Think Globally, Act Locally!

Think Globally, Act Locally! A different approach…

I have always had an interest in understanding the mind and its intricacies. How does it work? Who or what moulds it? Am I normal? These are all questions I have asked myself on numerous occasions as I’m sure many of you have too. They aren’t exactly questions you can answer by sitting down and following a simple formula – abstract is what they are. In order for me to gain some form of understanding, I decided to take psych. In personality psychology, we examined Freud’s theory and after a very long time, we moved on to Carl Jung. I like him. I like him and his theories because I can identify with them.

Carl Jung believed that there are three levels to the psyche (personality in Jungian theory) – the Conscious, the Personal Unconscious and the Collective Unconscious levels respectively. The Conscious being the only part of our mind that we, humans, are directly aware of. The Personal Unconscious being the experiences that are “drained” by the ego into this bank which our minds repress for one reason or another. The Collective Unconscious is what caught my attention.

The Collective Unconscious is said to be a “pool” of latent images/info that Jung called the “Primordial Images.” It is a part of the psyche that has never been conscious to the individual, is not dependent on the individual’s experience (like the Personal Unconscious), and it is inherited/accessible by/to everyone. It is like we inherit predispositions or potentialities from our ancestral past.

The Collective Unconscious has been explained in a number of ways. Much like the process of natural selection, or survival of the fittest, a mutation occurs to help an organism to survive. This mutation is passed down genetically from one generation to the next. We have this information in us, but we are not aware of it (unconscious). Another way to understand it is by thinking of the things we do daily. We practise or do things daily; these activities become our habits. Habits, even though they are learned, become instincts when we do not unlearn them. We may react to certain situations in a way that is habitual. If I am not mistaken, I believe this is the doctrine of acquired characters – Lamarckism.

This is an example from a book called A Primer of Jungian Psychology by Calvin S. Hall and Vernon J. Nordby: ” Since primitive man was exposed to harm from poisonous snakes, his fear of them would cause him to take precautions against being bitten. Thus, the mutation or mutations that caused the fear and hence the precautions would increase man’s chance of survival so that the changes in the germ plasm would be passed on to succeeding generations. In other words, the evolution of a collective unconscious can be accounted for in the same way that the evolution of the body is explained. Because the brain is the principal organ of the mind, the collective unconscious depends directly upon the evolution of the brain.”

Now with Jung’s theory in mind, we can safely assume that what we do today can aid future generations around the world. We may not realise it, but the things we do locally do not only affect the people around us. The effects are global. Can we be more conscious of the things we do, so that they become instinctual, and therefore, add to our collective unconscious pool so that future generations can draw upon this info?

Think globally, act locally!

Feel Alive!

 

What makes you feel alive?

 

For some it is being around their children and spending time with their loved ones; for others it is standing in solitude at their favourite spot and looking at a beautiful view. I can not say I speak for everyone but I believe most people feel alive when they are doing something that they love.

 

What I love is music; be it doing a run through of The Festive Trumpet Tune by David German on the Organ or singing Free Me or writing a cheesy love song; doing anything that is musically inclined helps me bring out the best in me.

 

What is it that makes you feel alive?

 

The Queen

I was thinking about her today. Not the queen of England, nor the queen of Sweden or any other royal queen for that matter. The Queen of African Pop – Brenda Fassie. Also named The Madonna of the townships by Time Magazine.

With most of her albums being multi-platinum sellers in South Africa and very successful in other countries in South Africa, Brenda was a person of the people. She was the voice for black people in South Africa during the apartheid era. Singing songs so controversial, such as Black President, that they were banned from the country. Her outgoing and loving personality was appreciated by many.

She was, unfortunately, known more for her antics off the stage than on. Drug abuse was the major factor she seemed to struggle with at one point in her life and is believed to be the major cause of her death in 2004.

We all go through hardships and she had her fair share of struggles; she has left some wonderful works behind for us and I’m looking forward to some things that her son, Bongani Fassie.

One of my favourites from Brenda.

Golden Oldies 5

A few days before I heard Jay-Z’s version of the song, I was thinking about a song my mom used to enjoy. She would sit and listen to the song, obviously reminiscing about something and I remember thinking that this was the saddest yet moving song.

Forever Young by Alphaville is the song. Jay-Z’s version is obviously rap-orientated and features Mr Hudson, who does the song justice in my opinion, and is titled Young Forever from his latest album The Blueprint 3. Alphaville is a German synth-pop band consisting of 3 members named Hartwig Schierbaum, Bernhard Gösling and Frank Sorgatz. Forever Young and Big in Japan were their two biggest hits in the early 80s.

Jay-Z uses the song to remind us that he is still doing well in the music business (better than most ever will) and that he will always be spoken about – be it the current generation or the newer generations that will come – thus, he will remain Forever Young.

These are the Golden Oldies for this week. Check out the original version by Alphaville right here, and compare to it to what will be a hit rendition of 2009.

Forever Young by Alphaville

Young Forever by Jay-Z featuring Mr Hudson

Do you want to live forever? A lot of us don’t want to be forgotten…

What makes good writing?

This is an essay I wrote for my English class. I thought it could be applicable to everybody.

We receive messages on a daily basis and in a variety of channels; ranging from the post-it notes peeking at you from your bathroom mirror reminding you to pick up your child from the tennis centre, to the article titled Free Your Spirit from the O-magazine that you read while waiting for your child in the waiting room. The main purpose for writing is to deliver a message. How the message is delivered is what dictates whether the writing receives up-turned or down-turned thumbs.

Good writers such as Stephen King, Emily Brontë and Yann Martel have the skill of taking you on a mental journey with their words and creating a sense of understanding with their characters. Wuthering heights by Emily Bronté is one of these books, where a picture of Heathcliff is not too flattering. However, that was not evident from the get-go; the journey that Emily takes us on is one where we can understand why and how he became the way he was – and I can sympathise with him.

In songwriting, especially in pop music, coherent sentences are deviated from. Some songs even sound like they are being sung from cue cards with all that melismatic singing. What is beautiful though, is the fact that the message is delivered and still manages to squeeze a few tear drops from some eyes.

Be it in music or novels, script-writing or road signs; ideas that are interesting are critical in good writing. An expressive voice and memorable choice of words is important. Fluency is important. Logic and order are important. When all these elements are exercised, good writing is born. But what I feel to be of utmost importance, is being fully understood as a writer.

The ability to mould words and conjure up emotion within us is the one element I believe to essential in good writing. I am currently reading one of many Stephen King’s novels and one line from a now-seemingly-twisted character (did I mention Heathcliff?) stuck with me: “It’s a writer’s job to carve with language, to hew close to the bone, so why can’t I say what it feels like?”

Is it bombast or simplicity? Could it be the use of flawless punctuation and cohesive sentences or writing that could put you, the authour, to shame when compared to a first grader that makes good writing? I think what makes good writing is the fact that the writer can convey his message the way he feels he needs to deliver it. Good writing brings about emotion. The deeper the feelings, the better the article.

What do you think makes good writing?

Believe, reach and achieve!

As idyllic and naive as this may sound, I truly believe that we everyone deserves to be happy. To achieve all that they can, live, love, laugh and cry and truly experience the joys and let downs of being human. Everyone is entitled to reach the serenity and joy of just being.

These are some of the songs I tend to turn to when that imp-like thing called doubt begins to creep in:

It was the year 2003 when I first heard the 1996 Olympic Song. We  (the Drakensberg Boys’ Choir) were preparing for a special television recording to be broadcast on SABC 2 and we walked into choir rehearsal, and were told about this. Gloria Estefan’s Reach was the song we listened to first. With the fat drums and the choir, the song has an African feel to it. What an Empowering Song that is!

The following year, I watched the movie Honey starring Jessica Alba. Needless to say that Yolanda Adam’s soulful and passionate voice inspired me in the song I Believe. My sister and I loved this song, still do.

Last year, I came across Chris Brown’s Dreamer. Another great song.

I believe in myself, and anything that will speak to me the way my heart does I gladly accpet. There is nothing that can not be done, we create all we have by thought, speaking and doing. Thought, word and deed. Believe, reach and acheive. Do you believe in yourself?

Golden Oldies 4

Golden Oldies 4

I am sitting at Millburn’s Taylor Park after having watched an episode of Grey’s Anatomy while eating a poppy-seed bagel with a hearty spread of Sundried Tomato spread and listening to these Golden Oldies called The Four Tops.

It was only last week when I was watching my favourite actress, Julia Roberts, in Something to Talk About. The song came on near the end of the movie during some celebration and I paused the movie, googled the lyrics that I could make out, and that is how The Four Tops and I crossed paths.

I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar, Pie Honey Bunch) is the song that is in question. With a very similar arrangement to Where Did Our Love Go by The Supremes with the echoey drumbeat and bouncy bass, the song is another one of the Motown factory’s hit songs. The chord structure is very similar and it was also produced by the same production team that made so many hit songs – Holland-Dozier-Holland.

Some people refer to the Four Tops as the male version of The Supremes. The group’s lead singer was a Levi Stubbs who passed away on October 17, 2008 at the age of 72.

Check out The Four Tops’ Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch! They are having fun!

Indie Influence

The word indie has evolved a lot in the past decades. From indie bands/artists who have no affiliation with any record label to the small independent record labels having no affiliation with the major record labels – the term indie is used in a vast array of contexts.

One of these many contexts the word is in, is the genre “Alternative”. My friend (and my website designer) loves this music. There are very commercial songs that he enjoys and having spent so much time with him,he has introduced me to a lot of alternative music. Music I would never have bothered to discover much less listen to.

During this time, I must admit to having been slightly influenced by some of the music I have been expose. I am looking forward to what’s going to come of my future projects. I also happen to have a few faves already: I can not stop listening to Matt and Kim’s Daylight. The song is upbeat and tends to always put me in a good. I love it. Simple melody, simple structure and arrangement, amusing lyrics and a sweet music video.

Passion Pitt, however was the song that hooked me into “indie” music. “Look at me oh look at me, is this the way I’ve always been?” Sound familiar to anyone? The Reeling.

Tegan and Sara’s “Where Does the Good Go”, The Polyphonic Spree’s “Light & Day / Reach For the Sun”, New Order’s “Bizzare Love Triangle” (I still have to make what the words are). These are just some of the songs of this genre that I am discovering. I am always looking to learn, especially when it comes to music and it’s clear I have a long way to go, nonetheless, I look forward to it.

I know it’s not for everyone, like R&B, Pop, Rock, Electronic, Classical, Soul, Funk, Hip-Hop and other genres aren’t for everyone. I do know that we can never stop learning if we keep an open mind (or ear in this case). We have been blessed with great amounts of creativity – indulge yourselves!

Ultimately, if you are doing it yourself, be it big or small. You are indie!

Yours in Singing

Ngqibs

Matt and Kim’s Daylight

Pleasant Surprises

Album Cover

After a mere 4 hours of sleep last night, I woke up this morning at 5 ante meridiem to start packing for my birthday weekend in Seattle. I don’t know why I didn’t pack the night before. That’s a lie. I do know; I was too lazy to sort everything out. My host mom took me to the airport, I checked in (even though I’d done the whole online check-in thingie) and I went shopping with only 25 minutes left before departure.

I finally made it onto the plane after the terribly long lines, we taxied and waited in another long line of departing planes. Now here I am sitting on the plane on my way to Seattle to see my friends and family.

I must admit that I am looking forward to tomorrow (August 7th) because everything leading up to this day has been so sincere and profound. I received my first birthday gift about 3 weeks ago. My host mom purchased a ticket for me to Seattle – until this morning I didn’t realise that it was first a First Class Ticket!

Yesterday (August 5th), my friends gave me an early birthday surprise. I also thought I had to work but I didn’t. My very good friend Josefin, invited me for our usual walk together and we detoured – I didn’t think much of it and the next thing I knew I had people screaming and scaring the heck out me! The signs were all there but I failed to pay attention to them and put four and three together. I was no longer a surprise party virgin. I am very grateful to my friends for everything – it meant more than you could imagine.

It doesn’t end there; Dianne and I met a South African family last year and I am very fond of them. Last night, their oldest son, and my new friend, called and asked me to pop by before leaving, regardless of the time. So at 10:35 post meridiem I head on over and I introduce him to two of my friends. He leads us to the garage and points to the bike and says Happy Birthday. I didn’t know what to say. I know I probably sound like an excited 4 year old what with getting a new bike and all, but I was really excited. Still am.

In the spirit of celebration and excitement and happiness, I am very pleased to announce that Ngqibs – Let Me Be: Recharged will be available for purchase through CD Baby from the 27th of August. It doesn’t end there either; Hope,the first song from the almost-ready 5-track EP will be also be available at most major digital music stores.

New song from Ngqibs upcoming EP

I chose this day for release because it is my sister’s birthday. I am very excited to hear your thoughts on the song – you can listen to it on my Facebook Page.

So now I hope you can understand the anticipation of my big day. Turning 21, seeing Seattle and my friends again is going to be great. The only thing that would make my birthday perfect would be seeing my family again, but that won’t happen (or will it??? pleeeeze ), I will settle for a phone call. I miss and love you all.

Yours in Singing

Ngqibs

Golden Oldies 3

Did I mention in the previous entries that I am a sucker for love some love songs? Well, in case you didn’t know, I am.

My sister and I have been emailing frequently these past couple of weeks and I remembered a song I had heard from one of her many CDs. It was in Zwide Township (the dusty area at which we enjoyed spending time), at my grandmother’s house, when I heard this song and took note.

The Golden Oldie in question is Power of Love/Love Power. It is a medley actually of the two songs respectively. Power of Love was co-written by Luther Vandross, Teddy Vann and Marcus Miller.

Love Power is a song that was done by The Sandpebbles and was a small hit in the late ’60s. With the addition of Lisa Fischer, Cissy Houston and Darlene Love to the backing vocals, Luther added his rendition to his song and made one of biggest solo hits of his career.

“When we walk, down the street, we don’t care who we see or who we meet.”

Here is the original version of Love Power by none other than The Sandpebbles themselves.

Find out for yourself why this song has so much power.