Power Brokers, Money Elites, and Influential People

Hey folks...hmnnn, how i miss you all, i cant belive its almost a week since i last came here to do what i certainly kno how to do best, Its been series of contract chasing and project following, but am greatful to God that its just matter of time that the light at the end of the tunnel show brighter for the entire world to behold, abi ba wo ke!
anyway, its less than 24 hours to the american presidntial electiona nd some powerful people are holding it down tight, Am all fasting and praying for my number one man Barack Obama, i certainly know that he is winning

Africans have always been a part of the fabric of the world’s entertainment. They don’t always get recognized, even when their contributions are glossed over by the mainstream media that doesn’t always recognize the full import of what they have done.

Nonetheless, here are some notable moments in African business/politics & entertainment history. Really, am proud to be an african, a proud one that can and will hold out my chest high, especially to have these folks represent the best of who we are. The list is in no particular order.

Barack Obama

He has galvanized a nation to stand to it's feet and fight for change, made people believe that anything is possible, and beaten the odds to rise up and make a difference. Designers have named clothing lines after him, and songs and poetry have been written using his speeches or his words of inspiration. There is probably no other leader today who has inspired a whole world to believe that we can make a difference if we choose to. That is powerful and inspirational. He makes everyone believe they can!

Chimamanda Adichie

She is a prolific writer with a powerful voice and her books have been sellouts. She has received numerous awards for her books and was awarded a MacArthur Foundation 'genius award' of $500,000 this year. We look forward to seeing her next book.

Maimah Karmo

She turned personal tragedy into a positive life-changing event for people with breast cancer. Diagnosed with breast-cancer, she refused to let it keep her down. She has parlayed her fight and survival into a non-profit foundation, Tigerlily, that is raising money and awareness for breast cancer. This hasn't gone unnoticed and she has been featured on Oprah, local television stations, and several online and print publications. Her events have raised money to help different charities and she continues to make a difference with the grace befitting a survivor.

Sidney S. Sladen

Kenyan/Indian designer, Sidney S. Sladen, is a very well-known name in the Bollywood scene. A popular designer, his clothes have graced the backs of Bollywood actors and actresses like Trisha, Sneha, and Rajini. He is using European and American design influences, interwoven with a strong Indian touch to make unique, memorable fashion statements.

Haile Gebrselassie

It is hard to believe that he suffers from athletically induced asthma. He has 26 world records under his belt, is the only man over the age of 30 to break 27 minutes in the 10,000m, and broke his own world record in the Berlin marathon. Not bad for a man in his mid-thirties!

Pauline Jelimo made an impact in her speciality--the 800m race. She not only won the gold for the 800m in the 2008 Olympics but she also is the first Kenyan to win the Golden League Jackpot of $1,000,000. She holds the World Record and the Senior African Record in the 800m.--all before the age of 19. Not bad for one so young.

Jason Dunford

Jason Dunford is the first Kenyan swimmer to qualify for the Olympics. He is already an African champion, All-Africa Games gold medalist, World Championships finalist, and Olympics finalist and made a memorable bid to beat Michael Phelps in the 100m butterfly event.

Estelle

Estelle has been seen all over the place. She had a hit with her song, 'American Boy' with Kanye West, and has performed in over 20 venues this year alone. She is Grammy nominated, and won two MOBO awards this year. She also was nominated for a BET Award for Best New Artist, won n MTV Award for Best UK Video and was shortlisted for a Mercury Music Prize for her song, 'Shine'.

Akon

Akon has had a phenomenal year. Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston both chose him to commander their comeback albums and the New Kids on The Block got a hit record with him on THEIR comeback album. Add to that the fact that he made the Forbes list of top 20 Hip Hop earners for 2008 and you are looking at a very successful year.

Right! thats it for today, but remember, if you think there is a particular personality who has done us proud as a son or daughter of the soil and deserves to be here, then, send the details and pics to santiagopad@gmail.com and you sure will see him/them here.

Cheers!