The Legacy of Fela Kuti

Hi everybody!  We hope you are having a great winter.  Spring will be here before you know it, so don't worry too much about the cold weather.  As for today, we would like to discuss the importance of an African musical legend. 

Fela Kuti, a famous musician from Nigeria, has received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2026 Grammy Awards. He is the first African to get this award. The Recording Academy in the United States gives this award to honor great musicians. Fela Kuti died in 1997, but his music and message are still important today. His daughter, Yeni, said, “Better late than never.” She also said that more African musicians should be recognized. She explained that her father did not care about awards. He loved music and was happy when people and other artists respected his work.

Fela Kuti was born in 1938. He was a singer, musician, and band leader. He created a new style of music called Afrobeat. Afrobeat mixes traditional African rhythms with jazz and funk. His music had a strong and exciting sound. He was famous for his powerful live shows. From the 1960s to the 1980s, he traveled around the world and performed many concerts.

Fela’s music was not only for fun. He used his songs to speak out against corruption and unfair government in Nigeria. He also spoke against colonial influence. Because of this, he was arrested and beaten many times. Even so, he did not stop. Today, many modern Afrobeat artists are inspired by him. His influence on music around the world is still strong.

Have you ever heard Fela Kuti's music?  If not, I highly recommend it.  Not only does it have a good message, but the rhythms are amazing, and you can dance all night to his band's songs.  Enjoy his music and have a great day. 

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Solving Crimes with Moss!

Hello and Happy New Year!!!  How is your 2026 going so far?  Everybody at BRIDGE hopes you and your family had a wonderful holiday season.  It seems like many people are quite motivated to work hard and accomplish new goals this year.  Do you have any New Year's resolutions?  If so, please share them with your teachers at BRIDGE in your next lesson.  As for today's blog topic,  we will discuss one amazing way that nature can help us in some serious situations. 

Police usually use fingerprints, cameras, and DNA to solve crimes. A new study shows that moss (苔・こけ) can also help catch criminals. Moss grows in many places, and scientists say it can give important clues. The study was published in a science journal and explains why plant evidence should not be ignored.

Scientists looked at real cases where moss helped police investigations. One of the first cases was in 1929, when moss growing on a skeleton helped police learn when a person had died. In another case, scientists studied tiny pieces of moss found on a man’s shoes.

In 2013, moss evidence helped police find where a baby girl was buried. The clues from the moss showed the type of place the police needed to search. The father was later found guilty of the crime. Scientists hope this study helps police better understand how moss can help solve crimes.

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Greece: A Nice Place to Retire

Hello to all you wonderful English learners!  It is December, and the holiday season is here!!!  What have you decided to do this year?  Please share your holiday plans with us the next time you come to BRIDGE.  Today, we would like to introduce a wonderful possibility for your retirement in the future. 

More people are choosing to spend their retirement in another country. A magazine called International Living studied the best places to retire in 2026. For the first time, Greece was named the #1 country. The study looked at important things for older people, such as weather, cost of living, healthcare, and housing. In the past, Spain and Portugal were the most popular places, and countries like Panama, Costa Rica, and Thailand were also in the top ten.

The magazine said Greece is beautiful, friendly, and not too expensive. Many people like the rich and enjoyable lifestyle there. Reports say retirees love Greece’s long coastline, sunny weather, islands, mountains, and countryside.

One woman, Leena Horner, moved from the United States to Greece four years ago. She enjoys the slow and relaxed lifestyle. She likes how people in Greece take their time and enjoy each day.

What do you think?  Would you like to spend your elderly life in the beautiful country of Greece?  Let's take about this and other retirement ideas in our next lesson at BRIDGE.  Stay warm and enjoy the holidays!

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