Africans Vs Caribbean’s

Hi and welcome once again to Konnekt Afrik Talk Show. You must be looking at the topic of the day and some of us may be thinking is this some football game or some competition going on, well it may be likened to some kind of competition, but in this case it is more about what divides and unite us as a people.

Let’s take a little look at our history. It is a well know fact that the Caribbean black population forefathers were of African descents from the slave trade period a history that most of us have knowledge about and we do not wish to go into that as that will take a lot of our time. Taking into consideration the close tie in history between Africans and the Caribbean’s we were stunned with later development and perception of the Caribbean’s to the Africans and vice versa. In actual fact there have been a decline in the relationship between both relatives, as our research showed that some African or Caribbean Parents will be disappointed with the idea that a child of theirs were to date or intend to marry someone of the other continent, crowded with loads of unpleasant views of their potential in-laws even before they have the opportunity to meet them in person.

Research carried out by our team produced some staggering evidence as to why, even though we are so closely connected and related we are also divided in other words. Unity and love between Africans and Caribbean’s at some point have been thrown away and therefore there is a poor understanding of our heritage as a people and the irony of the matter is, our future generation will suffer from this misinformation if adequate changes  and corrections or not made. It does take two and no individual party can correct this if the other party shows no interest or recognizes the problem and the need for a change within our community. We had Kingsley out on the street interviewing members of the public on the reason for the break in relationship and it was unfortunate that some of the members of public interviewed of both background (African or Caribbean) were trying to be smart about the topic. When I say smart, they knew within themselves that yes, there is a problem but never wanted to highlight it and just went with pretense of ignorance to the fact. And one of the guys interviewed of African descent clearly stated that he will not marry a Caribbean lady because it she may not understand his culture but will marry a lady of some other race because he is willing to teach her his culture. Ironic and weird isn’t it and when asked why will he be patient to teach a lady from a different race his culture and not a Caribbean lady, he concluded that Caribbean ladies will not wish to adapt or learn more about his culture. Now to me that sounds like a sweeping statement...

Fortunately, we had few individuals who had the courage to highlight the division and the breakdown in relationship between Africans and Caribbean’s. We are now trying to understand the cause of the problem as well as ways to fix this problem. From the experience of Africans whose parents are of African background and have lived in the United Kingdom almost all their life’s, they told us of the difficulties encountered in their early days of schooling in the 1970’s and 80’s growing up and living in the UK. These children of African descent told of comments like “go back to Africa with your safari houses and wild animal” and also further jokes and teasing targeted at them when their parents and guardians came to pick or drop them at school, speaking to them in their African native language which is not the English language. Ironically these comment and teasing was not often from the Hispanic, white or Asian kids but from Black Caribbean kids who in scenarios like the one stated above, should have been more on the defensive (siding their fellow black relatives from Africa) than being on the offensive (making such offensive comments). Also one of the guest whose parents are of African descent also said there seem to be some kind of competition going on between the African kids and the black Caribbean kids of who is better and who is not. Although we are not in business of finding faults and criticism little children in their morals and sometimes anti-social behaviors, but there is a saying that “Charity begins at home”. And a closer understanding of characters displayed by little children can be directly related to what they hear, see or perceive from their parents or family. We know that children tend to emulate what their parents do, not much of what they are instructed not to do, but I will say they are led and live by the examples set by their parents.

It is sad that these children that make this comment and portray such attitudes to other kids, but could this vibes be from the older generation of people that surrounds them. Having said that, I will like to know; where did it all go wrong? Why are we (the back race) so divided among ourselves? I remember an intense debate I had with a Caribbean brother and he finally opened up, with anger from his eyes when he said, and I quote “you Africans sold us out to slavery, for what? Is it Money? So why should I look at an African as a friend or even a brother?” I must say when I heard these words I felt a certain chill within me although we are still good friends and it was just an argument between blokes, for days I was thinking and pondering on that statement, and something struck me one day, that could this be the kind of education or history that is generally believed by our Caribbean brothers and sister which may influence their perception of their fellow African brothers across the oceans.

Its unhealthy to dwell on things that try to divide us and I should make this comment for my Caribbean readers. I am an African and from the stories I heard from my great grandparents and grandparents, they always said that the slave masters had very deceptive schemes which they use in gathering victims for this inhuman activity, that they often came up with proposals like telling the parents of this people that they are taking them to their country for them to receive some style of education so that these kids will one day come back home (to Africa) with proper education to educate others within the community. Little did they know that this was not the case and that their children will be exploited for slavery; there are loads of other scheme, lies and deceit used to perpetrate this act. Although I cannot completely agree that this act continued for so long without the slightest suspicion raised of the original intention. I personally think, at least someone or some group of people must have know this but did not take action to expose these schemes or they may have been bribed to maintain their silence hence the reason why this act continued for so long. Evil does really prevail when good men sit and do nothing.

Enough has been said of the bad and ugly. Let us focus more of our energy on the good thing about our relationship, what unites us and makes us similar in so many different ways. Wow I remember back in Africa we loved reggae music and whenever a reggae tune was played people will dance and groove to the music. Sometimes the young lads mimicked speaking in patois and it was and is still very fashionable.  And we have the guys copying the Rastafarian swag and dreadlocks, I must say it was fascinating and I was tempted in many instances to become one. Having this in mind, it tells us that we are more united in many ways than we will ever understand or agree. And it is our duty as not only as the black race but as humanity, including other race White, Asian, Caucasian, Hispanic and black that we appreciate our heritage, setting aside all differences and past dark history that humanity had to go though, we all lost something from the time of the slave trade of the black race, to the first and second World War and the persecution of the Jews in the WW2, down to this present day. The only thing we have at the end of this all is ourselves as a brotherhood of mankind and what good it will do to avert  current and future disputes and wars if only we learn to live by the golden rule individually and collectively and to pass down this teaching to our children and future generation.

WHY DO NIGERIAN MEN SPEND TOO MUCH MONEY ON WOMEN?

Hi and welcome again. Did the topic above capture your attention? I guess it did just the same way our attention was captured the first time we heard that statement. There was some kind of confusion as we did not know if it was true or false perhaps fiction. So we decided to find out for ourselves, knowing at the back of our mind that if this statement was to be true it may be having some sort of damage to the Nigerian men out there in some ways.

Sometimes a guy depending if he is financially well off may will use that as a medium to entice a pretty lady he see’s walking down the street. Ladies you know what I am talking about, some ladies drive and some do not. And may be for those who do not drive and for those that drive on that lovely summer afternoon you happen to just take a short walk on your own and you see this guy pull up in his car maybe BMW X5/X6 or a Range Rover Sports or Ferrari but sometimes an old car that is out of fashion(but my guy is trying at least he own a car) and you know he pulls over, some guys will beep and stay in the car, while some real gentlemen who know how to play the game will beep, so the girl see’s his face and then he parks at one side of the road, steps out and walks toward the beautiful damsel  that made his mind skip a bit. In this two scenarios 80% of ladies will prefer a guy that steps out of the car to chart them up, and see’s the guy that stays in the car while driving at trying to chart them up as if they were some whore, come on man you know ladies love their self respect. And 10% of ladies will be fine with the guy that stays in the car and just chart, so yeah these are the ways through which a guy that drives can play THE GAME and pull. Or maybe in a clubs a guy offers to buy a girl a drink.

The examples above are all fine great but our questions is do Nigerian men take it to the next level on how far or the price they are willing to pay just to win a potential girlfriend material or maybe not potential girlfriend or someone you just want to chill out with and have some fun time together as two adults. Well we spoke to a number of ladies in some cases without the camera rolling because they felt more relaxed to say the truth about this very matter and they all said yes Nigerian men are the most extravagant spenders when it comes to impress the opposite sex. Some ladies even went as far as given illustration on events that take place in the clubs and rather than a Naija guy just offering to buy you a drink, they propose champagne for the night and maybe shopping for the next day and you haven’t even gotten to know the girl, they shower you with money and all you need to do is point and they buy. Come on guys(Nigerian Men) get to know the girl first, you know talk rather than spending, keep your money. You know what you may think the girl will love you for that, but some of the girls that keep you company in the clubs do that just for this reason. That you will burn some cash on them to impress them and that is why  they maybe difficult to impress even after all this spending and the reason for this is they want you to continue spending and trying to impress them and even when they finally take you into their life, it may not necessarily be for the love they have for you but for the luxury they stand to gain.

And we did speak to a number of ladies and they all said that to be really honest if you try winning a girl in this manner, be well assured that when the money for any reason slows down or even fade away so does the love fade away.

Another disadvantage is in the long run, if you continue spending too much money trying to impress every girl you meet, whether you believe it or not it does affect you finance and therefore you see some Nigerian men that make so much money in their mid twenties to their late thirties and when they are suppose to enjoy the fruit of their hard work (because Nigerian men do work hard), they have some sort of crunch financially and in some cases one can blame it on the market or bad business but not taking the time to see where the real problem originated from, which can be directly traced back to your extravagant expenditures on clubs every weekend trying to impress this girl and that girl. And funny enough you look around you and those girls are all gone.

I can never forget a statement that a lady made to me. She said “when you spend too much on women and trying to impress them with your money, remember that you are investing in another man’s wife and making her look beautiful for another man” . And this is a statement of fact, you do all this for another man’s wife what do you do for your own wife and family? They are the one that will have to live with you when you are old and grey. Do not gamble your wife and children future just to be investing in another person’s wife. No don’t think that is a wise choice. Try this when next you get to a club you can in a funny way ask a girl to buy you a drink not that you are being selfish but when you do this as a Naija guy she may find it really funny and picks up a really keen interest on you, which may result in the long run her really loving you.

NOTE:  We are not saying that you should not spend on your girlfriend or woman, but try not to build a relationship on this foundation get to know her first and make sure she has an interest in you genuinely then you can spend on her. And for your wife, come on man! She is your wife in the whole world she should be the woman getting all your luxury and blessings and your family too.

You see Nigerian men need to be financially intelligent and depending on how you treat your money will determine to a large extent how financially free you become in the future and remember

“Money is better than poverty, if only for financial reasons”

Remember to leave a comment.

EDUCATION IN AFRICA COMPARED TO THE WESTERN WORLDS

Hello All, I believe you all doing great things in all works of life and this is what we at Konnekt Afrik desire for each and every individual that we come in contact with. Now on a more serious note, we carried out a survey on EDUCATION; comparing the educational institution in Africa and that of the western world. The findings were fascinating! So what do we do at Konnekt Afrik? We simply went to work.

In this segment we had Kingsley on the streets and Juliet on set with some distinguished guests who have had the opportunity to experience education both in Africa and the western countries.

Kingsley was on the streets of London at popular location(Edmonton Green station) and he was speaking to members of the public who are of the Afro-Caribbean community. Majority of who are partly schooled in Africa, the Caribbean and also here in the United Kingdom. The discoveries were shocking and I must say interesting.

The points highlighted in these interviews were as follows:

• Discipline
• Infrastructures
• Experiment & Research
• Access to current materials
• Quality of Teachers

DISCIPLINE

Majority of our guests confirmed that for this one reason alone, they will send their children who were born and raised here in the UK back to their countries of origin in Africa after they finish their primary education, for a secondary education in Africa.

I mean we all see in the media, harrowing stories of teenagers being stabbed and shot! In addition to all other dangerous things that can happen to the youths of today; this has built a level of fear and is a threat to society and our youths are not safe from themselves. This is the number one scare factor for parent and I guess the reason why most parents have made the decision to send kids back to Africa for a particular period in their education, when they feel they may be vulnerable at that point.

So will I be right if I were say that as far as discipline in school is concerned, Africa can just be the best place for kids. Majority of the guest we had on the show and from the voice on the streets, there was a unanimously vote that Africa happens to be the best place to induce discipline in children.

INFRASTRUCTURES

We cannot do much without the right infrastructure and this is one of the major factors affecting the educational institution in Africa. I can say there are only a handful of schools in each African country that are well equipped to world standard and as a result very expensive for the majority. We can also look at this from a different perspective, that lack of infrastructure means not having enough schools to support the number of students graduating from one level of education to the next and also the decay of infrastructures, which can also mean that the schools available are gradually decaying because advancement and maintenance are not being made to improve the schools in operation. If there were more educational institution with the right infrastructure at least on an average, this will bestow in students, the confidence that their educational careers will not be at stake as they do have a variety of options to choose from.

Perhaps, this could be an advice to the entrepreneurs out there that if you’ve got the money to invest - do invest in the future of the leaders of tomorrow. So based on the opinion of our guest and audience we found out that this is one aspect that needs more development and that Africa is lagging behind on this and necessary advancements need to be made.

EXPERIMENT & RESEARCH

Experiment and research is the juicy part of education, this gets every student excited about schooling. I remember whenever I engaged in an experiment in school I got excited as curiosity sets in especially in the science classes.  Sometimes we just love to see things change right before our eyes and then you see students in all their full glory of enthusiasm; asking all sorts of questions ranging from the intelligent to awkward and funny, but this is the fun of schooling and I believe that, to keep the students engaged in schooling advancement has to be made in this area. There need to be more practical ways of experimenting not just talking theoretically, but practical ways of teaching this knowledge. We all learn better with trying something out ourselves and this tells us something on how much our students are learning. Therefore, appropriate provisions have to be put in place for the student to carry out practical experimentation and research in whatever it is that they are being thought.

I remember those days when I was in school back in Africa and my tutor makes statements like “oh I would have love to show you how it’s  done but we do not have the equipment to carry out this experiment” Ouch! that does not sink in well does it? You see, it is instances like this that can really discourage learning. So yes, collectively and individually the government, private organizations and individuals in Africa and as Africans all around the world, we all have to be more engaged in the development and advancement of our educational institutions.

ACCESS TO CURRENT MATERIALS

This is a continuation of the paragraph above. The use of old materials and book where advances may have been made and some of the facts in these books may not be exactly accurate or out of date, due to advances and new discoveries which happen every day in science and technology. It is important that schools and libraries in Africa be continuously kept up to date with current editions of books for study, as this will also have a direct impact on the quality of education received by students.

QUALITY OF TEACHERS

I must say the teacher in Africa are doing a really good job as they make do with the  little tools and materials that are within reach and it can be extremely difficult and frustrating teaching under such circumstances. Our guests on the show and word out on the streets confirmed that the quality of teachers in Africa is really good and will be even better if accessibility to the right information and infrastructure is brought within reach of the tutors.

So in conclusion, the education in Africa is good and with necessary changes and improvement made in the infrastructure and accessibility to current day materials for learning with the exception of discipline because as it is we have got great discipline in our schools. Yes with this little changes here and there, the education in Africa will be world standard and will gain the reputation it deserves as one of the best.

RELOCATION TO AFRICA SHOW 1

   Hello and welcome again to Konnekt Afrik Talk Show, the topic for the days is RELOCATION TO AFRICA. Now in this segment we carried out extensive research on the various reasons for African living abroad, finally deciding to pack their bags and relocate to Africa.

And it appeared that people do actually relocate to the African states, primarily for the purpose of setting up a business and the advantages that they stand to gain from a market that has resources that are yet untapped.

So Just like we do in Konnekt Afrik we went out to investigate with Kingsley Eke in the streets getting the views from the general public and also joining Juliet Oparah in the studio Speaking to Two distinguished guest, who have both in the past made plans to relocate back to Africa (Nigeria), but unfortunately did not get the same results, which was the success that every business owner or creator wish to attain in their business.

Now for those of you that missed the show, we will tell you our findings and this can be some tips and advice which you can incorporate while making you business plans and moves to relocate to any of the African states. Tips are these:

• Time to Move
• Capital
• Political Climate
• Knowing your market (pricing and your niche)
• Having an Insider
• Power & Infrastructures (electricity, road)
• Budget Control
• Backup Plan (Plan B)

Ok at this very point; we will now analyse these point closely and see how they play a key role in determining the success or failure of setting up a business in the Africa states. Remember “IF YOU FAIL TO PLAN, YOU PLAN TO FAIL” so planning is KEY.

TIME TO MOVE

I believe that of all things in business, timing is Key and should never be underestimated, as the result can determine the failure or success of the business. So on the time factor the advice we received from our guest on the show was this, when planning to relocate, do not just decide to relocate after a summer holiday. Perhaps during the holiday while parting and having fun, drinking and disturbing the peace around the neighbourhood, you suddenly get hit by a bolt of lightning and you get this business idea and based on that, you decide that the next time you go back to Africa, you will be engaged in setting up this business and that will be the thought in your mind when you’re travelling back to whatever part of the world you currently do reside.

For anyone with such an idea or perception please perish that thought as you may be missing a key point which is; there is a clear distinction between planning a holiday or being in a country on holiday, and actually setting up a business in that country. These two instances are totally different as night and day. The wonderful experiences and play which you enjoy with a two week holiday is totally different from setting up a business. So the advice is after your holiday, go back again for a visit and this time not for party or play, it should be strictly business research. We advice spending a minimum of  3week to 2months , make repetitive visit, but not for holiday just for research and understanding the laws, custom and ways of the people. Taking into consideration how they operate, trust level, how much they will normally pay for a service that you want to provide. Also bear in mind, within this period your trust level for business will also grow rapidly, which aids you in build contacts and networking. So time and timing is key

CAPITAL

Now although this is not a lecture on how to manage your funds, but hey let’s give it a shot. Just a suggestion when you make regular trips back to Africa to set up a business. Remember that the reason for this visit is strictly business, and not pleasure. Be careful that you don’t start charitable giving when that’s not the business you intend to venture to.

NOTE: We are in support of charity works and giving to charity, this is just to suggest that you have to be able to distinguish between both.

All I am saying is KEEP YOUR MONEY, because at this very moment you really do need every penny you can save, and frankly the success of your business depends on the overhead capital at your disposal at least to sustain the business until the business start yielding returns.

So in simple words don’t start spending excessive money on hotels when you can just live with a close family or friend who is well off and will not make excessive demands on your finance, and also understand the purpose for your visit. You will save yourself from unnecessary expenses by doing this. And before you pay anyone for anything, be sure to research and find out if they have a good reputation in business.

POLITICAL CLIMATE

Well if your business is going to be established in a country, it is absolutely necessary that you understand the political climate of the country as this can also determine the success of your business long term, unless you’re business profits from conflict and wars and this will not be a good business as it does not improve the lives of the citizens. So yes keep yourself updated with the news.

KNOWING YOU MARKET (pricing and your niche)

Now having passed all the other bumps, perhaps this is one factor that decides the faith of the business so quickly that, it may result to failure or success. Like the guest on our show rightly stated, there is no point selling a product that is meant for the high end consumers (with more money to burn) to the low end and vice versa. The result of this practice is damaging to a business especially in Africa and is something that everyone looking to set up a successful business in Africa need to understand. This is the reason for your market research, you know which part of a state will be more interested in your service and will be willing to pay for the service they receive from your business.

Also you look at the pricing, how the people will react to you pricing, and If it is an amount they are used to paying, perhaps it may just be a ridiculous pricing high or low.

HAVING AN INSIDER

Now we all know that in business no one person can effectively run a business alone, without having a need for, the assistance of another. And this is reason for this insider. It is a well know fact that before any country can be sure of success in a war, part of their preparation and planning will involve sending out spies to gather intelligence about the other country and the result of the intelligence gathering can to great extent determine the defeat or victory in war. So this same principle applies to setting up a business. You should ally yourself with one or more people who reside in that country and are willing to offer their assistance (your eyes on the streets) and that you know and trust them.

As this person or people will understand the business mode in that country and can tell you which way is up or down and such information is invaluable.

POWER & INFRASTRUTURE (electricity, road)

As a fact we all can admit that in most part of Africa power and infrastructure can be a factor that can hinder or affect a business, especially new businesses and with this in mind, it is key that any person looking to set up a business in Africa take this very serious. Look for ways to run your business with this in mind. Perhaps this is also an untapped part of the economy that entrepreneurs will like to venture into. And for those that their capital is not enough to execute this project, provision have to be made for this. Because the transportation of goods and services, and manufacturing of products in this age of science, where almost all machinery in use, needs electricity in other to work, this factors play a key role and cannot be underestimated.

BUDGET CONTROL

In the paragraphs above mention have been made about watching your expenses and this simply means that as a new business, it is important you sort for cost effective ways of executing the business and this can be directly related to your own personal expenses and life style during the building of the business. Make personal savings that will serve as a backup for this business and also expect the unexpected through financial provisions, because in the real world as we know it, things sometimes do not always go as planned. So you as the CEO of this new company, have that in mind and provide for that when drawing your business plans.

BACKUP PLAN (PLAN B)

To ensure the success of your business, you must have a Plan B down to Z and also worse case scenarios, remember the success of this business is your chief aim and it is more important to you than anyone else and it is your money, time and effort on the line so take the time to plan and prepare yourself for the unexpected and we wish you success in YOUR BUSINESS.

Oh, and remember

“Heights by great men reached and kept were not obtained by sudden flight but, while their companions slept, they were toiling upward in the night. “

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

KONNEKT AFRIK TALK SHOW OVERVIEW

Visit Website 

The Talk Show will provide a platform for Africans living abroad and within the country to discuss and voice their opinions and concerns in regards to the economic, social, legal and political issues regarding investing in Africa, relocating to Africa and supporting relatives whilst abroad and other issues faced by Africans living abroad and in Africa. The show will tackle core topics that have become major discouraging factors to those abroad whilst also comparing the views and responses of Africans in the country.

Interviews are also being conducted with cooperates and public holders, international leaders and organizations with a vision to improve Africa; all aim is to share their thoughts and vision on air for the much needed changes in order to rejuvenate the population to participate in the change.

The show also features entrepreneurs, people with high social status like Politician, celebrity guest who will talk about their work and personal lives as well as their latest films, TV shows, music recording or other projects they’d like to promote to the public.

This segment provides a forum for people to come together to discuss various subjects put forth by the talk show host and will feature a panel of guests consisting of a group of people who have great experience in relation to whatever issue is being discussed on the show for that episode. Other times, a single guest will discuss their work or area of expertise with the host.

VOX POPS (STREET INTERVIEW)

On the show we also feed on the general public opinion, through the VOX POPS (voice of the people) interview conducted by the Co-presenter Kingsley Eke on the streets, who will be interviewing and getting the public reactions concerning topics that are discussed in the studio. In addition feedback's from be public, will also form the questions and suggestions that will be directed to the guest on the show for their opinions, advice and answers.

INSPIRATIONAL PEOPLE (ROLE MODELS)

The show also features a segment titled INSPIRATIONAL PEOPLE. In this segment, we interview and following role models from various works of life ranging from business owners, entrepreneurs to artist. They will share with the Host some business secretes, their source of inspiration, how to set up a business and in general the pros and cons of running a business. In addition, offering constructive suggestion to the viewers, and the younger generations that are looking to venture into the world of business. The purpose of this segment is to inspire younger generation to greatness and planting in their mind, believe and confidence, that they also can be role models and this will be of great benefit to the society at large.