Jason White

 Born in Kalamazoo, Michigan unto Nigerian parents from Benin City. The mask above is a symbol of my people's rich cultural and great heritage, although stolen by the British during an invasion and currently still in their custody, that mask was worn by a great Benin Queen-Mother and is still a beacon of strength for my people and attest to our artistic and affluential prowess. I was raised Roman Catholic and I am still a Christian but a bit more pentecostal these days. I was raised in Nigeria where I completed my formal education, so though I am African-American, at this time I more African than American. I play too much chess, don't work-out enough and have not landed my dream job; needless to say I am living a frustrated life.

In addition to writing, I make music, I 'try' to write songs but I am more of a producer than anything else (I am a living cliche). I have a couple of songs but I am looking for that new undiscovered voice to sing it. My favorite artist of all times is The Notorious B.I.G, he was such an amazing poet and his music was very positive and today still tells stories of possibilities when we choose to be bigger than a stereotype. Right now I listen to Kanye (like you did not see that coming), Corinne Bailey-Rae, Alicia Keys and of course Akon among many others because I believe music should be more than just entertainment and record sales.

 

 Ode To My Mom (Till we meet again...)

 

There are no flowery words or expressions
Any artistic cliché would be mere deceptions
Your departure left my soul to hade’s will
An affliction I reluctantly suffer still

Your love encompassed me and from evil shielded
Your strength energized and was to my soul a beacon
To you I would turn in like times of despair
To you I would call to blind pain’s stare

I have read of a thousand odes,
Many songs to death, urns and beautiful graves
Witnessing yours assures me of one thing
There is no gallantry in loss, no beauty in death

There is no bigger or greater calling
Death accomplishes absolutely nothing
It is very sad, dark and empty
Oh what a future that awaits me

Ponder on what we must all attend..
And take solace in none but on this depend
With death comes the end of pain
An umbrella to shield the dark rain

I may not end up living with you
But I will not have to live without you
It’s plain now, finally I see clearly
I love and miss you dearly!