May Issue 2014
Celebrating Women of African Heritage
AFROELLE www.afroellemagazine.com
FOUNDER & PUBLISHER Patricia Miswa
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AFROELLE MAGAZINE | Encourage. Empower. Entertain. Elevate
On the Cover : MAAMEYAA BOAFO , NANA MENSAH , ESOSA E , MARIE HUMBERT , MAAME ADJEI
Photography: Emmanuel Bobbie of Bob Pixel Studios Website: www.anafricancity.tv
Many thanks to our contributors who helped make this issue possible!
IMAN FOLAYAN Writer HOUSTON, TEXAS thepowermixer.com
ASHLEY MAKUE Writer SOUTH AFRICA ashleymakue.tumblr.com
TATENDA KANENGONI Writer HARARE, ZIMBABWE i4indie.blogspot.com
Submissions If you have a story idea or would like to share your wisdom or insights with women globally email AfroElle@gmail.com with ‘Submission’ on the subject line. BRENDA IBARAH Writer UGANDA @brendaibarah
If you know a woman we should feature that is a leader, rising star, inspiring communities and making a difference, send us her bio and link to her work at AfroElle@gmail.com
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The Back Story
W
e are almost half way through the year, where does time go? If you are like me then you are re - evaluating those resolutions and seeing where you need get back on track and also celebrating little victories to fuel that fire to keep burning through out the year.
Editors Note
One of our achievements as a community so far is being is the fact that we’ve been able to release monthly issues. Our vision to tell stories and empower women globally is what keeps us motivated. And nothing inspires me more than hearing women share their life journeys and how there are overcoming obstacles. Most times we hear of peoples stories of success and fame and accolades but the real story, the real inspiration is the back story –the stories of the hard work and struggle and rejections and failures. The silent years where true character, resilience and lessons are learnt. In this issue, we feature women who’s stories echo that success is not overnight and that it takes years of hardwork, from Africa Magic’s 53 Extra, Eku Edewor (Pg 36) to journalist, Belinda Otas, who is chasing her dreams against all odds (Pg 38). For our cover feature we get the back story of the successful web series An African City, from the eyes of the cast and directors. (Pg. 46) This issue was a labor of love, we hope that you enjoy the content and share it. Remember you can email us at AfroElle@gmail.com if you have any suggestions or story ideas. Until next time, I leave you with the words of Twitter co-founder, Biz Stone, “Timing, perseverance, and ten years of trying will eventually make you look like an overnight success.”
Patricia Miswa Editor-in-Chief editor@afroellemagazine.com
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AFROELLE IS
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Celebrating women of African Heritage
Empower. Encourage. Entertain. Visit us at www.afroellemagazine.com
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Quotes of the Month “I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life and that is why I succeed.” – Michael Jordan, NBA Legendary Basketball MVP
“Life is not always a matter of holding good cards, but sometimes playing a poor hand well.” – Jack London, Author “Whether you think you can, or think you can’t — you’re right.” – Henry Ford, Ford Motor Company Founder “Don’t limit yourself. Many people limit themselves to what they think they can do. You can go as far as your mind lets you. What you believe, remember, you can achieve.” - Mary Kay Ash, Mary Kay Cosmetics Founder
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CONTENTS INSIDE In her good books : Twaambo Kapilikisha Music Review: Adaku, Lanre
38
19
56
CaramelBrown: Sketches of Soul Cover Feature: Inside An African City Sound of Music with Brenda Moorer The First of Many: Jahmela Biggs
Conversation with Designer Teta Isibo In the Kitchen with
Women in Media:
Lilllian Elidah Daka-Mumba
Uche Pedro
Detox, Juicing and Fasting, Oh My!
Eku Edewor Belinda Otas
In Her Good Books Twaambo Kapilikisha is a Zambian writer, blogger and radio show host currently living in Bonn, Germany. She has written two eBooks How FOMO (fear of missing out) is actually making you miss out ! and Congratulations! You failed. both available on Amazon. Twaambo shares some of her reading habits with us.
What kind of books do you like to read?
I still love to read a feel good romance! Mysteries and thrillers are very exciting for me as well. A good adventure mixed with copious amounts of humor gets a thumbs up from me. Lately I have been reading a lot of books dealing with identity. In essence we are all dealing with who we really are, aren't we? What's the first book you remember reading that made you fall in love with reading and why does that book stand out for you? I remember reading a lot in primary school, the school I attended was big on reading. You took a book home with you to read every week and your parents had to listen to you read and sign you off. I do remember The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe very vividly, our headmaster read a portion to us every
week .I could even taste the Turkish delight in my mouth! Or feel the cold when the kids go through the back of the wardrobe. What are you currently reading?
books shelves, or giveaways. I love to be pleasantly surprised. Which book has had the most impact in your life?
On beauty by Zadie Smith. The characters were very The Exile by Allan familiar to me. It was the right mix of Folsom, cops, blood, confusion, villians and global identity, intrigue. I love enlightenment reading those in and humor for between the ‘serious’ books. me. It was also one of the first Who's your favourite author and times I had read why? a book that had a cast of Enid Blyton. She wrote amazing characters that children's books. I lived the life of were dark skinned and dealt the Famous Five! I went on so with emotional issues that were many adventures, solved so many not necessarily due to freedom mysteries, ate so many cheese fighting , as is the typical sandwiches just by reading her ‘African writer’ type book in my books! opinion, or dying on the streets due to gang wars , black What books are on your reading American stereotype. list ? I do not have a reading list. I like books to find me. Through friends
thebookwormgiraffe.blogspot.de/
ADAKU’S PLASMA IS NOW HERE Adaku’s much anticipated debut album ‘PLASMA’ is finally here. The alternative soul new comer recently released her first single ‘Ghosts’ and she now unveils the album in it’s entirety. A Washington DC resident of Nigerian descent, Adaku’s music is already receiving rave reviews and you do not want to miss out on it. Plasma is available on iTunes, Google play, spotify and other musical digital outlets. If you want an even more authentic experience you can order an autographed CD copy from her website. officialadaku.com
LANRE – HOME (EP) – OUT Lanre, a British Folk/Soul singer is back with a brand new single ‘Home’ also a lead track off her forthcoming EP with the same title. A follow up to her debut album, Pen Voyage Chapter One: Singing For Change ‘Home’ is inspired by Lanre’s recent Living Room Sessions tour which saw her take her intimate concert experience into people’s living rooms, across the UK. It is a touching and compelling ode to our endless affinity and yearning for a place to call home. Lanre’s Home EP is out now and you can listen to the new single on the soundcloud link below. soundcloud.com/lanreworld/home
CaramelBrown
Sketches Of Soul WRITTEN BY BRENDA IBARAH
Cynthia Othieno was born in Uganda but grew up in Geneva where she is currently a recording artist with Juline Michelle, and together they are CaramelBrown. Cynthia is the lead singer and songwriter of the band while Juline is the music composer. AfroElle had a chance to talk with Cynthia while she was in Uganda on music, quitting med school and the Esquisses EP. What is your first memory of music? My very first memory of music is the music my parents used to listen to when I was growing up. They listened to lots of Congolese music, Miriam Makeba, Lucky Dube and Brenda Fassie. Besides the African musicians they also listened to Soul musicians like Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder. I don’t have precise memories but I remember most of the songs.
When exactly did you get into music? I don’t exactly know when but I remember being fascinated by Aaliyah and wanting to be like her. She was my idol growing up and I cried so hard when she died. Janet Jackson also influenced me heavily.
Both your influences are R&B artists, how then did you end up doing NeoSoul? I got acquainted with NeoSoul as a kid. I remember my vision of NeoSoul being Erykah Badu. I would watch her videos and wonder who she was and what
she was doing. She was so different and I was so intrigued by her. When I was 14 I got into a NeoSoul phase and I listened to the likes of D’Angelo, The Roots, Jill Scott and ofcouse Erykah Badu. They still inspire my music.
What’s the CaramelBrown story? CaramelBrown is a duo made up of Juline Michel and I. Juline is my best friend who I have known for 11 years. She composes all our music and I do the songwriting and singing. Music came into our friendship pretty early. We were always sharing music and Juline always made mixtapes for me and the other kids. When we got to high school we started working on music projects together and that’s how the band was born. After high school we decided to try out performing at festivals and we were well received.
What did it feel like performing in front of a big crowd for the first time?
Oh my God! It was exciting but I was nervous as well. The first time we performed was at a street festival. These happen quite often in Geneva and all the streets are filled with different performers. We were given a slot infront of a sex shop in a red light district! (giggles) We just found ourselves there and when we started performing people started coming closer one by one until I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t count them anymore. It was amazing!
When did you start doing music seriously?
Initially, I had set out to become a doctor. After I finished high school, I went to med school but I left soon after I realised it was not my thing. During that period I realized that what I really wanted to do was music and so I started taking it seriously. I also travelled to Cuba to learn more about their music culture which greatly inspired me.
And how did your parents react to this? They took it terribly! They wanted me to become a doctor so I could have a secure future and so obviously they were upset when I chose to do something as unstable as music. But they came around eventually when they realised how serious I was and supported me. I later went to Canada to study music.
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Your first EP Esquisses, what is it about? Esquisses is a French word meaning ‘sketches’. When Juline and I first started working on this project, it was like a sketch of the real thing we want to do. It’s like a first draft of our music to say the least. So expect more of that kind of music in the future.
‘Dearest Me’ a song you wrote caught my attention. What inspired it? ‘Dearest me’ is a letter I wrote to myself while I was struggling with my identity and self esteem. I was no longer the girl I used to be and I wanted to know who I was becoming. I wanted to rediscover myself.
NeoSoul, like many other genres has evolved. It’s now being coined as NuSoul. What’s your take on NuSoul and who is inspiring you right now. I love the way NeoSoul has evolved as a genre and we get to experiment with other genres like hip hop and electric soul and Nu R&B. Right now I’m being inspired by Solange and Frank Ocean. These two artists inspire me with their voices, songwriting, melodies and the way they choose 18| www.afroellemagazine.com
to put their messages out there. I’m also crazy about Solange’s fashion sense and my biggest dream is to be signed to her label. That would be amazing.
Lastly, what should we expect from CaramelBrown in 2014. We are actually going to release a new song and a video soon. It’s on a project we did with a couple of Cuban musicians after a tour we had over there. So look out for those collaborations. Listen to CaramelBrown here soundcloud.com/caramelbrown
Amina Touray Photography | Model: Lillian Bruce Oliver
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Sound of
Brenda’s Music
WRITTEN BY BRENDAH IBARAH PHOTOS COURTESY BRENDA NICOLE MOORER
“ I'm my own voice. I am the only artist I know how to be.”
Known for her sultry, sweet as a Georgia peach sound, soul singer and songwriter Atlanta native, Brenda Nicole Moorer , teamed up with Jesse Fischer to put together, “For Lovers & Believer” a 3 track EP of heavy rhodes, folks guitar, and electronic sounds, over smooth vocals. Bloom, the single for the EP is a sultry song with a positive message to keep your dreams alive. Nicole speaks with AfroElle about her sound of music.
I learned a hot sauce trick from Dave. If you’re ever feeling scratchy in the throat before you sing, take a swig of hot sauce and it works like a charm . I am grateful for every moment of my music career and thankful that I get to keep doing it.
Your grandfather was Alvis Moorer of the 60s band, The Esquires. How did that influence your music? The Esquires was made up of my granddad and his brothers , my great uncles. I grew up watching them perform. I remember being very little and seeing them perform at summer fest which is a huge festival in the Midwest. Its funny, as a child I somehow thought we were related to Michael Jackson because there were pictures of them and the Esquires on the wall in my grandmas house.
Who is Brenda Nicole Moorer? I am a singer, songwriter, friend, sister, mother., and daughter. A lover and a believer. I'm an artist finding my way, living life, and searching for beauty and inspiration. I'm my own voice. I am the only artist I know how to be.
The Esquires music is awesome, and I still listen to their music now. Watching them perform growing up is what instilled the love of music in me. Its what made me go "wow" and say I want to do that. My granddad always said to me "you'sa star." He inspired and encouraged me and believed in me so much.
You started doing music before sixteen. How was that experience?
To what do you attribute the depth and variety of your music?
It was a great learning experience, and I'm still learning. It set a solid foundation for me to grow. I sang with a girl group called NIA, we were Dave Hollister's girl group. I learned a lot about studio recording and performing.
My dad listened to all kinds of music as I grew up. He listened to everything from Earth Wind Fire, The Emotions, to Janet Jackson and everything in between. Music is a big deal in my family, and at everyone's house I went to there was always music. >>>>
My dad would sit me on his lap as he played piano and wrote songs and that taught me how to be a songwriter. My aunt Belinda would always have a Billie Holiday playing. And I fell in love with the emotion and intricacies of jazz . I was a 12 year old with aspirations to be a jazz singer. And, when I became old enough to discover music on my own I found artists like Ani DiFranco, Eva Cassidy, Fiona Apple, and Radiohead. I was hungry to hear everything. And I still am. I love new music. So, somewhere in all of that I developed my voice which lives somewhere between soul, jazz, and folk. Growing up in the Midwest and the south always play a big part in who I am and the voice I developed.
What inspired your latest EP 'For Lovers and Believers' ? What do you want people to get from it?
feel about that?
It was inspired by love and belief. Its been a while since I released music since my first album in 2011. Since then, life happened and it makes it a little bit more difficult to keep dreams alive. So the EP was birthed from the idea that I will never let my dream go, I have to keep believing. And anyone with a dream needs to keep believing.
I love Corinne Bailey Rae. I don't mind being compared to her at all she is an honest musician and has a beautiful voice. I actually thank her in many ways for making a way for black girls singing that type of music-blending soul jazz and folk. When I was working with record labels back in the day they would always say "We don't know how to market your music but its beautiful." And when Corinne came out I was like YES! See someone similar to me is marketable!
So the EP is short and sweet about love ad belief in yourself and dreams. I am currently working on a full length album which will be a continuation of that idea.
While listening to 'Bloom' the first person that came to my mind was 'Corrine Bailey Rae? Do you get that a lot? How do you
She sort of gave me hope to forge on with my music. And I listened to her music and loved it. It's funny because the kind of music I write happens to be similar to hers. But since I first picked up a guitar that's what honestly came from my heart. Id love to work with her one day.
“ When I was working with record labels back in the day they would always say „We don't know how to market your music but its beautiful.”
â&#x20AC;&#x153; Now I understand that my voice is my own and I can do so much more with it than I ever thought before.â&#x20AC;?
Who did you work with on this EP. Any favorite songs on the project? I worked with Jesse Fischer, a musician and producer out of Brooklyn New York. He is so talented and easy to work with. I was lucky to have connected with him. Music seems to flow very freely when we work together. And I'm looking forward to working on the full album with him, along with Kenny Banks an amazing pianist out of Atlanta, GA. My favorite song off the EP is "Burgundy & Alcohol." I'm really proud of that one because we managed to create a song that has a vintage feel to it but sounds new at the same time. And the message in the song is inspiring and came from a real place when I was writing it. I hope people can truly connect with it. The radio stations have loved that song the most.
Would you say that your sound has greatly evolved since your debut album 'Songbird'. If so, how? Yes, I have really learned to understand my voice since that album. That album was recorded over 5 years and I can really hear just in the time frame how my voice changed. I am so much more comfortable with my voice now. I used to feel like it was too high, it was too soft, that it wasn't big enough. But, now I understand that my voice is my own and I can do so much more with it than I ever thought before.
music.
We live in a do-it-yourself-generation of musicians. As an independent artist, what are some of the challenges you've encountered so far. What advice would you give to a musician who wants to set out on their own? Marketing is always the biggest challenge, reaching the most amount of people. Without a label doing the business side of the work, you have to constantly network to reach new people. Finding funding for marketing is a challenge because it is so expensive. That is why I am so grateful to magazines like this one that supports independent music. You help eliminate the challenge. I would advice any aspiring indie artist to study business. Sounds weird right? But, I promise you have some business sense will give your independent career the edge it needs to reach a few more folks. To be an independent musician means you not only have to be creative, but have to be smart in business.
Any last words ? I would say I present to you honestly who I am, and I thank you for accepting me and supporting me. And I hope that you connect with something in my music someway that supports you too. Much love to every single person. <<<<
Connect with Brenda through I've made more connections with awesome people and the biggest change has been using a band. In my earlier music it was all studio. Now, I cant imagine singing to a track. I love my band and they have had the biggest influence on my music. Live bass, drums, guitar, and piano bring out some kind of kinetic magic that only exist when the vibrations are real. That has been the biggest change in my
Website: brendanicolemoorer.com
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The First of Many WRITTEN BY IMAN FOLAYAN PHOTOS COURTESY : JAHMELA BIGGS
A SOUTHERN GIRL FROM WINSTON-SALEM, ACTRESS, WRITER AND PRODUCER, JAHMELA BIGGS IS PROVING THAT PASSION IS LIMITLESS. IN AN INDUSTRY WHERE NOT A LOT OF OPPORTUNITIES ARE GRANTED TO PEOPLE OF COLOR JAHMELA TOOK IT UPON HERSELF TO CREATE HER OWN OPPORTUNITIES, A MOTTO SHE HAS COME TO LIVE BY. WITH A NEW WEB-SERIES AND AN INDEPENDENT FILM UNDER HER BELT, SHE HAS POSITIONED HERSELF AS NOT ONLY ONE WHO TAKES ADVANTAGE OF OPPORTUNITIES BUT ONE WHO PROVIDES OPPORTUNITIES TO OTHERS AS WELL. NOW AS SHE BASKS IN THE REALIZATION OF HER DREAMS SHE SHARES HOW SHE JUGGLES VARIOUS ROLES AND DEALS WITH BEING A MINORITY IN AN INDUSTRY SHE LOVES.
How has your experience been working as the executive producer, writer, and lead actor of your latest venture, the web-series “Firsts”? It’s been a wonderful experience. I actually have a couple other projects; another series called Debt Collectors and a film that I shot in South Africa last year that we just found out will be in the Cannes Film Festival in France. For those projects I actually served in the same way as Executive Producer, writer, as well as lead actress. It’s been a big undertaking but I am in love with creating and I also enjoy working as a producer. I tend to enjoy putting the pieces of the puzzle together and then also being able to give others the opportunity to play other roles. I love it, actually it’s been a really great experience. Since I was very young, loved acting and writing. It’s only more recently that I started sharing my work as a writer. So I’m growing as a writer and producer and I see myself juggling those roles. I don’t see myself limiting myself to one role, I see myself continuing to explore each of them and I’m open to where that takes me.
Tell us what drove you the series, Firsts, because it’s almost in an entirely different direction than your other series, Debt Collectors. I love romance stories and I am such a fan of many of the films and even relationships that we saw on television and in movies in the 90’s. And so I just had a strong desire to create a love story where we were allowed to see a couple’s journey and be a fly on the wall through it all; especially as an African-American couple. It came out of a strong desire to see something that I wanted to see and that we haven’t been able to see recently. I adore love stories so this has definitely been a passion project of mine.
The chemistry between you and the lead actor Will Catlett is outstanding. Why is it personally important for you to show “Black Love” in this way?
“ I JUST HAD A STRONG DESIRE TO CREATE A LOVE STORY WHERE WE WERE ALLOWED TO SEE A COUPLE’S JOURNEY AND BE A FLY ON THE WALL THROUGH IT ALL. ”
I think it’s important to have depictions that we all can relate to and I do feel like we haven’t had the opportunity to see those depictions of love from two people who happen to be black. I think it’s just important. One thing that was also exciting and also evidence of how much it’s needed has been the feedback. And the feedback we’re getting from the series is that people have been so hungry and thirsty to see themselves in a way that feels relatable and tells us a simple love story. It’s something that I’ve wanted to see and from the feedback something many African -Americans want to see as well.
How did you and Issa Rae team up on this project? I actually met her years ago when she was in the midst of releasing “Awkward Black Girl”. It was a small group of us and we were all content creators. At the time I was working on Debt Collectors and we would meet once or twice a year to exchange ideas and support each other in anyway we could. It was a couple years later at one of our meetings that I mentioned to her the project I was working on. At that time I had not shot the pilot yet so I mentioned it to her and told her I would send it to her as soon as it was ready. When I did that she was excited and wanted her network to be the home for it. Now Issa has stated that her primary purpose of starting her network was because mainstream media does not have enough people of color represented in a positive light. Do you agree with this and why do you think its misrepresentation persists? I do agree with that. I think mainstream media and studios have been following a formula that they feel works and part of the misconception is that seeing different stories and representing different people of color won’t make any money. The web has been an incredible platform and there have been movies, like Dear White People, that challenge that. I think we’re seeing, and even studios are starting to see, that the formula that they once had is in need of a change. It’s time for a new paradigm. I think Issa and other networks have been on the web and have seen the success of other series, as well as certain independent films, which have garnered so much support from audiences who feel they have not seen themselves represented in the mainstream.
I’m really hopeful that this will change and I’m excited to be on this platform and be instrumental in changing that. Lupita was just deemed People Magazine’s most beautiful and Beyoncé considered one of the 100 most influential people by Time Magazine. What lasting impression do you want to have as a black woman? They both have definitely been sources of inspiration. Lupita’s presence has given me so much hope and has even inspired me in ways showing that even someone who hasn’t traditionally fit what commercially we have been told is viable can have her work speak for itself. I hope to be able to show and provide opportunities, and not just as actors but as producers and on-camera, for people of color. I’d also like to serve as a vehicle for hope to show that your story is valid. That’s one of the things I’ve taken most from Lupita; that no matter where you’re from, your story and your truth is valid. My goal is to tell some of those stories and open doors for others to do the same. As far as your story, being a black girl from Winston-Salem, North Carolina your career has taken you across the world. What words would you use to describe the moment you stepped off the plane in South Africa to film Thula? I felt like it was evidence of me being where I was supposed to be. I felt like every step of creating that project was faith-led. 31 | www.afroellemagazine.com
“ To have a dream and to see it through to a different continent with a story that I believe was God given, was a life-changing experience. It was one of those moments when I knew “This is what I’m suppose to be doing”. I feel like with that project it was just evidence that anything is possible. ”
F
rom the beginning of that project, the only reason it happened was because we had support from friends and family. My church home, who have been supporting me and dreams of being an actress since day one, contributed so much financially to this film by taking collection plates and praying. To have that type of support from my church and my family, and to have a dream and to see it through to a different continent with a story that I believe was God given, was a life-changing experience. It was one of those moments when I knew “This is what I’m suppose to be doing”. I feel like with that project it was just evidence that anything is possible. If there’s a dream, whatever it is, push for it. With that project it was so many things that could have made me believe that this was impossible. It was absolutely powerful and life changing. We shot the majority of the film in township of South Africa and just knowing the history of apartheid, the townships were where blacks were forced to live. And the children in the townships were some of the most beautiful and brightest kids alive. They were phenomenal, so to have them as a part of the project was such a blessing. Many of them are living in an impoverished area and when we filmed a part of the film at the beach, the lead actress had never been to the beach even though she lives literally a few miles away. So to share the space with those children and for it to be my work was extremely powerful. To have that vision and see it through, not knowing where the finances were coming from, and never having been to Africa; having such a lofty goal and to see it through was just a moment where
I realized whatever you dream you really can achieve! As your career has progressed have you ever had to deal with any racism or discrimination? The type and look definitely plays a role as an actor and it was one of those things I was aware of before I got into the industry. My answer to the discrimination is to create. They key is creating the opportunities you want to see. While at times I have found myself frustrated because I thought I was deserving of an opportunity and not receiving it for other factors, my response has simply been what I can do to shift this. I’ve always felt it’s good to be aware of something and not be happy with it but then what are you going to do about it. My response has been to develop my own projects. What upcoming projects can we look forward to? Well we’re still going to continue the webseries and we’re currently working the Film Festival circuit for Thula. I’m also beginning to work on the Feature Film for First’s so that’s in its developmental stage. Outside of that just being open to what opportunities come. I’m really excited to see where “Firsts” goes in the future as the web-series and the feature film. <<<< Be sure to check out Jahmela’s work at jahmelabiggs.com 33| www.afroellemagazine.com
All about
Nigeria arguably has one of the most entertaining social scenes in Africa, a feat that has been clearly documented on Bella Naija, a proudly Nigerian lifestyle, fashion and entertainment blog showcasing the lives of our favourite Nigerian and International stars. With an average of 10 million views per month, over 54 000 likes on Facebook and more than 170 000 followers on Twitter, there is no doubt that the Bella Naija brand is growing significantly. The popular Bella Naija Weddings segment has become a brand on its own sparing no details in showcasing superstar weddings, affording readers front row seats to Nigeria’s premier weddings. AfroElle writer, TATENDA KANENGONI profiles Uche Pedro, the woman behind Nigeria’s fastest growing lifestyle blog.
Uche Pedro
B
orn Uchenna Eze in Nigeria, Uche completed her primary and secondary schooling in the country before leaving for Canada to pursue her tertiary education at the University of Western Ontario’s Richard Ivey School of Business. She attained an Honours Degree in Business Administration in 2006 graduating with distinction. Following this, she worked in the UK for Cadbury’s Middle East and Africa Division and Cadbury Nigeria. In 2012, Uche got married to Bode Pedro, Head of Veda Technologies, thereby adopting the name Uche Pedro.
Taking a leap of faith pays off PIC SOURCE
You can never go wrong when you have an
connectnigeria.com
insatiable passion about something. This was the main ingredient that catapulted Uche to dedicate her time and energy in building her brand in a sometimes unpredictable ad uncertain industry. The results of her decision have paid off tremendously. In 2009, Uche quit her full-time job to focus on BainStone, the parent company that houses her Bella Naija online media company. The popular website bellanaija.com showcases lifestyle in the form of fashion, events coverage, music, celebrity news, relationships and weddings.
Pic courtesy of Bella Naija
Having realised a niche market for an online platform highlighting fashion and lifestyle in a compelling and inspirational way to match a considerable demand for it, Uche relocated back to Nigeria to officially launch Bella Naija in her beloved homeland.
“From our lips to God’s ears” Uche Pedro In 2010, Uche was featured on the Oprah Winfrey Show under their Beauty Around the World segment. Prior to appearing on the Oprah Winfrey show, Uche shared with her best friend her desire to appear on the show, and it came to pass that very year. Uche attributes her success to God. In her interview with ladybrillemag.com, Uche said “Every decision I have made regarding Bella Naija and every single bit of success I attribute to God and I am very grateful” Described as a media entrepreneur, a list of Uche Pedro’s accolades deserves a section on its own, that’s how impressive her achievements are. In 2010, Uche won the prestigious Fashion Communicator of the year Award and was featured on CNN show i-List, a show that visits a different country each month highlighting innovation and influence in business, industry, culture and more. Uche also won the Future Awards Africa (TFAA) 2013
International Young Media Entrepreneur of the Year award; she was listed as one of the 30 Most Promising Young Entrepreneurs in Africa by Forbes and was named amongst the 50 trailblazers under 50 made in Africa, a list that included US president Barack Obama. Uche is also the youngest recipient of the Young IT and Telecoms Entrepreneur of the year Award at the Nigerian Telecoms Awards. Recognition for her contribution to the diversification of online media solidifies the fact that Uche is a noteworthy pioneer in the field, an inspiration to all women. <<<< SOURCES: Nigeria Films, CNN, Bella Naija & Ladybrille Mag 35| www.afroellemagazine.com
Behind the Scenes With
Eku Edewor
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ince gracing our screens as a presenter on Africa Magic’s 53 Extra, Eku Edewor has become a household name across Africa. With such poise and charisma she keeps us glued to our television screens week after week giving us behind the scenes access to top events, interviewing A listers and even test driving the Porsche Cayene S in one episode –we want her job!!! –Eku is a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry. In this interview, the roles are reversed and AfroElle’s Tatenda Kanengoni gains an inside look into Eku’s life and find out where her talent emanates from. Most of us were introduced to you as a copresenter on 53 Extra, how did your career journey begin? My career journey actually began working behind the scenes. I worked closely with Damian Jones who is a successful British film producer, The Iron Lady, The History Boys. I learnt a lot about the ins and outs of filmmaking and also realized that my immediate passion was performing so I went to NYFA in NY and studied Acting for Film. I returned to Lagos after that because my stepfather sadly passed away and I wanted to spend time with my mum. It was while I was here during that time, 2010, that I auditioned for 53 Extra and the rest is really history.
You have become a recognizable face through your work on TV; do you like the idea of celebrity? I recognize that celebrity has its importance in my career; the audience is given so much access to their favorite talents that one has to be ready to give back and connect with fans. I am however two different people, I am very careful about what people have access to. I think to stay sane you have to have some privacy in our lives, you need those moments of reality to recognize who you are and realize that celebrity is not something concrete to lead your life on. My passion is acting and entertainment so I work on it, I criticize and practice and read and watch and educate myself. I lead a very different life away from the cameras, my family and friends are private so I don’t mix my worlds
“ Success didn’t come overnight .” and I don’t wish to. I’m Eku to the world, Georgie to my friends. Being in front of the cameras is my passion but being able to have normalcy in my life is my privilege and is sacred to me.
You've had instances where your success was attributed to coming from a privileged background, how do you overcome such stereotypes?
A lot of young women aspire to be on TV as presenters, do you think the art of television presenting is an innate one or can be learnt?
Everyone will always attribute someone else’s success to something else; it makes people feel more comfortable about themselves. My upbringing has developed my character, and that character has given me the confidence to chase my dreams and ultimately achieve them. Success didn’t come overnight and if one truly believes that success can be given to you, then they will forever remain held back by their excuses and lack of ambition.
I think you have to have a joy for what you do inside and the confidence to be yourself without fear of judgment as audiences I have noticed don’t like it when they feel any sort of fakeness or uncomfortable energy. I think star quality is that ability to be natural in such an unnatural circumstance. I definitely think that technique is learnt, experience in front of the camera is invaluable. It’s a skill and you have to practice. My skill has developed so much, when I used to watch myself when I started I used to cringe and now I smile because I am proud of how much I have grown.
Have you faced any challenges being a female in the public eye in Nigeria?
My family has nothing to do with the entertainment industry, I am the first person to pursue it and I thank them for making me fearless enough to think I could excel in it, that’s the real gift and support they have given me. I am privileged to have a great education but not so privileged not to recognize that ‘no pain, no gain’. I am proud of my independence, if it’s hard for people to accept, I recognize that I am being extraordinary because ordinary never rubbed anyone up the wrong way.
What keeps you going during tough times? I haven’t allowed the male dominated industry to deter me; I know what I am worth so if I feel that a client doesn’t value that then I walk away. I believe in my talent and I believe in myself. Its women that have developed the mediums that other women are pulled apart and they are the biggest judges, but I always maintain that haters are ‘can’t dos hating on the can dos’. It takes a lot of courage to stand up and be independent especially in a patriarchal society. I don’t believe in compromising myself to please anyone, men or women. I want to be proud of myself and honor my God-Given talents, so I continue to honor dreams and ambitions by being the best example and best talent I can be. The biggest challenge I face is myself and my fears.
My friends, family and my dialogue with God. I have really supportive close friends and they remind me of my strengths when I am low. I surround myself with positivity, I have been in situations where I haven’t been around the best people and the way negative people suck the energy from you can be dangerous to your esteem.
To you, what constitutes a fulfilling life? To be content with what you have when you have it. Life is journey to you need to remember to sit back and enjoy the moments of joy and achievement when you are given those moments. <<<<< 37 | www.afroellemagazine.com
Inside An African City We take a peek into the web series, An African City in an interview with the cast and producers.
WRITTEN BY: ASHLEY MAKUE
S
et in Accra, Ghana, An African City is a web series following the lives of five returnees to the African continent. Born of Nicole Amarteifo and produced by Millie Moyo, the series is a dazzling expression of the experiences of black women in Africa. When Nana Yaa returns to her home country Ghana, she finds her girlfriends; Sade, Ngozi, Makena and Zainab already journeying through the culture shock, the new experience of electricity and water outages, the unbelievable cost of accommodation, the culture of dating, politics of the sexes, as well as the unfamiliar tongue of their home, of returning to Africa after spending most of their lives abroad. The women discover the warmth of home, old love, new love and rekindled friendships. As is the culture with all the shows that have connected with viewers on a level more profound than simple fanaticism, the multiple facets of the
human life experiences come into a personal and an open contact with everyone who watches the show. From the events that every other woman in Africa can attest to having experienced once or more times in their lives, to those under-the-rug conversations that are a covert truth- An African City is the art and indisputable science of telling stories that belong absolutely and exclusively to African cities and their women. Dubbed Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own Sex and The City, An African City is an authentic, accurate and peculiar record of the lives of women in African cities. The eccentricity of the series can be credited to its fearlessness in communicating subjects that are somewhat taboo for an African audience, the gasp-worthy fashion, its rich storyline and its online communication.
AFROELLE: YOU HAVE CREDITED SEX AND THE CITY FOR SPARKING THE INTEREST TO MAKE AN AFRICAN CITY, HOW HAVE YOU WORKED THE CONCEPT SO THAT AN AFRICAN CITY IS AN ORIGINAL STORY AND NOT THE AFRICAN VERSION OF ANOTHER? NICOLE A. : I was certainly first inspired by 'Sex and the City.' But it was when I was sitting in Accra, Ghana , 10 years after the original SATC first aired on cable, that I really became a fan watching every single episode from season one to six back to back including all the director cuts. But, SATC was the experience of the American woman, An African City is uniquely looking at the experience of African women who have returned to the continent after living many years abroad.
photo credit Mantse Aryeequaye
“ What is fun about the show is that there are no boundaries in topics or themes, I would always want the fans of An African City to have that: a show that can push boundaries and talk about taboo topics not typically discussed in African film.”
Nicole Amarteifio CREATOR & EXECUTIVE PRODUCER AN AFRICAN CITY
Some of these experiences will be unique to the life of this type of returnee, while some of these experiences will show that you can be a woman sitting in Africa or China or Europe, there are experiences that simply just unite us all in our femininity. In short, the comedic web series is African, but shares stories that are universally female, universally human for that matter. AE: BASED ON THE GREAT SUCCESS OF AN AFRICAN CITY, DO YOU SEE IT BEING SHARED ON THE TELEVISION MEDIUM? NA: TV is certainly the goal for a season two. But, being that we have viewers sitting everywhere from Nairobi to Los Angeles, Atlanta to Joburg. we would need a network that has that ability to have a global reach. That might be a tall order, but that is what I hope for. Also, I enjoyed the creative freedom that comes with using an internet-based platform, I would not want a TV network to put boundaries on any of that creativity. 49 | www.afroellemagazine.com
What is fun about the show is that there are no boundaries in topics or themes, I would always want the fans of An African City to have that: a show that can push boundaries and talk about taboo topics not typically discussed in African film.
AE: THE SERIES IS A BRILLIANT AND REFRESHING EXPRESSION OF THE MODERN AFRICAN GIRL, OTHER THAN SEX AND THE CITY, ARE THE WOMEN IN YOUR LIFE WHO HAVE INSPIRED THE STORY? NA: Every woman I have met in this country is an inspiration, because they all have a journey and are all trying to navigate the ups and downs of that journey; this journey makes them human and that humanity is beautiful. But, the real inspiration is African immigrants who are returning. It's an ode to the generation before us that felt they had to leave because of the political instability of the 1980s, to the generation of today that has decided to return. It is this theme that has really been the inspiration behind this show.
AE: IN THE EVENT OF A SECOND SEASON, WHAT CAN YOU SHARE WITH US REGARDING THE STORYLINE? NA: The thing with a web series, it's hard to offer much depth when you have a 12 minute episode and trying to incorporate the lives of five main characters. If we were doing a season two with longer episodes on a television network, I would want the viewer to experience more depth with each character and with each plot line. Also, in season one, the girls are still African women who are very much westernized. Season two I would want to see how immersion into the culture around them is changing them â&#x20AC;&#x201C; if at all. AE: HOW DID YOU WRITE EACH CHARACTER SO UNIQUE AND RELATABLE? NA: Tapping into my own stories and tapping into the stories of people I know. I am not a good friend to have because if you tell me your story it might end up in a script. But, yes, nearly every story in An African City is the story of women from several cities throughout the continent, from Accra to Lagos to Nairobi to Kigali to Cape Town. These stories happen and there are plenty more to share. <<<<
photo credit MiMo
“ Until you have the right cast, you have nothing but an idea.”
Millie Monyo EXECUTIVE PRODUCER AN AFRICAN CITY
MM: As the writer, Nicole had these characters in her head. All she needed was to find the right actors who could bring those characters to life. As she tells it, MaameYaa Boafo – “the Ghanaian Carrie Bradshaw” – was the first to enter the audition room. After MaameYaa read, Nicole turned to the rest of the team and said, "this is a great sign; this is going to be a good thing."
AFROELLE: WHY DID YOU TAKE UP AN AFRICAN CITY AS A PROJECT? MILLIE MONYO: I was living in Ghana at the time and visiting New York for a few days when a close friend Mariama Keita, a member of the Diaspora African Women’s Network (DAWN), told me about Nicole and her pilot for a show. I watched it, fell in love with the concept and truly wanted to see it become successful. Upon returning to Ghana, I met Nicole and our friendship grew to a business partnership. It was a no brainer that I would come on board and produce as well as bring it to TV which is my ultimate goal!
AE: THE SERIES HAS AN INCREDIBLE CAST OF BEAUTIFUL AFRICAN WOMEN, WHAT WAS THE CASTING CRITERIA?
Upon meeting each girl individually, there was a feeling that the casting was just right. The final click happened during the table read for Season One. As we read though the scripts, something magical happened and I just knew this was it! “Until you have the right cast, you have nothing but an idea.” AE: HAVE YOU DONE ANY PROJECTS SIMILAR TO AN AFRICAN CITY? MM: The only project that comes remotely close is PoweR Girls which was a reality based show created for MTV in 2005 that told the story of four young Publicists and their boss socialite, Lizzie Grubman. Similar to An African City, PoweRGirls was compared to SATC likely because of the four female leads. My love for producing developed after being featured on that show. I found that I was more interested in being behind the scenes than in front of the camera. I met quite a few people and made some solid connections which led me to work on “What not to Wear” and “Life in the Fab Lane” with Kimora Lee Simmons. An African City is my first independent producing project in Ghana. 51 | www.afroellemagazine.com
“ Fashion plays a MAJOR role in the series as well as in the lives of the girls. I’d even go as far as calling Fashion the 6th main character.”
AE: THE FASHION ON AN AFRICAN CITY STANDS OUT AS FASHION DOES ON SEX AND THE CITY, WAS THIS INTENTIONAL? MM: Yes, this was completely intentional. We wanted to
showcase the best that Africa, namely Ghana has to offer. The response from our audiences has been great and we are delighted that they seem to be hungry for more. Our styling team for Season One which included: JoJo Abot of Vintage GH, Esosa E and myself worked hard to create looks that would do justice to the vibrancy and uniqueness
I can only hope to one day see African ladies – or ladies throughout the world for that matter – copying the looks of the ladies of An African City!
Fashion plays a MAJOR role in the series as well as in the lives of the girls. I’d even go as far as calling Fashion the 6th main character! SATC ignited the careers of Manolo Blahnik and Patricia Field and made wearing a tutu and flower corsage cool! I can only hope to one day see African ladies – or ladies throughout the world for that matter – copying the looks of the ladies of An African City!
AE: THE STORYLINE IS VERY WEALTHY, HOW HAVE YOU BEEN ABLE TO COMPRESS SUCH LARGE STORIES SO FLAWLESSLY INTO 12 MINUTES AN EPISODE? MM: I’ll let Nicole answer this
that is Ghana fashion right now. And, of course, Nicole had relationships with many of the designers and was able to source many of the looks for wardrobe. We can only hope to forever change the fashion landscape of Africa as ‘Sex and the City’ did so many years ago in the states and continue to deliver top quality fashion over the many seasons to come.
NICOLE: Well, thank you! Being that this is a web series being shared on a social platform such as YouTube, I felt each episode had two lives. In the first life, it’s about certain issues being touched upon through the characters and through the story line. In the second life, it’s about the audience and the conversation spearheaded by our audience. What do they think about these issues? In episode two, what do they think about Ghana’s housing market? What do they think about the role of “sugar daddies” in our society? In episode four, what do they think about the efficiency of public agencies? In episode five, what do they think about bleaching creams? In episode ten, what do they think about Ghana’s oil sector? The second life is also a key part of the story touched upon in each episode. That’s how I see it. <<<< 53 | www.afroellemagazine.com
“It‟s like no matter how successful women get, it always boils down to whether or not she can fry plantain or boil a piece of chicken.” ~ NaaYaa
Photo credit: Emmanuel Bobbie
AFROELLE: WHAT WAS IT ABOUT AN AFRICAN CITY APPEALED TO YOU?
EXPRESSING NANA YAA? HOW DID YOU OVERCOME THEM?
MAAMEYAA BOAFO: I was attracted to the concept. I knew it was going to be revolutionary and it's an honor to be a part of the cast.
MB: Nana Yaa really clicked with me. On a personal level she and I deal with a lot of the same issues - proving that we are Ghanaians and defending our reasons for having natural hair etc. How she overcomes her issues has helped me be more introspective in how I deal with my own struggles or challenges.
AE: WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR EXPERIENCE WORKING WITH BOTH NICOLE AMARTEIFO AND MILLIE MONYO? MB: Nicole is the most generous person I have met and she is so supportive, while Millie's instinct is always on point. They make a powerhouse duo and to be under their direction just confirmed that this show was going to be something. Both of them support our work outside of AAC and that support solidified this sisterhood. AE: HAVE YOU HAD ANY DIFFICULTIES
AE: WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE THINGS ABOUT AN AFRICAN CITY? MB: The team! From my girls to the crew, I loved being on set! You could sense that we were all giving 100% to bring AAC to life! My cast mates are so talented and our crew members were hilarious! I still keep in touch with everyone. And the clothes were so much fun to wear! <<,< 55| www.afroellemagazine.com
“ We are in Africa, we are Africans, we are supposed to eat meat, we are supposed to love meat and pepper, lots of pepper!” ~ Sade on Ngozi’s choice of being a vegetarian
photo credit Emanuel Bobbie
In the episode title A Custom’s Emergency, we meet an all-new character; Sade’s American vibrator hits Africa. It seems that with all the giftedness of African men, as per Sade’s announcements as often as she can, a girl is allowed dependency on a single item outside herself- a strange looking machine that rockets and grinds until all her troubles are forgotten.
just always was.
AFROELLE: SADE IS A FUN AND BIG CHARACTER, MUCH LIKE SAMANTHA JONES IN SEX AND THE CITY, DO YOU DRAW FROM KIM CATTRALL'S PERFORMANCE IN ANY WAY?
AE: YOU ARE A PART OF AN EXCELLENT CAST OF ACTRESSES, CAN YOU SHARE ABOUT THE FILMING EXPERIENCE?
NANA MENSAH: Perhaps. I can't say I've never seen Sex and the City, so there could be some overlap. The glee with which Kim Cattrall inhabits Samatha Jones is infectious! AE: WHAT SPARKED YOUR LOVE FOR ACTING? NM: I was born with it. I used to force my parents and their friends to sit and watch me dance and act and play , I was an only child for quite a while, there was no spark, it
AE: DOES AN AFRICAN CITY FULFILL YOUR STORYTELLING DESIRE? NM: Surely. Nicole has written a delicious character that I love to step into as often as possible. I think Sade has even started to seep into my personal life!
NM: Everyone gets along so well! It's really incredible that five beautiful women with huge personalities can spend so much time together and still like each other at the end of the day. We spent so much time together in Accra, and still stay in touch during the off season even though we're scattered around the globe-- it's really great. AE: WHAT CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT SADE'S VIBRATOR? NM: [laughs] She calls him 'Maserati'.
Photo Credit Deon Wills
AFROELLE: CONSIDERING YOUR BACKGROUND AS A TELEVISION PRODUCER, HOW HAS IT BEEN TO TAKE UP AN ACTING ROLE IN A PRODUCTION? MAAME ADJEI: It's been a completely well rounded experience for me. Initially, when Nicole approached me about the role I was daunted by the idea of being in front of the camera. I'm an introvert in real life, more interested in the technical aspects of production and I just prefer to be behind the scenes. However, once I got on set, met the other extremely talented ladies I was working with I really settled into the idea of just trying to bring Zainab to life. I understood her while reading the script but being on set with the other ladies allowed me to understand her role in the group and that helped me as an actress to tweak her personality along the way. It was definitely interesting and an amazing learning experience seeing things from the other side. Being surrounded by such a talented group, from producers to crew to actors, really helped me feel confident and comfortable in this role and I'm happy I made the transition into acting with An African City. AE: WHAT DOES AN AFRICAN CITY MEAN TO GHANA AND ITS TOURISM INDUSTRY?
â&#x20AC;&#x153; I am really excited that the show is providing a different viewpoint on the narratives that are usually associated with the continent.â&#x20AC;?
~ Maame Adjei
MA: I feel like the show is a unique portrayal of Accra, not necessarily for those of us who already live here, but for people who might have no notion of what it is to live in an urban environment in Africa in this day and time. I've heard so many comments about the Broll shots that we see before the start of every episode. Some people are surprised that that kind of urban environment exists in Accra or any other African city. So I am really excited that the show is providing a different viewpoint on the narratives that are usually associated with the continent. We have great restaurants, great local designers and bustling cities just like anywhere else in the world. As a local travel junkie and fervent believer that Ghana isn't quite capitalizing on its tourist resources my hope is that as we move on to other seasons we get to
showcase more of Ghana's beautiful landscapes, towns and countryside attractions.
Photo Credit Deon Wills
AE: IS THERE A ZAINAB IN MAAME ADJEI? MA: There definitely is a Zainab in Maame. We are really similar and I think that's what made it easier for me to choose this as my first acting role. We're both business women, very independent, a little stubborn while still being compassionate and vulnerable at times. Zainab is quite pragmatic and a little more curt and sarcastic with her friends than I probably am, but I admire that about her. From a completely aesthetic angle Zainab's fashion sense and mine are very similar as well. When I saw the line sheet for what her wardrobe would look like I was giddy about wearing her clothes. I think the biggest difference between us is that I am obsessed with lemon in my coke and she detests it! AE: WHAT HAVE YOUR BIGGEST MOMENTS ON THE SHOW BEEN? MA: I would say my most challenging moment on the show would be Zainab's scene with her business partner. I had to find it within myself to lose it, publicly. It's so farfetched from something that I would actually do that when we were done shooting that scene I felt relieved that it was over; but
overcoming my own vulnerability made me feel like I had accomplished something in this new arena of acting. AE: ZAINAB'S GENDER POLITICS ARE IMPORTANT FOR THE SHOW, HOW DO YOU ENSURE THAT YOU GET HER EXACTLY RIGHT? MA: Zainab is very clear about her views on the dynamics between men and women in society and she expresses it to her friends a lot, be it telling Nana Yaa to get a home loan rather than have a man buy an apartment for her or insisting that Ngozi does not have to lie about knowing how to cook. I think what was important to me was making sure that it is clear where she stands on these things but that she's not militant, non-emotional or uncompromising in her views. That she is passionate about being independent but she is also looking for love and companionship just like the other girls. She is not looking for a man to take care of her financially but she wants someone to love and to love her in return. So making sure that the audience was aware of this duality within her was important to me. <<<
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“ An African city is a great depiction of our lives here in Ghana. From dating issues, electricity cuts, water rationing, female empowerment in the workplace to the real estate intensity, all are reflections of my daily life here in Ghana.” ~
A
Marie Humbert
FROELLE: WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT PLAYING MAKENA?
MARIE HUMBERT: Makena is multidimensional which is what I truly enjoy while portraying this character. There is so much she has not yet revealed, so many layers that have not been fully exposed. You get to find out about her divorce in the first episode but not once does Makena have a moment of pure confession, she cuts short any conversation relating to her divorce and instead has a cigarette or another sip of wine. She moved back to Ghana leaving everything and everyone behind, in particular her ex-husband and is now starting over. She can’t find a job even though her CV is impressive and she struggles to find the right man. Makena is strong and determined and tries to make the best of every situation; however she is yet to open up and reveal more about who she truly is. AE: HOW IS THE ACTING EXPERIENCE ON A WEB SERIES IN COMPARISON TO YOUR WORK IN THEATRE?
MH: Well, it is undeniable that there are differences between performing on stage and performing behind a camera although the common aim is to keep the same level of intensity and truthfulness. When you perform on stage you have to be powerful with your movement, voice, expression, the audience sitting from the front to the back of the room must understand you, hear you, feel you, which is why rehearsals are key prior to any performance. As a theatre actor, you are trained and prepared to give a compelling, rehearsed performance every night, for as long as it is required. Behind the camera, you need to be just as capable but you are in a different environment, you are sitting in the real world, not a controlled one made of props and décor, you have to deal with all the inconveniences such as the weather, sound, light etc. When I used to perform on stage, I was trained to know my every step and direction. Working on this particular web series was far more relaxed and comfortable, I could play with my character a little more freely than if I was to play Macbeth, for example, on a famous London theatre stage. AE: WHAT STANDS OUT TO YOU ABOUT AN AFRICAN CITY? MH: Almost everything! An African city is my story, I am half Ghanaian and half European and I am also a returnee to the African continent.
â&#x20AC;&#x153;I got dumped by a guy that expected me to cook three meals a day, every single day; I am not a full-time chef, I am a lawyer. â&#x20AC;? ~ Makena
on men in Ghana, in Episode 1, The Return
Most of the topics that are being addressed have been topics discussed between my girlfriends and me. You are usually who you surround yourself with; my girlfriends in Ghana are all strong, independent women. An African city is a great depiction of our lives here in Ghana. From dating issues, electricity cuts, water rationing, female empowerment in the workplace to the real estate intensity, all are reflections of my daily life here in Ghana. Indeed, a lot stands out to me about An African City! AE: WHAT ARE YOUR HOPES FOR THE SHOW? MH: I obviously hope for a long and successful journey ahead! This show is so refreshing, modern, entertaining and finally we get to see an African woman of today. It might not exactly be your personal story but the content of the show is so diverse that as a woman you will be able to relate to some aspect of the show one way or another. Yes we are returnees, yes we are African and yes we have been privileged to receive a good education. But at the end of the day we are just women, women trying to cope with what life throws at us while making the most of and cherishing what we are fortunate to have. I hope for global exposure, professional recognition, and to build awareness with the issues that are being brought to light while continuing to receive love and support from our fans, .hopefully all the above is not too much to ask for!<<<<
Photo credit: Emmanuel Bobbie
photo credit Deon Wills
“ Playing Ngozi was interesting because it came at a time that really drove me into finding and yearning for a deeper connection …...to think about my own personal journey and connection with God.”
AFROELLE: YOU HAVE AN IMPRESSIVE ACTING RESUME, HOW DID YOU BECOME A PART OF AN AFRICAN CITY? ESOSA E: It was funny because I think at least three colleagues of mine saw the casting and emailed me about it immediately. I took that as a sign, and because I love fashion , I used to work as a fashion designer, I was really excited about being in a show where fashion would be another character in the story. I went to the casting call and auditioned and then was offered the role of Ngozi. I chose to do it because I fell in love with the concept, and there was something really unique about Nicole, I knew she was onto something special. For this first season I also jumped on board to assist with the costumes/styling concepts for each character and serve as Associate Producer; which I was happy to do because I really believed in the project and wanted to be a part of making it a success. AE: WHAT WERE YOUR FIRST THOUGHTS ABOUT THE STORY? EE: I thought the concept of the show, the characters, and the dating scene were amazing and I knew even if I wasn’t in the show I would be a fan. It gave a voice to the crazy and sometimes straight up hilarious experiences my girlfriends and I go through in the dating world. Before we began this process I also knew that from a marketing perspective that there was a huge audience out there in the Diaspora and beyond that was yearning for content like this; so I was excited to be a part of bringing ‘An African City’ to life. AE: NGOZI IS THE MODERN VERSION OF THE "SUPER RELIGIOUS" WOMAN, ARE YOU IN ANY WAY LIKE HER? EE: I am actually very different from Ngozi in many ways! So different that it really took me awhile to figure out how to approach the character, but once I found the connection it clicked. It was a good challenge. Ngozi has a very innocent way she sees the world, has a deep need to please and be accepted by others almost
to a fault, and she is also uncomfortable with her sensuality. Although none of those traits apply to me personally, I have had a lot of friends who have experienced what Ngozi goes through and have made the choice to remain virgins or celibate until marriage for religious reasons. I drew upon them for inspiration and I love and respect all women who choose to move through the world the way Ngozi does. I was raised Christian, so that part we had in common but I think Ngozi would win hands down if we competed on who could quote the most scripture the fastest! AE: HOW HAVE YOU SOAKED IN HER CHARACTER? EE: A few months before we were all casted and did some test shots, my younger brother passed. It was a difficult time for me, and I even considered not being a part of the pilot, but I knew that the project was special so I pushed forward with it. Playing Ngozi was interesting because it came at a time that really drove me into finding and yearning for a deeper connection with spirit. I think the mark he has left on me, was forcing me to think about my own personal journey and connection with God, that isn’t about show or fluff ---it’s about a real relationship that only you can cultivate within yourself. I have that now, so I’m very grateful. AE: IF THERE BE A SECOND SEASON, WILL YOU REMAIN IN THE CAST OF AN AFRICAN CITY? EE: I very much hope that there is a second season and the way things are going I think it’s very possible! And I am open to all possibilities. But for now, I am just so very grateful and humbled to be a part of season one.
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Photo Credit: Andrew Esiebo
A CONVESATION WITH DESIGNER
Teta Isibo
R
WANDAN DESIGNER AND ENTREPRENEUR, TETA ISIBO GREW UP WITH A LOVE FOR DESIGN AND FASHION. IT WAS NOT UNTIL SHE DECIDED THAT HER PASSION WAS BIGGER THAN A HOBBY, THAT SHE BROUGHT INZUKI TO LIFE. THROUGH INZUKI, TETA CREATES AND SHARES THE IMAGE AND BRAND OF RWANDA. FROM BEAUTIFUL JEWELLERY TO BREATH-TAKING DÉCOR, TETA’S DREAM IS A COLOURFUL REALITY.
WRITTEN BY ASHLEY MAKUE
In 2011 you left your day job to pursue design which was before then, a hobby, did you fear the risks of the entrepreneurship path you were embarking on? Yes I was definitely scared of all the unknowns that come with a start-up, especially since I had no background in running a business. But my resolve to do this thing that I was so passionate about overrode my fears.
What are some of the important decisions you have needed to make for the development of your art and the business? I had to decide that I didn’t just want to build a business but a brand, because of this I won’t just take on any business offer or good deal, if it isn’t in line with the vision I have for my brand then I’ll stir clear even if it’s good money.
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Other than the fashion and design which sits at the core of Inzuki's business, what purpose did you wish to fulfil with the work? hen did you discover your interest in design and fashion?
Ever since I can remember I was always interested in design and fashion. It just never crossed my mind that it was anything more than a hobby until around 2008, when friends started picking interest in my designs and placing orders, even then at first I just treated it as a hobby that was making me a little money on the side but eventually as my skills developed and my passion grew I realised it was really what I wanted to do with my life.
I wanted to create a Rwandan brand that Rwandans all over the world could identify with and that would be a positive reflection on the new Rwanda to the rest of the world.
So far, has Inzuki fulfilled its purpose? We are getting there .
Inzuki has won an entrepreneurship award, what has this meant for your confidence in your work? At that time, this sector didn’t really get much respect in Rwanda , that’s changing slowly but surely now, and a lot of people didn’t really understand how I would resign from my job to do this, winning that award against businesses in sectors like IT and Agriculture really upped my confidence in my work and gave us great publicity and opportunities to showcase our work.
Rwanda's creative industry is growing significantly, what contribution do you see fashion making to the country's economy? I think there’s a lot of potential for the fashion industry to contribute to the country’s economy especially through export and the job creation and ultimately economic empowerment that comes with it. Rwanda has great traditional craftsmanship skills which are being enhanced to suit today’s fashion industry, Rwanda has proved to be a great place to source ethically hand made products and a lot of fashion brands are looking for these kind of products today; Macy’s, Nicole Miller, Kate Spade, Anthropology e.t.c all source products from Rwanda now.
What kind of styles do you pursue in interior decor? My interior décor products follow the same design concepts as my jewellery and accessories. Handmade, traditional-contemporary fusion, bold and vibrant!
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lease take us through the creation of jewellery, from the artwork design to the final product. Usually it will start with a small spark of an idea inspired by anything and from there it will kind of grow and I’ll process it in my head for a while before putting it down. I always walk around with a notebook because I get ideas at the most random times. I’ll save my ideas up , in what I call my ‘Idea bank’, for when I’m working on a collection or project and then use the ones that blend in with the rest of the concept. After picking out designs I’ll decide on what artisan group would be a best fit for making the products, this depends on the raw material use (Beads, sisal, palm leaf) and other factors. I’ll then work with this artisan group to make a prototype, I might then show it to my close friends to see what they think, once we’ve got the prototype right then we’ll make more and the products will then hit the shelves of our store!
Are there any themes or colour schemes that you like to explore in your designs? I love colour, a bit too much; sometimes I have to force myself to tone it down, so yes my designs are rather colourful. We do a lot of monochromatic, analogous colour schemes and play around with a lot of visual contrasting schemes as well.
My inspiration for designs comes from a blend of people, places, things and times. Colours, textures, shapes and patterns…I see potential for design in just about everything.
Having the freedom to create and develop my life’s passion is a great experience that I have almost daily. I took part in the 2nd edition of Kigali fashion week last year and that was an amazing experience. Winning an entrepreneurship competition/award in 2012 was also a highlight for me, and honestly every time I see a complete stranger wearing one of my designs it still gets me all emotional, I want to squeal and run up to them and say ‘I made that’ but then I stop myself and try to act all cool like a real designer.
What is in store for the Inzuki client and the rest of the world? We are working on expanding our product ranges, adding a Men’s’ line and a kid’s line amongst others and also expanding on our current lines as well. Our online store is coming up sometime this year so the rest of the world will have access to our products. We hope to evolve into a lifestyle brand delivering contemporary African style to the rest of the world.
What have been some of your greatest experiences with Inzuki?
www.inzuki.com 69 | www.afroellemagazine.com
In the Kitchen with
Lilllian Elidah Daka-Mumba
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rofessional chef, Lilllian Elidah Daka-Mumba admits that she’s always loved cooking, “ I really never knew where it came from, my aunt used to run a restaurant in Zambia before I moved to Sweden and now I am told that my grandmother was a trained cook at one of the best cooking schools in Zambia by her time. I guess that it runs in the family.” The Zambian born did her culinary arts at Cesar Ritz Culinary Academy, Switzerland. Lillian is currently back in Zambia, establishing Twaala Restaurant– a family style traditional restaurant and she shares her love for food and a simple recipe to try at home. What is your definition of a great meal? Simple. Great starter, main course and dessert not forgetting a nice semi sweet cold sauvignon blanc. 70 | www.afroellemagazine.com
What kinds of food have you specialized? I'm specialized more in European cuisine and I have a great love for French cuisine. My first two jobs were all about French cuisine. It is a cuisine that is wide and diverse also challenging, guess that's why I love it. Having had a diverse background - born in Zambia , raised in Sweden, studied in Switzerland and worked in France , where did you mostly enjoy the food culture and why? How different are the food cultures in the different places? France and Switzerland. The reason why is because that food is a lifestyle there. In Zambia it really is not, most people here don't view food as an experience and lifestyle. It gets very hard. In Swiss and France, I never really got much time off from work, but when I did, we used to go down to Swiss, buy the wines, cheeses, baguettes and eat. It was one of the hardest times of my life, being far from family and all but the love and passion for food helped me overcome it. What food trends are you currently excited about in Zambia? The love and appreciation for traditional cuisine is coming back and my restaurant Twaala is a family style traditional restaurant. I want to introduce more Zambians to dine out and especially bring their family and kids. When I was in Dubai working At The Palm, I was introduced to a lot of Seafood and seafood is coming up in Zambia despite being a landlocked country, I am also excited about that. What do you love most about food? The ability to create great dishes, amazing presentations and exceeding customers expectations. <<<<
MANGO SALAD RECIPE INGREDIENTS 4 portions 2 big mangoes, just a bit ripe, peeled and cut into stripes 2 bell peppers, cut into stripes or cubes 1 head lettuce, washed, dried and cut into chunks 2 tomatoes, cut into wedges 1 onion, finely sliced 6 tablespoon, olive oil 3 tablespoon, lemon juice Salt and pepper to taste. METHOD - In a bowl add the bell peppers, mangoes, tomatoes, onions and lettuce and mix well - In a separate bowl, whisk the olive oil, lemon juice with the salt and pepper until thick and pour into the bowl of the salads and mix well. - Ready for serving,
DETOX, JUICING, AND FASTING OH MY! Words by Iman Folayan We’re almost half way through the year but it’s not too late to fulfill that New Year’s Resolution you had for a healthier lifestyle. You may have dedicated more time to the gym or changed your eating habits, so kudos! You may have also even considered fasting, detoxing, or juicing to help you cleanse yourself of any impurities. And while the Internet is a good source of information it can also contribute to misinformation. Most people do not realize that while detoxing can be good in certain circumstances, it can also be harmful. Angela Elizabeth is not your typical healer. With a background in biology coupled with her license as a Holistic Health Practitioner, her company Goddess Body is dedicated to healing women and not just prescribing a medication to alleviate symptoms. Her passion to heal first began after healing herself and has since spread to many women across cultures and nations. So before you go on a binge diet or decide to only drink celery juice for two weeks consider her
professional advice as she shares her personal testimony. AfroElle: There seems to be a health revolution amidst with so many people adopting organic products or vegan lifestyles. Why do you believe holistic health is better than traditional western medicine? AE: My views on the topic matter are more so related to what holistic health is and it being an alternative in the industrialized, westernized society. It not really a matter of what is better but what is the best fit any in situation. As a Holistic Health Practitioner, I seek to find balance where there is disarray. I seek to find balance in body systems where there is disease or imbalance. That being said, the question of whether holistic health is better than western medicine becomes, “When is holistic health best used and when is Western medicine best used”? They both have their benefits. I believe that both holistic health and “alternative medicine” is best used as a preventative measure. It becomes more of an issue of implementing a lifestyle conducive to health and traditionally western medicine is more so bout patchwork and
asymptomatic issues being relieved. At the same token in the event of an emergency, if I severed my leg, I would not use a blood-clotting herb, I would go to the nearest hospital where there are trained surgeons. However, everyday healthcare should be set -up where you primarily control it and this is where holistic health comes into play. You should do things on a regular, everyday basis that heighten your health because nothing else matters if you’re sick! AfroElle: You are a healer, but first you had to heal yourself. Please share with us your story, how holistic medicine benefited you personally?
AE: Having the knowledge of holistic medicine literally changed my life. I suffered from uterine fibroids and cysts, kidney issues, anxiety and depression, you name it. I’m thirty years young and all this accumulated around the healthy young age of twenty. Up until that time I have extremely bad menstrual cycles so much so that I often needed a wheelchair to move about. All of this was due to the onset of uterine fibroids and vaginal cysts. I went from doctor to doctor, they would drain them but eventually I would have to have major surgery to remove them. But they came back, and with a vengeance. And when I asked a doctor the answer was alarming, he said, “We don’t really know. There’s nothing you can do about it”. Basically, I was left with the
option of a hysterectomy and since I wanted children I refused. My best friend introduced me to holistic health and a book. At the time I didn’t know that the author of this book would end up being my teacher and mentor. As an ethno-botanist, Dr. Llaila Afrika focuses on food being medicine and it dealt with rounds of cleansing and detoxification and raw food dieting and fasting and herbal supplements. He is also a trained surgeon, so after doing all that he said and continuing my Bachelor’s study in forensic science and Masters in Biology I found balance. After a year and a half I was completely cyst free with no kidney problems, no nothing!.
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froElle: Tell us more about the services you offer women and some of the benefits.
AE: I offer a host a different services and products made to resist disease and enhance your current health. I was licensed through Dr. Llaila as a holistic practitioner and herbalist and have studied and researched plant medicine in the traditional university setting. My products focus on synergizing the various body systems. My main product is the Goddess Body Cleanse, and includes herbal teas, herbal fiber blends, and specific recipes and dietary regimen. I offer a wonderful collection of other herbal teas outside of this cleanse for all types of health issues from headaches to diabetes to cholesterol. I also create customized services and plans for clients on a private basis. All of my products and services are available online at goddessbody.org. In the spring of 2015 I will also launch a virtual classroom where I will be teaching chemistry and other subjects from a holistic stance and conducting workshops. AfroElle: In your professional opinion, what are the most harmful mistakes that women make when it comes to womb health (and overall health in general)? AE: One of the biggest mistakes women make when it comes to womb or uterine health and general health has to do with emotions. One is emotional eating and two is the harboring of emotions. These two nuances affect us holistically more than anything else. As woman we have so many roles and in an effort to keep the peace we harbor emotions and thoughts. There are things that we harbor that come back later to haunt us, and it is those everyday things that we do not release that cause the stress and destructive thought patterns and behaviors. Thus we need to practice releasing those emotions and purging positively. We as (minority) women have had to acclimate into a
patriarchal society and our biggest issue has to deal with emotional repression, which over the years has created a construct of not Man vs. Woman but Woman vs. Self. We have to answer to ourselves, so if you find yourself in an emotional state that his hampering your progress physically or mentally you must release. This repression ties directly to the emotional eating which only patches up what is really wrong preventing any true healing. AfroElle: What are some foods that women should avoid and what foods/herbs are best for women? AE: The one herb that every one should have is red raspberry. Indigenous people in the Americas and throughout the world have used red raspberry for centuries. This herb is magical; it has the capability to enhance the female organ and gland system. It strengthens and nourishes the uterus as well as the rest of the associated female anatomy. It acts to bring hormones to that area and balance our monthly cycle and relieve cramping and PMS. It also can help with pro-lapsed uterus, bringing the uterus back to its proper place after birth. Red Raspberry is definitely the Queen of Herbs but sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not going to get rid of fibroids alone she has a family. If you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t find Red Raspberry, Red Clover can also help with some of the same issues and both can be prepared as a tea. There is no particular fruit or vegetable that I would say is better but Citrus, particularly sweet citrus is good for female health. Pineapple in particular is one of my top picks because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s acidity helps balance the pH which is essential in womb health. <<<<
Pineapple Shrimp Fried Rice Serving Size: 4
Instructions
Ingredients:
1) Cook brown rice according to package directions and set aside to cool.
1 1/2 cups (uncooked) brown rice 1 tsp oil 1.25 lb shrimp, shelled and deveined, (1lb after peeled) chopped into chunks 1 1/2 cups fresh pineapple, cut into small chunks 5 large scallions, chopped 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 fresh chili pepper or jalepeno, chopped 2 tsp soy sauce (or more to taste) 1 tbsp fish sauce cilantro for garnish
2) Cut a pineapple in half and hollow out both halves to make two bowls. 3) Cut a piece off the bottom of the pineapple halves to create a flat base. Cut the pineapple into small pieces and set aside. 4) Heat a nonstick wok on high heat; when hot add oil. Add shrimp and cook a few minutes until almost cooked though. Set shrimp aside. 5) Add the scallions, chili and garlic to the wok. Saute about a minute, then add the rice and pineapple and stir a few times. Add soy sauce and fish sauce, stir to mix all the ingredients and cook another 30 seconds. 6) Place in hollowed out pineapple cut in half lengthwise. Garnish with cilantro. Recipe courtesy of feastie.com
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