003: unbranded conversations with Lemi Ghariokwu [part 2]

in this conversation Lemi gives us a peek into the value of the Naira, his decision to leave christianity, meeting Fela, the highs and the lows of his special and complex friendship with Fela Kuti.

Feb 15, 2024

Dear You,

If you missed the last unbranded conversation with Lemi, you should catch up here before you proceed, because it sets the tone for part two in many ways. It helps you understand who he is, what he stands for, how he sees life and so much more.

Many things stood out for me in this part of the conversation. Lemi publicly shared some details about the beautiful friendship he and Fela shared. But even more, he shared moments they disagreed and how grief could have impacted their friendship dynamics. I was also stunned that there was a time when you could rent a house in Nigeria with 4 Naira [Nigeria's currency] per month and buy a car with 4000 Naira.

In this conversation, Lemi shares his creative journey, his mother's support, how he met Fela through Babatunde Harrison, an unpopular history about The Punch Newspaper, the value of the Naira, buying his first car at 21, his friendship and love for Fela, his disagreements with Fela, his impact in the music industry, why he stopped being Christian, and many things in between. As you watch this episode, you might actually learn a new slang - ‘bend bend sleep” and what it meant in Fela’s context. What is bend bend sleep? put your curiosity to rest by watching the video.

Click the video below and be part of this conversation with Lemi. When you're done, don't forget to watch, share, and, most importantly, start a conversation.

With Love,

Blessing Abeng

unbranded letters

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