10 DISTINCT AFRICAN MUSIC & DANCE CULTURES PT. 1

n order to interpret music traditions of Africa, one must first understand its cultural dynamics. Africans pass traditions and cultures down from one generation to the next – orally. Where Western culture and civilization are generally written down, most of Africa’s history is unwritten. The culture is orally preserved. Its core essence is embedded within tightly kept secrets never revealed to outsiders.
Man or womanhood preparation is attained at secret societies where initiates learn traditional ethics and skills related to father and motherhood. At first glance, African traditions seem plain to the untrained eye of people who cannot interpret it. Tribal Africans worship God and consort with ancestral spirits for guidance. Tribal ancestors are appeased in thanksgiving and favor requisite ceremonies depending on the particular occasion that’s taking place.

What this means is a traditional African will evoke the help of his or her dead tribal ancestors, guardian spirits or God to aide in every aspect of his or her life. Blessings are perceived as reward and favor from the divine, while persistent ill luck is seen as retribution for known or unknown discourtesy. Because of the tropical atmosphere, most African regions have two seasons – the rain season and the dry season. Some areas have harmattan weather.

Harvest is anticipated to flourish after the rain season but there may be devastation from flood. The dry season bears little to no crops while cattle wither lean from scarce water supply and the hot burning sun. African music (drum beating, singing, playing handmade instruments and clapping) and dance varies by region and is distinguishable by the specific ceremony. In each region, each ceremony determines which dance, drumbeat or song to be sang

Most Africans are either Christians, Muslims or traditional Africans. Dancing is a way to celebrate child birth, good harvest, marriage, victory at war or answer to prayers. Dancing can also lament death, loss at war, drought, famine, hard luck or curse etc. Music entertainment is common, some dances have a sexual connotation. Here are 10 distinct African music and dance cultures:

1. THE GAMBIA:

One of the main Gambian musicology is a very unique sound called Mbalax Music and Ndaga dancing. Gambia’s main tribes are: Sarahule, Mandinka, Wolof and Jola. Each of which have their own traditional music. The Mandinkas play the Kora lute when singing. The sad case in Africa today is mainstream pop culture’s attribution of materialism with financial success has leads some African musicians to abandon traditional melodies for a westernized pop sound. Some have adopted to Reggae music.                                However, The Gambia is one of few countries that maintains its traditional music and dance culture. The Gambia is a small West African country surrounded by Senegal. Their major export is peanuts, which leaves the economy to rely on tourism. The Gambia remains one of few peaceful countries in Africa. In history, The Gambia is known as the place where Kunta Kinte was abducted from. Kunta, a beloved son with great promise in his proud Mandinka tribe languished in the United States where his foot was amputated to prevent him from trying to escape slavery

In anguish Kunta told his slave wife and daughter proud stories of his beloved Gambia. Generations of his descendants would tell this story as their family legend. Meanwhile, in Africa, his family also mourn his abduction and their descendents told similar stories of the beloved Kunta whose life and promise was cut short by slave abduction. A chance encounter would later bring both descendants from the United States and The Gambia together. This story spawned the theme of the most watched television series in history, ROOTS. Today, the village of Joffrey is a tourist attraction in The Gambia where one can meet Kunta Kinte’s Gambian relatives

2. SOMALIA

As I stated earlier, African music is indigenous to the region based on cultural similarities. But when you take a closer look, you will find where one culture differs from the other. Most traditional Somali music is played with the Kaban and drums over poetic love lyrics sang in the local Somali language.

When the music world takes a dive into African music, one country with a vast traditional music culture that is often overshadowed by its reputation of war is Somalia. Somalia is a Federal republic that was dominated by the British and Italians. Located in the horn of Africa this country’s unique position gave it a tactical advantage over the Gulf Of Aden. One good description of Somali music is quoted as saying:

“Somalia has a rich musical heritage centered on traditional Somali folklore. Most Somali songs are pentatonic; that is, they only use five pitches per octave in contrast to a heptatonic (seven note) scale such as the major scale. At first listen, Somali music might be mistaken for the sounds of nearby regions such as Ethiopia, Sudan or Arabia, but it is ultimately recognizable by its own unique tunes and styles…

…Somali songs are usually the product of collaboration between lyricists (midho), songwriters (lahan), and singers (‘odka or “voice”).” Mohamed Diriye Abdullahi, Culture and Customs of Somalia.

3. GUINEA:

This French speaking West African country also wields a dynamic music and dance culture, most of which is not celebrated in the West. It hails from an ancient Jalunka Empire that later became the Fouta DJallon that was invaded, enslaved and colonized by French explorer/s turned slave traders and colonists

Traditional Guinean music is played with a wide variety of African instruments including wooden-slatted balafon in indigenous Guinean music. This music also has a distinct dance. However, due to penury and underdevelopment there is rampant corruption in this country. The country is also leery of westerners seeking to exploit the culture and their natural resources without an adequate payment of remuneration. Guinea’s Mandingo music is classic throughout Africa.

4. MALI:

Mali’s musicology is integrated in all aspects of its society. Malian dancing at almost every occasion is symbolic to emotions felt. As one of the predominant cultures of Africa, it’s music is one of the main soundtracks in Africa. To better understand this, one must first understand the Mande speaking culture which was brought from Sudan. Out of this group came the Mandingo and the Mende tribes which among other ethnic groups are of the most prominent in West Africa. Known as Mandinka in The Gambia, Malinke in Mali and Mandingo in Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone this vast tribe descended from the Mali Empire which is home to the city of Timbuktu.

For a few centuries now, Malian music has echoed through West Africa. It has influenced the music of Guinea, the Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone, Mauritania and Chad to name a few and to some extent Malian music has influenced all of West Africa. Malian music can be derived from tribes such as the Fula Music, Djembe Music, Malinke Music, Taureg Music using violin, calabash, balafon, flutes and a number of handmade stringed instruments.

War and westernization are two of the greatest hindrances to the continuation of African music today. While so many indigenous Africans still respect their roots, western pop has infiltrated the cultured and caused many to adopt to the image. Throughout Africa musicians are abandoning the classic sound and melodies to sing pop versions of their cultural song. Civil wars kill off or displace music legends who take the elite skills of traditional music with them.

5. SUDAN:

The golden age of traditional African music came before and during the colonial era. Since technology was not as available as it is today, much of those materials from that time period were lost. After gaining their independence, many African countries fell under dictatorship rule which ultimately led to civil war. Wars did not only crippled the already fragile economy, they hindered the traditional music and dance culture from being practiced in their entirety.

Sudan’s historical music culture was interrupted by various impediments. Once a conspicuous music tradition known as the Zar, this tradition led off with musicians who were believed to be possessed by ancestral spirits. After centuries had past, the tradition was banned in the 1900s with ancient drums ceased from their players. A determinant was introduced, aimed at ending the spiritual aspect of Sudanese music. It encouraged a diluted version of the tradition which was stripped off of its spiritual component.

At the time, their Western backed government cracked down and imprisoned any musician who played the Zar with its spiritual component in it. To avoid this, legendary Sudanese musicians left the country and died in exile, taking with them, the knowledge of this ancient art. Since much of African art cannot be written down but only passed from one generation to the next through an oral tradition; this put a strain on the continuation of that aspect of the music.

Sudan is a main source of ancient African culture. Many tribes including the Mande speaking people migrated across West Africa from Sudan. However, their genealogy also consist of elements from the Middle East. Arab presence in Sudan contribute to her music and dance culture as well. In her diversity, Sudan wields more than 500 ethnic groups [tribes] which is the largest deposit of tribes in any one country in Africa. Sudanese music is lyrical; much of it is in the form of storytelling. One source states:

“Due to many years of civil war the culture is heavily influenced by neighboring countries. Many South Sudanese fled to Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda. Most of those who remained in the country went north to Egypt, greatly assimilating Arabic culture. It is also worth noting that most South Sudanese kept the core of their culture even while in exile and diaspora. Traditional culture is highly upheld and a great focus is given to knowing one’s origin and dialect. Many musical artists from South Sudan use English, Kiswahili, Arabi Juba, their dialect or a mix of all. Popular artists like Yaba Angelosi sings Afro-beat, R&B and Zouk; Dynamiq is popular for his reggae releases; and Emmanuel Kembe sings folks, reggae and Afro-beat.” – Yabe Angelosi – Biography.

10 DISTINCT AFRICAN MUSIC & DANCE CULTURES PT. 2

6. LIBERIA

Liberia is one of the first African countries to be directly influenced by Western culture. It was founded by freed African-Americans who wished to avoid segregation and belittlement in the United States. However, after two devastating civil wars a little over hundred years later, Liberia was knocked back in time as foreign investors drag their feet to aide in its recovery which held the nation at a standstill.

This war lacerated nation aches in desperate penury. Today, electricity and clean water shortage are some of its most common problems among several tight squeezes. But these problems have not hindered its music and dance culture. Liberia still holds a profound connection with the United States whose flag and constitution are still the blueprint of its current political structure. American music had influenced Liberian youths many years before Africa caught on but this influence did not impede the essence of her traditional music.

The drummer could send an invite to a wedding, celebration of a new born, celebration of good harvest or the drummer could declare war or warn others of pending danger. The drummer could also announce the death of prominent people or summon a tribe to call on the gods for a particular reason. For these reasons, the listener must distinguish between the various situations by simply listening to the “talking drum.” The talking drum can also be used for fun to sing and dance. To note: this tradition is also practiced in Ghana.

Traditional Liberian Music and dance cultures are indigenous to the Grebo, Krahn, Loma, Mano, Gbandi, Kru, Via, Bassa and Sinoe tribes. Like Sierra Leone, Liberians also have a Poro society for boys but a Sandy society for girls. All rituals and cultural ethics taught in these “Grebo Bushes” are secrets that will never be revealed to an outsider. However, during festivals and ceremonies outsiders are invited to enjoy the rich music and dance festival.

7. SIERRA LEONE:

Sierra Leone has a very majestic tradition in a tribal music culture and dance tradition known as Goombay Music. Formally known as Romarong, Sierra Leone ancient settlements saw many tribal inter-migrations from Eastern Sudan, the Fouta DJallon and Northern Sahara regions. Many of these tribes came to Romarong, which was then protected by a dense rainforest region, seeking refuge from foreign invasions that had toppled their former communities where new empires were being formed. The new empires sort to wipe out or enslave people who were esteemed chiefs and warriors. Thus the exodus to Romarong

Due to inter-migration of tribes, the exploitation of Portuguese and British explorers turned slave traders, a large wealth of culture was deposited in Sierra Leone. The music of the Poro [for boys, Bondo [Sierra Leone's Sandy society for girls] and Hunting [a community of hunters who utilize ancient African magic to hunt animals] secret societies and their dance rituals consist of traditional Sierra Leone music and dance culture.

Sierra Leone’s traditional music is performed with ceremonious and customarily revered Bondo, Poro and Hunting devils. The main genres of traditional Sierra Leone music can be categorized as Mende, Mandingo, Temne, Fula and Soso music. Earlier on, West Africans had welcomed Christianity, but were soon bitten by it when Christian missionaries and explorers whipped them into slave ships. Islam proved to be a safer alternative for Africans since they could maintain their traditional African and religious dogmas and be Muslims.

8. GHANA:

As evident in the popularity of Ghana’s symbolic Kente cloth,Ghana exerts its profound roots in Africa as the home of the monumental Ghanaian Empire that reigned for centuries in the region. Ghana has also seen the rise of a prominent Ashanti kingdom. After the British despoiled its gold coast, she embraced the Pan-Africa movement. Like The Gambia, she is among few peaceful democracies in Africa. Among many historic legends, Ghana continues to lead Africa in the preservation of well-defined African music and dance cultures.

Easy Track Ghana is quoted as saying:

“While the style may differ between north and south, traditional music, dance and ceremony are ritualized events occurring at funerals, ceremonies, festivals, weddings and other public and private gatherings. Drums and gong-gong are more prevalent in the south, while string instruments and the calabash are more used in the north.”

When US President Barack Obama went to the Sub-Saharan region, he made his visit a symbolic one by visiting one of Ghana’s most heart rending monuments known as the fortress of Cape Coast Castle. Enchained Ghanians had been crammed into its dungeons and shipped out through its “Door of No Return” which opened into the sea where slave ships awaited.

Ghanaian musicology is divided into two sections. Northern Ghana shares its musical culture with Niger, Burkina Faso and Northern Togo where stringed instruments are commonly played. Southern Ghanaian musicology of the Akan and Ga tribes play drums. The xylophone or Balafon is Africa’s piano which is found in all traditional African music. African music instruments are handmade.

9. NIGERIA:

Sculpted with deep African content is the leadership and values Nigeria self sustained with its population of 140 million. They have more than enough audience to uphold their tradition. From a variety of rich cuisine to an array of distinguishable attire, Nigeria houses about 500 tribes in 35 federal states. Their main ethic groups are: Igbo, Yoruba and Hausa. They developed a sharp wit and their image is often tainted in Western media. Along with Ghana, she stands as another one of Africa’s main cultured hubs. Most significant to West Africa is her vast peacekeeping force and multitude of natural resources. And in many cases Nigerian music and dance represent the embodiment of African musicology.

The World Music Network puts it this way: “Nigeria is unrivaled in Africa in terms of cultural output. Yet, except for a few internationally known African pop icons (Fela Kuti, Sunny Ade and Femi Kuti), the country’s artistry remains a mystery to all but the most ardently adventurous listeners.” As a cultural giant, her Yoruba tribe is famed for their detailed drumming, while core elements like lyrics run deep from the soul. Yoruba instruments include; shekere, bembe, abinti, koso, agogo and sakura.

Igbos play a wide variety of sorts but their main sound is the ikoro, or slit gong and the udu pot drum. Nigerians also play traditional stringed instruments like the molo and the kontigi of the Hausa. In Nigerian musicology drumming percussion are either the dundun or the bata. Some of the most common genres of Nigerian music are: Fuji Fever, Juju Music, Afro Beat and Apala. If one is interested in African traditional music and dance Nigerian culture is a must see.

10.Cameroon:

Cameroon has a rich and diverse culture made up of a mix of about 250 indigenous populations and just as many languages and customs. The country is nicknamed "Little Africa" as geographically, Cameroon consists of coastline, mountains, grass plains, forest, rainforest and desert, all of the geographical regions in Africa in one country. This also contributes to its cultural diversity as ways of life and traditional food dishes and traditions very from geographical region to geographical region.

Cameroon has 250-300 distinct groups, and an estimated 300+ languages. Cameroon is divided into several provinces, which are dominated by specific ethnic or religious groups. Ethnic divisions often correspond to geography, which is also widely varied. Religious differences often correspond to colonial or other historical influence.^[

Partly through the influence of colonialism, there is a national culture, and two distinct regional cultures: the Anglophone and Francophone regions, which primarily speak English and French

Since the Cameroon was formerly under French and British rule, the official languages are French and English. There are also numerous endemic living languages spoken by the people that reflects the diversity of the country.^[1] These languages include the Akoose language, the Gbaya languages, the Fula language, the Gyele language, the Koonzime language, the Mundang language, the Ngiemboon language, and the Vengo language. The Vernacular languages from the ethnic groups in Cameroon are well over 200. Some of them are Ewondo, Beti, Bamileke, Duala and Arabic in the North and Far-North regions

Cameroon is a true crossroads of African art and culture

LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL & TRANSGENDER RIGHTS IN AFRICA

What’s the most serious quandary for African leaders today? It’s how to implement African values and traditions in Africa while meddling with financial and military powerhouse allies in the West? It’s no secret, some Western morals conflict with African values. African leaders find that they have no say in what laws are being passed in the international community. Regardless of that, the West expects them to comply with any “NEW code of ethics” implemented even if it conflicts with traditional African customs.

Keep in mind, Africans are still asking what a black person’s life is worth to the West? African minerals are sold for far less than their fair shake when sold by Africans on the global market. African craft has always been stolen without any credit given to the place where it was taken from. At some point there comes the option to discriminate. Alas, the black mother’s tears has never brought her consolation; nor has her boisterous attitude. Fast forward to a time where “human rights” finally applies to everything, you’ll find that Trayvon Martin’s and Jordan Davis’s blood continue to reiterate how vulnerable Blacks are, in the West. In effect, since slavery, the West has continued to disregard the sanctity of African values. It is as if they don’t exist. This is devastating to Africa!

On the flip side, there could be good reasons why the world [mostly Western governments] is setting new international norms that trump most country’s values. Even the Pope has no power over this. He caved in to homosexuality so that the Roman Catholic Church would not fall. Do people regard God the same like before? Many country’s norms were developed from the same religious values which are being overturned today. As both race and sexual orientations are paired in resemblance, a black person’s fight for equality, strife for an end to discrimination in the West, has been likened to a homosexual’s yearning to come out of the closet, even if that sexuality was long considered a sin or taboo in established religions around the world. The law now trumps the scriptures.

It begs to question; why are we so bothered by other people’s race or sexuality? The west frowns on any creed that doesn’t comply with its views. Shouldn’t everyone be educated on each other’s ways to establish our differences? Should ones’ nature or values be dictated? We see that in all religious and cultural traditions, L.G. B. T. life was strictly forbidden. Now, it takes the World Bank or IMF to willfully trample over this cultural traditions? What is homophobe? Ask yourself why do you or I care? What is the reason why others should be forced to accept it or influenced to reject it?

When you have children are you supposed to teach them your traditions anymore? So that they may learn and carry on the family tradition? Focus being on family, why are we concerned with what rocks the other family’s boat? Why should I care to know who is gay and who isn’t? Because I have a religious value? We all sin everyday! We all sin everyday! Yet, again, if one was a homophobe why should they be punished for their difference? Is that not a kind of phobia in itself?

There was a time when you could simply ignore the lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender subject. That was back when we lived in a heterosexual world. But those days are gone. Lesbian women get married now, the traditional bread winning father is often cast out of the home, even though there may be children there, gay men could hold hands, kiss and show romantic affection in public. Bisexual people also want to be taken seriously even if they raise their eyebrows in the best of both sexual worlds. The transgender wants to be accepted for who he or she has transformed their self to. More people have adopted to the world of gay sexuality. Heterosexuals are expected to forgo religious or cultural beliefs that make them uncomfortable with homosexuality. But this is problematic for cultures that are not Western oriented which then becomes a viable issue.

Many have blamed pedophile priests, adulterous Imams or Rabbis and secretly gay Christians for misleading their public. Married men have been caught hanging their wedding rings to rendezvous with a secret boyfriend. While Muslim and Jewish men have kept a quiet grip on Abraham’s doctrine, right and wrong is now determined not by spiritual leaders but by political individuals who proclaim liberty through global politics. For Africans, if the West chooses to restructure its society to a none religious one, that’s the West’s prerogative. But why impose that on Africa through politics?

Africans are pro heterosexuals. African tradition states that the male is head of clan while female is the nurturing mother who is catered to (chivalry). Africans measure a person’s worth by their moral character, their bloodline (tribal royalty) and their cooperation within the culture. In this culture, boys and girls are taught their traditional roles in society. Men marry women as wives and the family looks up to the father as their leader under God. This means people of the same sex cannot date openly or marry because the term marriage is viewed as a sacred religious rite which does not include homosexuality. This is not discrimination, it is culture at best.

In Africa, if people who are gay, get hitched and live together, that will be a violation of the traditional culture in the tribal community. Just as the West expect straight people to accept homosexuality, Africa also expects the same from the gay community in the West. There are Temples, Churches, Mosques, Synagogues and historic places that should be referenced under strict doctrines where gays cannot go there if they continue to partake in homosexual activity.

Is this fair to gays? I don’t know. Who knows? Is this fair to straights? A man with a female’s soul is not who is hated, it’s the holiness of what or where he may defile. Africa has its own cultural norms that differ from that in the West. But in recent years, the West has used monetary or humanitarian aide or military might to force Western agendas in Africa. Some Africans have already been brainwashed through Western education, internet, media, Hollywood and music cultures. The truth remains that Africans are pro heterosexual.

Everyone admits, we suddenly find ourselves in a changing time. The question that people are not asking is, who or what is causing this sudden change? If we must do the right thing and never discriminate against race, creed, sexual orientation or gender, will a racist cop pull another black person over in a racist town ever again while citing bogus reasons? What about gay men, will they be ridiculed? Are we to assume that people should know where they belong if their kind is not favored? What’s the best solution to adjust to this change?

What do we do with change? The world is changing so how do we adjust to this change? The common law heterosexual couple vs, the married gay couple. We talk about discrimination but there is no fixed remedy for racism in the West. While waiting for a compelling narrative here comes this banquet of homosexual controversies not surrounding the life, wealth, health and protection of a long suffered black person and his/her property but rather, the right of LGBTs to get married in Africa publicly? If the political acceptance of moral behaviors trump religious and cultural norms then where is the influence coming from? Only few know the answer. We have to admit that swapping the traditional pillars of society is a huge step.

Yes, we are all going to hell. Still, one has to ask, is this so called change is another ploy to distract people from the big picture? Like black people at the inception of racism or gays at the inception of all homophobic outcries. Who stands to gain from gays and Blacks? Who stands to gain now that gays are no longer supposed to be discriminated against but Blacks still fair far from a life free from racism? One person’s past time become another person’s abominable act. The moment we decide to restrict one group we immediately deny others of their rights. We bind nature. We miss talents. To hold a sexuality an abominable act now stands in the way of progress and the fulfillment of prophecies. What a time!

Humans are bound to be different. This is simply the order of nature. The goal is not to focus on how to end our differences, rather it is the knowledge, education, thorough and ingenious reasons to cope. In itself, the strength that comes also builds to educate. One cannot implement all cultures correctly without coming to loggerheads with someone else’s creed. This is why I skipped the “stand your ground” case that sent another black boy to the morgue.

This year, in light of remembering the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela, I pondered on the state of Uganda and its unnecessary cry for attention. No one could kill that many people without having a smeared conscience. This African leader barked loud in his yard but the bark echoed at the World Bank and IMF. Now, he’s imperiled a $90 million deal. Should African presidents be more diplomatic in such a way how it would be better if he or she knew when to keep quiet and allow destiny to take its course?*

Educate, though we will. Everyone will know their right and never be judged outside of the court. The Ugandan president probably didn’t believe his ears the first time he was told to legalize LGBTs in his country. To him it had to be a prank. His culture, his tradition and the moral pillars of the society he was born and raised in condemns it. Just like it condemns racism. But his disdain for racism has not caused it to stop in the West. Yet his disdain for homosexuality has come with a price. As if it is not an culturally sensitive step being imposed by the West. This president is ordered to let his country’s tradition slip away. ‘Should I accept gay marriage for $90 million or keep my tradition and get nothing?’ He said ‘keep the tradition’ (not in those words).

THE WITCH IN YOUR CHURCH – PT. 1,2,3

The fine line between Witchcraft and religion is quite a blurry one. Make no mistakes about this, religion can be Witchcraft. The problem with this is most people do not interpret witchcraft well enough to tell the difference. When it comes to spirituality, there has to be some form of spiritual ethics that defines good and evil. OK. First off, let’s get one thing clear. Witchcraft is a religion. It is an earth based religion which falls under the polytheistic form of worship. The next thing to understand about witches is that they come in two categories. White witchcraft which is primarily dedicated to positivity and black witchcraft which is primarily negative. In today’s world you cannot be surprised at anything!

Since we live in a predominantly monotheistic realm, due to the spread of Islam, Judaism and Christianity, we generally classify witches under the umbrella of evil. This means even positive witches are considered as evil doers while negative religions are assumed to be good. The universe is a general term for a spiritual realm where the makings of intent are formed. Therefore when someone prays for your downfall or an ill fate to befall you they are just as bad as the witch who casts an evil spell on you. Moreover, a witch who casts a spell for your well being is just as good as anyone who prays for your well being. In order to understand this confusing theory we must first define a witch and then define religion. We must also show the similarities between spells and prayers. Again, we should remember what specific prayers and spells are intended for.

God is defined as a monotheistic deity who forms a Holy Trinity of Father, Son and Holy Ghost. When witches cast spells they are addressed to one of many polytheistic Gods or spirits who specializes in what the spell is meant to accomplish. I wont get technical about the existence of God and Satan namely good and evil. Rather I will focus on good intent, bad intent and FREE WILL. Why? Because we know both angels and demons can perform good or evil deeds. However, the twist is when an angel does evil it is assumed that this was warranted to destroy evil while a demon’s good deed is seen as deceit. What I’m saying here is that in my research, not all witches are evil and not all Christians are good. Before I get to the next part of this blog I will upload a video to first establish that Christian witches exist.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBKtAL7xhZw

The Rocket Car Libyan Rocket | The Safest Car Ever-Made :alot of western cynics where envious and jealous about ghadafi vision for a stronger african continent.

The Rocket Car

There’s only a handful of countries known for building cars. Most of them are in Europe or the Far East. Colonel Muammar Gaddafi wants to add what is called the Libyan Rocket, the car designed to solve the problem of high instance of road deaths in the north African country.

The “Libyan Rocket”, as the prototype is called, is described as an “elegant sedan” 17 feet long, more than six feet wide, with a 3-liter, V-6 gasoline engine, car seats five, has the nose and tail of a rocket. According to the BBC and Fox News, it also has airbags, an unspecified ‘electronic defense system’, and a collapsible bumper that supposedly help out in a crash. The car can go hundreds of miles on a flat tire. Other safety features include a device to cut off the fuel supply to avoid a fire in case of accident.

Launched at a conference called the Organization of African Unity and organized by Colonel Qaddafi, the Rocket is set to be be produced in Tripoli, Libya’s capital where a factory is set to be built next month, according to the BBC.

 The interior is heavily loaded with local crafts as this area has tapestries libiennes (good taste guaranteed), and full-grain leather. A feasibility study is underway to assess the possibility of producing this interstellar monster on Libyan soil. Who wants one?

 Libyan Revolution and The Rocket car designed by Al Gaddafi

"Libya is in the middle of North Africa, not on the periphery. Its location is like South Africa and more so.  If Libya wants to avoid the evil of enemies from outside, it will seek protection in Africa, not by analyzing the blood of Libyans and ascertaining their Arab origin... If Libya were to seek the possibilities of a fortune, it has to become a partner in the fortune of its African continent. Yes, it is rich, richer than any other continent in the world."

"Now, America is stepping all over the world with its shoes.  It is not afraid or ashamed and has no conscience.  It scares everyone, and they fire missiles while they are drunk, and it sets the price of bread in the world. It orders the World Bank and the IMF to set the price of bread in Jordan.  It tells them to raise it by 300 percent, and that happens..."

"All our currencies collapse because the US currency is strong. What is the reason for that?  Consider the unity of blood, race, and, even, religion; all these are lacking in America.  The reason [for US strength] is that they are people who have come from everywhere and they have established a state, which they have called America, exploited its resources, established a strong economy and communications, manufactured missiles and satellites, established medicine, made radars, ships, aircraft carriers, and nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons.  They have become a fearsome power. The reason is that all those people who came from everywhere created a single nationality and a single identity which they have called American; their identity is American.  The United States is the product of 50 states which have united.""If Africa is to become stronger than the United States and the EU, because it has the resources that would make it strong and make the African citizen strong economically without relying on western crumbs for development.