BecomingBosedeh: Making ; “Wakabut” And Style and Career.

Making ‘Wakabut’ A Life Style And A Career

It is definitely clear that it is when children are young, parents and society can be able to figure out their talents, potentials, skills, strength and weaknesses. Knowing oneself can be easier if the child has parents that are already aware of their potentials. This is one area that the West can do so much better than us in Africa. From a very young age, they help the child discover their potential and give them all the support to maximise it. This makes it so much easier when the child turns into an adult. He will just need to grow in the foundation that is already laid for him.

As a child, this was a problem I encountered. Because no one helped me to discover my talents from a tender age, I was growing and looking empty. Some people thought I had no talents or skills. It was not like I didn’t have any talent, but my talents differed from many other people. It was certain I didn’t know how to do any sport, draw, swim or do most of the things my age mates could do. What I knew how to do than many of my friends was to walk around, exploring and discovering unknown places. And I absolutely loved it so much.

Realizing that ‘wakabut’ was what I love doing, I did not know whether it was a talent. My love for the outdoors increased and walkabouts became like a therapy to me. Whenever I felt left out, because I can’t join my friends to play football, just walking lustfully and discovering unknown places brought so much relief to me. Walking long distances or losing and finding my way was one of my greatest motivations and it brought me so much peace and happiness. I did not need to have an instructor to tell me what to do or someone to guide me. I was just a man on my own on the road and that boosted my confidence and self-esteem so much. At most I had something that I was a master at.

During my teenage, I got more freedom from my parents and retreat. Camps and weekend became my hobbies. I had been to 6 districts out of the 12 in my country. Whenever I’m on those retreats during break time, I will just leave everyone in the camp and venture out on streets unknown. I will go as far as I can and I still find my paths back. I love going for hiking, picking waterfalls and absolutely everything that concern about the outdoor. Before leaving high school, all my friends knew I love adventures and travelling was not an ordeal for me.

I became so concerned about the history and monument around my country that I studied for a Bachelor’s degree in the University of Sierra Leone in History and Politics. It just brought me fulfilment whenever I visit a monument or a place I have read about. I visited almost every monument in my country and learnt its history to the detail. When I started studying African history, I grew so much in love with my continent that I wanted to visit every country in it. It was now in my life I knew that if I wanted to keep going for adventures and discovering all the places I have read about, it was prime time I made ‘wakabut’ – travelling – a business. And at this point I absolutely believe that there is not a feeling of fulfilment in anything other than to make your hubby your career; you can be at work and still think you are on holiday.

Written in The Gambia

Finding Bosedeh: I want to write about love but found nothing to write about.

I want to write about love but I found nothing to write about.

I think about a girl we shared 4 years of friendship and nearly dated. The stories we share, her advice that lifted me, her concern about me and my dreams. Her smile and her sense of humour made me feel special. But I don’t have anything to write about love.

I think about my mum who has sacrificed everything to see me educated, happy and healthy. The time she makes me laugh and cry. . But I still don’t have anything to write about.

I think about my best friend who over the years we have shared a lot of happy and sad moment. We have inspired, built and encouraged one another. Seeing our dreams turn into reality has been wonderful. But I still found nothing to write about love.

I think about God. He has loved me unconditionally, forgive my sins and promise me a brighter future. And I still don’t have anything to write about love.

I think about my favourite aunt, she had loved me as her own child and support me in all my endeavours. She always wants the best for me. But I still don’t have anything to write about love.

I think about my wonderful krio clients. We have never had a lesson that we have not to laugh. Sometimes we spend all the time laughing and talking. But I still don’t have anything to write about love.

I think about my uncles that have always been there to listen to my stories and worries. Even though I tell them new dreams, plans and goals every time. They never get tired of hearing from me. But I still didn’t have anything to write about love.

So, I think about my class 4 teacher and how she so believes in me. She gave me confidence and tell my mum I was brilliant in school which was a big lie. But I have nothing to write about love.

I know I need to write something about love. I started thinking about my grandpa. Who was the most loving and caring human being on earth. He spends his money and time to see me through school but left us at an early age of 86 years. But I still don’t have anything to write about love.

I think about my Youth fellowship. Which has been at the centre of my youthful activities for the past 7 years. The life and achievement of Past and present members that have inspired me. Yet, I don’t have anything to write about love.

I think about the busy petty traders in my street. They always smile to me whenever they see me. Whether it’s sunny or raining. We share jokes and talk about politics. But I found nothing to write about love.

I think about my friends and mentors that are in overseas whom I love to write whenever I see them online. I love fighting with them and tell them about my life. Nothing is there to write about love.

Ok, at last, I think about our dogs that are lovely and friendly. They are cool and love to play hard with me in the evening. But I still can’t write anything about love.

Thinking and thinking, I think about writing nothing. How I never know how to read and write till I was 13- years old. Yet, I don’t have anything to write about love.

I think about nothing and how it feels good to think about nothing. The joy and Alafia it’s brings to one soul. But still, I don’t anything to write about love.

So I think about……Gratitude

Sierra Leoneː Uskayn uman ɔ man yu bi?

Wan tɜm we a go bɑybul studi, wan uman se na tu kayn fɑmbul de. Di fɔl fambul ɜn di dɔks fambul. A bin Wonda ooo.

Di fɔl fambul, di man dɜm lek uman bad bɔt di fɔl uman dɜm gɜt style. Di fɔl mɑn get fɔ pul ɔlkayn sɜns for mek dem abul do mami en dadi biznɜs. We di uman gri ɜn gɜt pikin dɜm, di mɑn go komɔt biyɜn di uman wantɜm. Dɜm nɔ go wɑkɑ wit dɜm uman ɜn pikin dɜm sɜf.

Di dɔks fambul yon, dɜn man dɜm difrɜn fɔm di fɔl dɜm. Di dɔks uman dem ɔmbul ɜn lɜk mɑn. Dɜm nɔ gɜt boku style ooo. Dɜm rɜdi ɔltɜm fɔ do Mami en dadi biznɜs wit dɜm man. We di dɔks uman gɜt dɜm pikin dɜm, di man go de de wit dem. Di dɔks man ɔltɜm de de bifo wit in fambul dem we dɜm de wɑka.

if nɑ so i bi, na di wɔd dat oo

Uskayn uman yu bi?

Uskayn man yu bi?

Tolu Jethro Bade: The man changing the concept of Entrepreneurship in Sierra Leone.

Tolu Jethro Bade is the man changing the concept of entrepreneurship in Sierra Leone by using photography. A Nigerian with Jamaican ancestry, he lives and works in Sierra Leone.

“When I started photography in 2017, most people didn’t respect photography or photographers as compared to lawyers and doctors. The craft wasn’t well branded as compared to the artistry and glorification it has in Nigeria for example. I had to change that perception. Today, having a camera and taking a picture is cliché. Even though it’s picking up pace slowly and it’s much admired, there’s still much effort needed to brand the profession. Photography is a very difficult ordeal which requires enormous amounts of creativity and discipline. It may be even more difficult than most professions in the world. When it comes to being a doctor, there are books you can read.

He said he is not sure there are books on how to be a creative photographer because being a photographer that stands out from the competitive crowd means discovering your own inner creativity and displaying it in ways that wow people. Knowing how to take a picture is one thing and knowing how to be a photographer is another.

Tolu loves telling stories of people and culture in Sierra Leone through pictures and depicting beautiful landscapes and sunsets.

” Photography discovered me and as a creative artist, photography is a medium in which I use to express myself mainly.”

When photography discovered him, Tolu took his time to bond with the craft by everyday practice, trial, and errors and constant learning.

“I graduated with a BSc in computer science at Njala University in 2014. My first job was a graphic designer at ‘Call to do Business’. Then I worked for UNICEF Sierra Leone for two years and Africell for one year as their graphic designer. While being a graphic designer at UNICEF, photography introduced herself to me and I fell in love with her.”

There are many Africans that want to start up businesses but usually fail because they do not take the required steps. They see education, being an apprentice and voluntarism as a waste of time but Tolu is an exception and an example to many. Today his creative studio is one of the leading studios in Sierra Leone and it is more than just a studio but a creative hub for young people.

“Envizage Concepts it’s not just about photography but about creative arts. It’s about expressing yourself as a youth and using photography, graphic design or videography to display that self-expression. Young Sierra Leoneans come to learn, get inspired and explore their own creative abilities in order to make a difference in their lives and communities by using these mediums.”

For the past 9 years, Tolu has used his skill and knowledge to inspire many upcoming gurus in his field. Ever since his establishment of Envizage Concepts two years ago, Tolu has trained more than ten youth especially females in photography wherein they used the craft as a self-confidence and self-esteem booster.

Here are a few of his mentees:

1. Camareh Sarah Kamara – Photographer, Reality Television Star and Best female Photographer 2017
2. Joy Gborie – Best female photographer 2018.

3: Grace Kamanda – freelance photographer
4. David Moore – owns Dave Images and the official Photographer of Housemate Sierra Leone 2019
5. Harold Davies – Depth Vision
6. Daniel Kamara – Model at Zee factor also a photographer.

He also provides holiday jobs and internship opportunity for young people.

” I always let any youth I train know that Envisage Concepts is not the final destination and that the world is theirs to explore. They have to make a name for themselves, impact and change lives through art.

In most African setting bosses or trainers never want their students to be self-reliant but to work for them as long as possible. This is a concept we need to change.

This 37-year-old entrepreneur has created the most classical and fascinating creative studio in Sierra Leone. His studio now is a reliable friend for most celebrities in Sierra Leone and the official creative studio for many private individuals, companies, and NGOs. Tolu regards all his clients as important clients no matter their size or age.

“I don’t grade clients by popularity, I treat everyone equally. Whether you are a young child or an elderly person, they are all important and I treat them fairly. Nobody is bigger than the other. Some just have the ability to pay more money.”

Tolu for the most part of his life has considered himself as a global citizen even though he does not possess a UN passport. This is due to the fact that he believes we are not limited to our place of birth to make an impact but wherever we find ourselves in the universe.

“It’s not about where one is from or which citizenship which one holds, It’s about what we are doing in the world we find ourselves and the impact we creating in the lives of people around us.”

Sierra Leone: What Ramadan means to young Sierra Leoneans?

Eric Kawa is one of Sierra Leone’s 100 Most Influential Youths. He is a student at Fourah Bay College and works with Africanews, Capital Radio and Switsalone.

In an exclusive interview, he reveals what Ramadan means to him and how he has been observing it as a young Sierra Leonean Muslim.
Eric believes that Ramadan is a time of double blessing transformation and cleansing.

“Ramadan is a month of mercy, forgiveness, transformation and prayer. In this month, we believe, if observed accordingly, God will answer our prayers and forgive all our sins “

Due to this reason he advises young Muslims to stay away from wrong doings and come closer to Allah.

“Ramadan has been a time of prayer, fasting and cleansing for Muslims all over the world. It is also a time in which Muslims should give more Sadaqa (Charity) to the poor and share meals with families, friends and communities.” says Kawa.

According to him, Muslims should also embark in the recitation of the holy Qur’an.

“I have been reading the holy Quran, because as Muslims, we believe that it was in the holy month of Ramadan that the Quran was revealed to mankind. It’s very important for us to read it.”

For this young inspiring Sierra Leonean however, Ramadan has not changed much of his daily activities and the dress code; as he says

“I don’t change my dress code in Ramadan because I have been dressing well out of Ramadan.”

He tells me his diet has changed a bit and is excited about it. Since in Ramadan, he mostly eats less heavy meals and consume more beverages, fruits and vegetables.

Eric Kawa is a product of religious tolerance. He is from a mixed family background comprising both Muslims and Christians and belives Sierra Leoneans should always uphold religious tolerance and co-exist peacefully.

During this Ramadan, he prays for unity and religious tolerance to continue to prevail in Sierra Leone.

“I pray we remain united as we have been over the years. Our country is known as one of the most peaceful and religious tolerant nations around the world, I pray we maintain this status. I pray for Sierra Leone to be a transformed nation this month and the years to come ”

Eric further admonished Muslims to respect the rights of non-Muslims as they observe the Ramadan and expressed gratitude to the non-Muslims for also patronizing with them in this month.

He concluded by advising his colleagues to learn the lessons of Ramadan and continue with the positive practices after the month.

Umu Kulsum Bah a Sales Person at ANIQ Modesty Boutique speak on what’s Ramadan means to her and how she has been observing this year’s Ramadan. She is from a very strong Islamic family and was able to learn the Quran and Hadiths at a very young age.

This year’s Ramadan is not very different for her, fasting during the holy month of Ramadan has always been part of her life. She started observing Ramadan when she was 7 years old. She attends a Quranic school and an English school together, which she relieves was hectic. She believes that Ramadan is the best month of the year for her.

“Ramadan is a very blessed month, it’s a time God called us to be his Guest. It’s night are the best of nights and it’s days are the best of days. A time in which our du’ah, prayers and supplications are accepted and answered by Allah “

Ramadan has not changed her dress’s code. Since she was a teenager she has been wearing the hijab and dressing modestly. She hopes that one day all Muslim ladies would wear the hijab. Even when she is wearing hijab and dress modestly have not to stop men to watch at her and she knows worst is happen to women without hijab.

” As a Muslim, we should try very hard to fast in Ramadan and move always from all our wrongdoing. We ladies we should refrain for gossip and idle talk and foolish agreement.

This was her advice to her fellow young girls. She emphasises that ladies should try not to missing a day of fasting. Muslim must fast sixty days to recover for a day of fasting miss in Ramadan.

She has been eating a lot of fruits and vegetable this Ramadan. This raining reason has made a lot of fruit available for a cheaper price for many Sierra Leonean.

Her prayer for this Ramadan was simple:

” I pray that this Ramadan will bring everlasting transformation in our lives and our Sierra Leoneans and May all Allah accept our prayers “.

Freetownː Aw lɔŋ wi go wok lɜk ɜlifɑnt ɜn it lɜk yɔni? The sun never set in Freetown.

There are many cities in the world were the sun never set and Freetown city is one of them. This is because of people in these cities like Freetown work day and night, night does not either their daily activities.

I used to think that it is only the educated young people that don’t sleep at night. My friends are always online at midnight doing research, working on assignments or downloading or uploading video or files. The Internet in Sierra Leones is very poor and very expenses during the day. It’s only at night it’s a bit fast. My friends and I will also go to the party the whole night and go early to classes the next morning. My experience yesterday helped me to know that it’s not only the young educated freetwonians the sun never set for, But many women and young men.

At about 12:00 am -2:00 am people were still going about their businesses. A lot of cars, Kekes and Okadas busy were running up and down the city. These are the same transport that will run whole with the same driver but they still remained poor. Still finding it’s very hard to take care of their family and basic needs, having no assurance of the future.

Women in the central business district were still selling at 1:30 am at dofcourt market. Some were even shouting

” you don buy you cold Wata, you don buy you places”

Some children were even playing around the market with so just joy and happiness. What’s I was thinking all this while is why are these people not sleeping or tired. But if dem nr fen is, ar go gee dem?

The young men were not an exception. I saw some men working for the Freetown city council, they were painting road sign on the street at night. Thank God for electricity.

At about three junctions I saw some offloading bags of rice and other stuff from a van into a shop. This is the kind of hard work I can’t do even during the day. This men are the people when they sick they can’t give themselves good medication. Money nr de

I don’t know why I was not afraid of thieves. I saw a group of when coming and I was inquisitive about it. I made to learn that One of their comrades has stolen someone phones and they were doing the investigation themselves. When I saw them past the byv eastern police station, I thought there were going to the police station. But they didn’t. They when away with the guy, only God knows what they will do with him. I love the idea of community policing, it the safest and cheapest form of policing. Who told me this guy was doing community policing? Maybe they were just finding ways from him to space.

At this hour people were still selling cold water, rubber drink and recharged card. “Top Top Top” around Eastern police. For them, it’s always day.

At St John which is around my area, people were still selling in the street.They were selling ‘fry fry”, fry fry is a sort of local fast food in which most of the foodstuff is fried.

I can hear the voices of people praying in a church and other reading Quran in a mosque. There was one particular man in a fuel station that was reading the Quran very loud.

There were also clubs and bar that were still on.

So know I very well that the sun never set in Freetown. The only problem and question I have is.

Why do freetownians work very hard and received a little reward?

Why is there a lot of poverty in Freetown?

Aw, lɔŋ wi go wok lɜl ɜlifɑnt ɜn it lɜk ɔni?

Sierra Leone: 9 Ways A Final Year Student of the University of Sierra Leone have built his “Sababu”.

After Vickie Remoe posted what was true “Sababu” and how Unemployed African Graduates can build their “Sababu” I was touched. Now, I want to tell my story of how I build my “Sababu”.

I’m Bosedeh Africans Harold George, I have a long name but have no original sababu. I don’t have relatives in high government position or parent that studied out of Sierra Leone. I know if I am to succeed in Sierra Leone I need Sababu.

Sababu 1, (Volunteerism )

As a year one student at the University of Sierra Leone, Fourah Bay College. I volunteer with Word Made flesh- Sierra Leone, a charity organization that is working among the women, Youths and children in Kroo Bay, Freetown. I work as a tutor with beginners and Junior School Preparatory examination classes and from 2014-2016. I learnt and gain a lot of knowledge working with the expats and patience working with the children and youths. I was building my CV and having work experience and network – Sababu.

Sababu 2( Entrepreneurship )

In 2017, I started my own small Business, kushe investment. Kushe investment is a local business that is aimed at creating a comfortable home for foreign nationals by breaking cultural and language barriers by teaching Krio language and doing Freetown Tours. Word made flesh(WMF) gave me the Sababu to meet my first Krio students. WMF know me and was sure that I can deliver very well as a teacher.

Sababu 3(Network and Respect )

With my Krio Lesson, have to build a network with a lot of expats. I am their Sierra Leone Sababu and they are my sababu. They help me to have more clients for my Krio lesson and I help sometimes help them find workers. I am very sure if I graduate they will not be afraid to employ me or write a recommendation for me. It’s not only because they know me but because they know what I am made up of. I treat every one of my Krio clients with absolute respect, make them smile at each lesson and deliver the best Krio lesson to them every time.

Sababu 4 ( Extra-Courses )

I know it’s was certain I’m going to graduate with a Bachelor degree in History and Politic from USL but I wanted to be outstanding among my fellows. I Started doing other courses in between my University work. I Obtain A Pre-certificate in Theology at Tyranus Bible school, Certificate in Christian mission and Trans – culture course and I study to obtaining a Diploma in Professional Christian Counselling but I did not complete it. I wanted to be my own Sababu.

Sababu 5 ( Fellowship )

In 2018, I started applying for jobs, fellowships and grants. Some didn’t even call me for an interview, others did but did not employ me because I was still in university ( Years 3). However, I was accepted for the Young African Leadership Initiative Training( Yali) in Ghana for a month. It’s was a great opportunity. It’s was my sababu that I was building made YALI accepted me among Two Thousand applicants. Only about 150 of us from across 9 West African countries were selected. I know this was “sababu” at work. My parent is not rich and famous but I know the sababu I want building will take me anywhere.

Sababu 6 (Free Opportunities)

Early this year, I heard about a blogging master class and I attended. I have ever let go of any opportunity to learn especially when it is free. Vickie Remoe teaches us how to blog and I love it. Two weeks later I write a blog post that I spend hours on and she loved it and made me part of her http://www.Switsalone team. Now I get paid for every story, I write that is accepted.

Sababu 7 (Phone and internet )

I have always made good use of my phone and the internet. I know I was struggling with my Grammer and I downloaded Grammarly and it has been helpful. Every night I watch and download youtube videos and read articles that are related to my course of study, my passion and great people. I learn new skills and I’m sure I’m building my “sababu”

Sababu 8 (Friendship and Dignity )

I meet with a lot of white people and foreigner nationals in Sierra Leone. I talked and joke with them and they consider me as their “Salone padi”. Even though there are times I had no money and thing are difficult I never beg them. I am sure that begging and always asking for favour destroy ones Sababa. On my birthday, I told one foreign national about it and she asks if I wanted a gift from her. I told I kindly, that I do not expect gifts from people and I have already brought all I wanted for as a birthday gift. I use my birthday as an opportunity to beg.

Sababu 9 ( Social media and Branding)

I know we are in a digital world and I am embracing it. I am using it to brand myself, create my Sababu and tell my story. I’m very conscious about what I post, like and share on any of the social media platforms. I know people have built and others destroyed themselves on social media and I definitely want to build mine.

I have friends in 8 West African countries and I try to talk to them as frequently as possible. I don’t ask them to send me money or tell them stories for sympathy. I do not only talk to them when I need a favour. So, when I want to go on adventures in their countries, they will be happy to be my host.

I am a Final Year Student at the University of Sierra Leone and a sure I will not be an Unemployed Graduate. I know what Sababu means to me.

I am my own sababu and Jesus is the Chief Sababu.