The Nahmias Cipher Report archived articles from 2009 - 2020.
"13 Months of Sunshine" is particularly accessible because it is written in English with some Amharic dialogue. Non-Amharic speaking audiences will be able to achieve rare insight into Ethiopian culture, while enjoying a well-written story that will speak to all immigrants. It is a subtle commentary on the West and in particular, America.
Read MoreSalvador Dalí's paintings and art are some of the most recognizable of the Surrealist movement. In large part, he achieved this through a rare combination of creative genius and marketing savvy. Anyone who has read the biography of great artists, or watched movies about their lives, will undoubtedly note that these artists rarely achieved fame or monetary success during their lifetimes.
Read MoreAyanna Nahmias, Editor-in-ChiefUpdated: 12:36 PM EDT, 22 November 2012
SAO PAULO, Brazil - By now readers are familiar with tone and focus of this blog, and how art, music and photography are used to augment the posts.
As a writer and painter, it is my belief that we are charged not only with translating the ethereal, insubstantial, and unconscious into a form that individuals who are not similarly wired can receive; but we must also help them to re-engage with that energy source from which all creativity flows.
The ability to render through imagery and language, products that evoke visceral reactions that inspire viewers to engage, if only momentarily, with the unconscious world from which all reality flows, is the primary responsibility of our griots and shaman. An an example of this, is Surrealism, which holds an attraction for most individuals, even those who are not art connoisseurs.
Gabriel Wickbold is a young Brazilian Photographer whose images are intriguing and captivating. There are many links to photographers and other artists on this blog, and when possible their works are featured with a direct link to their websites.
It is the responsibility of all artists and writers to promote the work of other talented individuals. Please feel free to submit up and coming artists and their work. Of particular interests are the works of Africans on the Continent and in the Diaspora, South Americans, Europeans and other cultures. If the proposed artist's work is deemed appropriate, it will be featured on this blog.
If you are an artist or photographer who would like to submit your work, please provide at least three photos and a link to your website for consideration.
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When a person has no roots, they cannot weather the storms of life. When a person doesn't know who they are, they will try to be anyone. When a person stands for nothing, they will fall for anything. Platitudes spoken throughout the ages, yet ever true even with repetition.
Read MoreNorth African and Middle Eastern Diaspora music videos featuring Rai and traditional Arabic musical styles. Also, featured are contemporary Arabic music by Egyptian and Turkish female singers. These videos display the diversity of Muslim people and the role of women in that society.
Read MoreZRUBAVEL is the first feature film created by a team of Ethiopian-Israeli filmmakers. In this poignant story of one Ethiopian family’s struggle to become Israeli, a chain of events ignites a clash of generations and reveals a universal story of family conflicts, assimilation and personal identity. First Prize, Drama, Haifa International Film Festival 2008. Israel, 2008, 72 minutes, Hebrew and Amharic with English subtitles.
Read MoreRacism in all of its manifestations is reprehensible, yet individuals afflicted with this particular malaise always seem to find a justification for their prejudice, which allows them to assert that they are not racist. We all have our particular preferences and biases, and I am not immune.
Read MoreEthiopian Music Videos of artists and songs that I like. Found a great site which is on my link, but it is about all things Ethiopian and African. DireTube.com Check it out!
Read MoreWe searched each other’s eyes; for fear, for pain, for lust, for gain, in the end, it matter not who won or lost, it was the contact, the permitted touch, a way to feel flesh against flesh without reprisal or regret, it was the beginning of my long complicated tussle of love and war with the opposite of myself.
Read MoreAyanna Nahmias, Editor-in-ChiefLast Modified: 04:03 AM EDT, 22 September 2009
During my travels in France, I was introduced by my fellow Africans to the political revolutionary music of Teddy Afro and the Afrocentric pride expressed by Les Nubians.
Teddy Afro had been released from prison earlier that year after being jailed by the government on baseless charges which were levied against because the government couldn't risk charging him with sedition.
The politicians behind the move erroneously calculated that imprisoning him would silenced his calls for unity and freedom, but only served to coalesce his followers intent on revolution. His song, 'Yasteseryal' featured below angered the government because it presented a history of Ethiopia which was unfavorable to the ruler, Haile Selassie
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkWtbaIDnP4
The song from Teddy Afro's interviews is not political but is a call for love of and unity among all Ethiopians. In the song he urges Ethiopians to celebrate their rich, ancient and diverse culture, which should be a source of pride. Though a lot of division and castes exist in Ethiopia, until there is unity the nation will be unable to move forward and deal holistically with the many problems which plague the nation including drought and starvation.
At that time neither Teddy Afro or Les Nubians were as visible in the American popular music scene as they were in Europe. However,find that certain artists, particularly musicians and Indie actors, continue to push against the tides of debasement, and speak the truths that we all seek to hear which is what makes them equally engaging.
Les Nubians wrote and sung the song 'Makeda' which also pays tribute to an Ethiopia and African women. The song is an homage to the great Queen of Sheba. Makeda, is the Amharic name for the Queen of Sheba and in this song by the same title, Les Nubians are paying homage to the great Queen, and to the strength, beauty, integrity and life affirming qualities of all African women.
As I continue to search my soul and hone my voice, I am pleased to highlight the musicians/artists/writers/poets/singers who have had a profound impact on me. The basis of music, at least for me, is poetry and verse. When I write, I think in visual terms, the words dance in my head, like a jigsaw puzzle of floating petals, that I gently reach up, to pull down, and hook together into soliloquies thoughts which I send out into the universe of my fellow human beings.
We are each here, at this time, and in the space to help the world and make it a better place. We each have been granted the tools to accomplish our unique missions, and as an artist I have and will continue to explore the full gamut of these giftings.
Makeda, the Queen of Sheba is an integral historical figure in my life as an African Jewish woman. Les Nubians proclaim that Makeda lives in them, and indeed, Makeda lives in all African females. As I go into the New Year, it is with great joy and happiness that I can in my own way, pay homage to this greatest of African Queens.
I pray and wish for all a Healthy, Happy, Sweet New Year. May we all be inscribed in the book of life & prosperity. Let it be the almighty who guides us with love and true happiness from within ourselves.
Read MoreHow my son's hair stylist inspired me to explore the similarities in the Islamic and Hebrew calendars.
Read MoreToday is the New Year for Ethiopians. The unique thing about Ethiopian traditions and calendar observances is how closely aligned they are with Judaism. Even a cursory knowledge of biblical history, calls to mind the great union between the titular heads of Ethiopian and Israel. Essentially, what began as a diplomatic interaction to negotiate political and economic trade concerns has subsequently been translated by a number of cultures and peoples into a great love story.
Read MoreHow to time travel with the aid of spices and African cuisine.
Read MoreThe Report seeks to challenge readers to move beyond the accepted standard fare purveyed by most media, often demonizing and convicting an entire society and citizenry. Rather, The Report asks readers to recognize themselves in the “other” and assign blame to the miscreants who truly are the culprits of many of the atrocities that negatively impact us all.
