Keep on Rockin’
Commissioned by MARY & LABI ABDUL
Our Story
This art piece signifies the celebration of every win and milestone that we have experienced - every tiny bit of it.
Our first and beautiful milestone was meeting each other and deciding to stick together through all the twists and turns and it’s been a heartwarming journey for us.
On a random day, this happened - “OH SHOOT! I’M PREGNANT!”, I mean, “WE’RE PREGNANT!” A milestone that made life more beautiful. We had still not gotten over the joy of the mini-us we were about to be blessed with, when she said to me “I GOT THE JOB!” shortly after, “I GOT MINE TOO!” We both got the jobs we’ve been wishing for. The universe was meticulously putting together resources for the next phase of our lives and then it happened!
“THE BABY IS HERE!” We experienced overwhelming joy!
We moved into our new townhome shortly after and then God blessed us with another bundle of joy. I recall clearly the immeasurable joy I felt when we were told we were having A BOY, AGAIN!
We know what joy feels like and to all the beautiful milestones we’ve experienced we know that our future holds more beautiful stories. So we KEEP ON ROCKIN’ for the beautiful days to come.
A Grateful Heart,
Dear Mary & Labi
Love stories are great, success stories are beautiful, new beginnings are something to look forward to, what is far much better is having to experience all of this in a beautiful sequence.
Knowing your story and having the privilege to create a piece to monument it is a privilege I am grateful for. Creating this piece made me reminisce on how much good still exists in our life regardless of situations we do not like to experience. As I put each cork on the board, piece by piece, it gave me an understanding that all these wrapped together are put in place for our own good.
Your story is one for the books and it’ll forever be cherished.
The celebration That never Stops (Gan Gan, Akeregbe and Wooden Bowl)
Looking back at home ( our origin), the culture is full of celebration and merriment. Fun is the order of the day - music, food and drinks are in abundance. All this, simply put, is the culture we know and we practise at different milestones and even, during difficulties.
This piece carries significant native artefacts that depict appreciation to God for what he has done and he would continue to do.
Symbolism of the Artefacts
The GAN GAN (Talking Drum), particularly known to be used by the Yoruba people from Nigeria is used to communicate during ceremonies. The drum’s pitch can be regulated to mimic the tone and prosody of human speech.
The AKEREGBE is a small curved funnel shaped gourd used in pouring palm wine during festivals and celebrations in many parts of West Africa. Using an Akeregbe to serve guests shows honor and that they’re held in high esteem.
The WOODEN BOWL signifies sharing of meals, companionship, trust and friendship. It also depicts the acts of service to others. It takes love to share and trust to receive.
MY PRAYERS TO THE FAMILY
May you constantly have a reason to celebrate and that God continually renews the heart of gratitude you already possess.
May your household experience increase in abundant ways. May you continue to prosper.
I pray God grants you the gift of good men and unending joy becomes the order of your day.
May your leaves never wither and everything you do prospers. Your season has come, your time has come, and your bliss is here.
Have a great year ahead
My love to your boys, keep Rockin’!
Your friend,
Kanye Tomiwa
A gift from me to you!
As a Holiday gift, I have compiled a playlist of a few songs for you. Some of these are songs that anchor me through storms, some of them have also been anthems of celebrations... and just as I am standing reborn, so will you! Some of these songs will take you deep Into worship, some will make you dance, and some will remind you that eternal love still exists here on earth.
Enjoy!
Happy Holidays