Music, the antidote to chores

Don't you just hate doing chores. Washing your dirty linen, or cleaning the dishes after a hearty meal. I do. But it's not something we can avoid. Few of us can, and that is only when we have helps at our beck and call. Like rich people, and socialites. Away from material wealth, how can we deal with doing annoying jobs for most of our lives? Well there's only one thing that helps me in these difficult moments.

That's music.

There's just something about music that makes chores feel much easier. And less boring. Maybe its the sounds distract you from the task at hand. And you can happily scrub that dirty sweatshirt. Or music is that secret motivator that can get you do almost anything. Like working out in the gym. Or even rake the fallen leaves on a hot afternoon. It has a certain power that is quite unexplained. It enables you to do some of the most mundane things and feel good about it. Music even helps people to workout using those heavy machines in the gym. So whenever you have to do something tiring or that you don't particularly like doing, remember one thing. It's not what job you're doing, but what music you're listening to.

The art of music videos

Every week, new music videos are released on YouTube. Scratch that, make it everyday. It's an ongoing business that never stops or dies throughout the year. Videos are always been conceived, produced, directed, and released to the public. Some of them are simple, focusing on only one or a few subjects. And others are complex, intricate - you can easily tell that they took a lot of time, money, and energy. Usually these are the ones that stand out from the huge pool of video clips swimming on the Internet. But they are not always the best.
See, you don't need necessarily a lot of resources to make a great video. Sometimes all you need is a deep message in a simple setting. A video that clearly reflects the lyrics. A video with an interesting twist. Full of colour and weird things. Or black and white, sublime. It is the different types of styles that make videos so interesting. Makes them beautiful. So that they become art by themselves.

Fena ngoma zako ni kali

No, this is not the title of a song. It is part of one. A lyric from a song called Jabulani by Kenyan female artiste Fena Gitu. The word jabulani simply means jubilation. It is a slow reggae like jam filled with lots of inspiration. In the hook, Fena sings that we should rejoice in the struggle, rejoice in the pain. She talks about how she rose to success from only talent and determination. And now she is one of the best and revered musicians in Kenya. This jam is made to encourage those of us who are working hard to live their dreams. Telling us that if she could make it, so can we.
I think it's the perfect song for anyone who is losing hope in themselves or their ambitions. Thinking that because it's difficult to see positive results, it's not meant to be. But the pain and hardship is only the journey you need to pass to get to the top. Just like a mountaineer's job. But once you can see where you came from, you will truly feel proud and satisfied. When people tell you how they look up to you, when at one point you couldn't look at yourself in the mirror. Fena knows she has made it when she walks in the streets and children shout "Fena, your songs are hot!" Don't you want to be there too? So don't give up. Just rejoice. Because your future is coming soon.

To listen to the full song, click here.

The proper remix

You know what pisses me off when it comes to music? It has to be most remixes. There are fake and real remixes. The type that annoys me is the former. What is a fake remix you ask? Well it happens when an artiste makes a really good song that becomes a hit. Then this artiste is approached by another big artiste who says they want to collaborate on that song because they love the it and believe they can add something new to it. So they go to studio and record. A few days pr weeks later, they release it. Only that the song feels nothing like a remix. It sounds exactly like the original song, just with an added verse at the beginning or the end. That is it. That's what you were busy cooking up in the studio for days. Heck, anyone can make that kind of remix at home with good software and two different audios.
Dear artistes, a remix does not mean leaving the song the same way you found it. When you say you are going to make a remix, actually remix the song.  If you really wanted to be part of the song, then create it all over again. Make it sound fresh, and different from original. Create a new song worth buying and listening. And in case you need you need examples, just listen to Love In This Club, and Back To Sleep remixes.
Now that you know, you better not disappoint me next time.

Being true to yourself

Being an artiste means that you get to share your life and experience with people. Whether you're a painter, a singer, a poet, or even a writer. You fill your art with something you can relate with. Something unique to you, and only you. At least that's what some artistes do. The rest, well I guess you can say they pretend. They create art to please others, not themselves. They are still works of art, but not the mesmerizing kind. Not the kind you would hang in your living room, or in the reception. They are those you like for a while because they were made to impress you. But you eventually lose interest, and move on. If you think about the art of music, they are lots of musicians who do that. They sing songs about the latest fad, what is cool and hip right now. For some artistes, that is their true expression. But for most, they are just going with the flow. Not listening to their heart. That is why I'd like to applaud those who go against the grain and do something different. Artistes who are not making popular music just because they will make more money from it. But those who sing in their own style, and bring something unique to the plate. They are the ones who truly stand out on the worldwide stage. Artistes like Fena Gitu, Mayonde, Just A Band from Kenya. Those are the guys aspiring musicians should look up to. People to remind them that it is great to be yourself.

Wherever I go

Wherever I go I'll be looking for you. Ryan Tedder croons at the beginning of this fantastic song. Wherever I go is the first single of his band One Republic. Since when, 2014? Two long years they have been away, leaving us in the hands of new and old bands like DNCE, FallOut Boy, and Coldplay. By the way, what happened to Maroon 5?
Back to OneRepublic, and their grand return. I call it grand because I have never seen a comeback like this. Well, apart from Beyonce's of course. They released the new song on May 13th, and the video 4 days later. Did you know that it is the theme song for the 2016 movie XMen: Apocalpyse? More reason to watch it if you haven't. Yes, I'm talking to me.
There's so much to love about this song. The dance funk themes in it. Basically the way it makes you feel - like dancing the hell out of your body. And the video, is just the icing on the cake. If you haven't watched it, it follows a Korean business man whose life is transformed by the song. Well in his head that is. It features bright colors, dancing that resembles acrobatics, and basically sheer fun. I guess you could say OneRepublic have gone Gangnam Style.
I know it's only the sixth month, but I think that Wherever I go is is the song of the year. Or of the summer at least. Ryan Tedder and his boys have proved to me why they are one of my top bands. I simply cannot wait for what else they have in store in their upcoming album to be released this year. I really hope it's going to be as lit as Wherever I Go. Well, I doubt anything can be as good as it, but this is a great start.

Here is a live version of the song, which makes me love the song even more.

The Beyhive

Over the past weekend, I have been bullied. I've been bullied and ridiculed. People I know have made fun of me and laughed, as I sulked. Its no surprise that my weekend wasn't all that great. All this has happened to me for one reason.

I am part of the Beyhive.

Nope, I did not misspell the word beehive in case you were wondering. I only improved it. So who or what is the Beyhive? Well it is a community of workers that has been chosen for a special purpose. And that purpose is to adore our queen. And preach of her beauty and wonder to all. It is our job to speak highly of the majesty, and to tell the world what she has done for us. The blessings she pours upon us her loyal servants.  And most importantly, we are there to defend her at all costs. Attack her and be sure we shall sting.We are the Beyhive. And she is our Queen Bey.

In case you haven't caught the drift yet, I'm talking about Beyonce, Beyonce Knowles-Carter. Giselle is her maiden name. Only a member of the Beyhive would know that. And you know what, I am proud to be one. She is diligent and majestic. And she has the talent of five musicians combined. Yes, I said it. So taunt me all you want, but I will forever be loyal. All hail the Queen (of music).