LISTEN . READ . WATCH
LISTEN
Thriller: An Iconic Masterpiece That Defines
Pop Music
Artist: Michael Jackson
Genre: Pop
Year released: 1982
Released on November 30, 1982, Michael Jackson’s Thriller is an album that needs no introduction. It stands tall as a monumental masterpiece that revolutionised the world of pop music and shaped the industry’s future. With its groundbreaking production, infectious melodies, and Jackson’s unmatched vocal prowess, Thriller continues to captivate audiences even decades after its release.
Tracklist
1. Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin
2. Baby Be Mine
3. The Girl Is Mine (with Paul McCartney)
4. Thriller
5. Beat It
6. Billie Jean
7. Human Nature
8. P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)
9. The Lady in My Life
Thriller is a timeless classic that transcends generations and continues to captivate listeners worldwide. From its infectious hooks and revolutionary production to Jackson’s unparalleled vocal prowess and showmanship, the album redefined the possibilities of pop music.
READ
Notes on Grief: A Narrative of Mourning—of Haunting and Love
Author: Chimamanda Adichie
Genre: Non-fiction
Year Published: 2021
Notes on Grief is a poignant memoir penned by renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, published in 2021. The book is composed of 30 concise sections, each offering a glimpse into Adichie’s personal journey following the passing of her father, James Nwoye Adichie, in June 2020 amidst the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Originally an essay published in The New Yorker, this expanded version delves deeper into the author’s reflections on loss. The New York Times aptly recognises that Adichie’s narrative not only captures the profound experience of losing a father but also illuminates how her father’s presence persists through the indelible impact he had on her development as a writer.
WATCH
Selma: One Dream Can Change The World
Director: Ava DuVernay
Genre: Historical drama
Year released: 2014
Cast: David Oyelowo, Carmen Ejogo, Tom
Wilkinson, Giovanni Ribisi, Alessandro Nivola, Cuba Gooding Jr., Tim Roth, Oprah Winfrey
Selma, released in 2014, is a historical drama film directed by Ava DuVernay. The film chronicles the events surrounding the historic 1965 voting rights marches from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, led by civil rights leader Dr Martin Luther King Jr. The story focuses on the struggle for African Americans’ right to vote and highlights the perseverance and determination of those involved in the movement.
The film begins with Dr Martin Luther King Jr. (played by David Oyelowo) receiving the Nobel Peace Prize for his nonviolent efforts in the civil rights movement. However, he is faced with the harsh reality that despite the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, African Americans in the South are still denied the right to vote due to discriminatory practices and intimidation tactics.
Dr King and his colleagues, including Andrew Young (played by Andre Holland) and Diane Nash (played by Tessa Thompson), decide to focus their efforts on Selma, Alabama. They aim to bring attention to the issue by organising peaceful protests and demanding equal voting rights for African Americans. However, they encounter resistance from the local authorities, including Alabama Governor George Wallace (played by Tim Roth) and Sheriff Jim Clark (played by Stan Houston), who use violence and intimidation to suppress their efforts.
The film portrays the challenges faced by Dr King and his supporters as they confront systemic racism and engage in nonviolent resistance. It depicts the pivotal events that occurred during the three marches from Selma to Montgomery, known as Bloody Sunday, Turnaround Tuesday, and the successful final march.
Selma showcases the personal struggles and sacrifices made by individuals involved in the civil rights movement, highlighting both the victories and setbacks they experienced. The film also explores the relationships between Dr King and his wife, Coretta Scott King (played by Carmen Ejogo), and the tensions within the movement itself.
Through powerful performances and an emotionally charged narrative, Selma pays tribute to the bravery and determination of those who fought for equality and social justice.
The film emphasises the importance of peaceful protest, unity, and the right to vote in the ongoing struggle for civil rights. Selma serves as a poignant reminder of the significant historical events that shaped America’s journey towards racial equality and inspires reflection on the continued fight for justice today.
Self-identifies as a middle child between millennials and the gen Z, began writing as a 14 year-old. Born and raised in Lagos where he would go on to obtain a degree in the University of Lagos, he mainly draws inspiration from societal issues and the ills within. His "live and let live" mantra shapes his thought process as he writes about lifestyle from a place of empathy and emotional intelligence. When he is not writing, he is very invested in football and sociopolitical commentary on social media.