The perplexed, incredulous, hyper-sensitive and even defensive reaction of many to the frank admission and insight of U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates expressed yesterday in London, regarding Turkey, highlights the enormous dilemma the West now faces in figuring out how to handle the nation-state that has rapidly, perhaps overnight, become the geopolitical proxy of the entire Islamic World.

Until the African electorate and especially its entrepreneurs are entrusted with the fulfillment of this responsibility and given the incentive of a stake in the continent’s vast wealth, powerful kinship system identities (tribe, ethnicity, racial, religious and even ‘gang’) will prevent a gamble on the still fragile idea of nationhood and a common market.

How do you handle the loss of fame and fortune, and regain your magnetic attraction, inside of the industry and outside of it?

In 2001 I wrote that the Muslim world would continue to grope in the darkness until 1) it produced an Islamic core state with enough credibility to be trusted with its aspirations, grievances, and strategic interests 2) the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) emerged as a formidable forum by which the Muslim world could formulate these grievances, aspirations, and interests and 3) an Islamic leader was recognized as its representative - a khalifa of sorts – an individual whom the most learned Islamic scholars (Ulama) and community (Ummah) would accept as best having the grasp of the interpretation and meaning (Tafsir) of the Holy Qur’an, following and embodying the best of the manner and practice (Sunnah) of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).

In terms of talent, mass appeal, consciousness, and the potential for social influence, Nas is now the most dangerous MC in the world.

And even if we don’t recognize him, J. Edgar Hoover – from the grave - still does.

(CedricMuhammad.com) This week’s AfricaPrebrief newsletter covers action around AngloGold Ashanti’s market activity; more evidence that Egypt will eventually join the Maghreb Union; the heat up in Zambia’s election dynamics; the likely outcome of Kenya’s constitutional referendum (which is weighing on the Nairobi Stock Exchange); the ‘rise’ of Guinea?; and a reminder from Tanzania about why [...]

One of the things I foresee taking place this decade are that many of those currently being let go by the American music industry establishment will eventually find their expertise appreciated by African artists and business interests. The sooner that these talented professionals - who are still wandering in the wilderness - let go of the old, the faster we can all get on with the new.

In Ana Tijoux and Queen Yonasda, I think we may have found the perfect reconciliation and balance.

Will October 10, 2010 be the date we will look back on as the moment the music industry was saved… from itself? Maybe. Those familiar with this column will remember that I already have suggested December 8, 2009 - the date VEVO was launched – as a nominee for the industry’s updated [...]

I’m sorry to disappoint many, but my calling is to state that while we are caught up in the jewelry, sick flow, gossip and maybe real/maybe not so real sex life of our favorite rapper, they just pulled a Jedi Mind trick on us, laughing all the way to the bank – while trying to eat well, raise their children right, showing respect to their closest companion, and speaking proper English in business meetings with their entertainment lawyer.