Friday, December 28, 2012

The Beauty of Travel... Part II

From Wikipedia

Travel is the movement of people or objects (such as airplanes, boats, trains and other conveyances) between relatively distant geographical locations

The term "travel" originates from the Old French word travail.[3] The term also covers all the activities performed during a travel (movement).[4] A person who travels is spelled "traveler" in the United States, and "traveller" in the United Kingdom.[cita]




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So where was I?  Ahh…In the bliss of travel.   I was headed to Paddington Station from Heathrow International Airport.  Paddington Station was where I needed to head to in order to connect get to the infamous King's Cross St. Pancras tube station.   I did not see the Paddington Bear, which was a bummer, but I was in a brisk-walk state of mind because I needed to make that train in order to get to FRANCE and join Koku Gonza!!!

Blessings are provided in the simplest ways at times.  I was fortunate to meet a nice young gentleman from Sierra Leone who worked at the train station that helped me carry my suitcase up flights of stairs.  What are the odds?  Once I made my train I could finally relax and take it all in… at least for the moment. 

Arriving in Paris
After 2 hours or so… the train began to slow down.  Oh my.  Tears welled up.  I was in Paris.  Paris, France.  By myself.  Without my Mom.  Just me.  My stomach fluttered.  I made it.  I am alive and I am in Paris!!!  And I don't speak French… Ugh.  When I tell you waves of emotion washed over me... and the emotion most evident was nervousness… LAWD HELP ME.  I arrived at the ‪Gare du Nord‬ but I needed to get to Gare de Lyon quickly!  Train Station to Train Station to Train Station.  My train left for my destination in an hour and I didn't want to be late! 



TAXI!!!! TAXI!!!  Thank God that word is global.  As I stood in line for the taxi, I looked around in awe.  I was in Paris, France by myself, heading from train station to train station.  I had been in communication with Koku Gonza and her french booking manager, so their guidance helped to keep me from being LOST.  I actually had time to take these moments in, and I surely did.  Even the view while standing in line for a Taxi is gorgeous.  Paris lives up to the hype.  It is all of that!  The irony is that I only spent an hour in the city of Paris during my entire trip… but I will say I experienced the most awesome scenic cab ride in Paris! 
From Left to Right: Gas Prices in Liters and 3.78541=1 gallon.  Expensive.  Global Problems.  Therefore motorcycles are popular.  As I enjoyed the taxi ride, I had to capture the art, on canvas and at the bus stop!  My aunty from another country...LOL.  The architecture is just beautiful... and everywhere.  Ah... Paris!
This was surely an eye catcher... as well as an eye opener.

Translation:  "SHOCKING? YES! Every year in france 6 out of 10 lesbians are victims of homophobia".

Thanks to friends of mine who are french speakers because I was soooo frustrated that I couldn't understand anything besides OUI!



As my taxi driver made his way, we engaged in small talk.  He was quite patient with me as I struggled to understand him and he struggled to understand me... but we did it!   Gare de Lyon, I'm here... Whoo Hoo!!!  It was enormous and intimidating... but I had to do what I had to do.  I had already purchased my ticket online, so I just needed to find the track where my train would leave from... and grab a bite to eat.  By the way... no one around here is interested in speaking English.  Frankly, French sounds better... so why should they?  My advice is, learn keywords before you arrive.

Well let me tell you!!!  If you are going to eat a pastry, I highly recommend eating one in PARIS!  Mmmm Mmmm Good!  I was so happy, I overpaid the cashier lady.  She beckoned me and gave me my change with a smile.  Who says the French aren't nice??
 
After about 30 minutes, it was all aboard!!!  I was finally... finally... finally headed to Marseille!!!  The weather was a bit nippy, but Marseille was warmer.  I called Koku Gonza to confirm that I had missed NONE of my connections and that I would be arriving at 7pm!  I felt like a friggin' rockstar... more like a rock star's manager!!  Hahaha!  As I settled in with my iPod and Camera Phone to capture the scene, I wondered: How many times have you begged God today? You are probably on a nerve up there...
From Left to Right: iPod Flow=The Koku Gonza Song as I snacked on my Snickers.  It satisfies... no matter where you are.  The train was so dark under the tunnels, that I could see my reflection in the glass like a mirror...so I took a picture.  Shocked huh? LOL.
I was so thankful for God's mercy and protection of me as I traveled, and I smiled while quietly begging for continuous protection as I proceeded on my great adventure.  Next stop: MARSEILLE FRANCE!                                                               The question of the day is: Can you share with us what that poster says???



 STAY TUNED!


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BloggE.D.   (Executive Director)

As I take you on my journey... make sure you don't miss a moment!  Subscribe today and continue on my journey through my eyes tomorrow.



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Thursday, December 27, 2012

Part 1: 2012 Year in Review- SongMODEL Highlights...

As the year comes to a close, SongMODEL is in planning mode for 2013.  Although an exciting 2013 is on the horizon, taking a moment to reflect on the biggest accomplishment in 2012 is mandatory!   As SongMODEL's fearless leader, sharing a life-changing, whirlwind trip to Europe where I joined Koku Gonza on her first International Music Tour in France is simply living.  Open your eyes and prepare to see a little of Europe through my eleven-day journey across the Atlantic... and back!

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Chicago, Illinois


June 15, 2012 was Koku Gonza's official send-off celebration to France.  She delivered "Confessions of a Songwriter" an eclectic performance, utilizing a story-telling format to deliver a fun-filled show to her audience at the Green House Theater.  Then she was off to France for her 11-City Tour through Southern France.





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Famble (Family in Krio- Dialect of Sierra Leone)

I started my journey with family in New Jersey, where I joined family to celebrate the graduations of cousins.  I was asked to Emcee the event, and I enjoyed every moment!  With a family as big as mine, it came as no surprise to recognize seven cousins in one year (including my two sisters) for a job well done on graduations from High Schools and Universities.

After much needed time with family... MY JOURNEY BEGAN!!!

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I flew out of John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City.  Since I was in New Jersey and wanted to avoid the hustle and bustle of a train ride, I took the State Shuttle from Princeton to JFK.  I highly recommend this option.  The drivers are friendly and helpful as well as timely.  My flight left at 10:50pm ET and if you are traveling overseas, I recommend leaving from the U.S. in the evening if possible.  I definitely slept through the night on the plane, and woke up at my destination!!!

Airline of Choice: Virgin Atlantic
Why????  Virgin is Awesome!!!  I walked on the plane and they were playing 'Oliver Twist' by D'Banj!!  If I wasn't so tired from a full day in travel-mode, I would've danced to my seat!  They provide you with a soft blanket, cozy socks, an eye-mask and toothbrush/toothpaste.  Hopefully they consider adding nose plugs in their care package for my future travels.  I experienced pungent scents that woke me out of my sleep... but when we landed and I saw the British Flag, nothing else mattered.

                                 SURPRISE!!!  MY FIRST STOP OVERSEAS... GREAT BRITAIN!
Heathrow International Airport, GB






London Fog













What I Did Next
1. Use the Ladies Room & Brushed my Teeth
2. Strolled to Baggage Claim while taking Pictures
3. Stood in the long Border Entry Line
4. Recieved clearance to enter the country
5. Ran to Baggage Claim & Grabbed my Bag
6. Asked workers the cheapest, fastest way to get to King's Cross Train Station
7. Purchased a train ticket and vigourously walked to my train (out of breath)


What I Should've Done
 1. Use the Ladies Room (Pop a Mint Instead)
 2. Walked briskly to the Border Entry Line
 3. Recieved clearance to enter the country
 4. Walked briskly to Baggage Claim
 5. Asked workers the cheapest, fastest way to get to King's Cross Train Station
 6. Purchased a train ticket and walked to my train (with breath)
 7. Turned my IPod on... and stop looking so lost!

At least I was smart enough to avoid heels.  

The Lessons Learned.


After an hour of getting my life together... I am on the train to my next stop... Paddington Station.  What's at Paddington Station?  The Paddington Bear? 

 STAY TUNED!


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BloggE.D.   (Executive Director)

As I take you on my journey... make sure you don't miss a moment!  Subscribe today and continue on my journey through my eyes tomorrow.



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Friday, June 22, 2012

Finally... A SongModel is Overseas On Tour!!! OYE Koku Gonza!!!


THE Premier SongModel Koku Gonza is on tour in France!!!  Scream Out LOUD!!!  If you are in France make sure you check out a show.  Visit here for details!!!  If you are not in France, its okay!!!  Take a moment to stop by Koku Gonza's Fan Page on Facebook and wish her success on her tour. Click here!!  Haven't heard her album yet??? You can listen to it for FREE.  We guarantee that you will L.O.V.E. it so much you will buy it....  She even is giving away a track or two.  It's a WIN WIN!

Check Out the Links Below and Join The Koku Gonza Kult!!


BandCamp- Listen to Radiozophrenic- FREE
YouTube- Watch Koku Gonza Perform- FREE
BlogSpot- Read What Koku Gonza is Up to... IN FRANCE!!!



NEW!!! Purchase Radiozophrenic-Google Play

Purchase Radiozophrenic- BandCamp
Purchase Radiozophrenic- ITunes
Purchase Radiozophrenic- Amazon
Purchase Radiozophrenic- Spotify

Koku Gonza also has a special treat for you!!!  Click Here and become AMAZED!!!!

Monday, June 11, 2012

Charity Event

Cherish the Moment



Cherish the Moment
with
 Jim & Ellen Tressel; OSU NFL Celebrities
Sunday, June 24, 2012
at 6:00 p.m.
 2 Miranova Place • Columbus, OH 43215
The fourth annual Cherish the Moment Charity Social, benefiting Kids 'n Kamp, Columbus' favorite hometown nonprofit organization serving, for the past 30 years, as the lifeline of support for Ohio families touched by childhood cancer.

The remarkable silent auction features items such as a seven day trip to a Tuscan style Villa in the heart of Napa Valley and an exclusive M Chef Package, including lunch for six guests.

Tickets are $125 per guest, granting each ticketholder unlimited access to fine food, fine wine and an unforgettable evening with the Tressels.

Other Celebrity Guests Include:
• Bobby Carpenter, Ohio State Buckeye & New England Patriot
• Chris Gamble, Ohio State Buckeye & Carolina Panther
• Anthony Gonzalez, Ohio State Buckeye & New England Patriot
• Cie Grant, Ohio State Buckeye & Former New Orleans Saint
• Ben Hartsock, Ohio State Buckeye & Carolina Panther
• A.J. Hawk, Ohio State Buckeye & Green Bay Packer
• Malcolm Jenkins, Ohio State Buckeye & New Orleans Saint
• Craig Krenzel, Ohio State Buckeye & Former Chicago Bear
• James Laurinaitis, Ohio State Buckeye & St. Louis Ram
• Dane Sanzenbacher, Ohio State Buckeye & Chicago Bear
• Dave & Jimmy, WNCI The Morning Zoo
• Mindy Drayer, NBC4 News Anchor
• Monica Day, NBC4 Traffic and Entertainment Reporter
• OSU Sports Legends

Celebrity guest appearances are subject to change.
For more information please call (614) 262-2220
or e-mail knk@kidsnkamp.org.

Friday, May 18, 2012



Solo Jams - Confessions of a Songwriter
by Koku Gonza

 Expect to hear elements of Neo-Soul, Blues, Pop, and the global vibes of

East Africa
  
Friday, June 15, 2012 at 11:00 PM
Tickets on Sale NOW @
Greenhouse Theater - Downstairs Studio
2257 N. Lincoln Avenue Chicago, IL 60614

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Thank You Thank You!!! Tenke Tenke!!!

KaiKai and Co. alongside SongModel Management and African Love ENT. would like to thank everyone who attended the 4th Annual Sierra Leone Independence Affair.  A special thanks to the Host Shady Baby!!!

Click Here to View Photos from the Event
 

Be sure to subscribe to SongModel News Blog to stay informed about upcoming events.
Upcoming Events: 
                  Artist: Koku GonzaListen to her Latest CD for free at Google Play
July 2012- The Official African Night Club Takeover- Long Street Live, Columbus OH
July 2012- Cotton Tree Initiatives Charity Picnic
August 2012- Annual Black and Red Event


Friday, April 20, 2012

COME CELEBRATE THE INDEPENDENCE OF SIERRA LEONE



The Sierra Leone
51st Independence Celebration



It’s the countdown to one of the city’s largest events
featuring one of
Sierra Leones Finest in 2012!
Shady Baby
Doors open at 10
Come dressed beautifully
Advanced Tickets: General Admission $25 V.I.P $50
For table/bottle service packages go to www.songmodelmanagement.com


Thursday, April 19, 2012

Ohio State Fair Scholarships


Education is the foundation of our future; however our economy has complicated the financial structure to attend college. All of us our responsible for our own future so reach out and get what’s yours by applying for the Ohio State Fair Scholarships of 2012!

The purpose of these scholarships is to assist high school juniors and seniors (2011-2012) and graduates who are continuing their education at an accredited institution in an undergraduate course of study in any field.

Scholarships will be awarded to junior exhibitors during the Ohio State Fair. Applicants will be judged on scholastic standing, citizenship and leadership, Ohio State Fair participation, county fair participation, and financial need. Click the link below to be direct to the application, good luck!



http://www.ohiostatefair.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=352:ohio-state-fair-scholarships-available&catid=1:news&Itemid=94

Cocktails at Franklin Park Conservatory




Thursdays, 5:30 - 10pm
21 and over
Full bar, featured cocktails, small plate menu
$11 admission, in return each guest receives $10 in tokens that can be used toward the purchase of food and drinks.

Monday, April 9, 2012

christinakristin Co. Fashion Design/Styling Company

Are you looking for a new style, or a bold accessory to set off your average outfit? Then let me introduce you to Christina and Kristin of Christinakristin Co. The duo collectively has 15 years’ experience in styling, merchandising, and design. They are in the business of making your wishes a thing of the past by creating your wants... unique looks, earrings, bracelets, necklaces and belts. Look out for the duo at their upcoming events, and style of the day, on http://www.facebook.com/ChristinaKristinCo; and the Client Party Saturday May 19, 2012 located at Shoetique 3760 East Broad Street Columbus, OH 43213. Below are a few hidden treasures from the Christinakristin Co. Spring/Summer 2012 Collection that can be yours. Happy Shopping!

Display at Shoetique: The Client Event on March 17








If you're more into a sweet tooth and can’t resist the colors of Spring and Summer, check out the creative explosion from the Christinakristin Co. Cotton Candy line:





Stay tuned to Songmodel and http://www.facebook.com/ChristinaKristinCo.
For the By the Sea Capsule Collection that incorporates beautiful iridescent hues of Pearls and Gold tones brought together with the influence of Sea Shells.


Yannika~ The Fashionista

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Saturday, March 31, 2012

Subscribe to SongModel NewsBlog today!! You could win VIP Package to the Sierra Leone 51st Independence Celebration!!!! Leggo!!



Are you ready? Are You Ready?! ARE YOU READY??!!
Get ready to party with the finest group of Sierra Leoneans and Friends at this year's Sierra Leone 51st Independence Affair. The 50th Affair was amazing... but each year we get better and better.



This year Sierra Leone's hottest Artist Shady Baby will host the event!


Shady Baby's Hit Song: Nor Go Tiya (100K+ Total YouTube Hits)

Details of the Event:
VIP Tickets Available|Bottle Special: Rose Mescado|Catered Food all Night|
Limited Advance Tickets Available Get Your Tickets Online Beginning April 7th

Video Premier
Performance by ISH featuring a SongModel!
Performance by YouDaBest Black Don!


Subscribe to SongModel NewsBlog today and you will automatically be eligible to win a VIP Package to the Event!
- Free VIP Entrance for Two
- One Bottle of Rose Mescado
- Picture with Shady Baby
- Free Food All Night

Winners will be announced One Week Before the Event on the NewsBlog, so Subscribe Today!!! Follow Us On Twitter!! Friend Us on Facebook!!!


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Thursday, March 22, 2012

Are You a Thrifter!!!




Thrifting, the hottest new shopping movement, is in full effect for the spring and I am here to help you save even more at the register.

Starting March 19, 2012, Goodwill Gahanna Is giving a 20% discount on all non-Sale items!
Happy Shopping!

Goodwill- Gahanna
358 South Hamilton Road
Hunter's Ridge Shopping Center



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Monday, March 19, 2012

SHOE LOVERS: DSW DOUBLE POINTS CERTIFICATE




Copy and paste the certificate into a word document then print or go to http://keyringapp.com/c/9462 and print from the site. Happy shopping!




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Sunday, March 18, 2012

STOP FAKING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hello Ladies and Gents,

I had a time in my life where knock-offs were what I bought, until I found out how they
affected our economy, our war fighters, as well as my potential goal in purchasing the real thing in my life time. I bring this up because I realized that many women have a shoe addiction much like me, and one of my bucket list events was to purchase a pair of Christian Louboutins. Luckily I received my first pair of Loub’s as a gift. Prior to my purchase I researched the designer and the authenticity of the shoe when I found hundreds of websites selling them on line 90% cheaper than in the department stores. There are several issues that arise with purchasing fakes which include but are not limited to child labor, funding of terrorists, and increase in price of designer materials.

My curiosity was struck when I saw the large difference in price from Saks, Neiman
Marcus, and Bergdorf Goodman to companies listed online located in China. When I attempted to contact the overseas companies they refused to provide alternate pictures to evaluate specific features the Christian Louboutin shoe has such as the seamless leather stitch up the back of the pumps. On the fakes, the seam of the back of the shoe also has an overlapping tab; also on fakes the bottom of the shoe appears to be a matte red not the bright signature red on the real shoe.

The child labor in third world countries for fake items Americans purchase fuel the war on terrorism. The money received from each fake item we use helps to purchase guns, drugs, and safe houses for U.S. enemies. Meanwhile, your bag or shoe will only last for a few months and then you'll feel compelled to go and buy another fake bag to replace the broken one. In essence, each time you purchase a fake bag you have helped kill or exploit an innocent child and U.S. Soldier. In hindsight, you are stunting your very own growth in purchasing power. On average a fake bag cost $90, and women who own fakes own on an average of 23-47 fakes in their lifetime, therefore by the time someone pays for a fake they could have purchased quite a few real shoes, bags, jewelry etc!

I ask all of you to stop allowing fakes to dominate your leisure spending, know your product, and if you can’t afford it, save up for it. It is well worth the wait!! Please... whatever you do stop.... making it more expensive for me to live well!
~~Yannika The Fashionista

~No to This!~


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Saturday, February 18, 2012

What Did Whitney Houston Mean to You?

Although Whitney may not have written this song, in my opinion, it was Whitney's gift to me and you and I think she lived by these words.


I decided long ago, never to walk in anyone's shadows.
If I fail, If I succeed,
At least I'll live as I believe.
No matter what they take from me, they can't take away my dignity
Because the Greatest Love of All... Is Happening to Me.
I found the Greatest Love of All... Inside of Me.


Years ago, I fell in love with this song. I loved it so much, I would record it on a blank tape in my boombox when it came on the radio, and listen to it over and over again. I remember writing the lyrics on my Mom's yellow notepad. This way, I couldn't forget the words.

And it worked.
I listened to this song for the first time in .... maybe 15 years... the day after Whitney died.
I sang along without missing a word. Then I cried. And I really haven't stopped.

No. I don't walk around every minute crying, but my heart aches for Whitney. My heart breaks for Bobbi Christina. My chest heaves heavily for Cissy Houston. Believe it or not, I just want to hug Bobby Brown because I am afraid that no one really has. I am a fan in pain.

Whitney was a beautiful woman. A beautiful human. And indeed, she was human. Flaws and all. As we grieve her death, we need to remember her life and acknowledge who she was. No human is perfect, and Whitney gave us the gift of "keeping it real". While everyone wants to sit down, stand tall and blame Bobby, please remember this: Whitney was an Alpha Woman. Whitney made her choices and she lived with them... until God asked for her spirit to leave this Earth. Bobby may not have brought out the best in Whitney at times, but Whitney was human and a mighty one with her own beliefs, wants, needs, um... you get my point. Passing judgment is a waste of time.

Let us celebrate Whitney's life through the beautiful songs that she sang with such a pristine rare quality, they become unforgettable. Let us pray for her spirit... Let us pray for her family during this rough timeline. Let us pray for each other and remember our own humanity... and the humanity of others.

Whitney... May Your Soul Rest In Peace and May Your Beautiful Spirit Forever Live through your Music. A definitive SongModel. Amen.




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Saturday, February 11, 2012

I Don’t Know What You Been Told, Real Emcees Do Not Get Old



Super Bowl 46...can we say PARTAAAAAY!!! Indianapolis was all the way live last weekend for the Super Bowl. And of course, with the Super Bowl comes the celebrities. But not all of the celebs hit the scene just to be seen. One in particular, DMC (of the legendary rap group Run DMC) came to rock the stage at the Madame CJ Walker Theatre for a great cause.
DMC performed a benefit concert for House of Restoration Africa (HORA) a non-profit organization whose purpose is providing social, educational, recreational, and other critical support programs to underprivileged children and families in West Africa.

Ok, so I don’t really know what I was expecting from DMC, but I tell you what...that motha lova has still got it! He straight murdered the stage for an entire hour performing hits like “Mary, Mary”, “It’s Tricky” and “King of Rock”. I hear that he’s supposed to be returning to Naptown in a few months, so I won’t give the show away. But I will say that if you missed it, you won’t want to miss it again. When I say that he had the spot rockin, I mean he had that joint rockin! He took us all on a walk down memory lane and had us reminiscing about the golden days of hip hop. DMC also had plenty to say between songs and from the sound of it, he’s not too impressed with the younger rappers of today. According to the legend, cats should be less focused on the money and more focused on making music that will change the world. I’m witchu when you right, DMC!
After seeing DMC perform, it became undeniably clear how Run DMC was named the greatest Hip Hop group of all time. I gotta say that I was totally impressed watching an emcee over 40 rock the mic like it was 1983 but I guess it’s true what he says, real emcees DO NOT get old.

RIP Jam Master Jay


Blogger Signature: Kenye Fudiyah

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Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Family Movies, EastonWay, and Sales & Specials at Easton Town Center The Free Family Movie Series The Easton Community Foundation presents a Family Mo





This week's movie is Ice Age!
Movie vouchers are available for pick up at Easton Guest Services through Friday, February 3.
Doors open Saturday, February 4 at 9:00 AM. Movie begins at 10:00 AM.
(Please note, the tickets are not available at AMC Easton 30.)
Visit the website for more information.

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Wednesday, January 25, 2012

DON’T MISS THESE STORE CLOSING SALES


Marshalls @ Northern Lights will close this Saturday, January 28, 2012


Shoe Woo, located in EASTON is closing Thursday, January 26, 2012, enjoy up to 50% off your entire purchase!

Store Locations: Columbus, Ohio


~Shoe Diva~ a.k.a YanniKa: Blogger Fa-shoe-nique



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Thursday, January 19, 2012

Do You Know How Smart Your Smartphone Is??? Pay Attention!!

Sometimes, the news reports information worth sharing. It's important that your Smartphone does not outsmart you! Watch and Take Action...




YANNIKA

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Saturday, January 14, 2012

Will Blogger MC Please Stand Up!!!!




Blogger MC is an Indiana native born to two Sierra Leonean parents. Her art is greatly influenced by her African roots.

What Blogger MC Brings to the SongModel NewsBlog???
A perspective on anything and everything with a slice of music on the side! Check out her site HERE to get a sense of what Blogger MC is all about!!!

Then subscribe to SongModel NewsBlog and stay in the know!!!


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