4 things…mentor memes
Posted by trae_z on July 25th, 2007
I’ve got a lot of mentors (I’m sure we all do) but for now I just feel like talking about these four and how they’ve particularly affected my life. It’s going to be sort of like a meme thing.
G.A.M. Ikekeonwu
He was my computer science lecturer year 2002/2003 when I was in UNN. I loved the writing style he used in his computer appreciation text book. Nerdyness combined with a great sense of humour, sheer genius! Plus he uses four names officially and is referred to by his initials just like me! GAM is definitely the kind of person I’d like to see myself as when I’m in my late 40’s/early 50’s. And his facial features, manner of speech, countenance, carriage etc rocks! Don’t get me wrong I’m not broke back, I’m star struck!
Modenine (Segun Babatunde)
Modo (one of his nicknames amongst many) does hip hop for the intelligent, not necessary social conscious stuff but wordsmith ish. I don’t know about you but for me he wins the award for the best and consistent use of punch lines or puns I’ve ever heard from a rapper (be it American, Nigerian or whatever) in my 8 year intensive hip hop listening. I first got to know Modo in 2003…that was before he blew up. His hip hop show on radio then was always a joy to listen to because on-air presenting came naturally to him. I recorded my first demo at his crib and although the songs were below average he encouraged me and even gave me my first spin on Abuja radio. I love his prolific ness behind the mic (I guess that’s what we all wish for in our various fields of human endeavour) and his determination to keep on doing what he’s doing despite the initial set backs and little encouragement. It’s a pity that as a rapper the limelight for him came only in his early thirties; nevertheless it came all the same. In the sea of below par hip hop artists Modo stands out as one educated fellow who has paid his dues ten times over; much respect to the Ninestien!
Download or better yet cop Modenine’s latest work: a mixtape done alongside Kraftmatics titled “nigelbenn’s kraftwork”.
Obifromsouthlondon (Obiora Orjiekwe)
Having the same Alma Mata as me in UNN and doing the Naija to UK Taught Masters ish people my age often do for a foundation, what do you get when the house is finally built? A hip hop head that is in the IT field, had a one time powerful blog, a big time sense of humour, a laid back personality and a beautiful family… Obifromsouthlondon! Mister you better get a restraining order against me because if some of your shine doesn’t rub off on me when I’m in my thirties alarm go blow oh!
Philip Umeadi Junior
This legal practitioner is the INEC Commissioner for Publicity and Information. Listening and watching his media briefings during the April general elections and his numerous press interviews after that this bag of brains easily won my heart. The brother accepts his faults; defends himself cool headedly and objectively and with utmost respect for the debate-dialogue process no matter how annoying his opponents might be. I hold the learned fellow in high esteem as he inspires me in my effort to get writing and speech professional vis-à-vis shaking off my Ebonics obsession. Admittedly on occasions (when I’m overly conscious about it) I have problems when arguing points out verbally, so I like to take my time to reason things out first, as lack of time often leads to the quality of my decision making being inferior.
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damn, i am impressed. Looks like someone finally grew into a gentleman.. bravo
@sefi: you should see me now, i’m seriously blushing.
GAM? never met the man but horror stories abound. you sure know how to choose