Write what you like.

People may die but their ideologies will live.

 

voyagesphotosmanu.com

 Rest in Peace Bantu Stephen Biko (assassinated in Pretoria, RSA – 12 September 1977)

Heart-shaped Africa is the feeling centre of the world.

Continents are metaphors.

A people are spiritual states of humanity as distinguishable in what they represent as roses, lions, and stars.

Have we forgotten what Africa is?

Africa is our dreamland, our spiritual homeland.

There is a realm in everyone that is Africa. We all have an Africa within.

When the Africa outside is sick with troubles, the Africa inside makes us sick with neuroses.

Inexplicable psychic illness in the world is possibly, indirectly, connected to the troubles in Africa.

We have to heal the Africa in us if we are going to be whole again.

An extract from Ben Okri’s book – A time for new dreams

 

Last night at the University of Cape Town Ben Okri delivered an honourable 13^th Steve Biko memorial lecture – here’s to technology… check out the video

 

 

 

 

We see You!

In August South Africa celebrated Women’s Month. Memoirs of 1956 were recaptured all around us and not to keep you in the history web, I'll fast foward to 2012...

If you don’t know Ory Okolloh, I’ve got one word for you – Google!

Ory Okolloh

I attended a conference where one of the main speakers was Victor Dlamini (a thought leader of our times); he spoke about Africans making a conscious choice of producing home-grown solutions and content. It made me think of how much I struggle with ‘aunthetic’ content when researching African culture as in most instances it's compiled in a third person’s perspective.

I started following Ory on Twitter (@kenyanpundit) last year after I read about Ushahidi.com and Mzalendo.com which she co-founded. This Kenyan born change-maker is Google’s Policy Advisor for Africa who graduated from Harvard Law School. One of her goals is to explore ways to get Africans reading about Africans, and for Africa to reach internet usage levels comparable to that of the Western world. One of her greatest challenges I reckon is lobbying African governments to invest in infrastructure that will ensure accessibility of w.w.w in the continent.

Ory Okolloh

“The internet needs to be treated as an infrastructure. It’s a core, as critical as electricity, water or roads in terms of  a growing economy.” –Ory Okolloh, Forbes Africa magazine (Aug. 2012 Issue)

Think about it...because you have access to the internet, you have access to the world. You can start an online business with minimal capital compared to the conventional ‘brick and mortar’ business. Imagine the possibilities of women in rural villages trading with the rest of the world and Africa having it’s own PayPal.

ORY, WE SEE YOU!

While task teams and commissions of enquiries are being launched by our governments, citizens are developing sustainable solutions and Ola Orekunrin is one of these citizens...

Ola Orekunrin

In 2009 Ola founded Flying Doctors in Nigeria. Born in the UK she graduated in Medicine at the age of 21. Confronted with a tragic encounter of losing her little sister while she was on holiday in Nigeria due to a heart attack that could have been avoided if she had received medical help timeously, she decided to sell her car, her house and her medical training business to raise capital to start Flying Doctors. Ola booked a one-way ticket to Nigeria and today the company has 10 on-call doctors, administrators, a helicopter and jet.

OLA, WE SEE YOU!

My Mariam Makeba  feature for this post - Nomsa Mazwai

A Fulbright scholar (recently completed her Masters in Economics), winner of a South African Music Award and currently in the IPED (International Political Economic & Development) program at Fordam University in New York, she's a catalyst for social change. She continuously expresses her love for her country and how she can’t wait to contribute positively to her native continent.
 

Nomsa Mazwai

I was so proud when I went to Rapsody’s show 2 weeks ago and she did a track which featured Nomsa. With both women being social activists in their own right, I found myself embracing being a black woman who’s crossed the South African citizen border to being an ‘African’ of the world.

 
To all Women in the world – “Let the habit of excellence drive you.”

I dedicate this post to all Africans in diaspora who contribute positively to their native continent and plan to return and assist the with advancement of Africa  …We see You!

RIP – Zenzile Mariam Makeba

Beyond the Paint Brush

Happy belated Africa Day!

Although this post is long overdue I find it rather ironic that I post it during a time of hostile debates on the role of art and galleries in a democratic state.

A Brent Murray artpiece depicted an image of the current South African president with his genitals exposed, igniting emotionally heightened conversations in all stratums of South African society.

This post is to celebrate my favourite artist and mention other great artists. I love Sam Nhlengethwa’s work and I also have a great appreciation for William Kentridge (SA) and Kay Hassan (SA).

Sam Nhlengethwa - Trio I

William Kentridge - Felix in Exile

Kay Hassan - Untitled

And recently I’ve discovered Mary Sibande (SA), Kudzanai Chuirai (Zimbabwe), Sandra Hanekom (SA), Portus Ojomo (Nigeria) and Mbongeni Buthelezi (SA).



Mary Sibande - Queen Sophie





Kudzanai Chuirai - State of the Nation series



Sandra Hanekom - Harthuis I



Portus Ojomo - Sea Goddess



Mbongeni Buthelezi - Untitled

 

Sam Nhlengethwa’s paintings capture the essence of South Africa’s subconscious existence without being abrasive. 

“Sam’s work is always filled with energy, provenance and a sense of warmth”, says Sarah Buitendach (House & Leisure, Feb. 2011) - absolutely!

I have not been privileged to see majority of his work (not yet, atleast) however I must attest that I'm currently obsessed with the mine workers|mine trip series.

Sam Nhlengethwa - Inside the Cage

Sam Nhlengethwa at his Benoni home

I love how he has chosen to have Marco Cianfanelli’s sculpture next to the painting -great conversation there.

Before I knew about the above mentioned artists I've always walked the streets of our cities and have adored amazing artworks (painting), and still do. I say this because I acknowledge and recognize that there are so many great artists in Africa whose artwork may not be in galleries and commercial public platforms hence we need to build more galleries and encourage a culture of   Africans collecting art. With the latter being said I hope that all my future posts that pertain to art will include ‘unknown’ artists from all-over Africa. –Can’t Wait!



My Esther Mahlangu feature for this post –Thandi Sibisi 

Thandi Sibisi at the gallery opening

16 February 2012, Thandi Sibisi made her way to the history books of South Africa as the first black female gallery owner. At the age of 25, she opened the doors of SIBISI gallery in the uber Melrose Arch precinct. On a personal level I believe it’s quite an outstanding honour for all African females as we still face numerous challenges, some countries more complex than others.

Born in KwaZulu Natal midlands to cattle farmers, she had never seen a double-storey building until she arrived in Johannesburg at the age of 17, 8 years ago. She should be an inspiration to many young and old individuals

…And did I say…she has the most stylish penthouse in Johannesburg's CBD (Newtown) and a wardrobe every girl dreams of. On the opening night she wore a designer dress with a colossal isicholo -traditional Zulu hat, a great tribute to her culture.

“Color is a means of communications because it is a language that is understood around the world”  - Emmanuel Mawuko Arkutu, Ghana

Happy New Year & believe this - Black is Beautiful!

It's a new year, let’s celebrate and embrace the year ahead!

Thanks to the ever glowing Zimbini Mpangele she inspired this post - she looked so stunning on New Year’s Eve that I wanted to remind the whole world that Black is indeed Beautiful!

Did you know:
“Black is beautiful is a cultural movement that began in the United States of America in the 1960s by African Americans. It later spread to much of the black world, most prominently in the writings of the Black Consciousness Movement of Steve Biko in South Africa. It aims to dispel the notion in many world cultures that black people's natural features such as skin color, facial features and hair are inherently ugly. John Sweat Rock was long thought to be the first to coin the phrase "black is beautiful"–during a speech in 1858–but historical records indicate he never actually used the specific phrase on that day. The movement also encouraged men and women to stop trying to eliminate African-identified traits by straightening their hair and attempting to lighten or bleach their skin.

This movement began in an effort to counteract the prevailing idea in American culture that features typical of "Blacks" were less attractive or desirable than those of "Whites". Research indicates that the idea of "blackness" being ugly is highly damaging to the psyche of African Americans, manifesting itself as internalized racism. This idea made its way into Black communities themselves and lead to practices such as paper bag parties: social events which discriminated against dark-skinned African-Americans by only admitting lighter-skinned individuals.” [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_is_beautiful]

image sources:  http://africancreature.tumblr.com; http://ivyleaguefro.tumblr.com; http://queennubian.tumblr.com; http://deefairy4u.tumblr.com

 - check them out - "africans on steroids" -love them-

 I could go on & on...

 

Let the music take you there…

If there is one thing that all my friends and acquaintances would tell you, I love music! Maybe it’s because I also come from a musically talented family. My little brother is a guitarist, stepping on the footsteps of my uncle who was a guitar player and  a maskadi musician. All my current and post colleagues would tell you about me and my infamous earphones.

This post is a tribute to two songbirds who've flown away to their resting place - Cesaria Evora and Busi Mhlongo.

 “…in all those years when I sang in bars and in front of strangers I sometimes had an idea I might someday be successful outside my country. The thought never stayed with me for very long, but here I am” – Cesaria Evora [African Music Encyclopedia]

Born in Mindelo on the Cape Verde island mamCesaria’s story must resonate with many African children living in orphanages who possess the same passion for music but have neither means nor resources to further their desired path. The only difference is that it seems against all odds mamCesaria chose to look beyond her challenges and heeded a friend’s persuasion at the age of 16, she sang on Portuguese cruise ships stopping at Mindelo and at a local radio station. In 1997 she won 3 Kora awards and in 2004 she won a Grammy, which is a tremendous achievement for any musician.

A friend of mine who is so privileged to travel Africa regularly, told me of his experience earlier this year of Cape Verde, but more than anything what stood out for me was the economic developments that are taking place in Cape Verde...he showed me pictures of the widening of the harbour and I longed to see myself walk on the rugged rich soil of the Sao Vicente island.  

When I listen to her music the notes take me to an exotic island where there is no day or night. I imagine elderly people reminiscing and sharing folk tales while young beautiful women with long curly black hair dance next to the sea waters while fishermen look on and drop their nets succumbing to their desires. –the voice of ‘The Barefoot Diva’ who sang barefooted in support of the disadvantaged women and children in her country leaves me in absolute admiration.

DESCANGE EM PAZ – REST IN PEACE

Vuka Sizwe [nation arise] she said. mamBusi Mhlongo deserves to share the books, walls, monuments and all earthly mounted pedestals that presidents and statesmen relish. Music is more powerful than a political manifesto, it's real and a branch to any revolution.

A very good friend of mine who for many years has been playing mamBusi’s music had this to say about her –“Busi has been a pillar of cultural heritage. She has managed to preserve African customs and traditions through the medium of music. Her music continues to remind us of what it actually means to take pride in ethnicity and pay homage to our inner true selves. She reminds us of what it means to be an African, humbled in spirit, fearless in determination and to be centred in being a communal person.”

In my world her music made still emotions in my soul move me – I suddenly had a burning desire to do, see, experience and give.  When I reflect on her life I see endless opportunities for Africans to be…

Her stage name was Vickie (Victoria Busisiwe Mhlongo) and she sang in English as it was the only way to get gigs in South Africa in the 60’s and 70’s. When she lived in Portugal with the band, Conjunto Juan Paulo (via Mozambique & Angola) they asked her to sing in her language {as stated by music.org.za} and from there she sealed us with the love of her being.

ULALE KAHLE – REST IN PEACE

Let the music take you there... appreciate who you are, you are an African child, God took his time creating you.

"It would be good for us Africans to accept ourselves as we are and recapture some of the positive aspects of our culture." Wangari Maathai - may her soul rest in peace

Always be at your best *Be on point

…as the old saying goes, always be at your best for you never know who is watching or listening. In my travels I’m always on the 1^st flight out or the early evening flight, too early or too tired for small chats. However I had a change of behaviour on this specific day, although in the a.m flight I did the usual- as the plane hit equilibrium I pulled out my earphones and tuned my ipod then slept. But as we descended the Joburg sun was out though I expected it to be cold… and from there the conversation started with the guy next to me…

He spoke about his wife that had quit her job to pursue her passion and they had been struggling for over a year but things were now looking good. Interestingly, she runs her  business from India although she is still based in South Africa but the moral of the story was that they run a design and décor company which supplies big retailers like Woolworths…we exchanged contacts and promised to stay in touch.

on this note of design -
Congratulations to Cape Town for winning the World Design Capital!

On my way back in the afternoon I saw this tall, dark lady with orange hair – yes orange! Beyond that, I saw a confident woman (one of my colleagues would later say to me – “she’s very loud” ... he knows her via other business ventures *it’s a small world). Anyway, I was reading a very interesting book so I carried on minding my own business whilst waiting for the flight. When I settled on my seat I saw this exotic lady again.

Liz Ogumbo - http://www.lizogumbo.com/

She sat next to me, pulled out a book – “God is my CEO” –damn! I had to talk to this woman. She was from Kenya, a wonderful soul, down to earth and very ambitious. We spoke about love, friendship, work and the future. She was very excited about her wedding in May 2012 and the future prospects of relocating.

So I later discovered that this woman I was talking to is an international model, musician, stylist/designer and an owner of an international modelling agency.

My Sol Plaatjie’s feature for this post - Justice Mukheli

This South African mjita is an artist of many facets - he has spun my world for the past couple of months; I cannot go a day without a dosage of his potent content (mainly photography) from his blog http://www.justicemukheli.tumblr.com/. I am totally obsessed with his work! …or maybe even him or his twin - it can get quite confusin' - my friend Dorcas would know. I spent a Saturday in Jo'burg hoping to bump into him and ask for an 'autograph' -yeay right! ...but really ...to pick on his brain but my friend spotted 'him' first... although it was his twin - Innocent, I was still so star-struck I took a pic of the floor ;)

Check out his work, I won’t blame you for falling inlove with the measure of his eye.

He inspired me so much that for the love I posses for photography I decided to start my photography blog - http://sindiswamachi.tumblr.com/

Follow Your Heart. Express Your Passion.

Growing up in a township in the 90’s was fun, we’d play on the streets without fear, visit almost every house and I remember on neighbours' treasured frames on the wall, my eyes always glanced on these interestingly dyed art pieces –for some reason I seemed to have believed it was a Chinese male artist or a ‘machine’ that made them. I suppose the reason for the latter was I always saw the face of this woman that looked Chinese (didn’t bother to think maybe she was Korean or Japanese…)

To a rather pleasant surprise as I try to nurture my relationship with art I discover that the artist of these art works is Vladimir Tretchikoff , born in Russia and migrated to South Africa in 1946. He did not only paint Asian women but Zulu, Swazi and Ndebele maidens as well.

On my more recent encounters with Tretchikoff’s artwork, I bumped into a lady wearing a badge with one of the famous pieces and I uttered words of admiration, she was quick to respond and tell me how he was shun and disregarded while crafting his work but now everyone celebrates it.

So naturally I walked away wondering and disappointed. I decided to do a little research on this artist I had grown fond of and I discovered that there are some paintings which could have created animosity – a collection titled ‘the ten commandments’, they do look a bit odd to the naked eye and for this Tretchikoff is really discredited.

On a personal note, I still believe he was a great artist, with a phenomenal view of the use of colour and I’m very proud that he chose Africa as his adopted home. The exhibition of his work is currently on display at the Iziko South African National Gallery until September 2011.

my Lumumba feature for this post – Fally Ipupa

Not only have I featured him for his gorgeous look and gobsmacking African dance moves, Ippa Nsimba is from the Democratic Republic of Congo but he is breaking through all boundaries to make it international. He won 2 awards at the MAMAs – MTV Base awards in Nigeria last year and was nominated for a BET award which took place in June this year.

He is just one of many African artists who are showing the rest that your current circumstance cannot determine your future and if you do what you love, opportunities that bring success go beyond infinity.