Last night (18.08.2023), I went out by myself and I was reminded of why your own space is really important. So a friend of mine, Mabowunje Harrison – who happens to be an amazing singer was having a night dedicated to the legend that is Nina Simone. Nina would’ve been 90 years old this year and Mabowunje was dedicating a strong set list to her. Unfortunately, her social media was not reflecting how dope this night was going to be.

Now my good good sis can sing a song, but she is not great on the old social media. So she sent out an SOS on Facebook.

And as we talked, I promised to create some images for her to promote her gig. I had the vision and being the magical beings that we are, I instinctively knew what she needed. 3 days later, I had a whole marketing campaign. She loved it (thankfully); and it started a whole ball rolling because, this night was going to be the first time… in a long time that I went out… WITHOUT THE KIDS!

Now I can’t tell you why I felt so nervous because I was really looking forward to going. I think being in a new place in my life that I haven’t been in for a minute got me nervous. Going out by myself isn’t inherently a problem but I’ve been out by myself before and part of the problem of that is that you just want to share your thoughts on a night out don’t you? Then I thought, “Nina. Jazz. Isn’t that a little too highbrow for me?” “Would I get it?” I’m sure I’d be ok; and I was ok, until the evening of the gig.

My nerves were ok and I was looking forward to it but it was almost as if anything that could’ve tested my nerves came my way… Kids argued, meltdowns, broken phone screens and hormones! I was that close to not going!

Thankfully, the campaign worked and it was standing room only! All of her tickets sold and I may have bought one of the last available tickets. It took me forever to find the bloody place! Turns out that it was by a place where I used to work but when I’m driving at night, I lose all sense of direction. When I got there, I saw my good good sister SANG! She took command of the gig. I heard Nina. I heard melody. I heard a pretty nifty singer who had tons of charm and I felt elated that I went. I was so happy for her.

I guess I’m writing this as a Gen-Xer who has come through a whole-ass pandemic whilst raising two younglings; and I’m happy to be coming back into myself. I’d love the same for you. That night could’ve gone so many different ways and I had to take the reins. I had to overcome those nerves that just popped up out of nowhere. In the process, I met some old friends and made the transition of meeting virtual friends in real life. Nina Simone was a complete boss in all that she did – and whilst I’m no jazz aficionado, I truly appreciate what she brought to the musical, cultural lexicon. Thank you Mabowunje for going through your own “stuff” and still being able to perform. Love ya loads girlie!

If you would like to know more about Mabowunje Harrison, please check out her Facebook page right here. and her Instagram is here. Give her a follow!! In the meantime, if you’re not sure, take the leap. You are your best investment.

I love you for reading:

Tricia xx