African Express
I know from the title you’d think I’m about to give you a history about our railway system. As fun as that sounds (not really), this is actually a writeup about expression (expressing expression) not just expression but the way Africans do it, cause let’s be honest what other way is more entertaining. You know yourselves Nigerians, quick to find the comedy in anything; ‘especially’ the bad situations and troll or yab the life out of any individual unlucky enough to fall victim, with comments that can keep one up all night thinking about their life decisions (yes, we are savage like that). Not to mention the sarcasm rooted deep in our blood before we knew what it was called, you doubt? Let me clarify.
That moment you ask your mom in all innocence and honesty: “mommy, where do I drop this?” and without delay or hesitation she replies “on my head”. But no that is not the type of expression I mean, before the long talk first what is expression?
Expression whether through spoken words, facial expressions (oversabi I know it’s wrong using expression when defining expression; poetic licence), body gestures, poetry, music or fashion; it is simply the means of passing one’s idea, opinion, point of view or beliefs to another party, and let’s face it no other culture or continent does it better than Africa (and maybe America; cause the way even their children show their craze for their parents… I comment my reserve).Black and proud; from a bloodline of kings, noble men (though not all of us sha) and a proud people. It shows in our clothes, hairstyle, art, music, you name it.
Black as the night but we some how shine as bright as the stars, standing out anywhere we are found. We add our flair to whatever we come across; from the likes of Wizkid, Adekunle Gold, Flavour, 2baba, Mi Abaga etc. or their predecessors ; the legends that came before them, that created a whole new genre Afromusic or Highlife from Fela Kuti to Sonny Okosun, Jim Rex Lawson or Oliver De Coque. We use our unique style, culture and sounds to influence anything we set our sights on, we never fail to display or express our African point of view with an infectious spirit no one can deny.
We need no introduction wherever we go, our style announces our presence with our vibrant and colourful attires (all the Yemi Casual them) as well as our lively spirits to match. Love or hate, Africans are like the sun, wind and that popular individual down your street (you know the one); we are found everywhere, lively and most important when we leave, we leave an impression behind be it good or bad.
