This post originally had a video that was part of my series Video Musing of an Afropolitan Woman. It was the first of three I made. I realised that it took way too much energy to talk and be me in front of the camera, it is much easier for me to write to convey my nonsense and splashes of profound insight and brilliance (we can agree to disagree on that he he he). I don't have the desire to be in front of the camera really. I think that my posts in and of themselves more than adequately reflect my personality. If you haven't realised by now that I am an intelligent, slightly unhinged and wacky afropolitan woman I can't help you ;}.
After having a very lovely email conversation with the next big Nigerian film director who recently launched his site 37th State, I have been inspired to get off my very comfortable arse and finally start making videos. I am the Queen of procrastination, yes that's with a capital Q. I am very adept at stalling and convincing those around me to join the bandwagon and this skill is happily facilitated by my propensity to inertia.
So I now have my own YouTube Channel and you can find me on Facebook. Please subscribe on any of those platforms or become a follower of the blog and/ or leave comments. The interaction I have received thus far has been very helpful and encouraging and I value it greatly.
This first video is about African themed books from the continent and the diaspora. I forced myself to watch it before my rather rudimentary stab at video making, involving little editing using the standard tool that comes with Windows. What is clear that the clip itself is fine, I have used technology to the best of my ability, but it is me that could do with a bit of work:
1. I need to be less nervous. Popping your video cherry is not easy and as they say it is always awkward the first time is it not ;}?! Having to give myself the note to be louder is I'm sure releasing chuckles from the throats of all those who know me well. My voice also sounds rather funny but I believe that is due to being at home and involuntarily suppressing my accent when talking to people so they are not hostile for whatever reason they come up with or just so I'm not ripped off at the market when buying jewellery I like to blend into my surroundings most of the time. This also happens in the US when no one can understand me when I ask for a glass of water at a restaurant. I have never been told to be louder, I'm always being told to be more discreet, quiet, or to just shut up!
2. I need a tan! Unfortunately I have spent the last 8 months in the cold by somehow managing to go to Europe during the autumn and winter only to return to winter in Zambia so have not had consistent sunshine for 3/4 of the year!!! I'm really smart like that. I am hoping that my pallid complexion is due to my recent bout of malaria but I know it is not - my family have been telling me I need some colour for a while. I will follow my dear British boarding school friends' lead by purposefully planning to sit outside when the sun is out and shellacking myself with oil to speed up the browning process ;}.
3. Better set design. My minion, who claims to be my younger sister, said I was being too anal. She filmed off centre so I am sure we are not related by blood. Yes this is enough evidence for me to deny kinship.
African and Diasporan books that featured in the video were:
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
Harmattan Rain by Ayesha Harruna Attah
Nervous Conditions by Tsitsi Dangarembga
Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Rich Girl, Poor Girl by Lesley Lokko
So Long a Letter by Mariama Ba
The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
All great books I highly recommend :)
After having a very lovely email conversation with the next big Nigerian film director who recently launched his site 37th State, I have been inspired to get off my very comfortable arse and finally start making videos. I am the Queen of procrastination, yes that's with a capital Q. I am very adept at stalling and convincing those around me to join the bandwagon and this skill is happily facilitated by my propensity to inertia.
So I now have my own YouTube Channel and you can find me on Facebook. Please subscribe on any of those platforms or become a follower of the blog and/ or leave comments. The interaction I have received thus far has been very helpful and encouraging and I value it greatly.
This first video is about African themed books from the continent and the diaspora. I forced myself to watch it before my rather rudimentary stab at video making, involving little editing using the standard tool that comes with Windows. What is clear that the clip itself is fine, I have used technology to the best of my ability, but it is me that could do with a bit of work:
1. I need to be less nervous. Popping your video cherry is not easy and as they say it is always awkward the first time is it not ;}?! Having to give myself the note to be louder is I'm sure releasing chuckles from the throats of all those who know me well. My voice also sounds rather funny but I believe that is due to being at home and involuntarily suppressing my accent when talking to people so they are not hostile for whatever reason they come up with or just so I'm not ripped off at the market when buying jewellery I like to blend into my surroundings most of the time. This also happens in the US when no one can understand me when I ask for a glass of water at a restaurant. I have never been told to be louder, I'm always being told to be more discreet, quiet, or to just shut up!
2. I need a tan! Unfortunately I have spent the last 8 months in the cold by somehow managing to go to Europe during the autumn and winter only to return to winter in Zambia so have not had consistent sunshine for 3/4 of the year!!! I'm really smart like that. I am hoping that my pallid complexion is due to my recent bout of malaria but I know it is not - my family have been telling me I need some colour for a while. I will follow my dear British boarding school friends' lead by purposefully planning to sit outside when the sun is out and shellacking myself with oil to speed up the browning process ;}.
3. Better set design. My minion, who claims to be my younger sister, said I was being too anal. She filmed off centre so I am sure we are not related by blood. Yes this is enough evidence for me to deny kinship.
African and Diasporan books that featured in the video were:
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
Harmattan Rain by Ayesha Harruna Attah
Nervous Conditions by Tsitsi Dangarembga
Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Rich Girl, Poor Girl by Lesley Lokko
So Long a Letter by Mariama Ba
The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
All great books I highly recommend :)
Go whooops!! Love it! Makes me want to pick up a book...
ReplyDeleteExcellent, reading is food for the soul my friend ;)
ReplyDeletegreat idea, well done! I look fwd to more of these, you don't look or sound at all nervous. My only suggestion is well, be louder ;) could not hear all very clearly.
ReplyDeleteNoted :)
ReplyDelete