Monday, 26 May 2025

How AI Code Assistants Like GitHub Copilot Are Changing the Way We Code!

 



 

If you're learning to code or just starting out in software development, you've probably heard of GitHub Copilot or other “AI code assistants.” These tools are becoming popular fast—and for good reason. They can help you write code, spot mistakes, and even explain things you don’t understand. In short, they’re changing what it means to be a programmer.

So what exactly are these tools, and why are they such a big deal?

What Is an AI Code Assistant?

An AI code assistant is a smart tool that helps you write and understand code. It works like an autocomplete on steroids. Instead of just finishing your words or lines, it can suggest full lines of code—or even entire functions—based on what you’re trying to do.

GitHub Copilot is one of the best-known examples. It’s a plugin you can add to code editors like Visual Studio Code. Once it’s running, it starts offering suggestions as you type. If you write a comment like “Create a function that sorts a list of numbers,” Copilot will often write the function for you in seconds.

How Does It Help Beginners?

When you're learning to code, figuring out how to start or what syntax to use can be frustrating. AI assistants are like a helpful guide sitting beside you, showing you how it’s done.

Here’s what they can do:

  • Suggest Code: You write a comment or start a line of code, and the assistant fills in the rest.
  • Fix Errors: It spots mistakes and may suggest corrections before you even run your code.
  • Explain What’s Going On: Some assistants can tell you what a piece of code does, which is super useful when you're trying to learn.
  • Work in Different Languages: Whether you're coding in Python, JavaScript, HTML, or something else, the tool likely supports it.

Why It’s a Game-Changer

Think of AI code assistants as a coding buddy that never gets tired. They don’t just save time—they build confidence. You can experiment more, try new things, and worry less about tiny syntax errors slowing you down.

You’re not cheating by using them—you’re learning smarter. You still need to understand your code and be able to think through problems, but now you’ve got help with the more mechanical parts.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind

AI code assistants are amazing, but they’re not perfect. Sometimes they:

  • Suggest code that doesn’t work
  • Miss important edge cases
  • Recommend confusing or inefficient solutions

That’s why it’s important to read and understand what they suggest. Don’t blindly copy and paste—treat it like advice from a classmate: helpful, but not always right.

Also, remember that tools like Copilot are trained on public code. There's some debate in the coding world about whether all that training data is fair to use. It’s something to be aware of, especially as you get more advanced.

The Future of Coding (With a Little Help from AI)

As these tools get better, they’ll probably become a standard part of every developer’s toolkit. Whether you’re building a simple website or working on a big app, having an assistant in your editor can save you hours and help you learn faster.

For beginners, this is especially exciting. You don’t have to memorize everything or get stuck staring at a blank screen. With a little AI help, you can start building real projects sooner than you think.

Want to try one out? GitHub Copilot has a free trial, and there are other options like CodeWhisperer by Amazon or Tabnine too. Give them a spin—they might just become your favorite coding companion.

Unmix the Music: How AI Vocal Removers Are Changing the Game for Creators

 



 

In a world where music is more remixable and reworkable than ever, artificial intelligence is giving creators a new level of control over sound. One of the most exciting developments in this space is the rise of AI vocal remover tools—smart software that can isolate vocals or instrumentals from any audio track with surprising precision. For musicians, producers, DJs, and content creators, these tools have become essential for everything from making karaoke tracks to remixing hit songs to creating unique content on YouTube and TikTok.

What Is an AI Vocal Remover?

Traditionally, isolating vocals from a song was a complicated and imperfect process. Engineers would use phase cancellation or EQ tricks, but the results were often muddy or incomplete. AI has changed that.

AI vocal removers use machine learning models trained on thousands of songs to “understand” what vocals and instruments sound like. By analyzing patterns in the audio, these tools can split a song into separate components—most commonly vocals and accompaniment—with impressive accuracy. It’s the same underlying technology used in speech recognition or noise reduction, but fine-tuned for music.

Why Are Creators Using Them?

The reasons are as varied as the users:

  • Musicians use them to learn parts, sample instrumentals, or create backing tracks for performances.
  • Producers and DJs extract vocals or instrumentals to remix or mash up tracks in fresh ways.
  • Content creators remove vocals to avoid copyright flags or isolate them to use in commentary and analysis videos.
  • Educators use them in music lessons, making it easier to teach individual components of a song.

What’s more, these tools help artists reimagine existing material, opening up possibilities that were previously locked behind studio sessions and stems.

Popular AI Vocal Remover Tools

There’s a growing list of platforms and software that offer vocal separation features. Some of the most popular include:

  • LALAL.AI – Known for its clean interface and high-quality stem separation, it supports not just vocals and instruments, but also drums, bass, piano, and more.
  • Moises.ai – Popular among musicians for its real-time processing, key detection, and pitch-shifting tools.
  • Spleeter by Deezer – An open-source option beloved by developers and tinkerers. It can separate audio into 2, 4, or 5 stems using pre-trained models.
  • PhonicMind – A commercial tool offering customizable stem splitting and mastering features.
  • Vocal Remover.org – A free, browser-based option that works surprisingly well for quick jobs.

Many of these services offer both free and paid tiers, depending on the audio quality and number of files you want to process.

Are There Limitations?

As with most AI tools, results can vary. Tracks with dense arrangements or heavy reverb may yield less-than-perfect splits. Occasionally, artifacts—those weird warbly sounds—can sneak into the output, especially when separating older or low-quality recordings.

Still, the technology is improving fast. Each year brings better models, more refined tools, and features like stem customization and real-time processing.

The Future of Audio Control

AI vocal removers aren’t just a niche tool anymore—they’re reshaping how music is consumed, repurposed, and created. They’ve democratized audio editing, putting powerful studio-like capabilities into the hands of everyday creators.

Whether you’re remixing a classic, preparing a karaoke set, or just trying to isolate a killer guitar riff, AI is giving you the keys to the mix.

Osun: The Orisha of Love, Fertility, and Sacred Waters





Osun, sometimes spelled Oshun, is one of the most beloved and venerated Orishas in the Yoruba spiritual tradition. Known as the deity of fresh water, fertility, beauty, love, and diplomacy, she is a powerful force in the Yoruba pantheon and has transcended geographical boundaries through the African diaspora, particularly in regions like Brazil, Cuba, and Trinidad where her worship remains vibrant.

Origins and Symbolism

In Yoruba cosmology, the Orishas are divine beings who act as intermediaries between humans and the supreme creator, Olodumare. Osun stands out as a radiant figure associated with rivers, particularly the Osun River in Nigeria, where her annual festival in the city of Osogbo attracts thousands of devotees from around the world. She is often represented as a graceful, flirtatious, yet wise woman, cloaked in gold or yellow, the colors symbolizing wealth, sweetness, and the sun’s nourishing warmth.

Osun embodies the deep strength that can be found in tenderness and compassion. She is not only a nurturer but also a protector. While she brings sweetness and harmony, stories also warn that she should not be taken lightly—when disrespected or ignored, her retribution can be swift and fierce.

Osun in Oral Traditions

A central oral tradition tells of a time when the male Orishas attempted to create the world without consulting or including Osun. Their efforts failed. Only when they acknowledged her wisdom and power did balance return and creation flourish. This story underscores Osun’s integral role in maintaining harmony and underscores the reverence for feminine intelligence and leadership within the Yoruba worldview.

She is also considered one of the wives of Shango, the Orisha of thunder and lightning, and in some traditions, she is closely associated with Ifa, the Orisha of divination. These relationships symbolize the balance between love and justice, emotion and reason, water and fire.

As Yoruba peoples were forcibly taken to the Americas during the transatlantic slave trade, they carried their spirituality with them.

In Cuba’s SanterĂ­a, she is syncretized with Our Lady of Charity. In CandomblĂ© (Brazil), she retains her name and character, and rituals in her honor often involve offerings of honey, cinnamon, and yellow flowers, which are believed to please her.

Despite the pressures of colonialism and religious suppression, Osun’s worship not only survived—it adapted and thrived. Her continued presence in the spiritual lives of millions speaks to her universal appeal as a symbol of resilience, love, and divine femininity.

Legacy and Cultural Relevance

Today, Osun is more than a deity; she is a cultural icon. Her image and essence inspire art, music, fashion, and feminist thought across the Black Atlantic. In Nigeria, the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, preserving both the natural environment and centuries of sacred tradition.

For many, Osun is a reminder of the enduring strength of ancestral knowledge. She teaches that softness is not weakness, that beauty has depth, and that every flowing river carries memory and magic.

Her waters continue to nourish the roots of culture, identity, and spirituality—gently but powerfully shaping the world.


Wednesday, 21 May 2025

Yoruba Monotheism: The Supreme Divinity of Olodumare in Traditional Yoruba Religion


 


Yemi Olakitan 

 

The Yoruba people, one of Africa’s largest ethnic groups with over 40 million individuals spanning Nigeria, Benin, Togo, and the diaspora, possess a rich spiritual heritage centered on the worship of Olodumare the Supreme Creator.

While Yoruba cosmology includes a pantheon of divine beings (Orishas), scholars like E. Bolaji Idowu reveals that the tradition is fundamentally monotheistic, structured around a "diffused monotheism" where Olodumare reigns supreme while delegating cosmic functions to subordinate divinities.

This article explores the theological foundations of Yoruba monotheism, the nature of Olodumare, and the enduring significance of this belief system. 

 

Olodumare: The Omnipotent Supreme Being 

At the core of Yoruba spirituality is Olodumare (also called Olorun or Olofin), the transcendent yet immanent Creator who embodies omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence.

Unlike the Orishas, Olodumare is not worshipped through rituals or shrines but is revered as the ultimate source of àṣẹ (divine energy), the breath of life (emi), and the architect of destiny (ìwĂ -páşą̀lĂş-Ă yĂ©) . Key attributes include: 

Creator of the Universe: Yoruba creation stories describe Olodumare delegating the formation of Earth to Obatala and later Oduduwa, who shaped the world from primordial chaos . 

-Moral Authority: Olodumare governs cosmic justice, emphasizing ethical living (ìwĂ  páşą̀láşą́—good character) which can be translated as honesty or Integrity, kindness, humility, patience, Industry, wisdom and brotherly love as essential to aligning with one’s destiny.

Transcendence and Immanence: Though beyond human comprehension, Olodumare permeates all existence, sustaining life through intermediaries like the Orishas.

 

Diffused Monotheism: The Role of the Orishas 

The Yoruba spiritual framework is often mischaracterized as polytheistic due to its numerous Orishas (e.g., Shango, Ogun, Yemoja).

However, these deities are not independent gods but extensions of Olodumare’s authority, acting as intermediaries or messengers between humanity and the divine. 

Most people when they come across the religion of the Yoruba people consider it a polytheism.

This is wrong and a total misconception. In Yoruba traditional religion also called, Isese, or Esin Abalaye among other names, there is only one God, the supreme being, the creator of heaven and earth who is called, Olodumare by the Yoruba people. This, Olodumare has many messengers; the divine beings who are called; Orisha or spelt, Orisa, in some texts. These Orishas got their powers from Olodumare and each Orisha has an assignment on earth.

For example: 

Obatala: Tasked with molding humans from clay, symbolizing Olodumare’s creative power in heaven and on earth 

Oshun: The river goddess who interceded with Olodumare to restore rain and calmness in the waters, demonstrating humility and devotion . 

Orunmila: The divination deity who transmits Olodumare’s wisdom through the Odu Ifá, a corpus of sacred verses recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage. 

This structure mirrors a cosmic hierarchy where the Orishas serve as ministers under a singular sovereign, akin to rivers flowing from an ocean. 

 

Scriptures and Scholarly Interpretations 

The Odu Ifá, Yoruba’s oral and written sacred scripture, codifies Olodumare’s supremacy. Its 256 chapters (Odu) provide ethical guidance, proverbs, and rituals, reinforcing monotheistic principles . Scholars like Idowu, in his seminal work

Olodumare: God in Yoruba Belief, assert that Yoruba religion predates Abrahamic influences and centers on a "primordial monotheism."

Anthropomorphism: Descriptions of Olodumare using human-like traits (e.g., justice, compassion) are metaphorical, emphasizing accessibility rather than literal form .   

Yoruba monotheism remains vibrant, shaping practices like the annual Isèse Festival, which honors Olodumare through gratitude and communal rituals . In the diaspora, traditions like SanterĂ­a and CandomblĂ© retain Olodumare’s centrality while adapting to new contexts . The philosophy of ìwĂ  páşą̀láşą́, good character continues to defines Yoruba societal values, promoting harmony and ethical conduct . 

Yoruba monotheism, with Olodumare at its apex, offers a nuanced understanding of divinity that balances transcendence with immanence. By delegating cosmic duties to the Orishas while maintaining ultimate authority, Olodumare embodies a uniquely African expression of monotheism—one that has resisted erasure and evolved across centuries. As Idowu noted, this tradition affirms that "Africa was not without the knowledge of God," challenging colonial narratives and enriching global spiritual discourse. 

For further reading, refer to Bolaji Idowu’s Olodumare: God in Yoruba Belief  and the UNESCO-recognized Odu Ifá corpus .

Monday, 12 May 2025

Bobrisky's Inlucence on Nigerian Youth: For Good or For Evil

 




Bobrisky's Inlucence on Nigerian Youth: For Good or For Evil 

Yemi Olakitan

Bobrisky is one of the most controversial figures in Nigeria. He is Nigeria’s foremost transgender and crossdresser in one of the most religious nations in the world. She is a rebel against Nigeria’s religious and cultural norms, with millions of followers hanging on her every post. Bobrisky is a social media powerhouse and a lightning rod for controversy in Nigeria, with a massive influence on her followers. He has even been dubbed ‘Mummy of Lagos.’


This transgender man, born Idris Olanrewaju, has become a complex symbol with her Nigerian LGBTQ+ identity. Her journey began with a focus on skin-lightening cream, but Bobrisky's transformation extended far beyond that.

Over time, she transitioned from occasional cross-dressing to a fully realized trans identity, challenging rigid Nigerian social and religious norms in the process.

Early this year, Bobrisky described his transition into a woman as ‘smooth’. Sharing a picture via his Instagram page, Bobrisky expressed happiness with the transition, saying that he had no health issues during the surgery procedure.

In the Instagram photo, Bobrisky expressed gratitude to his medical staff in Nigeria and abroad for their assistance in easing his transition into femininity.

“My journey transitioning into a woman has been going smooth, no health issues, everything is going smooth for me. I want to say thank you to all my doctors, both at home and abroad. You all did an amazing job with my body,” he wrote.

 In an interview with Charles Oputa, also known as Charly Boy on social media, Bobrisky disclosed why he decided to be a woman after being born a man. Bobrisky said he opted to transform his gender after realizing that he would do better as a woman.

He also emphasized this in a lengthy post on his Instagram page. He described himself as the sexiest trans person on earth. On why he chose Bobrisky as a name, he explained that he took a lot of risks, going under several knives and still living to be a woman today.

Bobrisky attended both King's High School and Okota High School for his secondary school education and graduated with a bachelor's degree in Accounting from the University of Lagos, Akoka Lagos. She became recognized for not adhering to conservative Nigerian standards. Bobrisky was able to garner traffic to his Snapchat account when he claimed he had a lover who is assumed to be of masculine gender despite the law in Nigeria stating that same sex relationships is an offence punishable by up to 14 years imprisonment. However, apart from suggestions here and there, no one had concrete evidence that Bobrisky is a homosexual individual.

On 8 July 2021, she revealed a new physical appearance after undergoing surgery to become more feminine.

Nigerian presidential aide Bashir Ahmad reportedly walked out of a premises after sighting Bobrisky within the residence. In 2019, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, Director General of Nigeria's National Council for Arts and Culture, called Bobrisky "a national disgrace" and said she would be "dealt with ruthlessly" if caught on the streets.

Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, Google's Communications and Public Affairs Manager for West Africa said Bobrisky was the most searched individual in Nigeria from 26 October to November 2016. Bobrisky has also been associated with other Nigerian celebrities such as Tonto Dikeh.

Recently, Nigerian social media was abuzz with the controversy surrounding Bobrisky when she was awarded "Best Dressed Female" at a movie premiere, sparking outrage and accusations of a publicity stunt.

This inspired singer Portable to produce a song in which he suggested that Bobrisky should be stoned to death because, according to Portable, he had no right to change from brotherhood to sisterhood. The song quickly garnered massive listenership on streaming platforms.

This incident highlights Nigerian attitude towards LGBTQ+ people in NigeriaIt shows that there will always be conflicts around individuals who profess themselves to be cross dresser, gay or transgender or seems to walk in that path.

While Bobrisky faced swift legal action for allegedly mutilating Naira notes, similar accusations against powerful figures often go unchecked. In fact, the spraying of Naira notes is a culture associated with ‘Owambe’ parties in Nigeria. Nearly every tribe in Nigeria practice the spraying of Naira notes at parties. The culture is as old as the Nigerian Naira.

Bobrisky was arrested for allegedly defacing naira banknotes on April 2024, following an investigation by the EFCC. The charges stemmed from social media videos showing her throwing money in the air at a film premiere the previous month. Bobrisky pleaded guilty to four counts of currency abuse on April 5, 2024. The maximum penalty for this offense is six months in prison. On April 12, 2024 Bobrisky was sentenced to six months in prison with no option of fine over the "abuse and mutilation the Naira notes".

In an interview with Ms Temitayo Olumofe, on air personality at Smailz Radio, she said, ‘‘the treatment given to Borisky was unfair and cannot be fair. It’s all because of her lifestyle,, which is not in conformity with our culture, religion and morality. Cubana Chief Priest who was accused of the same offense said he was not guilty, and he was granted a bail option of N10million while Bobrisky with the same offence was jailed without an option of a fine and for what offense? Spraying of Naira notes! It happens every weekend in Nigeria. In fact, the EFFC must arrest all Nigerians! Spraying Naira notes is our culture.’’

‘‘If they want to arrest her for cross dressing or homosexuality, they should have said so. The judiciary should be honest with itself. I think the Government was looking for an excuse to jail Bobrisky.’’  

Nigeria is a deeply religious country and Bobrisky’s lifestyle is unacceptable in Nigerian society. Estimates say that roughly half the population of Nigeria is Muslim, and the other half is Christian. There's also a small percentage who follow traditional religions and they are as morally indoctrinated as the Muslim and Christian religious faiths.

Religion plays a significant role in Nigerian life. You'll find many mosques and churches throughout the country. Religious moralities are important to Nigerian culture and family lives.  Islam is dominant in the north-west and north-east regions while Christianity is dominant in the southwest, southeast, and South-South regions. Hence, Bobrisky lifestyle will not be celebrated in Nigerian communities.

According to Modupe Olalere, a technology writer, there is a kind of general resentment against Bobrisky in Nigeria. ‘‘Many Nigerians just tolerate him. Bobrisky should have left Nigeria to the United States or some other country where such lifestyles are acceptable. He should have known that Nigeria would never accept him as a woman,’’ she said.

What Religious Leaders say

Pastor joseph Sylvester, of the Living Faith Church, winners Chapel, Luasada-Agbara, Ogun State, said, ‘Bubrisky’s lifestyle is not welcome in Nigeria. It may be acceptable in other countries but not in Nigeria. It is also not acceptable in Christianity. The Bible completely condemns men who dress up as women or women who dress up as men. The Bible also speak against homosexual lifestyles, so it is culturally and biblically unacceptable.

The Pastor Quoted Deuteronomy 22:5, which says, “A woman shall not wear a man’s apparel, nor shall a man put on a woman’s garment; for whoever does such things is abhorrent to the LORD your God,”and In Leviticus 18: 22, ‘You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination, and’’ Leviticus 20: 13, it says, ‘If a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination; they shall surely be put to death; their blood is upon them.’’

Speaking further Pastor Joseph said, ‘‘this kind of behavior usually starts from home. The family is the most important unit in the society when it comes to morality. It is the family that will first mold a child before he is presented to the society at large. So, everything you see in the life of Bobrisky must have started from the home setting. It’s from the home and family setting. This is why parents and guardians ought to be very vigilant to watch what their wards are into. Parents must be vigilant and watchful.’’

On the solutions to the problem, Pastor Joseph said, ‘‘the solution to such lifestyle is prayer and counselling. You also need to feed such individuals with the word of God because homosexuality and cross-dressing are spirits, and they are ideologies. Only the word of God and prayer can deliver such individuals.’

‘‘Sending them to jail is not the solution because the lifestyle will continue in jail. Jail term does not stop anything. People have sex in prison. People have babies in prison. People commit crimes in prison, so how do we think that jail terms will change people like Bobrisky?’’

‘‘Talking about Nigerian Prisons, our prisons hardened people more. Our prison does not serve correctional purposes.’’

‘‘It’s in his mind, it’s an ideology and a spirit. It is only the Word and prayers that can change,’ ‘he said.

In another Interview with an Islamic cleric, Mohamed Rahim, Opeyemi also known as Alfa Aiyeopeyo at Dopemu, Agege, he spoke with a mixture of Arabic and Yoruba language, he said, ‘‘Islam completely condemns Bobrisky’s behaviour. It is a kind of lifestyle that will turn a person to an enemy of Almighty Allah. The cleric quoted many Quranic verses, reciting them, passionately in Arabic rendition. He explained these verses condemn Bobrisky’s character traits in the strongest language. According to him, the only reward of such a person is hellfire. cannot make paradise.  

‘‘Bobrisky is telling Almighty Allah that he did not create him well and if you do that to God, you cannot retain the friendship of God. However, we are human beings, and we are not the ones who created Bobrisky. No man can apportion fire for another man on earth. Judgement belongs to Almighty Allah,’’

‘‘There are no leaves that fall to the ground without the knowledge of Almighty Allah. What that means is that what Bobrisky is doing is not without the knowledge of God, Allah is aware. It could be that God wants to use him as an example for others, so that people can learn. Nobody can fight for God. Anyone trying to fight for God is wasting his time. It’s our right though to advise people like Bobrisky. If God allows him to listen and change, fine but if he does not, it should be between him and God. No man can judge for God and say this fellow is going to hell fire only Almighty Allah can do that.

‘‘We can only learn from the Holy Quran, and we know that some people were destroyed because of that kind of lifestyle in the Quran. What we can do to Bobrisky is talk to her and advise her.’’

Concerning her case with the EFCC, the Islamic cleric said, ‘‘the offence for which Bobrisky was arrested and prosecuted is just an excuse in my opinion. It’s like calling a monkey a thief to roast him. He could have been given the option of a fine. I believe the government has been looking for an opportunity to arrest her. It’s because they wanted to punish her, so they closed their eyes, which is wrong. The judgement for people like Bobsrisky should not be in man's hands. It’s in the hands of God. Taking to prison is worse because Bob can further corrupt those in prison, which means that lifestyle n will continue to thrive. The judgement for people like this is not in the hands of man.’’

‘‘Another important point is that there are many unknown Bobriskys in Nigeria. It’s because Bobrisky is a popular figure, that is why everyone seems to talk about her. Everyone sees her as a bad person, but there are many worst characters in secret and in our midst. Don’t forget that I said earlier that Islam does not support her lifestyle, but Islam did not put the judgements of a crossdresser in our hands and even’’ he said.

Bobrisky’s Influence on the Youths

In an interview, digital marketing expert Seun Babalola said, ‘‘Bobrisky is a figure of debate when it comes to influence on Nigerian youths, and there are many concerns.’’

According to him, Bobrisky has more than five million followers on social media who look up to him as a role model, which is huge. If you go to the Island now, people are having gay parties these days, which is contrary to Nigerian culture; rich men’s children come from abroad and organize gay parties. So, if Bobrisky’s lifestyle is not discouraged, young people will see it as the way to go.

‘‘His lifestyle clashes with Nigeria's conservative social norms and religious beliefs. His gender presentation is seen as going against tradition. Bobrisky's social media presence often showcases wealth and a luxurious lifestyle. This can be interpreted to mean that hard work is not the way and that Bobrisky’s lifestyle is the way, and I really do not see Bobrisky as the problem. Bobrisky is a product of the Nigerian society.

‘‘We are so religious, yet we allow pornography to thrive. The Federal Government needs to act. Pornography is so freely accessible in this country. Children as old as 9 years old have a smartphone, and they can access pornography freely. This sexual content also includes homosexuality. The government needs to take charge of Nigeria’s internet’s space so that immoral sexual content can be replaced with educational, moral, and uplifting ones.’’

‘‘There is going to be epidemic of homosexuals, transgenders, and cross dressers in the next generation, if the government fails to act and protect our internet space from pornography. These days you cannot differentiate Facebook, Twitter, Instagram from pornographic sites because you may be on this social media app and be doing something meaningful or worthwhile and you click something, what will pup up is a pornographic a video.’’

‘‘Success can be attributed to Bobrisky’s online persona rather than hard work; this will discourage youths from pursuing educational paths to achievement. Social media is full of diverse influences, and young people need to develop critical thinking skills to navigate online content.’’

Before her arrest, Bobrisky revealed how she made her contemporary, James Brown, who he is today. Speaking during a live session she had with Ifedayo Olamide also known as Daddy Freze  Bobrisky also reacted to claims that she always clashes with people she calls friends.

Bobrisky said: "This James Brown they are shouting, I made James Brown who he is today. I would say it anywhere. I posted James Brown on my page when everyone condemned him, calling him all sorts of names. That was when he just came out. I was the person that asked him to come to my house, I gave him money. It is fine if he is who he is today. It is normal. Like I said, people that are coming close to me are all coming for the same thing. They want the fame, they want the money, they want to use you, so the moment you are aware that I don’t want to be used anymore, they start fighting you, start having issues with you.”

James Brown responded: "Bobrisky never made me, she gave me 100,000 Naira which was needed when my father was trying to raise money to get me released from prison. I have people who did more than that for me." 

James Brown said he got a call from Bobrisky, who accused him of stealing her content ideas and told him to stop all his social media posts immediately. Brown said Bobrisky also threatened his life. James Brown reiterated that his type of content differs greatly from Bobrisky's, and he is in no way trying to copy her.

Bobrisky Wrote: “We know how to deal with those tiny rat clout chasing… wait guys them go do video for cell to beg. Watch out!!! If you don’t have money for case don’t go and find trouble. Na for inside cell you go treat that your HIV with wide mouth. Shebi your mouth Sharp wait.”

James said: “Let me tell you guys something. I’m unbreakable. Nothing can break me. If they deactivate my Instagram page, I will change to YouTube. If YouTube does the same, I’ll switch to Twitter, Snapchat or Tik-Tok. Nothing can break me down,”.

James Brown and Papaya Ex had crossed paths with Bobrisky at an event where she angrily threw a bottle in their way. It turned out that both crossdressers were invited as special guests to attend an event and Papaya ex, who happens to be one of the most prominent social media influencers, also graced the event as a special guest.

 Reacting to the incident, James took to his Instagram page to share a video from a different perspective while stating his reasons for doing so. According to James Brown, the intention was to bid the old queen farewell as the dawn of the new queen begins. "I needed to greet our Ex Queen a good fare well because I’m now the new Queen of African,” he wrote in a post. In another post, he added, “If you know me well you should know that I’m always supporting my friends, family and fans i don’t fight.” 

James and Papaya who appear seemingly unbothered over Bobrisky's actions continued dancing while the latter walked away. Responding to Bobrisky's Video, Papaya also posted a video on Instagram, calling Bobrisky a liar, she also threatened to beat Bobrisky even if it means going to prison.

It appears from the reported altercation between Bobrisky and James Brown that a mentor and a protĂ©gĂ© are quarrelling because the protĂ©gĂ© didn’t want to accept that Bobrisky mentored him at one time. Who says Bobrisky’s influence is not impacting Nigeria’s culture? 

Tuesday, 25 March 2025

Sango, the Orisa

 The god of Thunder



In Yoruba cosmology, Sango stands as a formidable deity associated with thunder, lightning, fire, courage, and justice. Revered not only as an Orisa but also as a historical figure, Sango's influence permeates various aspects of Yoruba culture and spirituality. 


Misconceptions

In Yoruba traditional religion also called Isese, Sango is an Orisha and not the supreme being. The supreme being, God, is Olodumare. He is one God, not two or three. 

However, Sango is one of his Orishas, or ministers, divine beings who can also be refered to as messengers of God in Yoruba traditions. Orishas are imbued with divine powers or energies to do specific works on earth. Orishas got their energy or power from Olodumare, who is without form or shape. He is unseen and omnipresent. 


Historical and Mythological Origins


Sango's narrative intertwines both myth and history. Historically, he is recognized as the third Alaafin (king) of the Oyo Empire, succeeding his elder brother Ajaka. Born to Oranmiyan, the founder of Oyo, and Princess Torosi of the Tapa (Nupe) people, Sango's reign was marked by his formidable warrior skills and commanding presence. His rule, however, concluded dramatically, leading to his deification as an Orisa.

Mythologically, Sango is portrayed as a deity who descended from the heavens, wielding control over thunder and lightning. This duality emphasized his significance as both a divine entity and a historical figure.

Attributes and Symbolism

Sango embodies several key attributes:

·         Thunder and Lightning: He is renowned as the master of these elements, using them to enforce justice and express his displeasure.

·         Fire: Often associated with fire, Sango's fiery nature symbolizes transformation and purification.

·         Courage and Strength: Celebrated for his bravery, Sango represents the quintessential warrior spirit, confronting challenges head-on.

·         Justice: As a deity of justice, he is invoked in matters requiring fairness and truth.

His symbols include the double-headed axe, representing swift justice, and the thunderbolt. Devotees often wear red attire, reflecting his fiery nature.


Sango's Wives and Their Significance


Sango's marital relationships are integral to his narrative, with each wife embodying distinct aspects:

·         Oba: Recognized as his first wife, Oba's attempt to secure Sango's affection led to her transformation into the Oba River, symbolizing sacrifice and devotion.

 

·         Osun (Oshun): His second wife, Osun, is associated with beauty, love, and fertility. She became the Osun River, central to the Osun-Osogbo festival.

·         Oya: The third wife, Oya, was a warrior companion who later became the Niger River, embodying transformation and fierce loyalty.

 

Cultural Legacy and Festivals


Sango's legacy endures through various cultural expressions:

·         Sango Festival: Held annually in August at the Alaafin's palace in Oyo State, this festival honors Sango with drumming, dancing, and rituals. It attracts participants globally, celebrating Yoruba heritage and Sango's enduring influence.


·         Diaspora Reverence: Sango's worship extends beyond Nigeria, influencing religious practices in Brazil (as XangĂ´), Cuba (as ChangĂł), and other parts of the Americas, testament to the transatlantic spread of Yoruba culture.

 

Sango's multifaceted persona as a deity of thunder, a historical king, and a symbol of justice and courage continues to resonate within Yoruba culture and beyond. His stories and attributes serve as enduring reminders of the rich tapestry of mythology, history, and spirituality that define the Yoruba people.

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