M A G A Z I N E February 2010
Fashion Designer
Content
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Editor’s Note Feature Story Sports
Evalyn Githina Editor AIM Network
Linda Obel Editor AIM Network
Wangechi Ruguaru Graphic Designer AIM Network
Poetry G-Spot Fashion
Alita Watson AIM Contributor
Gerald Montgomery AIM Contributor
Julia Nekessa Opoti AIM Contributor
Alita’s Tavels Food Hair Book Review Music Dj Profile
Red 10 Tech Buzz
IBé Kaba AIM Contributor
Uche Photographer
Mutheu AIM Contributor Credits
Photography Uchefotography Contact Info 1313 Chestnut Ave Minneapolis, 55403 Tel: 612-327-5671 Website: http://uchefotography.zenfolio.com/
Hair Stylist Montrell 612-423-7587 Makeup Deloris Taku dtaku@yahoo.com Models Mutheu emkiilu@yahoo.com Dee Djem87@yahoo.com
Editor’s Note By Evalyn Githina
Oooh Rugby! Those words conjure at the very least, heart stopping action that moves faster than a mile a minute. For those not familiar with the game, simply put, the goal in Rugby is to pass the ball forward charging back through the defense of the opposing team in order to score a try. A try is accomplished when a player runs the ball past the try line and touches the ball to the ground to be awarded five points. An additional two points are earned if and when the team that scores a try kicks the ball at the point of the try through the goal posts at the end of the field. Of course, part of the reason that Rugby is such a challenging is sport, is because the opposing team is hell bent and purposefully determined to stop the player from running the ball to score a try. The opposing team will tackle the player, intercept the ball when the player passes it to his teammates or if the player loses the ball after a tackle and it ends up on the ground, the other team will attempt to pick it up to advance it towards their own try line. The player on the other hand will counter by running loops, dummies, switches and missed passes in order to get past defense and score the coveted try. There are other interesting plays such as the maul, lineout or scrum that are employed in order for each team to attempt recovery of the ball in order to score a try. Like most other sports, the team that scores the most points wins the game. Put aside all this action and consider this for a minute, what if life is rugby? I know for some, the answer is obvious. But what I mean is what if that ball is your life goals and dreams? You have them in your possession and in order for them to be realized, you have to run them past the tryline and touch them to ground. Think about the obstacles determined to tackle you to the ground, the obstacles poised and ready to intercept the ball when you pass it to those family and friends that are on your team, ready to help you accomplish those goals and realize those dreams that you hold so dear. The question of whether life is rugby can only be answered by you. Do you feel in your life that you cannot accomplish those dreams and goals because obstacles in your life keep tackling you to the ground, snatching those goals and dreams from you? If you do, take heart. There are ways through those obstacles. You are not alone; you have resources to build your skills, your network of family and friends to help you carry those goals and dreams past the try line. You have talent, passion, determination and the strength to run those goals and dreams past any tackles and any obstacles that are hell bent on stopping you. I know you do. I know this in my heart, because you and I know of great and ordinary people alike who have climbed insurmountable mountains to achieve great things. If they did it, you can do it. You sure can do it, just like that rugby player holding the ball tightly to his side, just like you holding your life goals and dreams closely and advancing towards the try line. All you have to do is try and you will score points. Just try.
“Fashion is not about trends and fit is everything, just because something comes in your size doesn’t mean it fits you. Learn what fits your body right, it could be from 1982, 92, or 2002 if it fits you right, you will look good.” - Renate Adjei -
Renate and model Mutheu wearing Renate Adjei’s designs
Feature Story-Renate Adjei
R
enate Adjei, a native Ghanaian, earned a degree in fashion design from the College of St. Catherine. She has participated in local fashion shows and sells her clothes at local Minnesota stores. Renate enjoys working with prints and fascinated with pleats. We caught up with this budding entrepreneur and designer and here is what she had to say.... Q: Please tell us your full name and where you come from?
R: I am Renate Adjei from Ghana Q: How long have you lived abroad?
R: My family and I moved here 12 years ago Q: What inspired you to become a designer?
R: I wasn’t inspired to become a designer. Q: What is your most unforgettable career milestone?
R: My career just started so every experience is a milestone. Q: Where do you draw inspiration from?
R: Everything Q: If you had to pick 5 favorite designers who would you chose?
R:
There are so many talented designers out there each with their own
message some of the people I am watching Maya Lake who is amazing! Oswald Boateng- does amazing menswear and Thakoon. Q: What advice would you give to young upcoming designers?
R:
I’m pretty young and upcoming myself so if anyone has any advice for
me I am all ears. If I had to give advice I would say learn your craft you’re not as good as you think you are keep working at it. Q: Where can people buy your clothes? Cliché on Lyndale in Minneapolis, MN; http://www.clichempls.com or facebook me @ http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?ref=sgm&id=144301329
“You’re not as good as you think you are, keep working at it.”
Q: What is the name of your label?
R: Renate Adjei Q: Any fashion advice for our readers?
R: Fashion is not about trends and fit is everything, just because something comes in your size doesn’t mean it fits you. If you learn what fits your body right it could be from 1982, 92, or 2002 you will look good.
-R-
● ● ● Designing is my way of expressing what inspires me. ● ● ●
Renate Adjei Designs
Model Mutheu Photo By Uche Uchefotography
Renate Adjei Designs
Model Dee Photo By Uche Uchefotography
Renate Adjei Designs
Model Mutheu Photo By Uche Uchefotography
Renate Adjei Designs
Model Mutheu Photo By Uche Uchefotography
Tech Buzz
Track Much? By Linda Opoti
So you know how you had that New
Cron-O-Meter
(http://spaz.ca/cronometer/)
is
Year’s resolution to lose weight, or start
another website which allows you to keep track of your
eating healthier? How did that work out for
food intake as well as your exercises. One cool thing
you? Statistically, most New Year’s resolutions
about Cron-o-meter is that it has a recipe editor which
are broken within the first month of being
allows you to create new foods built from sets of other
made. So if your New Year’s resolution was
foods. It also allows you to chart your weight, blood
weight loss or eat better, what did you do to
pressure and temperature. If you are trying to lead a
make that happen? Did you perhaps keep a
healthy lifestyle this sounds pretty handy.
food diary? How would you know you are
There are also other websites which offer some if
eating right when you don’t keep track of
not all of the above features. These include Fit Day
what you are eating?
(www.fitday.com),Spark People (www.sparkpeople.com)
Some people have the excuse that it is
among others. You may be wondering what cost of
hard to write stuff down all the time. Well
joining these websites and using their services is, right?
now there are websites which allow you to
It’s free!! Of course, you will have to deal with some
enter the foods that you eat throughout the
advertising banners whenever you log on to track your
day. These websites show you your daily
food. But if this helps you get closer to your weight loss
caloric intake as well as nutritional breakdown
or healthy eating goal at no cost to you other than
of foods eaten as far as sodium content,
keeping yourself accountable isn’t it worth a try?
carbohydrates, proteins, fats and in some cases vitamins and minerals. My Fitness Pal (www.myfitnesspal.com) gives the option to enter your goals and then either sets up a daily food intake and exercise goal or you have the option to customize it according to your own needs. You can also chose to make your profile public (God forbid someone you know actually sees all the crap you eat) or making it private so that only you get to view it when you want to. It contains nutritional values of thousands of foods and you also have the option to enter your own custom foods and their nutritional contents.
Poetry
Blood Caked Path By IBé Kaba
Monrovia | Yaoundé| Harare | Brazzaville | Addis Ababa He left it Him and they, all On the crowded side of a small window A Prisoner in his father’s house On the banks of the Nile The blind sees only sand Man was not made to see He chooses sight Some have eyes only for the microscopic stain On a blue diamond nugget So he discards the gem For a twinkle in the sky But if you are not made to fly You fall every time Ghana | France | Sabena | KLM | American He took that trail That scar Carved by ritual dancers Begging sweet chariot down At the dawn of a fading light A beast instead appeared Took their psalms To the beat of 6 millions cries Don’t be fooled by the wings Some fishes are known to fly Whether cruise or flight A boat is a boat is a boat…. On a line with a wrench Or a row with a hoe A slave is a slave is a slave…. New York | DC | Atlanta | Chicago | Minneapolis For more information on IBé visit www.atlanticrock.com
Photo by Tobechi Studio
Little sun boy Trapped in snow Wraps himself in fur and wonders Why his soul stays so cold
G-Spot
Sleeping with the Enemy: Men vs. Women, at a Glance By Gerald Montgomery
A
fter polling groups of men and women at social gatherings (e.g. a guys’ or gals’ night out) the general
consensus was each side feels they must protect something from the other, for the sake of their own quality of life, while gaining as much ground as possible- like a battle of the sexes within a committed relationship. For example, and admittedly trivial, men must defend their right to spend quality time with their boys and women their duty to keep girlfriends informed of their relationship highs and woes. At best what is being protected is one’s individuality within the relationship and what is fought for is emotional real estate. In other words the struggle is to not completely lose who you were before the relationship while occupying as much space in your mate’s heart as possible, protecting your interests. Fair enough? Before we go any further my goal here isn’t to be controversial for the sake of controversy (trust me, the ending will justify the means). But we measure our property from the center of our home to our neighbors’ borders. Let’s just say I’m showing you the size of my front yard. Women say that at the very least men are something they tolerate to facilitate the things they want out of life, e.g. the love of a man, children, a wedding (not necessarily the same as being married), physical stimuli and the desire to feel protected. They say chances are even the good men in their life will eventually break their hearts (which is why “you never pick your man over your girls”) but that being in love is worth the risk. You never know how many frogs you’ll have to kiss to get to your prince charming. So, men, if their expectations for you seem a little unrealistic it’s actually a good thing, it means they haven’t started settling yet. Men say having a [desirable] woman (not necessarily marriage) is one of a short list of treasured accomplishments in life, along with college degrees, great careers, a dream car and home and, for some, children. (Note that women and children are the only dynamic items on the list as testament that real men don’t see women as objects with predictable results but that having a relationship with a women is a goal he pursues from his adolescence.) The emotional rollercoaster women take them on is tolerated because of the pursuit of sex (i.e. the price he must pay for the privilege). In contrast men don’t typically grow up with a fantasy of a princess with which to live happily ever after.
So for men having a woman is one of his goals, in some cases the other aspirations (e.g. careers, cars, etc) are sought after first to facilitate the acquisition of a higher caliber woman (i.e. making him the alpha male). For women, having a man is complimentary to her goals, like the icing on the cake. Perhaps if men were more reliable when it came to matters of the heart this would not be the case. Women long for a man without hang ups, a Mr. Right who continues to do right (not necessarily a perfect man). But mostly women want a man that is fundamentally sound and intuitive enough to consider the emotional ramifications (mostly as it regards her feelings) of a given situation, not just the bare bones details. Admittedly a “perfect” man (if one existed) would be a source of insecurity for them due to competitive interference from other female admirers. Men define the quality of their relationship by the woman’s hang ups; the less hang ups the better but the more attractive she is the more hang ups he is willing to deal with. Looking like a princess helps to get away with acting like one! It is those hang ups men secretly hope will help keep him in line, keep him in the fight- that is, when the hang ups have construction side effects (e.g. when she inspires or motivates him). Women pride themselves on the strength they find in their emotions, men in their ability to operate outside of emotions. There are obvious pros and cons for either approach but mostly the practice of men suppressing their emotions are governed by social expectations. Only when an emotional outburst is relevant to the course of action required is it acceptable for men to show emotion. Women relish in the notion of unpredictability and men boast of consistency. How women feel about an issue or the people involved, or both, or neither for that matter, is just as important, if not more, sometimes, than the issue itself. So it’s ok if the same issue with different players or motives gets handled differently. For men the precedent is more important; the result of the issue should be the same regardless of the players or the events that led up to the incident, for the sake of fair play. Yet sometimes treating a situation exactly the same regardless of the intangibles isn’t the fairest way to rule on it, just as considering the intangibles in some instances could unjustly bias the matter. The verdict; sometimes the way of the woman is best and other times the way of the man is what the recipe calls for. A little fighting in a loving committed relationship is a good thing- it challenges our mate and shows how vested we are in the partnership. But the rules of engagement must be followed; no hitting below the belt with insults, no rehashing those things that were forgiven, no yelling, no violence, speak in turn and to honor all preestablished “house rules” (specific rules you both agreed upon). You don’t have to see eye to eye on everything, just the important ones! The goal of fighting (that is, to hash out a disagreement) should be to be heard not necessarily prevail. You will not always recognize right away when the other person’s point of view is the better option in a particular situation. Our differences are our greatest resource- the fact that we are “wired different” makes our unions dynamic. So choose your battles conservatively, not everything is worth fighting about. Sometimes a woman gets very upset about a situation and the man doesn’t seem to be at all bothered. Putting his grief aside for now may be the reason he is able to execute tasks he is charged with. But if during this time the magnitude of the circumstances overtakes him and he collapses under the pressure, she (being that this is more familiar territory for her) can help lead him out of the despair and get back on his feet. Sometimes a man’s rational way of thinking makes him passive and it is his woman’s emotional stake in the matter that motivates her to light a much needed fire under him. Likewise a man’s avoidance of emotion could provide an alternative for her to address an ongoing issue that has flared up. As individuals we are not independent of circumstance or the gravity of our environment. But there is commonality within the genders that are prevalent in each of us. It is these similarities that make men different from women. But it is these differences that make us complimentary. Let’s not only embrace the differences, let’s celebrate them! In the battle of the sexes the winners are couples who work together. Iron sharpens iron, so let’s be better because of it!
Food
Lamb Kefta Tagine By Evalyn Githina This is a very popular dish in Morocco. It can be bought from vendors on the street. Serve with Authentic Moroccan Bread to scoop up meat and sauce, no utensils required.
Kefta (Meatballs) 1 lb ground lamb 2 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped 1 tablespoon fresh coriander, finely chopped 1/2 onion, grated 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/4 teaspoon cayenne 1/4 teaspoon salt
Stew 2 tablespoons olive oil, for frying 2 garlic cloves, peeled & chopped 1 onion, peeled and finely chopped 1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped 1 bunch fresh parsley, chopped 3-4 tomatoes, chopped 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste) 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon turmeric 1/4 teaspoon cayenne 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 4 eggs Directions Combine all the ingredients for the kefta and form into 1 inch balls with wet hands. Heat the olive oil over medium-low in a large tagine or stove-top casserole dish. Brown the lamb on all sides (3-5 minutes), then remove, leaving the oil in the pot. Drain the meatballs on paper towels.
Add the garlic, onion, and bell pepper to the oil and saute until the onion is clear. Add the remaining ingredients, except the eggs and kefta to the tagine. Cover and simmer over low heat for 30 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken. Stir the the lemon juice into sauce then place the kefta in the tagine. Cover and simmer for another 15 minutes. Carefully break the eggs into the sauce and poach for a few minutes (don't overcook the eggs). Serve hot from the tagine with thick bread and a side of greens.
Hair
By Evalyn Githina
Short & Chic
Fros
Twistouts & Bantu Knotouts
http://bglhonline.com/
Love That Do! Hair is an all consuming affair for all of us. It is especially so where women are concerned. You do not have to watch Good Hair, the award winning documentary by Chris Rock to understand the lengths to which black women will go for their hair. Growing up, I remember just getting cornrows or braids done. Sure, we had various cornrow or braid styles that allowed us to get creative, but for sure, I remember that all I had to do was take down my hair, wash it and go back to the salon to get something else done. Once in a while, I would simply blow dry my hair and in some cases I even remember ironing it. This was of course before the invention of the flat iron, which in hindsight, I should have had the foresight to invent. Is it any wonder that I had no idea how to style, maintain or grow my natural hair? This of course did not sink in until I was all grown up and responsible for myself. I realized, belatedly, that I had no clue, where my hair was concerned. This only occurred to me when things were not looking so fly. I had a perm at the time and my hair was not looking too good. After all attempts to save my permed hair failed, I realized that it was better for me to start off clean and shave it all off. Cutting off your hair, or undertaking the commitment of the BC (Big Chop) is daunting to say the least, and it is even scarier when you do not know how your big ol’ head will look with short hair, or no hair. Not everyone was built for the bald or short cropped look. The BC is just one option for transitioning to natural hair. The other option is to braid your hair, either by weaving or single braids. You can also go ol’ skool and rock a TWA (teeny weenie afro). The main thing to consider is you; you have to love the do regardless of what you choose. The following are the ways I keep my natural hair looking nice and nappy. I do not us shampoo, the best way to wash my hair is by using conditioner. African hair needs a lot of moisture. Shampooing it just strips the essential oils. Toss out the Shampoo from your hair kit. If you need a thorough wash you can add baking soda to your conditioner and voila! Do not comb your hair when it is dry. Always add moisture before you comb. Use a wide tooth comb and a boar bristle brush on your nappy mane. Avoid mousses, gels or hair lotions that have alcohol. It tends to dry out African hair and gels tend to flake. The more natural the ingredients, the better. My nappy must haves are Jojoba oil, Shea butter, Cantu Shea butter leave in conditioning repair cream and ampro’s pro styl gel. It’s scary to undertake a new journey and even more so when it’s experimenting with you precious hair, but believe me it is an important and rewarding journey. Especially because it reveals the natural beauty I know you have.
Fashion
Spring/Summer 2010 Hot Trends By Mutheu
Knee High & Over The Knee Socks Uh-huh! Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it. I was skeptical too but now that I tried it, I’m believer. I layered black tights with patterned knee high socks; the kind that hit just below the knee (I find them more flattering on most body types) and rain boots. SO CUTE!! Here are some more ideas on ways to dress up your socks.
Future Warrior Leathers, Metal plating, Tribal Fashion and Military-Inspired. Think Ancient Rome and Egypt except waayyy more modern. Steer clear of the fashion police by not taking it too literally and as with every trend confidence is the only way to own it.
Fashion
Spring/Summer 2010 Hot Trends By Mutheu
Hot Pants, Short Shorts and Boy Shorts For those of you bold enough to strut your stuff in Hot Pants…kudos. For a slimmer figure and shapely legs and bum, heels are the only way to go in Hot Pants. Hot Pants show a lot of skin so tone down the look with a loose blouse or another hot trend – The Boyfriend Blazer.
Ruffles They’re still in. Hooray!!! Ditch last year’s styles and update your closet with these fresh looks.
Alita’s Travels By Alita Watson
In the pursuit of all her endeavors, Alita is blessed to be able to travel for work, passion and pleasure. These travels take her to countries in Africa and South America. While on the road, Alita is witness to a great many adventures. She pens these encounters in the most amazing way that captures our hearts, transports us to the regions she is visiting and traveling through and she unwittingly brings us face to face with all she encounters on the road. Alita shares these writings with her friends and family and AIM Magazine is very honored that she has chosen to share this series of stories with us. Thank you Alita!
Damn Dem Teefs!
Every time I come back to Tamale, I have a completely different experience and it feels like I have lived a small lifetime in a few short weeks. Every day there is a new story. Today's story goes as follows: Mr. Adam, our overly-friendly and accommodating watch man always seems to be at the right place at the right time when something needs repairing. Yesterday morning when we knocked on his door to help us fix yet another flat tire on our bicycle, (which had now become a daily occurrence), he answered the door before we could knock; eager and ready to fix our dilemma. All of a sudden I realized that this Mr. Fix it, also BROKE it, and had been charging us a hefty fee with each service he provided. When we insisted to go to the repair shop with him to see what a tire-repair actually cost, we busted him red handed. This crooked geezer was making a great profit from his shady trick, and we couldn't believe he had fooled us with his kind eyes and tooth-less smile. Cheeky bugger! The north is known for their punishments inflicted on thieves, as some of them are beaten to death. It is our belief that when Mr. Adam realized he had been caught, he devised a plan to direct this negative attention elsewhere as quickly as possible. In desperation to avoid the consequences of his actions, we believe Mr. Adam conspired with our housekeeper "Humu," who we had treated as a sister in our home and knew exactly what items of value were in the house, and where they were located. This morning we woke up to our landlord calling my name from outside. As I opened the door, I had to adjust my blurry vision on the items strewn across the yard. It took a moment for me to realize that we had been robbed. Robbed blind. Two laptops, six cameras, four cell phones and up to one thousand cedis (which we had collected for rent), all gone. Irreplaceable memories, donated project equipment, and many pennies saved, all gone. And so the hunt began. The leaders of the villages surrounding our home, and even the police (who rarely get involved without a hefty bribe), began a manhunt unlike anything I had ever seen. From sun-up to sun down, everyone who knew us or had entered our home was suspected and accused. Mr. Adam and Humu were nowhere to be found. The rain fell hard and the day was strangely cold. Not only was this our last day in Tamale, but it was the day of our big goodbye celebration. Over seventy girls (BFI students and friends), showed up on our doorstep shivering and wet, unaware of the events prior to their arrival or that we all strained to put smiles on our faces and show them the good time they had all been anticipating. Somehow, we were able to fulfill our promise. The rain lightened and we dressed each girl in dry donated t-shirts and filled their bellies with rice and candy. After an extremely lively game of musical chairs and an egg toss that everyone will remember, we said our goodbyes. All of a sudden nothing else seemed to matter, except that we had made a visible difference in the lives of each of these beautiful girls, who wept as we hugged them goodbye. I told them how proud I was of each of them and explained how they have touched our lives by opening their hearts to us and committing to persevere, despite the many obstacles that each of them face. Hamida, (a 16 year old who has shown remarkable progress), shouted back "Sista! We promise not to let anything get in our way, no matter how hard life may get!"
All of these future doctors, nurses, teachers, journalists....leaders, looked back at us with great hope and happiness, and at that moment every bit of hard work and sacrifice felt justified beyond words. As I lay in bed that night, re-playing the events of this trip and the past two years, I vowed to not let corruption and the desperate acts of others dishearten or discourage me in my promise to these girls. I have learned some new lessons, and despite the losses of these material goods, they don't compare to what we have gained in experience and what these girls will gain in opportunity. I intend to return and continue to strengthen this project and enable others to experience the honor of empowering women around the world. The future is looking bright from where I'm standing, and I can't wait to see what we can accomplish. See you all soon, Love Alita
Musically Speaking By Evalyn Githina
I always scoff at the thought of Valentine's Day. For those of you that know me, you know my whole valentine spiel by now....sigh! However, one of my New Year resolutions was to embrace life and seize every moment. In pursuit of that lofty goal, I have committed myself to sharing my shortlist of what I think are the 10 most romantic songs by our fellow Africans.... just because I am not a fan of valentine's day, does not mean I do not believe in romance. So here goes the list in random order… Lady — Ulopa Every lady wants to hear from her man how she inspires him. Ulopa smoothly brings the point home.
Yori Yori — Bracket The West African duo adds the flavor of love to this snazzy tune. They talk about love and quickened heartbeats in a way that is uniquely African. Murder — Corneille When a man says that leaving him is like "dragging my heart out on the concrete and wasting his parts out on the dark streets" it is not emotional blackmail, but a heartfelt plea. What woman can resist that from the man she loves? Chaise Électrique — Fally Ipupa ft Olivia Women love being pursued in life and the passion of that chase is ripe in this collaboration. "I wanna love you down, when no one is around" with lyrics like that.....need I say more? No Games — Serani For those that want a shot of love and no games..........Serani sings to that in a hauntingly melodic voice 360º — Asa "You do not have to climb the highest mountain for all you are looking for is within you" A love with no complications. Fantasy? Asa makes you believe. Lazizi — Sauti Sol You do not have to understand the words. You feel the love in their deep vibrant voices. Wa Mpaleha — Lira Evokes warm feelings and good times. A necessity for romance. Loving you everyday — Faze It is not about seasonal love with Faze. It is an everyday thing. He makes the point very smoothly and you'll find you and your other half slowly swaying to this......... Ifunaya — P Square A loving tribute from a man to the woman he loves.
Dj Profile Kabugi The Dj
Q: How long have you been a DJ? K: I've been a DJ all my life; I just didn't know it until high school. I couldn't even drink at a party I was playing at which Kept me out of trouble anyway... Q: What inspired you to become to become a DJ? K: The love of music. Somewhere along the way music has been changed by big business but there are still artists out there that keep me focused & grounded. The love never left. Q: If you had to play only 10 music artists who would you pick? K: Since there's so many‌ I'll name 3 that are on constant rotation and a reflection of where my mind is at present it is Christopher Martin, Tarrus Riley and Mario. Q: What advise do you have for upcoming DJs?
To download free mixes by Kabugi the Dj click the link below FREE MIXES
Kabugi’s Contact Email: kabugithedj@gmail.com Telephone: 732-331-5941
K: Stay true to the essence of music and the disc jockey in you will come naturally...Make your mark & always respect the industry. Kabugi the Dj is based in New Jersey and has been a long time friend of AIM. We thank Kabugi for his continued partnership!
Kenya’s Rugby Captain – Humphrey Kayange
Collins Injera - Star player of the Kenyan Team
Coach Paul Treu
South African Rugby Team
What Happened in Vegas… By Linda Obel
For the first time, the USA IRB Sevens tournament was held in Las Vegas, NV at the Sam Boyd stadium. This was definitely a fitting stage for the impending weekend events. Two African teams, South Africa and Kenya, participated and they gave the other teams a run for their money. This year, Kenya was able to make it to the semi finals, while South Africa took a step further and went on to win the USA Sevens Rugby Plate.
the US. Humphrey said that even when they are really tired, looking on to the Kenyan fans and seeing them cheering on gives them that extra energy to keep pushing through. Collins’ message to the Kenyan Fans: “The USA Sevens are always special because we have a majority of the fans. We really appreciate it and the support they give us. I want them to know this time around, we want to go all the way and take the Cup. That will be the best gift to the fans.”
South Africa started off their tournament by scoring 31-0 against Canada. Ryno Benjamin started things off by scoring the first try, which was followed by another try from Steven Hunt shortly thereafter. When asked about their performance later, South African coach Paul Treu indicated that the first game is always most difficult. Although they made a few mistakes, he was still pleased with the team’s performance. He noted that the USA team, which was their next game, would be a difficult one but their strategy going in was to keep their focus on the ball and work together as a team.
Although they were not able to deliver that gift to the Kenyan fans, the fact that they made it as far as they did made everyone there proud to be a fan. People from other countries came to join the Kenyan stands, simply due to the contagious enthusiasm the Kenyan fans have for the game and their team. At the end of their run in the USA Sevens tournament, the Kenyan team walked around the stadium, thanking everyone who had come out to support them. This was definitely a bitter sweet ending.
The Kenya team also started off the tournament with brothers Humphrey Kayange (Team Captain) and Collins Injera (Top scorer) scoring the first 2 tries of the game within moments of each other. When asked how they felt about playing on the same team, Humphrey said that it is nice to have his brother with him but when they are playing it is not about their family. It is about them playing for Kenya and winning for Kenya. When asked about their strategy going into the tournament, Humphrey said that they were intent on being more mentally focused than previous tournaments.
Collins, Humphrey and Paul all noted that it is sometimes difficult being away from home so much, but it is the nature of the game and they love it. With the inclusion of Rugby Sevens in the Olympics, both Kenya and South Africa are excited at the opportunity to try out and bring rugby to the center stage. In the meantime, they intend to keep pushing to be the best they can be. They continue to watch their diets and condition themselves in order to avoid injury. Their discipline can be seen from the way the talk about the game and interact with each other. After having the pleasure of interacting with these fine sportsmen, one thing is clear; for these two teams, they sky is the limit.
Although Hong Kong seems to be a favorite stop among the Sevens players, both Collins and Humphrey noted that the USA tournament holds a special place in their hearts because there is no other fan base like the one in
Purple Hibiscus, A Review
By Nekessa Opoti
The first time I read Chimamanda Adichie's Purple
that talked and laughed together finds itself losing
Hibiscus, I could not put it down. I finished it up in
touch as the busy work routines of the new world
one sitting. The novel, as seen through the eyes of
keep them occupied.
15yr old Kambili, addresses many social issues
Kambili's love interest-a Father Amadi-also leaves
relevant to many African societies. It also features
America fulfilling her cousin Obiora's musing "from
the obligatory love interest. A happy family is thrown
darkest Africa now come missionaries who will
into turmoil by changes within its walls and by the
reconvert the West."
strife following a military a coup in Nigeria.
In the end it is Kambili and her mother who surprise
The Plot Kambili's father, Eugene, is a wealthy and overly
us. Their quiet strength allows them to free
religious man who not only physically abuses Kambili and her brother, Jana, but their mother Beatrice as well. It is ironic then that he is one of the biggest philanthropists in their community, and one of its most respected elders. His piety is a mask shielding a deeply troubled man from the rest of the world, a man whose insecurities result in a demand for perfection from the lives of his children and his wife, all of whom he controls like a drill sergeant would his troops.
The stifling control chokes his family,
condemning his children into a soulless emotional vacuum and hurling Eugene to his eventual death. university professor who is everything that her brother is not. A single mother, Aunt Ifeoma is a fiercely independent woman. Where Kambili's mother was lorded over by her husband, Ifeoma is outspoken, an iconoclast challenging institutions of authority the
university
that
employs
her
to
tears up a painting of his pagan father, it is an enraged Kambili who screams at him, mourning the loss of a man she never knew. A shocked Eugene is compelled to contemplate this act of open defiance, a child of his mourning a man he had explicitly forbidden any relationship with, a child of his taking sides against him with a man who did not believe in his Catholic god. Apoplectic with rage, he beats his daughter to near death. But such violence as the family had gradually grown inured against is now too much to handle. Beatrice, Eugene's wife and Kambili's mother poisons the old
Later, we are introduced to Kambili's aunt, a
from
themselves from Eugene's stranglehold. After Eugene
the
government. Aunt Ifeoma in all her "quest for justice" leaves Nigeria for America with her three children. A family
man, unable to bear his brutality a day longer. Themes Sometime last year, I met Adichie at a book reading in Minneapolis, where she expressed her interest in religion,
family
and
traditional
culture.
These
passions are the main themes in the book. Kambili's father Eugene is a prominent member of the local Catholic church whose children attend a private Catholic
School.
Estranged
from
his
father
by
repulsion towards his traditional beliefs, he forbids
any contact between his family and his father's paganism. To set his family and himself apart from what he calls the primitive, he does not allow his children to speak Igbo, his father's primary language. When he discovers that his young daughter has broken these bounds and walked in the house of a sinner- his father, he weeps in anguish as he burns her feet in hot water in an act of forced penance. This barbaric and unforgiving heart, exhibited primarily to those dearest to him, his family, is a stark contrast against the life of piety exhibited to the rest of the world. Freedom is another theme, one whose thread runs throughout the book. Kambili's father, the owner of an independent newspaper, refuses to be silenced by the threat of the military. His standing up to their threats, intimidation and attempts at censorship recalls similar struggles across the world in countries controlled by oppressive governments. Eugene's family in their turn stands up to him and steadily, one by one, from his son to his daughter, and then to his wife are released from his grasp. In the end however, the gaol of his ruthless control is replaced by another, a literal one as Kambili's brother Jaja ends up in prison after taking responsibility for his father's murder. Overnight, the young Kambili takes headship of the family as her mother recedes into
the
cages
of
a
mental
breakdown,
culmination of the family's tragic existence.
the
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
May 16th, 2010 MN AIDS Walk Want to volunteer? Email: aimminnesota@gmail.com