous clubs around the country. He formed revues that appeared in Vaudeville, and he danced in several films, including four with child star Shirley Temple, and Stormy Weather with Cab Calloway and Lena Home.