Ismael Coulibaly

SYNOPSIS
In the beginning there was creativity, the mother of all that came into existence. As Man walked the earth, we ought to perpetuate the work of thee, whose inspiration gave birth to life. The work, thoughts and processes I’m about to share with you, behind their raw and unpolished nature, are the expression of a state of mind. My writings, Posts, pictures, all aim at shedding more light at the African formal/ informal business world, Art scene, Fashion, Lifestyle and culture. My Blog addresses the African society’s issues as a whole and trends from a business minded entrepreneur’s perspective. This is not a blog writen from ‘the outside’ like you are used to. No TABOU in a very straight forward American English style of writing full of colors and imagery.
“This is me, living life giving back what I never had”
T.I.R.A
(This Is Real Africa)

Follow me on Tumblr

Following

Sep

Watch The Throne: A Celebration of Black Excellence and the Rise of a Generation.

Watch The Throne If you have not heard of “Watch the throne”, I get it, Welcome to earth. Just a recap of what happened in recent years, they now have a black president in the United States Barack Obama, Mark E. Zuckerberg + Facebook happened, Steves Jobs resigned from Apple, they also changed the James Bond dude

for 007 (Cannot believe Pierce Brosnan is gone), I got abducted by the Aliens (Or was I dreaming?) and then the BIG news Jay-Z and Kanye WEST POWER couple decided it was time for a complete take over, so they release a joint album called ”Watch the throne” . The Album is a Blend of genres, music taking off like sky Rocket with Beyonce next to you, knocking your socks off in the process and leaving you with a taste of caviar and champagne down your throat… Lyrics like mutants, evolving in imagegyrics (Meaning visuals put in word…Yeah I also make up words to express things I can’t use other words to describe). I felt like the entire album was talking to me. So I decided since I now have a blog to share my thoughts with the rest of the world. This is what I get out of the album;

it’s a movement, gradual improvement.

Jay-z and Kanye West on stage

I asked myself what is the real message behind this music, for the underprivileged class across the globe? What is Black wealth and how do you influence an entire generation to aspire to more? To me Watch the throne”, is a sign that screams “hey world, watch my swag! See how it’s done and do not just replicate but be inspired to aspire to the throne”

“1985 white Lamborghini Countach, 2 of ‘em” Kanye WEST’s verse of Illest Motherfucker Alive

The Album I think it’s a power status, something above being #Dope and more about being “it”; the STATUS QUO.

Verse

When I say it then you see, it ain’t only in the music

Basquiats, Warhols serving as my muses

My house like a museum so I see ‘em when I’m peeing

Usually you have this much taste you European

That’s the end of that way of thinking, nigga never again!!!

Jay-Z off “Illest Motherfucker Alive”- Watch The Throne

Let’s not overlook the real message here. Lots of people might not like the way the message is conveyed, but it’s nonetheless a relevant claim. Key names such as Jean-Michel Basquiats, Andy Warhols are key references in the art world as well as Pablo Picasso, Vincent Van Gogh, Gustav Klimt, Pierre-Auguste Renoir and many others. This is the rise of a generation of global influencers, redefining trends, with a better understanding of the urban environment and what is at stake.

I believe the real issue here is how you influence a culture and the future. Picasso’s paintings have been traded between Europeans families’ for over a century now. These families have put in place, over time, a system to increase their wealth by driving the value of the work of art in their possession up (High demand, limited supply of master’s work of art. Uniqueness and scarcity are the key words here to drive prices through the roof).

There will be no better us, if we do not first invest in us.

This is when the POWER of Influencers comes in play. Making the right moves and supporting the movement. I believe we are talking about Black Wealth here. How should minorities in a given society perceive wealth and invest in their culture? Do not imitate but Initiate. Understand why you should buy a Basquiat’s painting like Swizz Beatz (influencer) did when he bought his first original Basquiat painting at age 25. He now owns 6 of them. He recently bought a 1.5 Million Ernie Barnes painting. Investing your money in a Picaso, to only show your friends you have good taste is just pure MADNESS. A doctor, lawyer, Businessman in Africa should add some art from the hottest and upcoming local artist, to his private collection. That’s one way of investing in a culture and support the birth and growth of a civilization. Also please keep in mind that this is an investment, not CHARITY, so only high potential should be invested in. Look at D’Banj and The Mo’hits records crew from Nigeria linking up With Kanye West and his Good Music Label.You have now Michel Obama rocking Nigerian designer Duro Olowu dresses. Dobet Gnahore from Ivory Coast, the first Ivorian to have ever won a grammy awards for her song ”Pearls” in collaboration with India Arie. Believe in Africa and invest in its products and markets.

Let’s get in cultural Investment!

Now Let’s take the time to celebrate Modern Black Excellence, Achievers, Builders, Influencers, that over the course of time have impacted the world we live in today.

(In no specific order) #HammerTime: Kehinde wiley, Angelique Kidjo, Magic System, Djimon Hounsou, Jean-Louis Billon, Mo Ibrahim, Ozwald Boateng, Kenneth I. Chenault, Mike Adenuga, Aliko dangote, Didier Drogba, Patrice Motsepe, Russell Simmons, Berry Gordon, Sean Combs, Michael Jordan, Mohamed Ali, Richard Bona, Tidjane Thiam, Usain Bolt