New Friends

So so far our favorite places have been Mauritania, and now Cote d'Ivoire.  I am so grateful to have met such wonderful people in both places.  Unfortunately we were not able to make as many connections in Togo but I must give a shout out to Pretty Nyce's girl Sonya for taking us around when we needed it.  Check my boy in blue.  Crazy b-boy skills.  I am telling you guys that I am definitely making another trip to West Africa. More pictures to come y'all.  Stay tuned.  Same Blaize time...same Blaize channel.  Peace.

G

PS.  Check out my facebook page for more pics.  If you are not a friend already look me up using my email, omniblaize@yahoo.com

Ivorians Know How To Party...In The City of Abidjan

So me and my people (Chris Rel,Denny Jackson and DJ Pretty Nyce) had this crazy performance at this club called K.fe Viera. We had a decent turnout. Even some of the USA embassy staff showed up and had a great time. Afterwards, we are taken out by some of the embassy staff. That's when the real fun began. We originally start out at this little lounge where the boss served us these coffee liqueur shots that were on fire and we had to drink it while it was burning!! Crazy!! Then at this same spot we run into Mark the Regional Security Officer (RSO) of the embassy. This little Cajun white boy from New Orleans knows where the parties are out here! So we all head over to this Reggae bar where the band is SICK! By the way, for those who don't know me that well we are drinking the whole time. Lol. Last stop was Le Mix. This club was out of here!!! The DJ played American hip hop and R&B and some local records. It didn't even get packed until like 1 am. We had a table, bought bottles (pop champagne, ooooo...lol) and danced the whole night. We left at 5 am and barely had enough room to leave! Ivorians really know how to party. Needless to say, I will be back here. I love it out here. Till next time...Same Blaize time, same Blaize channel.

Don't Talk About It...

Be about it. So we are in Cote D'Ivoire after spending a wonderful time with the Togolese in Lome. Now...the people were wonderful and the Beach was gorgeous. It was just a heart tugger for me to see the amount of Togolese who had nowhere to stay but on the beach. My plan y'all, for real, is to become more involved in supporting countries like Lome, Togo and Kaedi, Mauritania in whatever way I can. It was just hard as a human being to see people without access to water, knowing that in a few weeks I may take that NECESSITY for granted. I will also try to make it a point to stay in touch with the Ambassador of Togo just to see what efforts are being made to help those in need. Now don't get me wrong, I am not being naive and thinking that all can be fixed in a year or 2. I think I just might feel a little more comfortable knowing what the plan of action is because it seemed as though some folk has a habit of dwelling on how bad the situation is instead of looking for the silver lining. By the way...Togo has some REAL hip hop y'all. Shout out to my boy Eric MC aka baby Shaba. Signing off again y'all. Peace
G

Count Your Blessings

So we are on the last leg of our Mauritanian visit. It has been an eye opening trip.  A trip of highs and lows. A trip that I will never forget.  We went to a poor town that was 5 hours outside of the city called Kaedi.  The children in this town were so cool. They were so happy for us to perform for them for free.  They came from everywhere.  There had to be at least 1000 people and the energy was crazy.  I am definitely planning another trip here.  They love hip hop here and I am glad we came here and were able to get rid of some of the misconceptions many of them had of our music. Signing off again until next time, 

G

I should have studied harder in French class...

So I am here with my people in Nauokchott, Mauritania.  It is beautiful here.  We were treated like royalty.  The hotel is 4 star.  It's a lot better than what I expected or should I say led to believe.  The only obstacle I even have to overcome is the language barrier.  For example, this morning before our trip to the embassy I wanted to take a shower.  However, G had a hard time getting the shower to work.  So I flag down the housekeeper and realize that I have not translator to convey my problem.  So for a good 2 minutes we are in a stalemate.  I end up using some obscure sign language to even get her to come my way.  Then I have to practically walk her into the bathroom to show her that I need help working the shower.  Lol.  I felt like a baby trying to tell my mommy that I need my diaper changed.  Crazy! I AM AN IMMIGRANT! I should've studied harder in French class. Catch you guys later.  Pics to follow later.  Holla :)

2 days to go

So I am about to experience some very new things. First thing is this blog phenomenon. I am not a big blogger but I think that is about to change. Second, I will be experiencing West Africa for the first time. I am travelling with one of my best friends and 2 new ones as the Hip Hop conglomerate,Vise Verse All Stars, to West Africa to do some music out reach concerts and workshops. To say the least I am excited. I will take TONS of pictures and will keep you all posted during my travels. Until then, au revoir. :)