Video: Movaizhaleine ft. Wendy "C'est Pas On A dit"

My favorite Gabonese Hip Hop rap came up with a hot remix of Jeremih & 50 Cent "Down On Me". Hot! Dear Wendy, I. Want. To. Go. To. There. That is all!

Documentary: "The Rhythm Of My Life - Ismael Sankara"

Check out my boys from Freshman in this movie/documentary featuring their buddy and artist Ismael Sankara. Shot in my homeland.

Gabon d'abord.

R. Kelly ft. African All Stars "Hands Across The World" [One8 Project]

Uncle Kellz teamed with African brightest stars, artists like 2Face (Nigeria), 4×4 (Ghana), Alikiba (Tanzania), Amani (Kenya), Fally Ipupa (Congo), JK (Zambia), Movaizhaleine (Gabon) & Navio (Uganda), for a charitable cause.

Props to Bougard

Gabao Music: Lord Ekomy Ndong "Questions Noires" [Video]

Gabonese conscious rapper Lord Ekomy Ndong scribes an open letter to French President Nicolas Sarkozy regarding the still ongoing colonialism after many African countries like Gabon claimed their Independence from France 50 years ago.

Love the comedic spin (Sarkozy masks) in the video.

Gabao Music: Patience Dabany "On Vous Connait"

<

Once in a while I'll be posting music from my homeland just because I can and also to stay anchor to my roots. The lady singing was the former 1st lady of the 2nd President of Gabon, Omar Bongo Ondimba and she's also the mother of the current President of Gabon Ali Bongo Ondimba.

She tackles a serious social issue in Gabon and in Africa: Gossip. It has ruined a lot of marriages and relationships. Beware of who you lend your ear to as a confident.

Ali Bongo Elected President Of Gabon

After tallying the vote counts all night last night, Interior Ministry flanked by head of the electoral commission announced the final results of the Presidential Elections.

Ali Bongo would be the next President of Gabon. Results have to be confirmed by the Supreme Court.

A huge crowd gathered last night at the headquarters of the commission awaiting the results, they were later dispersed with teargas and Opposition member Pierre Mamboundou was hurt during the scuffles.

A few violent acts are being reported around the country like a Prison riot (prisoners managed to get out) in Port Gentil that spilled through the streets. Cars and local businesses are being burned down, Posters of the new President in Libreville are being taken down and burned.

That you agree or disagree with the final results I really ask for your common sense and not to rely on violence to voice your opinions. Use the legal system to contest the results and let Justice do its work.

Final results: Ali Bongo 41,73% Andre Mba Obame 25,88% Pierre Mamboundou 25,22%

Get it right next time!

Gabon Awaits Presidential Elections Results

It's been 3 days now since election day last Sunday and still no official results. Gabonese all around the world are anxious to finally hear who will succeed to longtime President El Hadj Omar Bongo who passed away a few months ago after a cardiac arrest in Barcelona, Spain. Would it be Pierre Mamboundou (longtime member of the opposition) Ali Ben Bongo (son of the late President and former Defence Minister) or Andre Mba Obame (former Interior Minister)

Tensions are rising between camps of the 3 candidates in the lead. The streets are empty, everybody is in front of their TVs or computers monitoring the news and blogosphere.

It has been reported last night, that shots were fired at one Local TV station in Libreville, the capital. The station is owned by one of the three candidates, former Interior Minister Mba Obame. No casualties were reported, however a few stray bullets hit a couple residential apartments in the same building.

Text messaging has been suspended by all mobile phone carriers in Gabon, claiming a "maintenance inspection".

The electoral commission in charge of publishing the results is currently meeting with representatives of the three candidates in the lead to go over official reports of every polling stations.

In a few hours, the country would know his next President, it's going to be a very long night (there, still daytime in the U.S). Every camp is confident that their candidate would be declared winner.

Good luck to them and Get It Right for the Nation!

Election Day in Gabon

Sunday August 30th 2009, it's election day in Gabon.

Citizens of this country all over the world, young and old will wake up to make their voice count. No matter the intimidation or the threats coming from all political parties or the government, we will head to the nearest voting booth and cast our votes. We know we're about to make History. We will make sure, when the polls close, that every single vote is accounted for publicly, not behind close doors.

Once the results are official, losers will congratulate the winner and next President of Gabon. Because the rest of the world is watching you will not embarrass us by showing immature and irresponsible behaviors like burning cars and tires in the streets just to protest the results. Instead you will respect the legal process and file a petition to the highest Court and contest the results.

Do not put the Life of our families and friends in jeopardy by clashing with the Police. To the current government in charge, your transition period is almost over, so make it count: Do not abuse your powers, do not overreact to any public gatherings in the street. Allow the International Press to properly report the facts, Censorship will only make it worse.

Gabon, I got faith in you, Get it right and make us proud.

Ali Bongo & Hayoe Live Concert in Gabon

Presidential candidate Ali Bongo bought "requested" the services of Gabonese Hip Hop group Hayoe to headline a concert for the Youth in Gabon.

I used to be a fan of this group they just lost my respect. Why? you may ask well word on the net is that they didn't actually endorse the candidate himself, but the big check he offered them to write a song supporting his candidacy. Looks like they also wrote his freestyle at the beginning of the video.

There is nothing wrong with getting your money but if you have to go against your artistic integrity, you lose me.

When Obama got the endorsements of many Hip Hop artists in America he didn't ask them nor did he pay them to do so. Will.i.am, John Legend and many others volunteered their help for free.

Get it right next time.

Video: Lord Ekomy Ndong "300809" [Elections in Gabon]

"300809" is the actual election day in Gabon. You know overseas they write date starting with the day, the month then the year unlike here where we starts with the month then the day (083009).

Anyways, so I thought I'll bring you that Gabonese conscious Hip Hop to update you on the upcoming Presidential elections in Gabon. The official campaign starts this Saturday. The interim President just fired all remaining Government members running for the Presidency that haven't resigned yet. There was only one left actually, Ali Ben Bongo, Defence Minister and son of the previous President who passed away months ago.

A couple violent incidents took place in a very popular spot in Libreville (Rio) where protests organized by the opposition asking for the resignation of one specific candidate, Ali Bongo from the government. The gathering was never authorized by the government so the Police was called to break out the crowds. Stones and mace were thrown and arrests were made. When the candidates (a dozen) finally showed up, they were allowed to hold their protest.

Two suspicious fires were also reported at two local markets (Mont Bouet, PK5), they are still investigating those incidents.

The campaign is going to run for about two weeks until election day and we will finally know who will be the next President of Gabon.

I'm really getting nervous about the political atmosphere in Gabon right now. I'm hoping and praying for the well-being of my family back home. This transition must happen peacefully.

Get it right!

Gloria Mika & Lord Ekomy Ndong "Les Anges Du Gabon" [Short Film in French]

I mentioned a couple times on the blog that my home country Gabon was at a critical stage of its Political and Democratic advancement since the death of the only President I only knew all my life (He's been in power for over 40 years), El Hadj Omar Bongo Ondimba.

In a few days, the Presidential campaign will start and there are already 23 candidates including his son and many other former government members. Some of them are already hitting the trails overseas to court some votes with the younger generation, mostly college students like me.

To make sure we don't fall in the same status-quo the country has experienced many times in previous elections International model Gloria Mika teamed up with local Hip Hop artist Lord Ekomy Ndong to start an initiative "Les Anges Gardiens Du Gabon" that will make sure the Presidential Elections are conducted in complete accountability and transparency. Also they encourage everybody to register then to vote on Election Day.

The short film was produced by Internet Sans Frontiers, a Non Governmental Organization pushing for more media access during the electoral process.

So I urge my fellow Gabonese citizens to join the movement and make their voice heard August 30th.

P.S: I'm thinking about editing the video and add some English subtitles for those of you who care about what is said in the video but French ain't their cup of tea.

Tabi Bonney "Jet Setter"

I think it has become a trend now in Hip Hop with all these new rappers originating from Africa. Can't stop smiling and be proud of my brothers from the Motherland making it in this industry. I'll do my best and support them. I think Akon (Senegal) open the doors for a lot of them a few years back.

Not too long ago I also learned that Nipsey Hustle has some African in him too, his dad was from Eritrea, a very small country in East Africa. Add that name to the list of others like Wale & Chamillionaire (Nigeria), K'Naan (Somalia) and Tabi Bonney who was born in Togo.

Now where is Gabon at? Please stand up!

Video: Lord Ekomy Ndong ft. Maat Seigneur Lion, Chef Keza & Naneth "Engongole" [French]

I don't think I ever posted some Hip Hop straight from Gabon, besides from my Freshman family. So check them out! Ekomy Ndong & Seigneur Lion are actually both members of a huge popular group in Gabon name Movaizhaleine (bad breath) and I have mad respect for their musical style "traditional" Hip Hop and lyrics. Nobody does it like them.

Good to see Home through their music.

Statement by Barack Obama on the death of President Bongo of Gabon

I am saddened to learn of the death of President El Hadj Omar Bongo Ondimba of Gabon.

President Bongo played a key role in developing and shaping the strong bilateral relationship that exists between Gabon and the United States today.

President Bongo consistently emphasized the importance of seeking compromise and striving for peace, and made protecting Gabon’s natural treasures a priority. His work in conservation in his country and his commitment to conflict resolution across the continent are an important part of his legacy and will be remembered with respect.

On behalf of the United States government, I offer my condolences to his family and to the people of Gabon.

And here's the team that attended the funerals on behalf of President Barack Obama:

President Barack Obama today announced the designation of a Presidential Delegation to Libreville, Gabon to attend the Funeral of His Excellency El Hadj Omar Bongo Ondimba, President of the Gabonese Republic on June 16th, 2009.

The Honorable Eunice S. Reddick, U.S. Ambassador to Gabon will lead the delegation.

Members of the Presidential Delegation:

The Honorable Phillip Carter III, Ambassador; Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, U.S. Department of State

Mr. Michael Strautmanis, Chief of Staff to the Senior Advisor to the President for Intergovernmental Relations and Public Liaison, The White House

Ms. Ertharin Cousin, President, The Polk Street Group (PSG)

Dr. Howard Wolpe, former seven-term Member of Congress and former Presidential Special Envoy to Africa’s Great Lakes Region; currently Director of the Africa Program and the Project on Leadership and Building State Capacity at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars.

Source: White House

Gabon's First Female President

Senate President Rose Francine Rogombe was sworn in earlier today as the new interim President of Gabon. The seat became vacant after the death of longtime President (41 years) Omar Bongo Ondimba at age 76 in a hospital in Spain.

The new President will be in charge for a period of 45 days maximum to organize new presidential elections. According to the Constitution the current Vice President can't no longer assume his functions until a new President is elected.

The body of the President will arrive Thursday afternoon, a one week schedule of honors and paying homage to the President has been released. He will be buried next Thursday in his hometown. The borders have been reopened but there is still a strong presence of Police and military in the streets and in front of government buildings.

Omar Bongo Ondimba President of Gabon Passed Away

May he rest in Peace, thoughts & prayers to the family

Now that the news is official back at home I can announce it here, but I knew it since yesterday and talked about it on Twitter (if you are following me). The French media had the scoop since yesterday morning so it was all over their TV. My phone blew up when I was at the gym, 11 missed calls, all from a blocked number. I knew then something was up and that somebody from overseas was trying to reach me. As soon as I got into my car, my phone rings and it's my mom. She tells me that the President passed away in a clinic in Spain.

The Prime Minister denied it at first claiming he didn't received any calls from the family or from the President's immediate entourage regarding the news and he took a plane with a few officials straight to Spain. From there they made the official announcement and the cause of death was a heart attack (he was also suffering from an intestinal cancer). The country is observing 30 days of mourning.

The borders have been sealed, nobody can get in or out. Some website announced there was a national curfew to prevent any type of violence but I called home and check that was false. Bogus websites are trying to spread fears and lies to scare the community overseas. Since we can't access any websites with their servers hosted back at home people tend to rely on them for information.

I go straight to the source and call my folks.

The Constitution says the Senate President will take over for a transition period of 45 days and organize new elections. Because this is Africa, people are speculating that the President son, Ali Ben Bongo who is also the Minister of Defense will run for President and continue the legacy of his dad.

Time will tell.

World's Largest Leatherback Sea Turtle Found in Gabon

Wow!!! That's one big ass turtle. My home country is filled with many wonders that even I the local guy has yet to discover, very proud of those type of findings . I should start planning visiting home, I'm getting homesick (it's been 3 years already).

Click here for more information.