Damn, it's poets like her that make me hate myself for being white... I mean speak about my roots? Who wants to hear about a culture of guys with hairy backs and man skirts?
sorry about ur gran. how old was she? i have a very old gran whou has equally inspired me. 89yrs. to be able to live that long in Africa is a huge bonus from The Almighty God. Rip!!
I cried the first time i heard this. I am from the same part of nigeria she is i am supposed to speak t he language she speaks about. I feel the duality she seeks to conquer. I have lost too much of my culture to England.
we used this vid in our nigerian independence day at my university...this speaks so true to my life...1st generation in america and i cant communicate with my grandmothers, my aunts and uncles...yes most of them know enlish but when speaking to me...their Nigerian granddaughter, niece they speak yoruba and they demand that i speak it, but i was never taught...i want to know my true culture but im stuck...i dont feel like i belong to either...American or Nigerian
we used this vid in our nigerian independence day at my university...this speaks so true to my life...1st generation in america and i cant communicate with my grandmothers, my aunts and uncles...yes most of them know enlish but when speaking to me...their Nigerian granddaughter, niece they speak yoruba and they demand that i speak it, but i was never taught...i want to know my true culture but im stuck...i dont feel like i belong to either...American or Nigerian
we used this vid in our nigerian independence day at my university...this speaks so true to my life...1st generation in america and i cant communicate with my grandmothers, my aunts and uncles...yes most of them know enlish but when speaking to me...their Nigerian granddaughter, niece they speak yoruba and they demand that i speak it, but i was never taught...i want to know my true culture but im stuck...i dont feel like i belong to either...American or Nigerian
we used this vid in our nigerian independence day at my university...this speaks so true to my life...1st generation in america and i cant communicate with my grandmothers, my aunts and uncles...yes most of them know enlish but when speaking to me...their Nigerian granddaughter, niece they speak yoruba and they demand that i speak it, but i was never taught...i want to know my trueculture but im stuck...i dont feel like i belong to either...American or Nigerian
they used my name to collect money from the UN while nothing was been given to me by the Swiss authority no acomodation, no feeding, no shelter, they know i 've know where to go because they want me to survive on the street so that i can commit crime for them to jail me, these is tricks the western world play among theirself, they do these expcially to will Africans just in a way to punish us bcause slave trade is still going on up till today in western world.
Like my African American friends do not understand what we really go through.... I mean our parents are still trying to impact in us that African knowlege. Like we are so lost that we really do not know what and who we are anymore....
man i dnt think i will ever forget to drink my garii and eat my plantain...lol
and im proud that i still speak and understand my native language.
I loooove how you break your words up. I love this poem. My friend came here from Kenya and told me how she struggles with becoming more American while still staying true to Africa. I'm gonna tell her to listen to this and I think it will help her.
people need to grow up when making comments...rudeness does not help a person bcome better...you either like or dislike but keep ur mannerless behaviours to yourself. IKPE you do well girl friend
Deep! You and your words are awesome. I feel blessed to have come across your channel and to have the opportunity to enjoy and marvel at the depth of your work! Thank you!
i felt a strong connection to this poem!! so beautiful!! so purely done! please keep up with the amazing poems! i feel the same way a division between my parents roots and my new ones! grreat poem!!
Great poem, I'm VERY impressed. It's important for everyone - no matter what color or creed - to remember their roots. Whether they be Africa, Europe, South America, Asia, it doesn't matter. What's important is remembering where you come from and Bassey tells us that in a way unlike ANY other.
This poem hit close to home... I too must never forget those we've left back home- ironically I was born and raised in the States... but am an African-American in the truest sense.... NAIJA STAND UP!
Chinique she was speaking Yoruba..I'm igbo, but by the looks of her first and last name (both Yoruba sounding) and the places she referenced in her poem..she is Yoruba...hope this helps :-)
hi bassey, i've listened to this a few times and still feel ur words. btw, I am Nigerian (Rivers State) though presently studying in asia. One luv Sis!!
Bassey, I am Nigerian (from Rivers State) . I'm presently studying in malaysia and really feel the reality of your words. I'm proud of you sis, I love this poem.
Bassey I was in tears listening to your poem. I am proud of you! in whatever situation you find yourself don't forget who you are. I am glad you do!! thank God.
Although not everyones roots were from foreign places within 2/3 generations history does show at some point everyone has come from another land...what we all have in common in being born in the west is this "white man's tongue" - a language, social and cultural structure that we're been born into...which in many ways well and truely sucks!
I'm scared now ^_^; ! haha! I need to go to my country! I need to relearn my language. I already can't make some of the noises anymore. Like K'e and KHe! And the K'O in K'Olo. hahaha...!
Every time I hear this poem, I cry men. It's so painful - that irreversible ebbing of culture and who you were. At once, you are transformed and can see the vision of home from a new, foreign eye, but that added clarity also equates with a forever divided experience. Kai, Nigeria. So much...so much.
i love how she is so real, she don't even have to shout to get what she is saying across, each phrase has power in it on its own, her voice compliments her soulfully anchored style.
All that I can say is, thank you. Without our own ancestral Languages we are nothing but zombies, slaves and the dominated. For, every space in our ancestral homelands identifies with its own Language and ancestors. When a people speak what is not their own on the soil of their ancestors they dishonour it. May your Language connect you with your ancestors, ancestral homeland, Freedom, Independence and the Dignity that is an inalienable right of every people on this planet.
Amazing, something that applies to us all...a time comes, and sometimes passes, when we want nothing more than to detach from our roots to shape ourselves into who we want to be...always remember where you came from, where your parents and their parents and their parents came from because without these things we would be nothing...
This poem is relatable for all first generation immigrants here in the US. I've experienced similar frustration over trying to find the balance of American assimilation and trying to retain/relearn everything about my native culture. I definitely enjoyed watching & listening to this.
Thank you for saying this,A lot of people truly are blithely unaware of the constant struggle to maintain both aspects of your identity especially when you migrate so young or were born here with only a handfull of memories connecting you to the country, NAIJA FOR LIFE thanks sistah God bless you
This is beautiful, and she is wonderful; its our triple heritage, the past the present and our children, the future ...for all Nigerians living abroad... a part of us, a very lovely and deeply rooted part of our culture, of our self, of our identity is dieing out.Well spoken daughter of the soil Naija ile...Alaba Ferreira
absolutely outstanding but speaking for myself, I still have a lot of my African culture preserved. I can't lose it and I will most definitely pass it on... I won't forget, no I won't forget.
this speaks to me in ways i cant even explain...i often wrestle with trying to balance my african heritage with my life int he western world...Ghana begs me to remember, the western world wants me to forget.
Ikpi, this is some deep stuff... I could feel where you are coming from and the message really touched ...I did some volunteer works in Nko, Ekori, Ugep, Apaiapum etc and really understand the diversity we as Africans have to deal with living overseas!!! Keep up the good work...
people...u need o be calm..no need for name calling...cant we all just air or views without being disrespectful calling each other sons of God knws wat etc plsssss.she is only saying wat she feels she needs u dnt have to share the same opinions..gosh..peopleeeeeeeee
This is so deep I was born in Tanzania but i've grown up in Europe and this is soo talking to me.
I don't understand why people are being so negative she is talking about her need to remember and cherish her homeland, u cannot judge what she's saying if u haven't been in the same shoes as her.
i think u should fuck off d4nnyo,at least she knows where she's from. where da heck do you think you're from? america? u're a fool cux you should trace your origin back to when america came to existence n c. you're no american man so go find your root!
i think u should fuck off d4nnyo,at least she knows where she's from. where da heck do you think you're from? america? u're a fool cux you should trace your origin back to when america came to existence n c. you're no american man so go find your root!
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
im from england u piece of shit...i dnt need to trace bk to were im from..thats not me...wats me is were i am now and the family i no...not hundreds of years ago...y would that bother me...y would i care about that? and were i life for most of my life is my home...not were som1 100/1000 years ago lived...and wat she says is sick not me...blamin other ppl...
It's more than obvious that you aren't paying attention to the poem. The poem isn't about "not wanting to be where you are". It's about finding a way to connect all parts of you without losing one over the other. But I'm also fairly certain you came to spout your opinion regardless of whether or not it connects to the video.
I sincerely hope that whatever it is you're looking for in this world comes to you gently.
well i am payin attention..u blame america for making u forget were ur from..its ur mother/father fault u live thier...if u dnt want to live within american culture then go bk to jamaca...problem solved...no need to find a way to connect all parts..and only way i can c u 'findin away to connect all parts' is if u make half of america talk w/e language u expect they should no instead of american..if im wrong explain please...
fuck off...if u dnt wanna liv in their culture n shit..go bk to were u wanna b...were u wanna liv...dnt expect thier cuntry to change just coz u go over to liv in thier cuntry coz they actually wanna build and make the world and its ppl liv betta and hapier...talkin bout us donatin to ur country 'africa' and all the ppl wat r ment to b runnin it pocketin all of it so use all carry on livin in poverty...and u shud thank america...they let u of like a 20bil debt...wen they cuda just went to war..
are u for real??????do u know wat u're talkin about...can u please tell me where u are from "white man"...I can tell by the tone of u're voice that u are one of them sonofbitches...ANYWAYZ the US is a country of every culture...A country that is descovered by the INDIANS.."not Eropeans" but NOW ITS a land of every poor or rich..AFRICAN, ASIAN or HISPANIC, and EROPEAN...but all are not treated equal which is the point...but dont worry if we are strong enough to get equality we will be soon rule..
i my own personal opion i think before you start judging others you should learn to correctly spell,how can you sit at your computer and try to deciefer a poem,poems aerent ment to be picked apart as if road kill and the listeners are the carnivores.why can you not appreciate good words when you hear them?
@greg: I feel you are wrong. You want us to just listen & give bassey praise? In order 2 giver her praise we must analyse what she has said. That is y her poerty is deciphered & picked apart.
Nice...but why she no return to motherlan' instead of just remembering? Garri sounds good in poetry unless it's the only thing you can afford to eat everyday.
that was very nice, i hope you educate both nigerians/africans in america, as well as african-americans about their foolish anomosity and stereotypes they carry about each other. akata is a word that shoudl never be used for example. well done *subscribes*
I've watched this performance soo many times and each time is better than the last. Ms. Bassey is a talented sistah. I'm so blessed to be able to watch and listen her perform such wonderful works of art. Keep up the good work!!
My dear Bassey, you are a special one. One whose lips the Gods have kissed. You speak as if you have not spoken. Your candence lifting and pulsating, a blend of light, sound and form. Aah you lucky one, you who cannot rest for you must tell the stories of the Gods.
Damn, it's poets like her that make me hate myself for being white... I mean speak about my roots? Who wants to hear about a culture of guys with hairy backs and man skirts?
Nervousification 4 months ago in playlist Def Poetry Jam
sorry about ur gran. how old was she? i have a very old gran whou has equally inspired me. 89yrs. to be able to live that long in Africa is a huge bonus from The Almighty God. Rip!!
palapiska 5 months ago in playlist Best of you_tube
Sorry about the loss of your Grandmother. May she rest in peace. I love your work, Bassey.
junkeyful 5 months ago
This is so true
Glynnisable 5 months ago
I cried the first time i heard this. I am from the same part of nigeria she is i am supposed to speak t he language she speaks about. I feel the duality she seeks to conquer. I have lost too much of my culture to England.
MyEccentricMind 7 months ago
Beautiful...
ERAJONE1 9 months ago
"can't taste past the lump of nostalgia in my throat" wow that... is Foofoo and ghari to the point!!!
PeaceUdo 9 months ago
diz z jc an amazin piece rily...i love all ur poems a lot!big-ups Bass ;)
DJMokhethi 1 year ago
Heh Bassey, I need "Edikaikon" for my birthday....I know you can make it as your sweet poetry can be....
2000agogo 1 year ago
i love it i love it
sofiaeri 1 year ago
She was one of my favorites on Def Poetry Jam. Such a potent message! Just makes me want to step my game up even more... :-)
neosoulbrotha2376 1 year ago
she proly has aids like the rest of you people
tapoutniggers666 1 year ago
we used this vid in our nigerian independence day at my university...this speaks so true to my life...1st generation in america and i cant communicate with my grandmothers, my aunts and uncles...yes most of them know enlish but when speaking to me...their Nigerian granddaughter, niece they speak yoruba and they demand that i speak it, but i was never taught...i want to know my true culture but im stuck...i dont feel like i belong to either...American or Nigerian
badejob 1 year ago
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we used this vid in our nigerian independence day at my university...this speaks so true to my life...1st generation in america and i cant communicate with my grandmothers, my aunts and uncles...yes most of them know enlish but when speaking to me...their Nigerian granddaughter, niece they speak yoruba and they demand that i speak it, but i was never taught...i want to know my true culture but im stuck...i dont feel like i belong to either...American or Nigerian
badejob 1 year ago
we used this vid in our nigerian independence day at my university...this speaks so true to my life...1st generation in america and i cant communicate with my grandmothers, my aunts and uncles...yes most of them know enlish but when speaking to me...their Nigerian granddaughter, niece they speak yoruba and they demand that i speak it, but i was never taught...i want to know my true culture but im stuck...i dont feel like i belong to either...American or Nigerian
badejob 1 year ago
we used this vid in our nigerian independence day at my university...this speaks so true to my life...1st generation in america and i cant communicate with my grandmothers, my aunts and uncles...yes most of them know enlish but when speaking to me...their Nigerian granddaughter, niece they speak yoruba and they demand that i speak it, but i was never taught...i want to know my trueculture but im stuck...i dont feel like i belong to either...American or Nigerian
badejob 1 year ago
they used my name to collect money from the UN while nothing was been given to me by the Swiss authority no acomodation, no feeding, no shelter, they know i 've know where to go because they want me to survive on the street so that i can commit crime for them to jail me, these is tricks the western world play among theirself, they do these expcially to will Africans just in a way to punish us bcause slave trade is still going on up till today in western world.
sunny9886 1 year ago
nigeria begs me to remmeber while america slowly teaches me to forget
POWERFUL
musicsocialstar 1 year ago 5
bassey your amazin keep up the good work ur amazin! can totally relate
chizoyvonne01 1 year ago
bassey your amazin keep up the good work! can totally relate
chizoyvonne01 1 year ago
bassey your amazin keep up the good work! can totally relate
chizoyvonne01 1 year ago
This poem speaks to me and for me...I will always remember
NubianTiye 1 year ago
Your poetry always makes me tear up a little, they're so beautiful!
TheLadyLumi 1 year ago
I can relate-I'm a zambian living in the UK. Bassey you're wonderful <3
cobainbride 1 year ago
i can soo relate to this.
Like my African American friends do not understand what we really go through.... I mean our parents are still trying to impact in us that African knowlege. Like we are so lost that we really do not know what and who we are anymore....
man i dnt think i will ever forget to drink my garii and eat my plantain...lol
and im proud that i still speak and understand my native language.
14ife 2 years ago
So beautiful!
5sizes2big 2 years ago
that was really good.
toyaxlola 2 years ago
I loooove how you break your words up. I love this poem. My friend came here from Kenya and told me how she struggles with becoming more American while still staying true to Africa. I'm gonna tell her to listen to this and I think it will help her.
mooki3babiiyonkerz 2 years ago 19
Africa is where life is my sistah tell them
Yessss!!
jasonsamplz 2 years ago
lol foo foo and plantane! my dad raised me and my brothers on that! we used to all share one bowl rofl. i havent had foo foo in a while though...
JCanDy1 2 years ago 5
people need to grow up when making comments...rudeness does not help a person bcome better...you either like or dislike but keep ur mannerless behaviours to yourself. IKPE you do well girl friend
EVOLUERMEDIA 2 years ago 3
no she was speaking calabar
boyedeseun 2 years ago
This is a really good poem
thompsonboi1989 2 years ago
nigeria stand up!!!!!!!
resellercvv2 2 years ago 4
Deep! You and your words are awesome. I feel blessed to have come across your channel and to have the opportunity to enjoy and marvel at the depth of your work! Thank you!
reVerse2bfree 2 years ago 2
i felt a strong connection to this poem!! so beautiful!! so purely done! please keep up with the amazing poems! i feel the same way a division between my parents roots and my new ones! grreat poem!!
lizzygrl2908 2 years ago
Great poem, I'm VERY impressed. It's important for everyone - no matter what color or creed - to remember their roots. Whether they be Africa, Europe, South America, Asia, it doesn't matter. What's important is remembering where you come from and Bassey tells us that in a way unlike ANY other.
pkh42987 2 years ago
love it!!!! nicely done Bassey...
And that guy who claims to be Igbo but then says you are Yoruba, obviously has no clue about Nigeria
sbraithe 2 years ago
Oh My!
That was amazing!
keda416 2 years ago
That was way back when and you were awsome so you must be one the best in the game today
Xahni 2 years ago
You are my favorite Def Poetry artist. You're so talented it hurts! Please continue to bless us with more of your work!
clarkrachelann 2 years ago 7
let's get back to our roots! America wants us to forget but poems like this will forever remind us about where we come from.
menace10100 2 years ago 13
your poem gave me hope, i don't know why, like randomly, that reminded me of something good. thankyou
oneteaspoon08 2 years ago
omg dis is one of the best poems ever.....NAIJA ALL DAY
Temilolu01 2 years ago
Love you girl!
reshon30 2 years ago
YES GIRL!
pinkpuma1213 2 years ago
This is the best poem ever! Amazing! I could listen to this all day....
dlknknjboy666 2 years ago 2
i love it. proud to be naija!
htownaphrikan 2 years ago
This joint is wild tough why disable the ratings, but hey i already said it, thanks.
kidryu16 2 years ago
This poem hit close to home... I too must never forget those we've left back home- ironically I was born and raised in the States... but am an African-American in the truest sense.... NAIJA STAND UP!
redboneafricana86 2 years ago 5
powerful words...You make me proud to be Nigerian!
arrebiy 2 years ago 2
i love this poem its touching i dont care what any one says
yuricanz 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
this poem sucks u need to rhyme this is shit stay on a subject
kyranmylife 2 years ago
you're very rude .
ajwllms 2 years ago
VERY RUDE!
Mercy055 2 years ago
u knw nothin
Temilolu01 2 years ago
so wrong
JoeBearr 2 years ago
you obviously have no idea
magma277 2 years ago
i luv being nigerian
DELICIOUSRICE 2 years ago 2
The language she was speaking, was it Yoruba or Ibo?
Chinique430 2 years ago
It is neither, she is most likely speaking the language indigenous to calabar
arrebiy 2 years ago
Chinique she was speaking Yoruba..I'm igbo, but by the looks of her first and last name (both Yoruba sounding) and the places she referenced in her poem..she is Yoruba...hope this helps :-)
obscurity87 2 years ago
Not Yoruba. I'm Yakkuur from Cross River State, Nigeria.
Basseyworld 2 years ago 3
I thought Calabar..You can delete my comment since it is wrong. Cheers!!
ositanwoye 2 years ago
You are so beautiful and talented and you remind me of my aunt. My dad is from Benin City, Nigeria. You are truly an inspiration and my idol.
JCanDy1 2 years ago 4
@Basseyworld what flag are those colored stripes?
NeloNi307 1 year ago
She is from Calabar...Cross Riverstate.
ositanwoye 2 years ago
uh? both her 1st name AND last name aren't yoruba sounding or yoruba at all. And what she was speaking ain't yoruba either. . .
afr0flava 2 years ago
@afr0flava : Yoruba isn't the only language spoken in Nigeria...
numofan 2 years ago
@obscurity87 She's Calabar, not Yoruba.
nosaokuns 1 year ago
@obscurity87
are u dumb or something. that doesnt even sound remotely like yoruba.
buffblaze 1 year ago
@Chinique430 Calabar language in south south Nigeria
sunny9886 1 year ago
WOW! I never expected to cry lol. Never knew the poem could be so touching. Her poem is so true and I can hear vividly Nigeria calling me back.
awhyk 2 years ago
hi bassey, i've listened to this a few times and still feel ur words. btw, I am Nigerian (Rivers State) though presently studying in asia. One luv Sis!!
uadikema 2 years ago
Bassey, I am Nigerian (from Rivers State) . I'm presently studying in malaysia and really feel the reality of your words. I'm proud of you sis, I love this poem.
uadikema 2 years ago
Nicely said...
DJDonX1 3 years ago
Bassey I love your poetry!! You move me!
Zayney 3 years ago
I need to hold onto what cucu taught me, and fight what Asia is trying to quickly make me forget.
I long to speak my in tongue, long to hear gran calling me--Gathoni! Not, Cecilia, where are you?
MissQKazoo 3 years ago
NAIJA 4 life baby!!
truthhurrts 3 years ago
she is such a beautiful person <3
0oEmoKitteno0 3 years ago
i love this ; im cameroonian and i know exactly what you`re talking about.. and understand it.
love. it.
callmelilsha 3 years ago
I'm Nigerian and i totally feel her on this
flameisbrighter08 3 years ago
Bassey...you are awesome
tiffles1 3 years ago
what a beautiful language...and i'm not talking about the english........
Lachurchboy 3 years ago
Bassey I was in tears listening to your poem. I am proud of you! in whatever situation you find yourself don't forget who you are. I am glad you do!! thank God.
williamketch 3 years ago
I love your work amazing you touch me in my soul.
Empre55 3 years ago
this is my story
xxxxxxcoolxxxxxx 3 years ago
amazing!!! So great to hear that, really cool.
Although not everyones roots were from foreign places within 2/3 generations history does show at some point everyone has come from another land...what we all have in common in being born in the west is this "white man's tongue" - a language, social and cultural structure that we're been born into...which in many ways well and truely sucks!
maxnsanderson 3 years ago
she's so0 darn beautiful.
AVAxMICHELEx3 3 years ago
I'm scared now ^_^; ! haha! I need to go to my country! I need to relearn my language. I already can't make some of the noises anymore. Like K'e and KHe! And the K'O in K'Olo. hahaha...!
LadyCakeage 3 years ago
ive never seen a def poetry jam on tv.. so it makes me nervous that it doesnt exist anymore :[
but im going to assume it does till exist.. and im going to pray and try and one day i will put up a video of myself just like this one of you :D
hehe i love this
imoutrageous 3 years ago
Every time I hear this poem, I cry men. It's so painful - that irreversible ebbing of culture and who you were. At once, you are transformed and can see the vision of home from a new, foreign eye, but that added clarity also equates with a forever divided experience. Kai, Nigeria. So much...so much.
UduVudoo 3 years ago
o my goodness i am baffled and speechless
amazing ta;ent
kapenzi21 3 years ago 3
i love how she is so real, she don't even have to shout to get what she is saying across, each phrase has power in it on its own, her voice compliments her soulfully anchored style.
mjdougla 3 years ago 3
ok i really cried 2 dis poem coz its so true..
i relate heapz 2 much it breaks my heart.
heartylover1 3 years ago 2
Wow ...that's all i can say ...I replace NIGERIA with RDCONGO , and this poem becomes mine.
pro818 3 years ago 2
All that I can say is, thank you. Without our own ancestral Languages we are nothing but zombies, slaves and the dominated. For, every space in our ancestral homelands identifies with its own Language and ancestors. When a people speak what is not their own on the soil of their ancestors they dishonour it. May your Language connect you with your ancestors, ancestral homeland, Freedom, Independence and the Dignity that is an inalienable right of every people on this planet.
adikiny 3 years ago 2
OMG! This poem is so beautiful!
amadah3 3 years ago
:::CHILLS::: I have chills!!!! smh
CutiePieZphi 3 years ago
Amazing, something that applies to us all...a time comes, and sometimes passes, when we want nothing more than to detach from our roots to shape ourselves into who we want to be...always remember where you came from, where your parents and their parents and their parents came from because without these things we would be nothing...
elzbelz86 3 years ago 2
f**king beautiful
thefriqueisin 3 years ago
home sickness grips me!
ibexy 3 years ago
Phew. Took a few listens to open up but was well worth it. What a poet, I'm baffled and sad and happy, envious and turned on all at the same time.
Bambootay 3 years ago
chukwu gozie gi...this is a beautiful poem...true Naija Woman!!!
coahukanna 3 years ago
To the idiot who asked what she's talking about, she's talking about losing your roots and becoming more Americanize.
mjjohn314 3 years ago
Ajo o dabi ile ... meaning, a thousand journey fills no space of a day at home...it can feels like, but its not, Ile, home...
bujuib 3 years ago
This poem is relatable for all first generation immigrants here in the US. I've experienced similar frustration over trying to find the balance of American assimilation and trying to retain/relearn everything about my native culture. I definitely enjoyed watching & listening to this.
mleliza3 3 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
What tosh is she talking about? Seems she's lost a screw in her head.
mikeemeka1111 3 years ago
Thank you for saying this,A lot of people truly are blithely unaware of the constant struggle to maintain both aspects of your identity especially when you migrate so young or were born here with only a handfull of memories connecting you to the country, NAIJA FOR LIFE thanks sistah God bless you
omohefe85 3 years ago
that was beautiful
jojopagot 3 years ago 2
She is the truth.
9ways2win 3 years ago 4
This is beautiful, and she is wonderful; its our triple heritage, the past the present and our children, the future ...for all Nigerians living abroad... a part of us, a very lovely and deeply rooted part of our culture, of our self, of our identity is dieing out.Well spoken daughter of the soil Naija ile...Alaba Ferreira
Alabaferreira 3 years ago 3
Abeg come back home!
lekpashandy 3 years ago 2
mmuka,..npuwoke litogha liwu. ...sam kani,.atum a nong. "awonke"...obase no'oya oboh awu. ...etem etum edan ton'npuwo loko lomon ko lida liwu. ..
sam ka'ani
mezaya1 3 years ago
absolutely outstanding but speaking for myself, I still have a lot of my African culture preserved. I can't lose it and I will most definitely pass it on... I won't forget, no I won't forget.
pasoge 3 years ago 4
simply beuatiful......
mideii 3 years ago
Beautiful.
lifeinterrupted 3 years ago
this speaks to me in ways i cant even explain...i often wrestle with trying to balance my african heritage with my life int he western world...Ghana begs me to remember, the western world wants me to forget.
ewurabenaa 3 years ago
Ikpi, this is some deep stuff... I could feel where you are coming from and the message really touched ...I did some volunteer works in Nko, Ekori, Ugep, Apaiapum etc and really understand the diversity we as Africans have to deal with living overseas!!! Keep up the good work...
'Wale
Brooklyn, New York
simpori 3 years ago
i loved it when she spoke in nigerian.
it was bueatyful.
i wish i could find my roots
gregfromokeechobee 3 years ago
Beautiful spoken words, Beautiful woman. As a British/Nigerian as well, you express what I want to shout out!
ladylope 3 years ago
people...u need o be calm..no need for name calling...cant we all just air or views without being disrespectful calling each other sons of God knws wat etc plsssss.she is only saying wat she feels she needs u dnt have to share the same opinions..gosh..peopleeeeeeeee
gwen1869 4 years ago
This is so deep I was born in Tanzania but i've grown up in Europe and this is soo talking to me.
I don't understand why people are being so negative she is talking about her need to remember and cherish her homeland, u cannot judge what she's saying if u haven't been in the same shoes as her.
Peace!
MonafromTz 4 years ago
Oh, so beautiful. I'm very inspired.
theSmoogal 4 years ago
i agree with d4nny0
o nd btw dreeldee ever1 has dere own opinion so let him put what the fuck he likes unless dats ur wife on dere den u should b bothered
skyline564 4 years ago
I suspect that you and d4nny0 might be related...
Basseyworld 4 years ago
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fuck of bk their then......seriouslyyy..
d4nny0 4 years ago
i think u should fuck off d4nnyo,at least she knows where she's from. where da heck do you think you're from? america? u're a fool cux you should trace your origin back to when america came to existence n c. you're no american man so go find your root!
dreeldee 4 years ago
i think u should fuck off d4nnyo,at least she knows where she's from. where da heck do you think you're from? america? u're a fool cux you should trace your origin back to when america came to existence n c. you're no american man so go find your root!
dreeldee 4 years ago
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im from england u piece of shit...i dnt need to trace bk to were im from..thats not me...wats me is were i am now and the family i no...not hundreds of years ago...y would that bother me...y would i care about that? and were i life for most of my life is my home...not were som1 100/1000 years ago lived...and wat she says is sick not me...blamin other ppl...
d4nny0 4 years ago
It's more than obvious that you aren't paying attention to the poem. The poem isn't about "not wanting to be where you are". It's about finding a way to connect all parts of you without losing one over the other. But I'm also fairly certain you came to spout your opinion regardless of whether or not it connects to the video.
I sincerely hope that whatever it is you're looking for in this world comes to you gently.
Thank you for the support, Dree;).
Basseyworld 4 years ago
well i am payin attention..u blame america for making u forget were ur from..its ur mother/father fault u live thier...if u dnt want to live within american culture then go bk to jamaca...problem solved...no need to find a way to connect all parts..and only way i can c u 'findin away to connect all parts' is if u make half of america talk w/e language u expect they should no instead of american..if im wrong explain please...
d4nny0 4 years ago
You're absolute right. You win. I shall return promptly to "Jamaica". I'm so glad you were able to enlighten me. I've been lost all these years.
Bless you.
Basseyworld 4 years ago
you make me sad. It's people like you that are evidence that we still have a long way to go as a species. Please, don't have children.
mikep003 4 years ago 2
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fuck off...if u dnt wanna liv in their culture n shit..go bk to were u wanna b...were u wanna liv...dnt expect thier cuntry to change just coz u go over to liv in thier cuntry coz they actually wanna build and make the world and its ppl liv betta and hapier...talkin bout us donatin to ur country 'africa' and all the ppl wat r ment to b runnin it pocketin all of it so use all carry on livin in poverty...and u shud thank america...they let u of like a 20bil debt...wen they cuda just went to war..
d4nny0 4 years ago
are u for real??????do u know wat u're talkin about...can u please tell me where u are from "white man"...I can tell by the tone of u're voice that u are one of them sonofbitches...ANYWAYZ the US is a country of every culture...A country that is descovered by the INDIANS.."not Eropeans" but NOW ITS a land of every poor or rich..AFRICAN, ASIAN or HISPANIC, and EROPEAN...but all are not treated equal which is the point...but dont worry if we are strong enough to get equality we will be soon rule..
gualeritra 4 years ago
i my own personal opion i think before you start judging others you should learn to correctly spell,how can you sit at your computer and try to deciefer a poem,poems aerent ment to be picked apart as if road kill and the listeners are the carnivores.why can you not appreciate good words when you hear them?
peace and love to god.
gregfromokeechobee 3 years ago
@greg: I feel you are wrong. You want us to just listen & give bassey praise? In order 2 giver her praise we must analyse what she has said. That is y her poerty is deciphered & picked apart.
lilkunta 3 years ago
Nice...but why she no return to motherlan' instead of just remembering? Garri sounds good in poetry unless it's the only thing you can afford to eat everyday.
do2un 4 years ago
Go the Motherland!!! That was good.
ChristianRose88 4 years ago
Great...simply beautiful....
I love it when people are proud of where they come from and represent!!!
Ggabby 4 years ago 2
i think this is something we all feel but i have never heard it said so beautifully
9jaebonysunshine 4 years ago
dis is ... omg.. omg..dis is awesome.. AWESOME.. nuff respect yo..
b4byte 4 years ago
Nnem, dalu so! Dalu! dalu! I cried.
OmoOvie 4 years ago
Gangsta!
okpo0002 4 years ago
that was very nice, i hope you educate both nigerians/africans in america, as well as african-americans about their foolish anomosity and stereotypes they carry about each other. akata is a word that shoudl never be used for example. well done *subscribes*
pirell 4 years ago
you will yet surpass Maya Angelou!
flukky77 4 years ago
you've translated the weepings of my soul...Big up Nigeria!!
mschizoba 4 years ago 2
Wow! I'm so proud to be a Nigeria. I will never wish for any other place.
babasakuya 4 years ago 2
I've watched this performance soo many times and each time is better than the last. Ms. Bassey is a talented sistah. I'm so blessed to be able to watch and listen her perform such wonderful works of art. Keep up the good work!!
misskimhall 4 years ago
this is a beautiful poem. i love this
Delaware84 4 years ago
All Africans in diaspora can relate. I love in all languages; I hope you'll understand.
spanishliljon 4 years ago 2
this is beautiful. you're a beautiful person, in every way that I can see.
callanrhianna 4 years ago
Another great performance! Bless!
Yekinae2 4 years ago
omg that was really deep..and i think that any nigerian american and/or any african raised in the US can definatley relate!!!
naijagal 4 years ago 2
My dear Bassey, you are a special one. One whose lips the Gods have kissed. You speak as if you have not spoken. Your candence lifting and pulsating, a blend of light, sound and form. Aah you lucky one, you who cannot rest for you must tell the stories of the Gods.
Shaanka 4 years ago 3
you make me proud to be nigerian. You go woman
cheychey0112 4 years ago
wow. from another nigerian in america; wow again.
ricadelide 4 years ago
couldn't have said it better! you rock sister!
kpandobabe 4 years ago
real talk..applies to all who hav left "HOME" for a "better" life...keep doin what you do
ST0623 4 years ago
i love it
chillipapper 4 years ago
As I listen to your words, tears they gather round my eyes. Just loving the whole of you bassey! Keep it up
StormyBreez 4 years ago
"I can barely say hello without the clicks and the moan the dips and the tones on the white man's language" she deep!!!
Girly08freak 4 years ago 2
I know exactly how she feels!
ukabia 4 years ago
damn this is how i feel about my granmda too.. beautiful words
missroboto 4 years ago
the words are deep and meaningful. Amazing!
KChery 4 years ago
Beautiful words and beautiful girl.
toobunnilicious 4 years ago
ooo FOO FOO love it with soup!
esta411 4 years ago
lol @ people just remembering the food. yal must be hungry
gotadicolors 4 years ago
rep' Nigeria babe...
u killled em'!!
ghandi87 4 years ago
Great poem and she talks about fufu as well lol!
Krypt1c01 4 years ago
Excruciatingly talented poet. Poetry from the heart of a genius with true Nigerian intensity. The way we really are!! (Thank you Bassey)
planetolusola 4 years ago