Two Blazin Sheilas: March 2015

Sunday 29 March 2015

LONDON/PARIS/DUBAI 2015

I clearly don't want to believe that I am truly back to reality lol. Just like I recapped on Ghana, I thought I would also do a short post on the other part of my trip, London, Paris and Dubai.

London I had already visited in previous years, so apart form spending time with beloved family and shopping, I didn't do or see anything particularly new. In saying that, during my many times of catching public transport in London, I came to the conclusion that people in the western world who have more seem to be unhappier than those in developing countries. This may be an obvious observation, but this become so apparent to me when I compared my experiences/surroundings in Ghana to London. Way too often on the trains/buses I would RARELY see anyone crack a simple smile. Everyone was always in deep thought, straight faces, minding their own business. Ironically, in Ghana where people survive on close to nothing, you can walk on the streets and see someone with equivalent to $20 to their name dancing, smiling and simply enjoying the simplicities of life. Another reason why I am chasing a life of happiness and fulfilment, as opposed to one filled with money and no real purpose.

Paris and Dubai on the other hand were completely new, amazing experiences for me. The architecture in Paris is what blew my mind. The city is full of so much history, that can be felt by simply walking through the city being surrounded by beautiful buildings. Shopping wise, I felt Paris was a little on the expensive side (but hey, if your rich you will definitely be in heaven) as it is home to many of the great high-end designers we only dream of wearing. Overall, truly the city of love. Dubai was also full of beautiful and intricate buildings accompanied by rich culture. People in Dubai are living well! Everyone seemed to be doing well in terms of work and finances (obviously a generalisation, but applied to the vast majority of people i saw) and not to mention were all so lovely. The hospitality I received from my hotel staff and tour guides was definitely a positive testament to the majority of people I met in Dubai.

I am beyond blessed to have had the opportunity to see these beautiful places and hold valuable memories and experiences close to my heart. I can't wait for my next journey !

London Eye

De Louvre, Paris

Paris

Museum in Paris

Eiffel Tower, Paris

Luxembourg Park, Paris

Arc de triomphe, Paris

Paris

Dubai Desert

Dubai sunset

Dubai

Dubai

-Posted by Vanessa

Saturday 21 March 2015

Music Spotlight: NAIMAH

To celebrate the release of Naimah's new song "Fireworks" ft. & produced by Von Vargas, here's a little more information about the beautiful and talented musician. Take a listen to the song here: http://www.thenaimahmusic.com/

On top of creating the song, Naimah, along with partner-in-crime and designer, Greg, created the cover art using glitter paper, making stencil letters and working with Bobby Spero to shoot it. Naimah says it added to the song's idea of nostalgia/youth/the little moments that are simply spent with the people you enjoy. It is clear she is hands-on with every aspect of her creative process. Congratulations, Naimah!

1. Age, Location

24, Washington D.C.

2. What’s the music scene like in DC?

Thankfully, the music scene is fairly diverse here, and what you’re exposed to really tends on your own personal world. I’m a particular fan of DC’s punk and hip-hop scene. Both genres have really great groups with DC roots, and the scenes continue to thrive here. You can always catch local acts at some of the major venues here, which is always amazing.

3. How did you get started with music?

I think music started with me before I knew what direction it was going to lead me towards. My first introduction to music was when I was little and played a toy guitar until all the strings broke off. I kept on the journey by playing the clarinet, performing in musicals, singing in various vocal groups, going to as many concerts as I could see (and getting as many set lists signed by bands as possible; side-note!), and along the way transforming my love for short stories into writing songs. Songwriting, singing, and playing the guitar just stuck. I feel most at home when I’m doing one of those things – like I’m completely myself. It’s hard to explain in words, but it’s a feeling that lets me know I’m doing exactly what I should be doing.

4. How would you describe your sound?

Honest. Every aspect, from the lyrics to the music – whether it’s just my guitar or a full-blown production – delivers the core of the song’s story. The tension, the love, the uncertainty, whatever it is. It’s all an honest baring of it.

5. How do you feel about the state of music today?

I really love the mix of genres I’m hearing more and more. James Blake’s collaboration with Chance the Rapper is just one of the many examples I could list. I’ve never had a one-track mind when it comes to music, so I appreciate that artists are blending influences these days, and the industry is starting to at least try to catch up with the fact that no one wants to limit their genre or their audience. Even though this cross-genre blending still gets stuck under “alternative”, it’s still great as a listener, and to take part in as an artist. I’ve been collaborating across the board recently, from working with rappers to singing on deep house tracks, and it’s been great to get my hands in all the music that I love to listen to, and to think differently as a songwriter and a vocalist. The mixing pool of music definitely encourages artistry, individual gifts, and collaboration – I’m a fan, for sure.

6. Dream collaboration?

Oh! Well, speaking of James Blake above...! Working with him is my dream collaboration. I love his mix of elements in his music, and the very soulful and dare I say honest delivery of his songs. Our voices would blend really well together, and I think we have a similar outlook on songwriting. Maybe it’s because we’re fans of Joni Mitchell, who knows. When we collaborate, it will be powerful stuff.

7. Favorite song of all time?

“Between the Bars” by Elliott Smith.

8. Favorite album of all time?

The Suburbs by Arcade Fire. I love the thematic nature of that album, and how seamlessly it all connects into one big story.

9. Best live show you’ve ever been to?

So maybe part of the reason The Suburbs is my favorite album is because I saw it live at Coachella and that performance blew my mind. It was a beautiful spring night, perfect clear sky, and Arcade Fire was singing from The Suburbs and Funeral and the performance was monumental for me. They started singing “Wake Up” and everyone around started singing the opening ‘ooooh’ together and I looked to my best friend and told her: I want to do this. I have to perform. I have to reach people like this. That moment has stuck with me to this day.

10. How do you want the next 5 years to play out in your career?

Lots of songwriting, lots of shows, lots of collaborating. I want to continue to reach and grow my audience, inspire, and be inspired. And, but of course, win a Grammy or two...!

Check Naimah out at the following links...

www.thenaimahmusic.com

www.facebook.com/naimahmusic

www.soundcloud.com/naimahmusic

Instagram/Twitter: @naimahmusic

- Posted by Olympia & Vanessa

Tuesday 3 March 2015

GHANA 2014/15

Had a complete absence form blogging, all within good reason though. We are back now!

GHANA. Seeing the word alone gives me butterflies, so can you imagine the excitement that consumed me when i landed at 12pm on the 27th Dec 2015. Anyone who has visited Ghana knows the extreme heat wave that hits you as soon as you step off the plane is nothing but a relief, accompanied by air scented of kelewele and other delicious dishes.

I have been to Ghana around 5 times, but the thing that made this time so special was the fact that i was doing it completely solo. I always think its healthy and life changing to go on some sort of holiday by yourself and thinking back on it, I wouldn't have preferred it any other way. It forced me to step out of my comfort zone, resulting in me meeting so many amazing people, seeing new things I may have not been able to see if i traveled with people, and just ultimately having the freedom to do everything in my own time, at my own expense. In saying that, during December/Jan (festive season), at any given time you will ALWAYS meet other foreigners you know. Having the comfort of having girls/guys that i already knew around definitely made things easier and more enjoyable. To be perfectly honest, in my opinion, its pretty hard to not enjoy your time in Ghana (minus aspects like light off, water off, poor economy and corruption of course!). The rich culture, simple lifestyle, welcoming personalities, positive attitudes despite having so little, dancing on the streets and mouth-watering food are just SOME of the reasons anyone will love Ghana, and the main reason I know I will eventually live there.