toonday's perspectives

 Regardless of our religions or philosophical leanings, we shall find a message in King ( now our Cleric) Saheed Osupa's New Release Eni Olohun. If we can see beyond the hasty classification that it is a Muslim song, we would see that the track on humility is a pure exegesis, a deep and profound exposition of this salient issue that affects us all. It is an admonition for the arrogant and a call to be humble as a human. So aside the melodious, and invoking tone of the delivery, there is:  1. An Exegesis of Humility A. As we know, the opposite of humility is pride. To re-emphasize his abhorrence for pride & arrogance (which he sings about in his Special Request) Cleric Saheed Osupa drops some defining lines as usual, stating the need for humility, how humility is interwoven with faith, how pride & arrogance are similar to playing God.  Excerpt 1. omi inu nkan oni iteriba  Toni iwa irele o. Kaato so iwo alafojudi eda  kogba fun enikankan. Iwa tutu teyan maani  Ko pe eda laago

Can the wave of violence sweeping the Islamic world be traced back to the religion's core teachings?  Muslims worship nothing except God and Muhammad is his Messenger. There is no any mystery and secret in it.” We are taught to be peaceful, be courteous, obey the law, and respect everyone. Islam, its spirit, and not to love it alone. There is a tempting logic that has gained prominence in the world that attributes violent extremism from Muslims to the core tenets of Islam. It is tempting, of course, because if there is one single driver of conflict, after all, then there is one solution. Trying to understand the complex roots of violence can seem overwhelming, and trying to find solutions to it can leave policymakers and civic leaders paralyzed. No reasonable person would feel undisturbed and comfortable with the blatant approach in which most of our pseudo-scholars patently showcase their stark mediocrity and still hide under the disguise of speaking for Islam.  You couldn't j

In my formative years, I had a dream to be a doctor, a far cry from being a musician. This dream was shattered by circumstances, and situations beyond my younger might. Thus, a phase in musical career was borne.  It was a bumpy ride. It was filled with challenges and impediments that almost tainted my good personality. Unrelenting, I held steadfastly to my vision. The desire to succeed is far greater than the fear of failure. I strived against all the odds to be here today: a fulfilled and successful musician. It is indeed a satisfaction.  Whereas, I have, on many occasions been proclaimed a "Doctor" in the field of Music.  A feat made possible as a result of an enviable effort in the field. But yet, I am not carried away with such praises.  Education is said to be the best legacy. The same urge to succeed that has continually spurred me on in my music career, has again propelled me to pursue a career in academic.  Upon enrolment for a full-time course at the Department of Po

  Lampard's League of Assassins became the victim and were turned into whiff when they met King Klopp's Coven of Wizards. Mane mane-handled them, scoring a brace. Klopp's magic wand turned Timo Werner to Timo Waster. Havertz became Harvard without a degree. Kante could not count any goal. Kepa also was no keeper. Chelsea became ChelShit: as all turned messy.  The game actually started as if Chelsea would be in control for a longer time. Werner squandered two good chances, though his movements were always threatening.  But the real story unveiled after 40+ minutes into the game. Mane got Christensen to foul him. Red card for CB.  The game became only Liverpool's. Magic Mane later got the first goal and also the second which was gifted by Kepa unkempt pass. Jorginho kept jogging but not creating. Zouma tried his best and Tomori as sub was not timorous but the scoreline wasnt palatable.  Lampard has a lot to fix. But he has another league of portent assassins to join. Mayb

Let us do a quick assessment of the message of ephemerality and other sundry musings in Saheed Osupa's "Fuji-losophical" Album "Special Request 1-2". This, being an apolitical post, would not pay much attention to the litany of political parables that are embedded in the album. But it focuses on the sermon that every human should harken to; that our existence is constrained by time that wears it out and an end that snuffs it out. If you understand Yoruba, the message is more impactful in the language. Translations are often loose being that some of the connotative meanings would be lost alongside some elements of linguistic philosophy that King Saheed Osupa is known for. Albeit we shall attempt to translate as much as we can. 1. Nothing Lasts Forever. In one of the verses and one of the most notorious choruses he sings:  Je je je, kaarin kaase Pa pa pa, bobaya yoo di pafee.  (Little by little, a forevers soon hastens into naught) This is a warning gong for every

Solskjaer Came with the Confidence of a Predator but Ridiculously Humbled as a Prey Like fans like the coach, Ole's outright overconfidence reflected in his selection and the pattern of play. But Lampard looking for redemption from his persistent failure against Ole fielded his in-form striker. The game could have gone either way but Basket De Gea ensured the losing side was Man UTD. He conceded some goals which an amateur could have a rethink over. ( especially the second goal). The crumbling of the glorious Red Devil started when Bailly left the pitch injured. McGuire couldn't hold up. He had the confidence but his delivery couldn't match his price tag. Giroud scored the first goal: a quick tap-in. De Gea could only caress the ball as it sauntered across the goal-line like a virgin that escaped the lure of her man. The second was a quick interception by Mount and he hit from some yards. De Gea must still be thinking of the Virgin cuz he saw the ball yet h

Arsenal looked bright but couldnt undo Brighton's brilliant spirit. Till 41st minute, nothing eventful from Arsenal except Saka's bold shot. He hit the woodwork and set Lacazette up for an almost-a-goal attempt. It was as if the loss of their last game continued into this game. Pepe's movement disturbed the opponents and was creating a healthy space for Saka and Auba. Yet Asrenal had nothing to show for the first half despite having an upper hand. In the third quarter of the game, Arsenal was still brighter. Some brilliant exchanges among Saka, Aubameyang and Lacazette. It was 68th min that Pepe put Arsenal on the scoresheet with an Arjen-robben-curly shot. He cut in and whipped it in.  To Arteta dismay, Dunk got the equaliser in a defender-fashion when he stamped a ball into the net off Holding. Finally, it was Maupay that doused the hope for any stupid point. As Arsenal left the pitch fighting for no-point.  Is Arsenal on course or curse?  Time has starte

When you think of what is happening in our environment, you would understand my blinded focus on a male-raping-female situation. It is prevalent. But for the sake of education, we should mention that a male can violate another. A female-on-female too is possible. Many kinds of rape are occurring but most times not reported. "Where a husband forcibly compelled his wife, it is a spousal rape or marital rape and domestic violence. A statutory rape, set by the government is in order to protect young people who are considered not old enough to give consent, is sexual contact with an underage.  The rape of children can be incestuous or child-on-child abuse or abuse by an adult. In addition to these, there are other types: gang rape, date rape, custodial rape, serial rape, prison rape, war rape, etc"  There is "peodo-voyeurism" where a warped mind pays or forces two kids to violate each other. The list is endless. But we need to know that consent is needed bef

Rape is bad. It cannot be overemphasized. But why are the beasts not getting it? Simple. Because they cannot reason. They think with their manhood. Until they are chained. Incarcerated. Or incapacitated. As such, the maximum punishment would not be too much, given the permanent pains that rape inflicts on victims. Rape is atrocious. What is worse? It is the apologists that would permeate every solid argument to water down the severity. You would not say that what causes rape is the sexy outfit. It is like saying that the owner of a property should hide his goods because it could lure a thief. Not a solid defense. A lady's right is to wear anything anyhow as long as her culture, laws, and religion allow it. Rape is heinous. Justifying rape with the excuse of victims' provocative garb, gaiety is a rape of reasoning. Another offense! What propels the impulse to rape is far worse than mere appearance. Just like any dude can conjure the image of his woman in his mind to

A giant slept in the first half and so the would-be loser looked hopeful. Newcastle though un-cordinated exerted a bit of pressure on Arsenal. Leno was forced to save the gunners from going behind in the first half.  But was it the Dubai training terrain or some stirring resulting from Arteta half time talk? The gunners came out in the second half with an engulfing  melee that the magpies couldnt survive.  The first goal came from Auba's nod. The second was a footician (football+magician) nutmeg from Saka that set up Pepe amidst the sea of Newcastle hapless defenders. Then the magpies never wanna die easy created some close chances but aint clinical and Maximin, dribbling with unbelievable easy, hit the goalpost. The third goal was through Oezil in a 35 passes build-up, where every Arsenal player had a touch. And the fourth goal was through Lacazette who celebrated like a pastor after an unbelievable deliverance.  Arsenal showcased a model self that the fans ha

All excitement as Arteta sought to revenge the last defeat against Lampard. Despite the expectant atmosphere, the first twenty mins not really eventful except for some brilliant moves that resulted into naught. Then, Mustafi happened to Arsenal. David trying to salvage situation committed a penalty and a red card. And Chelsea led before the end of the first half. The second portended nothing special. It was sterile Chelsea attack that couldnt improve the scoreline and A-man-down Arsenal that couldn't change game. Then Kante fell. Martinelli was on a counter. And it was a solo run goal. It was 1-1. Azipilcueta, later did tap in, it became 2-1. That lead and the jubilation  never lasted as Bellerin also cut back to play a shot in with his left leg and it became a screaming 2-2. Martinelli was the Ace for Arsenal. Mustafi made a blunder and was urged to keep fighting. Kante's blunder? He was immediately subbed off. Odoi still not an adult.Xhaka impressed with the unexpecte

Klopp would make you feel like you almost did it before he annihilated you. The legend has amassed 91 points out of the available 93 of last games. Red Devil couldn't stop the current of emotion flowing in Anfield. At the start of the game, Liverpool like a veteran husband doesnt need much poking before conquering his mistress...sorry Manchester United.  Klopp guys, shaming detractors, scored early through the world best defender, Van Dijk. Aftermath, two offside goals ruled out for Liverpool. Mane also through on a goal but De Gea's leg shot like a guitar hand to thwart the attempt. Perreira missing chances like its a taboo to score. First half ended with the Red Devil missing Rashford. Second half with Liverpool scaring Man UtD as Sallah missed a close tap in, Henderson hit woodwork, Mane wide-shot. But Man UTD survived. A clear message that the Red Devil couldnt stop Klopp. Martial took it a notch higher, did some footwork but his angry shot missed wildly. When it

It was post-Arsenal match. Fans were trolling Arsenal for the eventful draw against Sheffield United. Guardiola drew 2--2 with Crystal Palace due to Fernandinho's own goal. Mourinho had a goalless draw. Chelsea fans felt the plot for a good win had been set. But misfortunes come in droves, assaulting friends and foes, fans and trolls.  The only goal, knocking out Lampard's hope for any point, was delivered too late for recovery. Delivered by Hayden, fans were devastated. Their plight worsened than that of the previous people.  Lampard is undulating between cuss and praise. Mount dismounting on performance. Abraham couldnt harm opponent. William too unwilling to make the right impact. Chelsea as poor as piss, a god whispered. --toonday   

Arsenal almost conceded when the game started. But like yeast their performance increased in size. They survived the onslaught. Pepe stepped up his game, nutmegging opponents. Niles spread like river Nile covering the pitch. Luiz aborted dangerous chances like a Veteran abortionist. Finally, it was Martinelli that rewarded Arteta's trust with a beautiful tap-in goal from Saka's sublime cross. The first half ended so. The second half gave no warning of the win-less end. Arsenal was till all gung-ho believing a second goal must come. But Sheffield like a cunning sheriff of a dangerous county maintained the balance , absorbed the pressure. They saw the game out till they equalised close to the end of the game. It ended one-one. Fans' belief deflated a bit further. How farther and better can they get? Arteta still has the fans but  getting results is the utmost assurance. The team should just learn how to score more than one goal. Albeit, some god whispered " eve

Arsenal euphorically got an early lead. Pepe peppered some ball into the net 7 mins early like against Chelsea.  Manchester united after the first goal seemed hole-d up.James no space to run. Martial finding footing and fortune. Rashford foggy. Arsenal: ecstatic in the first half. Pepe scored a goal. Dribbled well. Hit the post. Papa scored the second goal. The second half began. Oezil so far was unpredictably unstoppable to the opponents. He simplified passes with wit and unbelievably covered more distance than anybody. Xhaka tidier.  Torreira was combatively intelligent: winning tackles like birthright. David Luiz "Puyol" the defence for Arsenal. Manchester fans couldnt find Rashy nor Martial as Torreira has happened to their creativity. Fred tried his freddie best but his last freekick was so worse bad that the commentator wondered whether the ball was still in North London.  Arteta came with his face but a brain of Guardiola. Fans ask who is at the wheel? A