Announcement: #TNC4 + For Colored Men: Blue
#TNC4
What is it?
The Naked Convos Series is an interactive event designed to create safe spaces where young people engage in open and honest conversations particularly about love, sex and relationships with an infusion of music, poetry, spoken words, amazing giveaways and other exciting activities. The Naked Convos #4 titled Love.Sex.More will have interesting discussion sessions built around love and sex.
Where? When?
The event will take place at The African Bar, Oriental Hotel. 3, Lekki Road, Victoria Island Lagos on Sunday 22nd of July from 3pm.
It will be hosted by Wale ‘Thetoolsman’ Adetula and Gbemi ‘Mz411’ Olateru-Olagbegi. The event will feature a very diverse panel of conversation starters as well as exciting performances and fun adult games.
The Dresscode
TNC is a laidback, casual event but we encourage our guests to make the most of it.
Do I need an invite?
This time around, we are throwing the event open to everyone; there will be a token gate fee of N1000.
For questions or enquiries, email: tnc@thenakedconvos.com.
For those who can’t attend, you’ll be able to follow the event on twitter via the #TNC4 hashtag with live blogging through @TheNakedConvos handle.
We look forward to seeing you there.
And now,
For Colored Men
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‘Blue Blood’ by @CapoeiraPanda
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“Money may not mean much to you, but it’s everything to some people.”
I remember the day I heard this for the first time. My dad and I were walking along Broad Street. There’d been a lot of traffic on the way to his office and so we decided to walk the rest of the way instead of wasting time, waiting for it to clear. On the way there, more people than I could remember stopped us to beg for money, and my dad always gave them something. And then next thing I remember, we were surrounded by three area boys who decided that they wanted all the cash my dad had in his briefcase. They looked higher than the Globacom blimp that had been floating in the Marina sky, but in their eyes I saw something else; this money was important to them. It was so important that they would have killed us to get it. After he had given them the money and they piled up on their rickety okada and zoomed off, I asked my dad why they would do something so crazy just for money. And those were his words.
I’ve never understood why the entire world is so enamored with money. Why they’re willing to throw everyone under the bus to get some of that paper. As far as I’ve always been concerned, calling money a means of “exchange for value” is just bullshit, because at the end of the day, a price tag can never really be placed on the things that we really value the most.
But some people give more of a f*ck about money than they do anything else.
“You’ve been given everything you could ever need. Not everyone is like that; some people have to go out and get what they want.”
I’d never seen so much resentment in Charles’ eyes as he said that to me. We’d been best friends for six years, and I’d caught him stealing from me. We went to school together, ate together, hit all the big clubs together, chased the same chics together (truth is, we didn’t do much chasing. They were always there because of the money, and he always got his pick because he was with me)… He knew I’d have given him whatever he needed if he’d asked, but he preferred to steal from me, because he thought I wouldn’t understand.
And I don’t understand. Does having money automatically make my blood blue? Yes, I have money; lots of it. Or well, my family does. And I’ve suffered for it. Yes, I said it. I’ve suffered for having money my entire life. It’s the first thing people see when they look at me. Everyone wants a piece of what they think I have. I’ve spent my life always having to filter through leeches and silver penny suckers. And the truth is money isn’t all it’s made out to be. Money didn’t stop my mother from dying four months after I was born due to long term complications during my delivery. Money didn’t teach me to read, or how to ride a bicycle, or carry me to the hospital when I broke my arm playing “police & thief” with the local kids. That was my grandfather. Money didn’t stop the house help and the washman from playing “special game” with me when my dad was at work. It didn’t stop him from visiting jungle justice upon them either.
“Bros, anything for the boys?”
That’s what I hear from random people who barely know my name; from sixteen year olds to men old enough to be my grandfather; degrading themselves because they want me to hand out cash.
“Oga, you go need drop something oh.”
Everyone is looking to get something. From policemen who should be protecting and serving, to LASTMA officials who jump out on the road and try to get something even when I haven’t driven wrong, to guys that claim to be helpful Samaritans… all they want is to get squared.
“But baby, you know I love you… I just need some money for….”
So many girls all the time. Weaves, tickets, shoes, bags, clothes, shawarma… they always want something. That’s all it’s ever about; money. That’s why I could always do what I wanted and the police would leave me alone if there were any complaints. That’s why confra boys tried their best to “blend” me in my first and second years in Uni. Ask Nike, Ada, Tracy, Tolu, Ijeoma, Christina, Hauwa, Helen, Asiya, Kemi, Aureva, Nadine, and Ranti why they all tried to trap me with claims of pregnancy.
“Only those that have it in abundance, have the ability to say money isn’t everything.”
“Omo butty le leyi na. O ri oju e ni?” (This one na butter boy na. Can’t you see his face?)
They pulled on me as I got out of the club; four guys smelling like gin, cheap weed and desperation. They looked at me and decided I’d be easy to toy with. I gave them everything I had, but they didn’t believe me. I defended myself as best as I could; knocked one out, broke the ugly one’s nose… and then the short one with the head like a hammerhead shark pulled out a gun.
Money? What does that matter when you are lying on cold concrete with three bullets in your back?
“Blue blood flows just as easily as Red”
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And so it begins. I’m so excited about this series and I hope you are too. It will run all through this week and we’ll be expecting as much feedback as possible from you guys starting with this morning’s post. What do you think of wealth and the role it plays in shaping a man’s life? How does it affect trust and relationships? Please use the comment box to share your thoughts.
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So it was Panda that wrote on blue. *evil frown* Well I'm glad you wrote about it. Justice was served. I also like the lack of preaching in passing the message across. My name means wealth, and I have learned that it is so much more than money. Although that also counts a great deal. Thanks and well done.
First of all…that The Naked Convos 4 ad? It hurt. Can't believe I'm gonna miss it. but I'll definitely be watching out for the next one. Have fun, y'all.
And I looooooove the 'Blue blood' piece! The money-related competition, backstabbing and envy which goes on between girls is just mind-boggling. And it continues through secondary school, high school, university, young adulthood, and married life. It gets to a point where one begins to choose their friends, not because you are stuck-up, but because you don't want to have to deal with the financial woes of another person. Not to sound like a snob or anything, but people need to recognise their position in life, and either work to elevate themselves, or accept where they are and live within their means.
ps. This doesn't apply to you if your father stole the money you are spending.
nice disclaimer…..lol
on point
i thoroughly enjoyed this piece. (Y) job well done.
its funny the extent people would go for money. it always gets at me wen girls reduce demselves to animals just because of some bills dat you could do without.
den u meet some people in life that think all you want is their money. y dnt u chilll n gve me a chance?
the love of money has turned us into things we not and nowadays people have allowed it play a major role in shaping thier lives and future which often tyms leads to a bad end.
But…But…Butt…Panda doesn't have money na
Yes, Kelvin! THIS is the point of this entire piece. A+
Basically dude got shot defending money he didnt have…Im not feeling you on this one o!
Um..Coco and Hayes, chill…Of course I know what the post is about and means. My jab at Panda is just a result of an inside joke we have between us. It's not that serious.
I just used the content to take a cheap shot at him. That's what it is guys :
That you don't know that I know when you're joking is hurtful (-̩̩̩⌣́_⌣̀-̩̩̩)
This is a very impressive post. Like Efe rightly said, the lack of preaching makes it a more appealing read.
I'm of the belief that you need money to be completely happy. A poverty-stricken man, no matter how beautiful and understanding his family may be, could never be truly happy.
But then again, we usually mistake comfort for wealth. You don't need millions to be happy. As long as you can eat your fill, dress to your taste and provide satisfactorily for your family, then my friend you're good to go!
But you telling a man that has everything but money that money is not everything is a pointless endeavour. He'll always want to find out for himself!
Oh wow.
Blue blood flows just as easily as red.
Crazy yo.
I swear. Best line.
Well done Panda, well done.
Our attitude to money is one of the greatest components of our personality. Lack of it can be just as bad as lots of it. I've seen 80-year old men afraid of their own children and grandchildren because they think they only want their money.
The engineer in me thinks there is an optimum amount of money to have based on the constraint of the kind of people you have in your life (a greed/evil/wickedness factor of some kind) that will minimize your problems while maximizing your comfort and peace of mind.
If only life were as simple as a mathematical function.
LOL Wole…
Si, jefe?
I swear this comment gave me a headache.
True…….you only need so much money to be happy.comfortable.
You go out to eat, there's only so much food you can consume despite your greed. So, it beggars belief when some people just keep piling on the money.
I totally agree. & someone needs 2 work on that equation sharpish!
Very lovely post.
I feel really bad that I have to miss TNC, especially as it is happening very close to where I stay. Damn school!
Money. The issues that come with money are too much. I don't even know where to start from, so I won't. I just know I want to be rich.
What do you define as 'RICH'?
Jamb question
So very true, I remember being told when I was younger that "the love of money, not money itself, is the root of all evil", I really enjoyed reading this
Very Impressive ; we all r guilty
Interesting!
It is important to separate issues. Now, is this guy lying on concrete with three bullets in his back because he is wealthy or because of the choices he has made? Anyone can be attacked. You are rolling on an okada and you’re attacked and you wonder ‘but I was on an okada’. People are hungry and lazy, a combination which makes them lose their faculities. My point, misfortune doesn’t only happen to the rich, it happens to everybody, so this fellow has no point. He is where he is because of his choices. It depends on how you handle or conduct your business.
I’ve seen wealthy people live normal and longer lives, obviously applying wisdom. It is one thing having money and it is another associating with people who don’t have it, case in point, the thieving friend – Charles. You become the victim, depending on how you handle it. Which brings about another issue; parents teaching their kids the value of money at an early age, especially, trust fund kids.
Bottomline: Money talks, bs walks.
i think the "fellow" is stressing the same point you are making…… in the grand scheme of things, money doesn't matter…. his issue is more 'why are people so enamored by it?'
The fellow isn’t stressing my point. He blames his wealth for his present predicament, and I disagree.
Why are people enarmored by money? That’s obvious. Money is everything.
Actually i think he is. It isn't really a choice how people choose to perceive one's affluence. Getting killed because someone believe's one's got lots of money can't really be one's fault. Can it?
The wealthy ones who happen to live longer lives amidst envy, wrong perception, harassment from urchins, etc, how do they do it? Magic?
You should read my first comment again where I mention choice and how you wish to display your wealth.
I had a similar experience. People seeing your dad got wealth and pest you by threat or servitude. It was never easy growing up with riches. Even when I needed something and happen to be broke nobody will give me cos they picture me as that rich kid who had everything. Only if they knew where the shoe pinches the owner. The money was there but dad wasn't letting it out easily. Many looked at me wrongly, treated me unfairly all becos I'm the son of that rich man.
Guys! una dey learn? M.M.B.M..money must be made.it shudnt control u n make u do evil 2 get it..but it makes evry aspect of luv n life so much beta..among oda things…*dips hand into pocket n drops sum loose change* for ur trouble..i bet you'd luv dat..lol
Lovely…….. And that's just the gospel truth. Money isn't everything
Lovely piece…u gotta live on d other side to know wats its like to be born poor, then poverty becomes a lifestyle, where just enough money to feed is what u'r after. A rich kid will never understand the desperation of the poor one bacause he's never walked in his shoes.
I loved the conclusion, blue blood flows just as easily as red…all in all, death joins us
Long live TNC
Piece is lovely, Its not stressing that he's got enough to take a dive in but that he's privileged which is what most are but never acknowledge. Our generation and those just before seem to have coughed out a number of "beggars" for want of a better word. Everyone from gatemen, cashiers, office workers to even those who should know better, older people now hawk one message; "anything for me".
No one wants to work anymore, were now ambushed by those that need transport money to school, those that distribute stickers in shopping malls, those that hand out envelopes in weddings etc. It is SAD!
If they put the begging creativity to work doing other things Im sure some form of living would have taken root.
Some fault those who give but if you dont, you might end up on the concrete…..those who are too proud to beg, steal unfortunately…
PS: Tools…I'm not feeling you on this 22nd date! Cmon san, Olympics beckons and I've got tickets to see the bball!!
Um..Coco and Hayes, chill…Of course I know what the post is about and means. My jab at Panda is just a result of an inside joke we have between us. It’s not that serious.
I just used the content to take a cheap shot at him. That’s what it is guys :)
Pant da?
The 'them against us mentality' is not going anywhere. I'm not sure this is a problem that can be solved. Please do not propose communism, abeg.
It would help if the rich stopped being insensitive and give back to the society by creating opportunities for the less privileged. You're not obliged to you say? Fine, spend your money building 18-foot fences and hiring body guards instead.
On the other hand, while I understand the frustration of the poor I do not get the resentment. Oh and its not directed at the rich only, they extend it those of us who barely get by. You're driving a rickety car and trying your best to allow pedestrians to cross or not to splash water, next thing you hear something like "who gave this small girl a car to drive. Mschewww". And you should see the dirty looks, like its your fault their husband decided to impregnate them too many times.There's so much wrong with our attitudes that not even a redistribution of wealth will solve.
Contentment – something the rich and the poor seem to lack and without which neither will be truly happy.
Money is very important in the life of a young man and most ertainly in a society like ours in Nigeria. Materialism is everywhere, most people are living above their means. its seems that everyone is preoccupied with looking as rich as they possibly can, people borrow money to live fake lives. Why? Well because in our society we have made money the yardstick for respect, the flashier you appear the more respect you garner from people and I dont blame people for acting that way, the gulf between the rich and poor is monumental, the rich live like demigods while the poor live like animals.
Sniff sniff…. Blue blooded individuals don't hav it that easy… " different shades of Blue"
I'd be reading, waiting for something that hits me hard. Good start anyways.
LOVE IT!!!
Pity I will miss #TNC4 :(
“Blue blood flows just as easily as Red”. . . Rad End to a Rad Read. (Y)
But u think say babe wey calm down, name herself 'Aureva' dey play. :'(
I rily enjoyed reading this! Lovely
I can relate to this, not entirely tho
WOW……….didnt read this yesterday cos i was tired and moody, good thing i didnt. This Piece is a show starter, love every bit of it. MONEY!!!!! with or without it, we all pay in the end.
money money money…moneeeey!
I like this one Panda.
Good job, Panda…
Really easy to grasp.
When are u guys bringing this thing to Abuja. This is discrimination. ¯..(•͡.̮ •͡ )../¯
Beautiful post, straight to the point message. (Y)
Money. Money.. Money.. At the end, we'll leave everything behind. Lovely post.
"Blue blood flows just as easily as Red"
I really enjoyed reading this. Really really.
Well, it was fun to read.
Absolutely beautiful……. I didn't even skip a line, something i can't say for the other posts. lol
nice!
I absolutely love the end. Especially the last few lines. Like, I mentally said 'gheun!' when I read the last line.
Now that I've read all the stories, this is definitely my favorite. well written and simple, no unnecessary extraness. thank you.
I really enjoyed this…. :-)