Debating Me Myself and I
In 1979 I had major conflict with a teacher who turned my world upside down inside out. Although I played sports almost all of my academic life, I was also passionate about forensics, or what later became known as speech class (i.e. oratory, debate, etc.) This was one of those pivotal moments in life where [...]

Unhealthy Hospitals
I got a call last week that one of my elders had been hospitalized. Word throughout the community was that he had suffered a stroke and survived, unable to move, trapped in his home for 2 days before finding the strength to crawl outside where he was discovered. As if the tale of his miraculous [...]

Alcohol and Storytelling Do Mix
Alcohol and Storytelling “Do” Mix by Baba the Storyteller I had an interesting storytelling gig last night, one that I will not soon forget. I was called to tell tales at a late-night, old school back yard party. Well…old school for some anyway. The music alternated between the gentle crooning of Frankie Beverly and Maze [...]

Stranger in the Village 2010
It has been 55 years since one of this nation’s most prolific and profound thinkers, James Baldwin, first published his essay “Stranger in the Village”. Baldwin recounted his experiences visiting the remote Swiss village of Leukerbad and being the first Black man many of its inhabitants had ever encountered. Baldwin ingeniously employed the anecdote of [...]

Child Drug Dealers in Elementary Schools
I really wish I could give names and locations but once you read what I’m about to say, I’m sure you’ll understand why I didn’t. I visited an elementary school recently (which shall remained unnamed) and was working with groups of 6th graders on getting them comfortable standing before people and speaking. My aim has [...]

Initiatory Process XIII
I’m not sure whether to play the old Carol Burnett goodbye song or the Mickey Mouse Club song. I’ll let you guys choose. It appears we have reached the end of this experimental-writing-creatively-in-Spanish journey. It also seems as though I may have survived with the exception of a few frazzled nerves and newly enhanced bags [...]

Unrequited
The speech was a resounding success. Hundreds of people in the dimly lit banquet hall stood up from their chairs and tables to applaud the senator’s impassioned plea for change. The ovation and loud cheers spilled out of the banquet area with the senator and his wife as the doors were opened for them and [...]

No Correspondido
El discurso del Senador fue un gran éxito. Cientos de personas en el salón de banquetes estaban de pie y aplaudían apasionada por la petición del Senador para traer los cambios á los negocios del gobierno. La ovación y los aplausos siguieron el Senador y su esposa por las puertas del salón hacia la entrada [...]

Initiatory Process XII
We are coming to the end of this journey and I must say that it has been very challenging. There is only one more assignment left to do and I’ll get that tomorrow. I have to admit that I have worked really really hard but I’m not sure I can say that I have given [...]

Breaking Curfew
Emanuel carefully crept through the old door, trying to keep it from creaking as he entered the dark living room late at night, hours past his curfew. Incredibly, he had managed to get the door opened, and closed, without it emitting a single sound. Just as he began contemplating how he would navigate the noisy [...]

Violación del Toque de Queda
Después de una noche lleno de fiestas, bebidas y muchos amigos, Manuel entró por la puerta sigilosamente y la cerró. La sala fue oscura y él había violado el toque de queda. El empezó a pensar en como navigar el piso hecho de madera cuando escuchó una voz suave y dulce que le hablaba. -Manuel [...]

Initiatory Process XII
Can you believe that we started this 3 month journey in March and it is almost June? Absolutely amazing! I believe the first question was would I survive an all Spanish Speaking/Writing creative writing course based in Madrid? I’m not quite sure yet. You would have to ask some of my classmates to really measure [...]

Manchild in the Land of Promise
Manchild in the Land of Promise Aldeo sat pensively across the tiny kitchen table, trying to identify the unfamiliar anxious smile deforming his mother’s lips. For much of his childhood Aldeo had served as a surrogate adult ear for her in between parades of transitory relationships. The kitchen table was their ritual meeting place, where [...]

Hombrecito en la Tierra de las Promesas
Hombrecito en la Tierra de las Promesas Aldeo sentó pensativamente al lado opuesto de su madre en la mesa de la pequeña cocina. Trataba de identificar la sonrisa ansioso deformando los labios de su madre. Desde su juventud Aldeo la había servido a su madre como un adulto sustituto con consejos sabio entre sus relaciones [...]

Initiatory Process XI
So what should a person do when they can’t sleep. Hmmmm….. maybe finish their creative writing assignment. I’m a bit miffed with myself because last week I finished the assignment early and then forgot to turn it in. My name appeared on a list with a few other classmates who failed to turn in their [...]

The Dancer
The Dancer by Baba the Storyteller Her fingers delicately traced invisible patterns in the air as she slowly turned in uninhibited, gentle circles. Poised on the toes of a single foot, she traced the outline of her leg with the other from the ankle, continuing up until she was fully extended. She bent at the [...]

La Bailaora
La Bailaora por Baba Los dedos trazaban diseños invisibles en el aire mientras ella bailaba lentamente en círculos desinhibidos. Se balanceaba sobre los dedos de un solo pie y con movimientos suaves del otro pie ella trazó el contorno de la pierna. Continuó levantar la pierna hasta que la extendió completamente. Se inclinó a la [...]

Mural Artist Search
Well, we’re getting close to discovering our mystery artist who painted the mural on the wall of the Victoria Gardens Cultural Center. I’ve heard back from 3 different sources that the company that painted the mural is called “Flying Colors” and is located in Northern California. Anybody up there in Northern California happen to know [...]

Initiatory Process X
Ok I know some of you were wondering why haven’t I submitted the most recent story that I wrote for the next assignment. Well the truth of the matter is that I, literally, hate what I wrote. If it weren’t an assignment I would ball it up and throw it in the trash! This process [...]

Wants versus Needs
Isabella yearned for her daughter Ana to understand the difference between wants and needs. “You’ve got to understand Ana that the world does not evolve around you and your teenage life!” “Mom! All of this drama because I needed money to buy a new CD?” “No Ana, there you go again. You “want” that new [...]

Necesidades contra Deseos
Isabel anhelaba que su hija fuera entender la diferencia entre deseos y necesidades. -¡Ana tienes que comprender que tu no eres el centro del mundo!- -¡Mamá! ¿Me castigas porque necesito un CD de Alejandro Sanz?- -No Ana estás exagerando de nuevo. “Deseas” el nuevo CD no lo “necesitas.”- Ana comenzó a caminar en círculos pequeños, [...]

Mural
You guys be the judges. A friend told me about this mural painted on the side of one of the walls at the Victoria Gardens Cultural Center, inside near the theater. When I finally got around to going out and checking it out I was honestly in awe.  I didn’t even know the painting existed [...]

Answer to the Question…
Ok, because it is occurring so regularly now I am forced to write this short note to my blog readers. I just got another one of those emails and so I will answer you all. No, the characters that I am writing about are not “me.” I have to tell you that I have never [...]

Initiatory Process IX
I’m moving along ya’ll, albeit not at the pace of an enlightened student, but still moving. This last assignment was about creating a character and building upon the traits and characteristics of the character without brazingly throwing them up in the readers face. How to describe your character by using his/her descriptions to move the [...]

Incarcerated?
Incarcerated? I was trembling. My body shivered uncontrollably, nerves disquieted by things I had little or no control over. I sat stewing in a rage of irrepressible anger, the walls closing in on me. I had never in my life experienced claustrophobia but this sudden affliction of terror blended with agitation that had taken hold [...]

¿Encarcelado?
¿Encarcelado? Yo estaba temblando. Me estremecía.  Me agitaba sobre cosas que no había ningún control. Me sentaba dentro de mi mismo hirviendo con pensamientos enojados. Me sentía como los muros volvieron cerca del cuerpo. Nunca en mi vida me había sentido la claustrofobia, pero ahora esta aflicción de terror mezclado con la agitación me había [...]

Initiatory Process VIII
I’ve made it to the halfway point! I’m pushing forward on this and doing all right. I just got a note from our professor encouraging me, letting me know that I’m doing well, especially coming to the course from another language. I remember I said that I would attach the newly written stories to the [...]

Baptism
Baptism by Baba the Storyteller A diseased, parasitic depression was feeding on me from somewhere deep within. My thoughts were trapped in a dark hole from which there seemed no hope of escaping from myself. I had only arrived in Senegal four days before. The dream of self-discovery that had carried me across the Atlantic [...]

Bautismo
Bautismo por Baba Una depresión parásita daba de comer en mí de algún lugar profundo dentro. Mis pensamientos estaban atrapados en un agujero oscuro del que no parecía haber ninguna esperanza de escapar. Acababa de llegar en el país de Senegal hace cuatro días. El sueño de auto-descubrimiento que me había llevado a través del [...]

Initiatory Process VII
This assignment almost wrecked me. You would think that by the 5th assignment I would get into some kind of groove or something but noooo. I’m not sure what is wrong with me. I’ve always been the type that, if something got easier for me, then I would attempt it again, but do it standing [...]

Initiatory Process VI
Damn!!! Alright I have been writing for almost 9 straight hours! Who does this? In the current assignment we’re supposed to engage the senses of the reader. The reader should be able to see, touch, taste and smell from the narrative.  That’s an oversimplification of the professor’s instructions but I’m sure most of you get [...]

Initiatory Process V
This assignment was difficult for me. I had more trouble than usual trying to figure out how to address my reader in 2nd person. One thing that I’m noticing though is that my Spanish vocabulary is improving by leaps and bounds. I’m being forced to spend a great deal of time in conversing with the [...]

Initiatory Process IV
Writing in 2nd person!!! Who writes in 2nd person anymore? This next assignment we’re supposed to create a narrative in 2nd person. I “hate” writing in 2nd person and to write creatively in Spanish is even more onerous to me. I don’t use the word hate too often but when I do I really mean [...]

Initiatory Process III
Denial seems so much easier than acceptance. I can feel this level of denial surging up through me when reading the critiques of the professor. Intellectually, I know it is there but psychologically it still wants a dominant role. I have to admit my errors. In my first assignment I was a bit lazy. I [...]

Initiatory Process II
Thanks so much, those of you who have taken the time to send me words of encouragement. I didn’t realize how cathartic blogging could be. Although it might seem an exercise in redundancy to write about writing, hey, it works for me. I actually love to write but attempting this creative writing course in the [...]

The Initiatory Process
A month ago I was made aware that I had won 2nd place in storytelling contest hosted by “Red Internacional.” No… really, it’s true. I entered this contest for Spanish Storytellers on the assumption that I would, at least, come out of the experience with some nice critiques of my Spanish Storytelling skills and maybe [...]

BTST-2009-10-15
A few words on Jonesborough’s National Storytelling Festival, Granny Sue and Lorna Czarnota sing traditional ballads, a tale about a Donkey, and a Proverb of the Day

BTST-2009-09-15
Little Miss Muffet Health Care Reform Commentary by Promulgating Pundit Baba the Storyteller

BTST-2009-09-01
Moms Mabley, Word play with the letter W, Teens Telling Tales and doing it quite well, and a Proverb of the Day.

BTST-2009-08-15
Saint Peter makes an appearance, 2010 National Storytelling Conference Announcement, Invitation to a barbecue to come and barbecue, Tale Telling Tip, Timeless Tale and Proverb of the Day.

BTST-2009-08-01
Performing at 2009 National Storytelling Festival, 7 year old granddaughter got a cell phone, Tale Telling Tip, and A Bluesy Timeless Tale.

BTST-2009-07-15
A group of teens I’ve been working with take over the tale telling of this episode with fables and commentary interjected from me.

The Theory of Boredom
Recently, while visiting Poland, I stayed in the home of a dear friend and his 10-year-old daughter. He’s a single dad, and a really good one. All of our rooms were very close to one another on the upper level above the main floor. Each room had nice size windows and views of the surrounding [...]

BTST-2009-07-01
True tale about a teen challenging an “old” martial arts guy, recordings from Poland, join me on facebook under the name Djeliba, tale of not knowing, and a proverb of the day.

Pondering Poland
I’ve only been back for two days and figured I had better journal this experience before my memory plays its’ usual game of patchwork prioritizing. Excuse the generalizations if you are one of those people who never do that, or find it abhorrent. I generalize and do it as often as possible. My mind isn’t [...]

BTST-2009-06-15
Talk about trip to Poland in two days, A new hero who is a genius of math, Timeless Tale, Proverb of the Day, Close with a little Polish Music.

Sleeping Beauty
Sleeping Beauty Children today are drowning in the violent seas of extreme academic testing. I find no other way to say it. Extreme is the word for it when our educators are mandated to spend more time instructing towards testing objectives than teaching to the needs of the child. I have a few teachers across [...]

Physically Incarcerated Youth
A few weeks ago I accepted an invitation to present to several different dorms of incarcerated youth at a Youth Authority Facility here in Southern California. I’ve never hesitated to accept invitations to ply my trade as a storyteller and this instance would be no exception. Entering the facility was exactly what one would imagine: [...]

BTST-2009-06-01
Baba’s wife, JoAnn, takes over this episode of Timeless Tales and interviews Baba with questions from listeners.

BTST-2009-Special-Announcement
Baba’s wife takes over the June 1, 2009 Timeless Tales podcast with listener questions for Baba. Send the questions you would like asked to AskBaba@babathestoryteller.com. No question is off limits, be creative!

BTST-2009-05-15
An opening tale for all you teachers out there, a true to life tale telling tip, a microcosmic-macrocosmic Timeless Tale, the Proverb of the Day, a request you write me a review on iTunes and the obligatory closing.

BTST-Infomercial-07
shooting commercials with animals is never a good idea when trying to promote your music and stories that are available for digital download at BabaTheStoryteller.com (simply click on the link to “The Storytelling Store”).

BTST-2009-05-01
Earning my grey hairs, Reading Listener Comments, Thanks for the iTunes reviews (I want more), A breathless Tale Telling Tip, Timeless Tale, Proverb of the Day and a short announcement to purchase my digital downloads at babathestoryteller.com, on iTunes or Amazon mp3.

BTST-2009-04-15
My Grandbaby singing to me, Find me on Social Networks Twitter (Djeliba), Facebook (Djeliba Baba), Linkedin (Baba the Storyteller) and MySpace (Baba the Storyteller), Reviewing iTunes Reviews, Timeless Tale of a Cowardly Lion, Proverb of the Day and “No commercial” – kinda)

BTST-2009-04-01
She Sells Sea Shells because of the state of this economy, Appreciation for the iTunes reviews, Listen in on me with a class of 4th and 5th graders, Timeless Tales, Proverb of the Day and a commercial for the Storytelling Store at BabaTheStoryTeller.com

BTST-2009-03-15
Word Play with the letter D, Isaka Traore, Willette in DC, Rob in Minnesota, Tale Telling Tip with Bassi Tarawule, A Tale of Truths, Proverb of the Day, Begging for iTunes reviews, Commercial at the end of the show.

BTST-2009-03-01
Talibé Koranic Chant, A little family chastising, Appreciations to Robert of Brighton MN for the major funds he dropped in my paypal tip basket, Glad to be back, Two Timeless Tales for the price of one, A Proverb of the Day, Baba is Twittering (twitter.com/Djeliba), Baba’s on facebook (facebook.com/people/Djeliba-Baba/696436339) Leave a review on iTunes and, [...]

BTST-2008-11-15
listen in on a family night storytelling session at a school, dedication to Ms. Hill and our usual having a good time together.

A Black Man Experiencing Feelings of Guilt After Voting for Obama
A day before the presidential election and my mind, no… my spirit is plagued with feelings of guilt and shame. As James Baldwin explained to many of us decades ago, “Color is not a human reality, it is a political reality.” If permitted, I would add to Baldwin’s summation that this illusion we call race [...]

BTST-2008-11-01
Listen in on a session of Baba working with a classroom of 4th graders.

BTST-2008-10-15
Announcements, Tale Telling Tip, Proverb of the Day, Timeless Tale.

BTST-2008-10-01
Podcast dedicated to a tale about an ultimate truth.

BTST-2008-09-15
Baba leaving for West Africa, Rant – shame on all politicians, Tip using heart rate monnitor, Timeless Tale in English, Timeless Tale en espanol, Proverb of the Day and a plea for reviews on iTunes.

BTST-2008-09-01
Tongue Twisting, Announcements, Emails, Reviews, Rant on Empty Nest, Timeless Tale, Proverb of the Day.

BTST-2008-08-19 (Bonus Episode)
An attempt to jump back into the rap game; not too successfully though.

BTST-Infomercial-06
The Biggest Fan Ever!

BTST-2008-08-15
Announcements, Rant about showering, Timeless Tales, Proverb of the Day.

Wisdom Tales Volume 1
I’m doing pretty good getting these out to you guys. Between family, living life, performing, teaching, family, rehearsals, travel, family and more family stuff; I’m actually managing to complete an album here and there. Wisdom Tales Volume 1 is now available for download but only from “The Storytelling Store” on my site. I’ll let everyone [...]

BTST-2008-08-01
Announcing the new downloadable album: “Wisdom Tales Vol.1″ and in need of a serious nap.

BTST-2008-07-17
I woke up with a bit of a story in my head, I’ll call it – The Christian The Muslim and The Atheist. Let me know what you think Baba@babathestoryteller.com

BTST-2008-07-15
Apology to Sonja, Telling to 1 and 2 year old, and our Timeless Tale.

BTST-2008-07-01
Listener emails, iTunes reviews, New MySpace friends, A rant on parental role reversal, Tale Tellling Tip, Timeless Tale and a plea for more reviews on iTunes and Friends on MySpace.

BTST-2008-06-15
I have been banned from podcasting! They have threatened to take my mic away from me if I post this episode!

BTST-2008-06-01
Announcements, Rant, Tale Telling Tip, Timeless Tale, Proverb of the Day, Closing

BTST-2008-05-15
Announcements, Listener Emails, A Tale Telling Tip, A Timeless and A Proverb of the Day.

BTST-Infomercial-05
Tom Brookerraw ambush interviews Baba the Storyteller.

BTST-2008-05-01
Announcements, Listener Emails, A Tale Telling Tip, A Timeless and A Proverb of the Day.

BTST-2008-04-15
Announcements, Thanks, Listener Email, A Painful Tale Telling Tip, A Timeless and A Proverb of the Day.

BTST-2008-04-01
Announcements, California Rant, Listener Appreciation, Timeless Tale and Proverb of the Day.

BTST-2008-03-15
Bunny Hoo Hoo, Announcements, Tale Telling Tip, and a Timeless Tale.

Gahr’s OAAU
Well… African Heritage Month is coming to a close and thus ends the crazed period of program scheduling. I am not complaining, I am a working artist and so I welcome it. This year I was able to get back to my “favorite” high school here in Southern California… Gahr High School. As an added [...]

BTST-2008-03-01
My Uncles, Announcement about a social network of storytellers, A Tale Telling Tip, Our Timeless Tale and closing with Our Proverb of the Day.

BTST-2008-02-25 (Bonus Episode)
An Attempt to Converse with “GOD.”

BTST-2008-02-15
Episode dedicated to my passing elder, Bakary Cissoko in Thiaroye, Senegal.

BTST-2008-02-01
Announcements, Rant, A Tale Telling Tip, A Timeless Tale and A Proverb of the Day.

BTST-2008-01-15
Rant,  A Tale Telling Tip, A Timeless Tale and A Proverb of the Day.

BTST-2008-01-01
Happy New Year, A Timeless Tale, A Tale Telling Tip, Another Timeless Tale and A Proverb of the Day.

BTST-Infomercial-04
Subject your precious mind to the vagaries of crass commercialism only if your consciousness is strong enough to defend against the attack of insipid, mind numbing experiences. Oh, don’t forget, you’ve already been warned.

BTST-2007-12-15
Announcements, A quick Tale Telling Tip, A True to Life Timeless Tale, and a proverb of the day.

Art of Storytelling Vol-2 is out!
It’s here and it’s out on iTunes also, “The Art of Storytelling – Vol.2!  Go to iTunes and purchase individual tracks or the whole album for immediate download. I can’t believe how productive I’ve been that past 6 months. I’m thinking it’s some kinda fluke or something so I’m trying to crank out as much [...]

D-House in My Heart
Yesterday I had the privilege, no, the honor of performing for the students of Dorsey High School here in Los Angeles but before I talk about my amazing experience I’ve got to address the image associated with this post. This painting is on the exterior of one of the buildings as you enter from the [...]

BTST-2007-12-01
The Deification of Literacy, A Tale Telling Tip, Timeless Tale about Literacy, and an original, or at least I think so, proverb of the day.

BTST-Infomercial-03
Shameless and Blatant Commercialism – Listen at your own risk!

CD Available for Download on iTunes!
Alright you can exhale now. As of today, it’s finally out on iTunes, “The Art of Storytelling – Vol.1″. You can go to iTunes and begin purchasing individual tracks for immediate download. I’m still in the studio crankin away at Volume 2, and I’m not sure how long before I can get it out, I [...]

Truth About the Devaluation of Our Youth
Facing the Truth of the Devaluation of our Youth This wasn’t something I intended to write about but after a few days ago, I just had to sit down and put pen to paper. Annually I travel to Northern California to commune with a group of young men and women as a form of cultural [...]

BTST-2007-11-15
Announcements, Thanks for iTunes reviews, Info about stories for download on Amazon mp3, Tale Telling Tip, Quick Rant, An original timeless tale about heroes, and our proverb of the day.

Fearing Failure
Yesterday I had a performance at a festival held by the City of La Palma here in Southern California. It was well organized. I had received a packet containing parking passes, maps, schedules, etc. This was a really good sign. When I arrived at the park where the festival was held, I parked and headed [...]

From the Theatre to the Living Room
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about some of the changes I’ve undergone as an artist. I can remember, just like it was yesterday, being in my mid 20′s and early 30′s and craving the huge stage performances. I’ve performed before audiences ranging in size from a few thousand to a handful (ok, half a [...]

BTST-2007-11-01
Announcements, Shout Outs, Embarrassing announcement regarding Amazon mp3, Special Surprise for increasing my subscription numbers, a timeless tale and a proverb of the day.

My CD available on Amazon mp3!
“The Art of Storytelling – Vol.1” is officially available, today, October 26, 2007, on Amazon mp3 for download. Yeah!!! One word of warning though, and this was simply something not in my control. Somehow, well… it seems… ok, I’ll just spill it out. It appears there is rap artist who has the exact same title [...]