Seasons Greetings,The Kennedys, Marlon- Jackson & 'The Motherland Project', Music e.t.c "

Dear Loved Ones,
Long, Long Time Indeed ! i thought i'd give everyone a "little" break. But so much is going on in our world for me to continue to stay silent. So,here i go again with some "observations".

As 2009 comes to a close, i'd like to say Goodbye & Thank You To The Kennedy Family, especially, the four amazing Brothers who are no longer with us. As a Man, Father & Human of African-descent, i owe my freedom & Love of America largely to the likes of "Teddy" Kennedy (i trust President OBAMA shares my sentiment). I still remember like yesterday when "MANDELA" visited my former hometown of Boston. I know i've said it before,but, kindly pick up TED- KENNEDY's newly released Memoir ( TRUE COMPASS ).

Moving along, for lovers of soulful music, i strongly recommend a newly released C.D- "All Star Tribute in Honour of Frankie- Beverly & Maze". Many folks can't seem to understand why "Frankie" has never won a single Grammy. The R&B Band last released a C.D back in 1993, but they tour the U.S & the World almost every year, selling out venues. I give credit to some new artists that did their best in trying to belt-out different songs by "Frankie-Beverly & Maze" on the Tribute C.D . They include MUSIQ SOULCHILD, KEM, LEDISI, JOE (love Joe), MINT-CONDITION (love the guys from PRINCE, JIMMY-JAM & TERRY-LEWIS' hometown of Minneapolis),AVANT, MARY.J.BLIGE e.t.c .

I'm also Grateful to the Almighty because i made four memorable trips to Africa this year,thus, outdoing my previous record of three yearly humanitarian trips since 2001. Yes, i've lost much money in the process,but my life has been touched and i hope i succeeded in touching a few lives. How can i forget watching several matches LIVE at The Lovely Abuja National Stadium (specifically the National Team against TUNISIA in the 2nd to last game for S.Africa 2010 & The U-17 Team as Nigeria played host to the World in The FIFA U-17 Tounament)?. One never knows what to expect from Nigeria's "SUPER EAGLES" ( they will easily give you a Heart Attack if you have a weak heart). The Country compares to Brazil in terms of producing naturally gifted Soccer players, but,lack of preparation,funding and "fire brigade approach" remains Nigeria's "fumbling point". However, i must warn the world about the Country's U-17 Team ( the players have probably been picked-up and spread out all over clubs in Europe by now). Anyone who needs to appreciate or understand Soccer should go and watch Nigeria's games in the recently concluded Tournament in Nigeria. It is a very good way of getting ready for S.Africa 2010 in the summer. We will mark "MADIBA's" 93rd(?) Birthday on July 14 during the World Cup too ( start practicing how to blow your "Voo-voo-zela" as soon as possible. Call the Nigerian or S. African Embassy if you don't know what it means).

Finally, i'm not big into watching T.V & especially not into so-called reality shows. But, A & E has a series on The Jackson Family Dynasty ( REST IN PEACE MICHAEL! ). Some people are going around saying The Brothers are trying to cash-in on MICHAEL's death. Then again, other folks are making lots of money already,so, why not The Great One's Brothers. Anyway, i am extremely excited about Marlon- Jackson's project dubbed "The Motherland Project". Unfortunately, we have individuals in Nigeria who have made ( or pardon me, Stole ) enough money to do the same laudable project the Man is about to undertake. I've always talked about the need to link America directly with Nigeria & Africa and i've expended my little resources towards that end. So, i am extremely excited about what is bound to happen. I Congratulate The Lagos-State Government, Marlon- Jackson and All involved with this laudable project. I can go on and talk about an event i was Blessed to be a part of in Lagos on my last trip : 'An Evening With The Chief Commander (Evang.) OBEY", organized by CITY PEOPLE MAGAZINE. It was the least the folks involved with the popular Nigerian Socialite magazine could do after eroneously publishing that the NIGERIAN LIVING LEGEND is Blind. They have since retracted that rubbish of a story. i will try and make sure their Senior Editor reads this and maybe we will become friends in the future. Nevertheless, "COMMANDER" dazzled all of us that happened to be lucky enough to make the event. MERRY CHRISTMAS, SEASONS GREETINGS & HAPPY 2010 TO ALL OF YOU & YOUR FAMILIES. MORE LOVE NEXT YEAR & BEYOND SINCE OUR WORLD NEEDS IT. PEACE !!!

MUCH LOVE,
Dr. Olutola- ('Tola)- Sobande & Family