“I’m a product of the kiln, I’m baked harder. I’m a product of the furnace, I shine in my own unique glitter. The world prefers you be quiet but ama say it louder” – Dayo Abiola.
I put my name to the quote because I know for certain it’ll be considered as a punchline by my rap enthusiasts; especially Ray Mabika, my Zimbabwean friend and Rap Maestro.
I love rappers. I love rap. I grew up on it. They’ve taught me something – Be proud. Show it off. Say it loud. Say it so loud, whether gold or God.
What many people don’t know is that rappers have to overcome the challenge of the world because people get itchy when you’re proud of what you do. They criticize when you show it off. And they’ll say how dare you, when you say it loud. This is why many-a-star are kept silent.
Muhammed Ali has the mindset of a rapper – he said “I am the Greatest.” Jay Z said “best rapper alive”. Kanye West said “the greatest artist resting or alive…that’s on God”. Sinach said “I know who I am”.
Every single one of them achieved their proclamation with global reckon.
I am Nigeria’s foremost logo designer. The number one and the best. How dare you!? Here’s how. I’m the one that submitted a one-time attempt on the logo for an international event after they’d tried others severally and failed. I’m the first; globally, to postulate and justify that a logo is a symbol of success. History’s empirical evidence validates me. Internship and apprenticeship formed me. Institutionalized learning made me. And focus, indeed unbridled focus drives me. The main story is for another day.
So, as it is written, “what do you have in your hands?” This was the divine question great Prophets asked individuals before a turn for good or greatness in their lives occurred. If you think you don’t, I dare say to you that you do. Either in the form of a unique skill, learning or a wealth of experience. Start by being proud of it. Show it off. Say it loud. Say it so loud. The miracle of healing was completed in the life of the man who went back to say it proudly with thanks to the great healer.
