Art Galore Africa Magazine -March 2018 Issue

ART GALORE

M A R C H - I S S U E

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AFRICA

Whitney Nasanga Founder El-Afrique

Cheza Chakacha

Bendi Huru

Hits&Misses

New release: Afrodizia

Talent,Passion &Business

EMPRESS CROTCHET

Women in Art Business artgalore.co.ke

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Editor's Note 2018, Fresh and new!

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Fundi Nyata Turn your hobby to a money maker!

Wake up to do what you love.

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Jimmy Curtis Storyboard artist Artist Concept Developer

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LIPSTICK DIY Try it out!

Crazy is the new fun!

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Editor's Note First things first, Happy New Year fam! Yeah it’s pretty late for New Year greetings but allow me, on behalf of the whole team, receive our best wishes for 2018, let’s put our best foot forward and soldier on!

That settled, I want to take this moment to say a big thank you to you our loyal reader, we appreciate your time and value your engagement with us, you give us meaning and we owe our growth to you. Once again receive our gratitude and we got mad love for you. Cheers!

This year we aim to go extra and create better, exciting, fulfilling, inspiring, informing and entertaining content. In our March issue which is our very fast this year we aim to demonstrate exactly these. Inside we have amazing, inspirational articles from artists across the country, their uniqueness and hard work is admirable. Not to forget articles on topics that matter in the arts and entertainment industry plus some fun DIY, time to challenge our creativity!

Feel free to chat with us on our social media platforms @artgalore_africa (Instagram), @artgaloreafrica (Facebook, Twitter) follow us, let us know your thoughts/views. We value your feedback.

Welcome to Art Galore Africa Issue 006 Maggie Kiarie EDITOR IN CHIEF

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Whitney Nasanga: A Forte For Kenyan Fashion

They say the joy of dressing is a designers’ revel in that art. Whitney Nasanga is a young Kenyan fashion designer who’s in the business of making us look and feel good. She runs the African print luxury line, El_Afrique. She is a bubbly personality who has been featured in Couture Africa magazine, has designed beautiful pieces for the likes of Wangechi the rapper to Le Band, to partnering with major brands such as Belaire. Her incredible creativity and boldness keep flaring up.

Art Galore had a chat with her about her journey.

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How did you come up with the name El_Afrique?

It’s actually a very funny story. I was doing French at the time and I really liked the subject. El Afrique is supposed to mean ‘The Africa’ because it’s an African print line. But, it turns out ‘El’ is Spanish. So it’s a combination of Spanish ‘El’ and French ‘Afrique’. By the time I was starting the business I had stuck to the name which is very unique.

What motivated you to start the line and how did it all come together?

I’ve always been into fashion that’s for certain. What made me start my line is because of my bubbly personality seeing as I am attracted to colour. I had seen a piece of pants that my friend had and they were all African print and I liked them. I asked around where I could get that exact material, I then looked for a tailor who would bring the design to life and voila. So I wore the pants I had made and I was walking around in Yaya Centre and someone asked me where I got the pants and I told them I’m the one who actually made them. Just like that, they ordered like a bunch. It dawned N O Mon A Dme I C that | 2 4I could turn this into a business and I followed through with it.

What sets El_Afrique apart from other brands?

We keep up with the trends; what’s popping, what’s nice, the best materials to use. We are also all-rounded, that is, we don’t only stick to African prints. We use a range of materials, from satin, silk to cotton. The team also work with clients to bring a design to life.

What excites you about fashion?

How the pieces fit. How one piece would look on a curvy girl, how it would look on another so it’s mostly how fashion pieces make one look.

Who do you think are easier to dress; men or women?

Men are so much easier to dress.

Which materials do you use when researching on fashion trends?

Mostly YouTube. I search on fashion topics and I see how designers from other countries put together their looks. I also watch a lot of Anna Wintour and Vogue documentaries as well as what both local and international celebrities are wearing.

How do you handle the challenges that come with being a designer?

It’s not easy. Some clients are very specific and putting together such looks can take a while and a strain. I’ve also come to learn that you can’t accept all orders and hence I only accept what I have the capacity for and when the timelines can allow me to accept them.

A forecast of future trends in 2018?

We might still have the off-shoulder pieces trending but with more sophistication with say ruffles as part of the detailing.

Your first celebrity client?

Wangechi the rapper. But I’ve also had Le Band rocking most of my pieces.

The biggest piece of advice you wish you had received when starting out?

It would just have been, it’s never that serious. Don’t take it to the heart to the point where you only follow results. Just take it one step at a time because you learn along the way.

When do we expect your next line?

My next collection will be around June.

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"We aim to go international and reach markets such as the United States and even the UK. My ambition is for El Afrique to grow into a luxury brand."

BENDI HURU

N E W

R E L E A S E :

A F R O D I Z I A

F T

S Y

Bendi Huru is an upcoming boyband in Kenya, they took the social media with a storm after releasing their first single dubbed Afrodizia featuring Sy. Three musketeers with their voices, a microphone and a guitar. As a band they all look up to Chronixx, Sauti Sol and H_Art the band. The only thing they contradict is taking a bullet for their woman; Leeroy takes it in the face, Tito in the heart while Mayuu in the leg.

Buckle up and travel their world: By artgalore

Who is Bendi Huru, how did the name come about and when was it formed?

Bendi Huru is a band of three creatives that is Mayuu Sanaa, Leeroy Mroma and Titus Ngumbi trying to reach out to the masses through our art.

The band was formed in 2016 at the Kenya National Theater. The name Bendi Huru means ‘liberated band’ in Swahili. We felt our role in the music industry and the society is to 'liberate’ the people, for them to be free to be.

I understand you just released a jam dubbed 'Afrodizia' which has over 5000 views on YouTube, how did the whole idea come about?

Afrodizia was as a result of a failed project. It was supposed to be a theme song for a new TV show but after the deal went south we decided to shoot a video for the song and release it.

The title of the song alludes to the Greek goddess of love, procreation and pleasure, 'Aphrodite'. We looked at the African woman and saw she possesses the qualities of a goddess thus deserves to be treasured.

Most people have been asking what language is used just at the beginning of the song, tell us about that.

We wanted to capture the diversity of our culture in the song. The song begins with some Kamba and Buganda lyrics then proceeds in English and Swahili. This was purposely done since we believe as artists we are proponents of our culture.

Memorable achievement so far?

The whole process behind creating and releasing Afrodizia has been ‘magical’. The best for us is still yet to come so watch out world.

Given a blank cheque whom would you pay for a collabo?

That would definitely be Chronixx, we would kill for a verse on a Chronixx’s jam any day.

Any upcoming projects we should expect from you guys?

Yes, we will be release our next music video in two months’ time. We are also working on posting live acoustic sessions on YouTube, so guys should subscribe to our channel and watch out for that.

Who amongst you would literally take a bullet for his woman?

We are all hopeless romantic but each of us has his own level. Leeroy would take a bullet in the head for his woman, Tito would take a bullet in his heart and Mayuu would take a bullet in the leg for his woman ha-ha.

Fame or money?

We would love to be famous for doing something that earns us money but still a good name is better than riches.

Can money buy happiness?

If happiness was a product, yes. But since it’s not then happiness can only be sourced from within you.

AFRODIZIA – BENDI HURU FT SY: https://youtu.be/sxW2rJAd2vI

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We are inspired by so many people from across the globe, people who directly or indirectly radiate positivity on us. Out of the many Chronixx (Jamaican reggae artist) and H_art The Band(Kenyan boy “We are indirectly under the Forster care of H_art the band, Chronixx, Sauti Sol among others. They obviously don't know about it but we look up to them so much.�

Fundi Nyata

Most hand bag designers are women but not for Nyata; a poet cum clothe designer. He also takes Bachelor of Education in Kenyatta University.

The third year student used to take his designs to a tailor after which he decided to do them himself. Nyata went to Rift Valley Institute of Business Studies to pursue a part time course in fashion and design. This is where he learnt to make clothes.

By artgalore

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Fundi Nyata chose to to do bag designing after seeing a gap in Nakuru where he lives. Unfortunately, he had not yet been taught how to makes bags back in school so he decided to approach a local tailor who taught him through apprenticeship.

Fundi Nyata started doing hand bags in 2017 and selling them from Ksh.1500 to Ksh.3500 depending on the cost of production for example the design and fabric used. He has sold fifty since then.

The poet also writes and sells choral verses and drama scripts to primary and secondary schools which he also directs them himself.

During the interview he donned an Ankara suit and asked about how he is going to curb competition he says his bags are dynamic and versatile; he uses a variety of fabric: leather, ankara, sisal, silk and maasai shukas.

Considering the current state of unemployment Nyata would rather blend fashion and his profession as a teacher or (quit teaching as a professional) than quit fashion. “Apart from fashion being a hobby it also a money a maker" His bags are mostly for women and he justifies this by the fact that most women are impulsive buyers.

"Men can carry a single wallet for a decade, for ladies, a single handbag is not enough for a day"

TALENT, PASSION AND BUSINESS

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Is your career in the arts industry?

Well, since the phrase “Education is the key to success” became one of the most popular saying of our time all our parents want is for us to be engineers, doctors, lawyers, teachers or work in the government.

Call it the big five careers and this is the societal definition of a successful and educated child.

Times have changed and gone are the days when only the professionals in the ‘big five’ careers could make a successful career.

Today, talent pays and it pays well. There are vast careers in the arts industry and need I say, renowned successful artists across the globe What it takes Passion Commitment comes immediately after passion. Do you do what you love or love what you do? Think about that but just like in any other profession it takes a lot of time and effort to build your career and make it a success.

Knowledge Knowledge is the bedrock of anything you want to achieve – Brian Sher. What’s your knowledge in the arts industry, are you up to date with the trends? How well have you studied the market players?

Remember it’s not just about you and your art, if you want to get in the business part of it you’ve to be well informed and as we all know information is power.

Business savvy Are you business oriented? Among the key aspects of business are networking, marketing and ofcourse your systems. As an artists you may opt for an arts agency who will provide you with all these services of which is the smart way of building your career as it gives you ample time to concentrate on your art.

Careers in art industry Visual arts • Drawing • Painting • Sculpture • Photography Literary arts • Poetry • Spoken word Performing art • Music • Dance Creativity is intelligence having fun- Albert Einsten

HITS&MISSES

So much happens on the 14th of February. This year was not different except for artists who chose to distend our playlists.

Willie Oeba’s Cheza Chakacha featuring Johnny Ace and Evansquez was one of the many songs released including Sautisol’s ‘Afrikan Star’ featuring Nigeria’s Burna Boy and Nyashinski’s ‘Bebi Bebi.’ By artgalore

“The inspiration behind the song is appreciating the African culture and beauty of the African woman and that’s the reason why we chose to release it on Valentine’s day,”

CHEZA CHAKACHA – WILLIE OEBA FT EVANSQUEZ & JOHNY ACE

The song is a fusion of spoken word and Chakacha.

Chakacha is a traditional music and dance style of the Swahili people of coastal Kenya and Tanzania. It was often played in weddings during the late 20th century.

Talking with Willie Oeba, the renown spoken word artist in the region who featured in this music video, he refers to the genre of Cheza Chakacha as floetry. Conspicuously done by King Kaka and Juliani in Kenya.

Asked about challenges experienced he listed financial constraints during pre and post production and making people appreciate the new genre of music.

He did the music collaboration with Evansquez who gave ‘life to word’ as well as he(Oeba) could and Johny who is a vocalist and also gave tune to the song after listening to the spoken word.

Apart from a muscular guy with a painted body drumming an African drum with dust particles rising in rhythm, the most scenic location is a wheat field with models in different suits and African prints. The ladies wearing slow smiles and painted faces.

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F R O M

L E F T :

E V A N S Q U E Z ,

J O H N Y

A C E

A N D

W I L L I E

O E B A

CHEZA CHAKACHA – WILLIE OEBA FT EVANSQUEZ & JOHNY ACE 15

Willie Oeba says his goal is to make people appreciate spoken word and make it an industry. He aspires to create a record label and an artist management hub. “Looking back in history the best I have done is believe in me.

Believe in itself is a process, believing in your own self is your own business. You deal with it,” Willie Oeba.

IRONY DESTROYED METAL

BAND

Metal is a type of rock music where  the electric guitar is the main music instrument. It is characterized by distorted power chords, memorable riffs and virtuoso guitar playing. In a nutshell this is the genre of music that Irony Destroyed majors in.

The band, formed in 2009, is comprised of four members: Lenny Kiano(guitarist), Dennis Njue(bass), Carington Kabatha(drums)and Lawrence Muchemi(vocals). The band has come a long way since. Last year, they performed at the Nairobi Metal Festival and this year, the band has been named among the top 52 African metal bands according to audioinferno.com.

I spoke to Lenny Kiano who's also the band leader.

By artgalore

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Our dream stage is Wacken Open Air. It’s a summer open-air heavy metal music festival. It takes place annually in the village of Wacken in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany.

DNAB LATEM :DEYORTSED YNORI

Why Metal?

Metal is something we all listen to as a band. Generally it is our lifestyle; making music, playing and attending rock and metal gigs. We are really passionate about it because it has a way of communicating and moving people.

There was a time we were heading to practice in a rehearsal studio in town and while the band before us was leaving, we quickly set up and started jamming right away. The other band heard us jamming and they all came running back to the studio moshing, head banging and recording us jam, because they had never heard anything like that. That's why we do what we do.

You have an EP(extended production) out tell me about that?

The EP titled Strife to Legacy came out in April last year. The listeners can interpret the meaning behind it, but as a band, (Strife) meant the start of our musical journey, the struggles both in the industry and also internally and generally working with what we had at the time to make music. (Legacy) meant the vision of leaving something behind in which the band can be remembered for. The EP has 6 tracks. We were trying to balance between writing really heavy songs and melodic ones and the real highlight of the EP is a song called 'Lazima udie'. Which is the first metal song sang in sheng.

You performed at the Nairobi Metal Festival. How was the experience?

Heart throbbing! There were lots of people than we expected and playing for that many people has been our dream, so we were really excited for the opportunity.

What makes a successful metal band?

A band that makes many records, has a huge fan base and gets to tour and play in gigs.

What do you think needs to be done to make your kind of music widely known and appreciated by Kenyans?

I'd say investors who are willing to sponsor and endorse metal bands or popular record labels signing up metal bands. Also exposure through huge metal shows, TV and radio interviews and also getting the media to frequently play our songs and videos.

What advice would you give anyone who would like to follow your footsteps?

Keep practicing and stay true to yourself and you will eventually become good and opportunities will come along. Oh! And don't be late for your band practice. @irony_destroyed on all social media platforms

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DNAB LATEM :DEYORTSED YNORI

Who inspires your music?

Generally, it’s the bands we listen to. I lay Dying and Trivium are bands that inspired me to pick up the guitar.

JIMMY CURTIS Art Instructor/Mentor Concept Developer

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Crocheting is the art of working with a needle; needlecraft.

Most people will refer to it us knitting or sewing but its passion and business to Carolyne Wairimu or simply Wairimu_Ke.

EMPRESS CROCHETS

EMPRESS CROCHETS

tThe model cum second year French student in Moi University is the brainchild of Empress Crochets, a line of items made of ‘thread that has been yarned into a piece of fabric by forming loops that are pulled through each other.’

With a growing trend of crochets in the fashion industry, aiming for the moon is an understatement. Nimo, her alias, plans to grow her empire and employ thousands. She also sat for an interview with us:

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road to freedom • may 2020

Tell us about ‘Empress Crochets’ how you came up with the whole idea including the name?

Empress Crochets is a 'House of Uzi.' I knit tops, skirts, ties, fedora hats and bikinis. I use various fabric depending on the design and customer preference; this includes denim, ankara, cotton and silk.

How did you learn how to knit?

My mum taught me the basic stitches then I learned how to do various patterns from YouTube. Lately I can look at anything made from uzi and knit something similar.

Where do you source your ideas for designing?

I do a lot of research from the internet although most customers come with pictures for preferred designs but all in all its a learning process.

What is your biggest achievement so far?

The satisfaction I see written on my customer’s face.

What challenges have you encountered so far?

Sometimes I cannot meet limited-time deadlines due to lack of a sewing machine. Erstwhile I used to undo the whole knit due to impressions.

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Our aim is to make many people appreciate crochets and create a crochet culture in the region through marketing, publicity and events.

What do you do in your free time apart from crocheting?

At the moment crocheting has pitched a camp in my mind; I think of nothing else.

What is your take on today’s generation, the young people of today, are we better or worse than the previous generation?

I am glad times are changing, today most young people have something they are doing, something they like. May it be photography or modelling, or any kind of art or business.

We are not limited unlike the old times when people were skeptical about engaging in some stuff so you’d only wait to graduate, get employed then get married.

We are more diverse and focused.

To place inquiries or order ‘Empress Crochets’ products contact +254 712 322 489 or send a direct message via Instagram @empress_crochets Product prices range from Ksh.500 to Ksh.1500 depending on design and agency.

My ambition is to create a crochet empire, designing everything in uzi: bags, pillow covers, duvets, carpets, lamp shades, wall decorations, sweaters, dresses, skirts, trench coats, hats, ties and swim wear. This will in turn create employment to thousandsing

DID YOU KNOW?

Cheap and simple ways to shoot a music video By artgalore

Shooting a music video can be hectic especially the thought of one has to spend so much money. That is not always the case. Video shooting only needs planning. You don’t have to go to Paris or use a helicopter unless you can.

Here is a listicle that will help you shoot a simple video: 1. Build a concept around things you have access to Think of a great original idea. Don’t copy videos of other artists especially established musicians. Be creative with things you can access for example florescent tubes, scrap metal, video editing software’s etc Friends can prove helpful in sourcing for ideas.

2. Location Find an interesting location and be creative with the location for example an old or abandoned building and shoot during sunset or sunrise, a monument, a wheat field or ancient street or station.

3. Prioritize your budget Find an upcoming videographer/director to shoot your video unlike established videographers who may prove expensive.

Instead of hiring the cast ask your friends and relatives to pick up the roles.

4. Keep your cast and crew small and effective The smaller the cast you use the easier to organize.

5. Research ‘Google is your friend’ Search the internet for ideas on how to do small budget videos; this will help you source for ideas.

6. Editing Download video editing tutorial for popular video editing software’s and learn how to manipulate the videos.

Most of the videos posted on social media are done with smart phones or ‘cheap cameras’ but accompanied with good editing skills.

Instead of shooting an entire video, you can do an interesting lyric video using characters i.e. letters, numbers, emojis etc Happy New Year and do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path.

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LIPSTICK DIY

This particular DIY can be done in record time and is virtually impossible to mess up (my kind of DIY!) Chances are you're going to feel really silly at first, but I promise it gets fun once you get past the ridiculousness of it all. It’s a satisfying way to get bright colors up on your walls really fast, and it's so pretty it’s hard not to feel a sense of accomplishment when it's all complete.

By artgalore

Here's what you'll need: -Lipstick in 5 shades -Small mirror -Tissues - Smooth white art board -Masking tape -Cardboard cut to be a couple inches bigger than the art board on all sides -White picture frame.

Note: For your lipstick selection, try to stick within a single color spectrum (pinks, browns, mauves, etc) and vary the brightness. I stuck with pinks, so I had a pale baby pink, a neutral-pink, a coral-pink, a mauve-pink, and a dark red-pink. Definitely include one very pale color and one very dark color for impact, and try to make sure none of the colors look too similar or they will blend together.

Step-1. Tape a border around the art board to secure it to the cardboard. You can hold the piece by the cardboard edges while you kiss it so that you don’t get fingerprints all over the paper as you go.

Step-2. Apply your lightest lipstick first, in a thick coat. Pucker up and kiss the center of your paper. Kiss a few more times so you get comfortable seeing how much color is left on after each kiss before you need to reapply (I found I needed to reapply every 2-3 times). Don’t be scared of where you place these kisses or what they’re shaped like, they’ll quickly get drowned out by the brighter colors. Figure out which puckers you like best and experiment!

Step-3. Once you get your kisses down, spread out your kisses so that you have a few hovering near the border but the majority clustered around the center. It’s good to step away every so often so you can see how the composition is developing. Wipe your lips with tissues and apply your next darkest color.

Have fun!!

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Piece by Venezar Adhiambo Ungratified, detested, scorned, all formed at the colorful tips of a black man's flickering eyelids.

Revealed only to his shadows are the sour tears, streaming along his shameful complexion upon one slower blink, amongst the rapid ones.

Mellow blues permeated his ghetto house, tickling against his scalp, arousing the word "freedom" because, this man twined with negro spirit, has died his death sealed from the purity that might cleanse his ingenious soul.

From the depths of the seas and mountains awaits his Jehovah, for a deep manly plea.

It never comes...instead, The springing bitterness fenced off, this man crosses the thick black line at his door everyday.

Not only is he met with clutched bags of the women of the privileged lots, but also, reapers of a merry destiny, too ready to send his soul amongst the night stars born from his silenced ancestors.

His black vanity shielded by his inky flesh, not ever seen by the empathetic mankind.

He likes it like that.

He knows that he will not be a barbarian when he makes the headlines, but a Black Robert Frost in the making to black panther in the making.

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Art Galore Africa ARTS AND ENTERTAINEMENT MAGAZINE

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