The Nahmias Cipher Report

In Tanzania and Nigeria where I grew up, “everyone is an artist because art in Africa is not a commercial enterprise but is part of life itself.” This is true of all the disciplines, sculpture, art, and music; however, unlike sculpture and art, music is immediately accessible. Whether the vocalist sings in Xhosa, Portuguese or French the listener comprehends the essence of these songs. Music is the lyre of our souls and though there are many great voices that hail from all parts of the Diaspora, for me these matriarchs of Africa have created a lasting legacy capable of transporting us from the ennui of our daily existence to the coasts of Cape Verde, the sensuality of Cuba, the heart of a South African township, or to the vaulted halls and stages of Paris, France.

Paintings by Max Ernst, German-born painter, printmaker, collagist, and sculptor and one of the major figures of the Dada and Surrealist movement.

The 2009 release of the single “Say ULL Be Mine” by the hot new Cape Verdean singer Marcia. The beat is hypnotic and she is a definite beauty. Directed by Jihad Kahwajy and produced by Klasszik, it is sure to keep people hoping that Marcia will ask them to be hers.

Each of us is susceptible to Narcissus’ fate, for though we do not literally drown in an attempt to unite with our reflections, each of us can conjure at will an unrealistic image of our perfect mate. When we engage in a relationship with a person that most closely approximates this vision we will often do anything to keep them.