When Nigerian Afrobeat musician, Bisade Ologunde popularity known as Lagbaja came up with his facemask concept which depicts the faceless of man in the society, no one has the premonition that the world too would be forced to adopt his style thereby becoming ‘Temedu’ wearing something similar as coronavirus pandemic ravage the world.
Well, to non-Yoruba reading this piece, Lagbaja and Temedu is like a twin in Yorubaland. They refer to them due to their way of life, ideologies and characters.
Though, his concept is a pure and unique symbol in the entertainment industry that popularized the use of the mask concept by other artistes both in Nigeria and beyond. The concept was developed long before that, his first album (entitled Lagbaja) was released to National acclaim in 1993.
Over the years, he became more popular and released more albums later, the music continues to fascinate with its unique focus on a core of African drums. His music is a product of various influences ranging from traditional Yoruba music to Jazz. Often the music is purely instrumental- an interplay between traditional Yoruba percussions, drums, chants, and western instruments, especially the saxophone.
On the other hand, the ‘Temedu concept is the emanation of Coronavirus’ that brought about the compulsory wearing of Temedu facemask as a result of western world conspiracy theory by gladiators who chose to take the world for a ride by failing to declare the injected deadly ‘pandemic virus’ thereby allowing it to fester to avenge the economy woe inflicted on them by ‘one’ at the detriment of others.
The face or nose mask so to say has not only helped in no small measure in slowing down the spread of the virus but also brought out the creativity in some people with different colour, sizes, designs and thereafter add more money to their pockets. The trend that will continue as long as the virus last.
However, it may not be convenient wearing the face mask but do we really have a choice as there’s the need to stop the spread till the virus ‘leave us alone’. While some continue to argue relentlessly blaming the virus on new 5G network installation, others refute the claim as false and the argument goes forward and backwards.
It’s really disheartening to know that quite a huge number of lives have been lost in the last few months due to lackadaisical attitude of some leaders who should know better but choose to perpetrate such evil for material gain.
The business world is not spared either as many businesses are currently ‘feeling the heat’ caused by the global coronavirus pandemic leaving companies with no other option than laying off personnel so as to be able to cope with the current situation.
Many of the businesses that could not cope are winding up which means throwing their staffs into the labour market that will, in the long run, increase the level of unemployment.
Meanwhile, the difference between the two is quite alarming. A wide margin, a parallel line that will never meet with frightening figures that put world leaders on their toes.
It’s however, not surprising that while one is putting a smile on people’s face, bringing fame and fortune, the other is a global threat to human existence with preference to maim instead, bringing sorrow and discomfort to the people each passing day without a lasting solution.
Efforts to get a definite vaccine by the World Health Organisation (WHO) that will put an end to the dreaded virus has become a herculean task since the outbreak in February 2020.
Though, some countries are beginning to ease the lockdown while others are still battling to curtail the dreaded virus with a high death rate. Brazil, United State of America are on top of the list currently going through a most difficult time with the unpredictable situation.
Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation (WHO), recently warned that there’s going to be the second wave of the pandemic starting September which will be triggered by the cold weather.
We hope and pray fervently that the world outlives the pandemic and live happily after without any cause for alarm.
What’s the difference between us and brother, uncle Lagbaja when we wear the facemask anyway? Identifying the figure behind the mask is oftentimes difficult except the person(s) put on the mask in one’s presence. Many thanks to Bisade Ologunde a.k.a Lagbaja for initiating the concept even though it was a long time ago but at least, we are staying safe and following the instructions.
