FEB 2017
imagine that
FASHION
Looking FAB & loving it
LIFESTYLE
GROW YOUR AFRO
+
are you TIRED of being ordinary?
Tshimi Molebatsi
FABULOUS
Its that time of the year again
y o u
talk to us today
EDITOR’S NOTE
Hail 50 shades! I am not even close to half the person who should be writing their thoughts about this amazing trilogy. But seeing as to how E.L. James stole all our hearts, I might us well indulge in my experiences with the different shades of love I encountered. First, I cannot wait to get the full HD experience of the film adaptation of the second-of-the-third trilogy, and for this reason, I feel most of us anticipate what love could be. We paint pictures about love, we hope that Anastasia and Grey will find love in their seemingly special relationship and we hope to experience a kind of love that will rock our soul. Second, my encounter with what goes on between Anastasia and Grey blew my mind. I guess I have come to the point when now I understand that love is something else. It is sometimes a quagmire, sometimes a sweet symphony, sometimes like bitter aloe vera and sometimes like sweet marshmellows. There is meant to be some special aura on the 14th of this month. But I choose to have this aura all day, everyday, because as one smart lady once told me, life is really no dress rehearsals. And love is the only thing that will last in this world of ours. How we find it, when we find it, our interactions and encounters with it are special and individual. We hope that as you indulge in this issue, you may think about what love is to you, and as you make a conscious decison to indulge in your life, to harness the power of love in your life and live, love and have life in all its abundance. Indulge in the love. And pass it around. Happy Reading Eric Maingi Editor-in-Chief
CONTENTS
46 INSIDE BANZA 06
All of Banza
08
Editor’s Note
18
Meet the Team
FASHION FACE 24
Cover Girl
38
60 Seconds Meet Sepiso Mwamelo, a fine lady with amicable grace and poise
Tshimi is unshaken and undeterred as she shows that what she is made of is everything about the fab!
44
37 LIFESTYLE 40
Living Tired of the ordinary life? We are too! Now let us explore all that’s inside
46
52
Grow your Afro
56
A case for Kindness
64
Reviews Movies to watch this month and music review that get’s you jamming all through.
68
Letters from Uncle Charles
Fabulous. My life and my love. One Pusumane does it again with her soulful lyrical strength.
CEO Joseph Rutakangwa
Editor-in-Chief Eric Maingi
Creative Director Elsa Yeboah-Boateng Graphic Designer Ebenezer Graham
Fashion Face Mariah Mang’eni Linda Admassu Hawi Tiyo
Lifestyle One Pusumane Joseph Rutakangwa Charles Msilanga Fanidh Sanogo
Guest Writer Fionah Kiruja Photographer RenĂŠ Solomon Cover Girl
Tshimi Molebatsi
“You mean the world to me” “Je vous adore” “Sois à moi” “I love you” “Vous faites trembler mes jambes” “You make me happier than free food….”
Whatever your case for love is, this is the month to say something. And, we at Vikuku are working hard to make sure you’re sending the right message. We’ve compiled your questions and requests for the past month and here are our suggestions for the perfect bracelet gift to get your loved one this month and how to style it.
The incredible bracelet - Large enough to remain significant, and small enough to have powerful sentimental meaning. The bracelet truly wins our award for the ultimate gift this season. Coupled with its affordable price, it goes without saying that this piece of jewellery is officially Valentine-gold. Therefore, without further ado, we give away the secret behind what kind of bracelet you should be buying this season. Happy Valentine.
For the classic lovers. The down-to-earth duo who remind us of David and Victoria Beckham. If you enjoy long afternoons watching the sunset with your partner-incrime, then this is for you. Grab this timeless piece as a token of your appreciation to him/ her and complement each other by matching bracelets. These wood and shell bracelets are hand-made using pure Mauritian bead. Feel your partner each time you wear your classic matte-wood and shell. Designed to uniquely fit your style.
Does she make your heart play a funny tune when she walks by? Does her elegance and grace drive you to stare on? She’s not out of your league (you can thank us for this later). Compliment her beauty this Valentine’s by giving the ultimate surprise of the exquisite ceramic and glass beads from Vikuku. These handcrafted bracelets speak elegance and style onto every wrist. Pick a soft colour that suites her and match it up with a shell bracelet or another ceramic bracelet. She is clearly a woman who knows what she wants ;) and now, you do too.
Contact Us To get stylish this season and Impress your partner, visit our Social Media and grab your favourite piece.
+230 5911-6957 +254 724 467-676
Fashion
Face
They say a girl should be two things: classy and fabulous. So,when life gives you curves,flaunt them and embrace the fabUlous you with panache. Celebrate what makes you, by adorning yourself with the latest craze. by MARY MANG’ENI Models Daniella Haynes Tshimi Molebatsi
60
seconds with
Meklit Baye
Sepiso Mwamelo
Why do you like your fashion? It’s simple, comfortable and convenient. My only rule in fashion is; wear what I want to wear- whether or not it aligns with the current fashion trends. My go to colour is always black, I can confidently say that more than half of my closet is black.
Who do you look up to when it comes to fashion? There’s no specific person I look up to as my fashion sense is quite simple and straightforward. Do you consider yourself a trend-setter? I would not consider myself as a trendsetter, and if I had the opportunity to set one trend in the fashion world, it would be to wear what you want to wear and maximize comfortability and convenience.
Where do you see yourself in the future when it comes to fashion? In the future, I see a couple of things influencing the way I dress. I see myself entering the corporate world, where there is a mandated way of dressing. However, I believe I will still throw in hints of my fashion sense and of course, a lot of black.
Tired of Being Ordinary? Here’s How to Unleash the Fabulous in You By Joseph Rutakangwa
SO you’re up to here with being ordinary? You claim you deserve more from this life? You’ve tried following your passion but still want more out of it? Well, I hate to break it to you but conveying how you feel will not lift you from where you are today to feeling like Thor. We choose to be ordinary by 7ignoring what we do on a day to day basis. In consequence, we lose time and energy – the most valuable resources. Loss of time and energy in a long run results in frustration, stress, negativity, and pessimism. So the real question is, how do you unleash the fabulous in you? Here’s how
1.
Think Unorthodoxly
Ordinary Joes are wound up with fitting in. From now on, you’re going to be consumed with the opposite – standing out. You shall write down a clear statement of what you want regardless of the existing state of affairs. You shall think freely and express your views. The more unorthodox your views are, the happier you should be. 2.
Go Wild
Some of my friends think I’m lost (Mission accomplished: roger). Being a plain Jane means being predictable. An ordinary person’s likes and dislikes, views, hobbies, routine, aspirations, and fashion sense are in a defined range. You’re not ordinary that’s why you’re reading this in the first place. So, when you think of doing something, just do it! Go wild and shake up your life. Do what people don’t expect. Ordinariness does not exist in the world of triumph. Times change, new events unfold, and challenges change. You shall take a step towards some absurd prodigious goal every day. 3.
Be Content
We are all imperfect from day one. If you think of the almost infinite obstacles set to let us down then you’ll know you’ve got it made. Perhaps your mind is constantly pulling you back, but you keep moving forward. You’re still alive and working toward
your dreams. Maybe you haven’t found your purpose yet, but you’re searching for it. Ordinary people are sick and tired of everything around them. You shall be content with what you’ve done, not what you haven’t. We can’t know what would have happened, but we can work to make things happen. 4.
Have Faith
Success is progressive. Small events happening in your life are linked and they lead to something. Ordinary Joes believe that these moments are insignificant and fall into one of the two categories – good and bad. In reality, you need meaningless, bad and good moments to grow. In point of fact, your brain links thoughts as event unfold to come up with something of great significance. You don’t know exactly how, but you have to have faith that you will eventually see if you choose not to settle for mediocrity. Everything has a meaning, you’re not aware of it yet, and you shouldn’t be. Be certain that you’ll get what you want. 5.
Build Others
Plain Janes tend to knock down their so-called opponents in a ring. You, on the other side, shall help others in build themselves so they feel fabulous. We long to find the right partners, have best friends, families free from drama, and good leaders. We keep looking be-
cause we see faults in people around us. Start spotting the good in people around you and see your life transform. Be that good leader, the right partner, and best friend. Imagine the good that you will bring in your life. 6.
Be Authentic
An ordinary Joe is unbeatable when it comes to this one skill - acting. Such people spend their lifetime taking best shots at being anyone but themselves. They believe that having certain careers, beliefs, or having material possessions will make people like them so they put on the act. Fabulous people remain who they are. They know their value and unique position in this world. Not that they’re egoistic, but they’ve accepted themselves and know they’re adding value. The value they’re adding is what pushes them rather than how others perceive them. You are unique. Know it. Accept it. Embrace it. Go wild. See you on the other side.
FABULOUS By One Pusumane
The thing about love is that she is ruthless and merciful at the same time. She will have you waiting for 2 hours in a lounge bar And still have the audacity to cradle you like raindrops against a window Reminding you that sometimes the sun will never Scorch the earth forever. That is why we find sunsets poetic.
Love is the definition of freedom and captivity in One. Like how she cuddles me to sleep on days when cupid has forgotten her bow and arrow. Days where I need to be reminded that I need not be a God to own an empire. I just need to be me and that’s it is enough. I need not society to crown me because I can choose my own crown. Love is where I have learnt to accept all the pieces I call myself. Every bit of them even the cold dark ones Because I have seen love shapeshift at 2am into a smoke cloud I call oxygen. I have seen her tear me down in front of Broken mirrors reminding me that birds still Sing after the storm. So I will build a new me from this wreckage.
Love taught me that it’s okay gather your thoughts on days When your chest is a house on fire. Moments when life invades your happiness And enslaves your smile. I once had a date with love and she violently carved my heart out of my chest. The look in her eyes told me that hurt people hurt people and cupid will never Be satisfied with the hearts she has feasted on. Thus I watched and dined at my heart’s funeral Because empty chest reminds me of treasures and gold. Perhaps that that’s why love lives Unapologetically. She is Strong, Fierce and Fabulous.
Order your beaded jewellery TODAY
KINKS OF MY
FRO By Fionah Kiruja
The struggle is real guys! The journey from the big chop, to the little fun bun, big full out fro and finally to the long silky, blown by the wind hair is surely not one of little significance or effort. Ever tried going natural? In the process of going natural? Or already natural but struggling? I can for sure speaking from something I dare call experience, say that I feel your pain, and know your struggle. My hair journey, which is still in progress as any other naturalists’, was a hard one; one that began a long and hectic year ago. Trying one popular regiment and product and another did not seem to make my hair grow any longer or achieve any more volume. I shed a tear on a card and puff, my fairy godmother shook her wand and there it was. I was introduced to a world of the ultimate secret recipe to growing fuller, longer and of course healthier hair. Before the secret recipe, here are three essential needs to get you started.
Hair Type 1. Know your hair type. Is it wavy 2a, b or c? Is it curly 3a, b or c, or is it kinky 4a ,b or c.
The Weather 2. If it’s too hot it has to go. The less heat on your hair, the healthier and better.
The Condition 3. Moisture is sacred. Keeping your hair moisturized prevents it from breakage and ugly split ends, just like the gloss on your lips. The journey will be hard. It will be tough. But we shall walk this journey together till that puff fro shows!
A Case For Kindness
By Fanidh Sanogo
You probably think
the world is a horrible place where sweet people are crushed and some people become presidents. I thought as much as well, until something strange happened a few weeks ago, an incident that of changed the way I view the world. I must say, it gave me some kind of hope for humanity. It all began when I missed my transit flight in Addis Ababa, at Bole international airport. I was devastated and angry. One, because the boarding
gate number was changed without being announced, it was thus far from being my fault, and secondly because I was stranded in a third world country airport for 24 hours, with nothing to do. I had no book, no money, and no internet. It was a horrible feeling. What made it worse was that I had left Mauritius the previous morning, and had not showered since then. I felt like crying, laughing, and slapping a
child (why a child? Because all the kids there looked so damn happy!) It was annoying. After an hour, I finally accepted my fate and decided to tour the airport for the fourth time. As I was walking around aimlessly like a ghost, the woman at the help desk called me. She looked like a 55-year-old Ethiopian woman with vitiligo. At first, I was reluctant to go because well, I was in a very bad mood and the last thing I wanted was to engage in a conversation. Then, it occurred to me that I have nothing better to do. As I got closer, she welcomed me with an amazing smile that warmed my heart. Then she asked, “Where are you from and where are you going?” “I am going to Accra. But I missed my flight this morning.” “Oh, I am so sorry my dear.” “Thanks. And, apparently there are no bathrooms where I can freshen up. I left Mauritius yesterday morning and I feel so dirty!” “Oh my God, you must feel so terrible! I will help you. You can get a hotel room, but it will cost you $100 for the night. Don’t worry, I will help you get the money. Just stand close by, over there.” At that moment, I was very confused, but I decided to do as she said. After all, I was in an airport, it was safe (well, most of the time), and I had plenty of time. I stood in the corner as directed not sure of what I should be doing. About five minutes later, a gentleman approached her desk for some inquiries. After attending to him, she said, “Sir, you see this girl? She is a student from Mauritius. She was going home when she missed her flight. She needs to get back home, and the penalty is about $100. We would really appreciate if you could help raise this money with any amount.” I was amazed. I wasn’t ready for this. I had never felt this humiliated in my life. I felt like a beggar. However, I badly needed a hot shower and a comfortable bed. As soon as she said
that, the gentleman looked at me as though he was trying to look for proof on my face. I quickly did my best to make the saddest face possible. He then put his hand in his pocket and brought out 10 pounds. “This is all I can do for you. Good luck.” “Whoa! It actually worked! We made 10 pounds already!” I told the lady. “Yes my dear, and you will not have to pay anything. Just be patient. You will see.” I smiled at her and looked at the time on my phone. I wondered how long it would take for us to reach $100. Five minutes later, another man came to the desk. He wanted to know where the cafeteria was. As he was leaving, the lady called him back to ask him to help me. He looked at us with disgust and without saying a word, took off. Although I could understand him, I felt as though my ego was being stabbed. That was it. I was determined to stop this joke. I felt insulted, so I told the lady I didn’t want her to beg for me anymore. She laughed and asked me to calm down. “Not everyone is kind hearted and understanding. Besides, there are many dishonest people out here. You cannot blame him. But I promise you that we will get you this money. We just need to be careful about who we ask.” A few minutes later, a man approached us for some inquiries. After helping him, the lady tried her luck as usual, and this time, we were both surprised by what he did. Upon hearing my story, he put his hand in his pocket, brought out a huge stack of money, and said “how much do you need?”. I was so choked that it took me a few seconds to realize he was speaking to me. I then replied “Please, $90 sir.” He counted the money, put a pile of notes on the table and said, “Here you go, $90.” I was amazed at how easy it was for him to give freely to a complete stranger. I have no idea about the source of his money, but I
will forever be grateful to him. Unfortunately, the amount he gave us was not up to $90, as the exchange rate of the Ethiopian birr did not quite match up. He had given us $70. We needed $20 more. This time, I was more hopeful than ever. Indeed, this was proof that anything was possible, even in the worst scenarios. The last $20 was from a lady who sought directions to a restaurant. Upon hearing my story, she immediately empathized and covered the rest of the money. And there I was with 110 dollars, all because of the amazing lady! After jubilating about the money we were able to make, she directed me to the place where I could pay for my hotel room and my transit visa. Up until that moment, I must admit that I had my doubts about her. I thought she was a human trafficker who wanted to trade me off. As I was leaving her, I asked if I could take a picture of her. She replied with a warm smile, “don’t worry my dear, I will be here waiting for you when you come tomorrow.” So I hugged her and left. As I was walking away, I felt as though this was the last time I was seeing her. Indeed, she was nowhere to be found the next morning. I asked the security personnel if they had seen her around, and none of them seemed to know who I was talking about. She had disappeared just like that, like an angel. Before this experience, I had the tendency to think that the earth was a cruel place where kindness was the synonym of foolishness. But this woman, along with all the people that helped me proved me wrong that day. These people did not hesitate to help me, even though they knew nothing about me. Too often, we get carried away by the ugly and wicked things of the world, forgetting
that there is still love and kindness. Pure and genuine kindness. Now, don’t get me wrong. There are still some bad people out there, like the ones who snatched my purse from me in the market, or the a**hole (excuse my language) who raped my sister! Too often, we let those unfortunate events define our societies and selves. We become bitter and carry all this negative energy around us. These people showed me that kind-hearted people still exist out there, despite their rarity; people out there who are genuinely nice regardless of your race, gender, or age.
CHOOSE KINDNESS
the 3D By Charles Msilanga
The reason why a river appears to be peaceful is that it knows where it is going. However, at times, the river, due to external circumstances, may be forced to break up and loose it boundaries, but this does not distract it from keeping the focus of its destination. I think we should emulate from the river. Our lives should be focused. We should know where we are going and stay put on the right track to arrive at our destinations. Even when we face challenges should not lose focus. The road to success is inclined with many tempting parking spaces. We therefore need to go straight always. Every cooked turn delays off your arrival to success. When God created you, he created an individual of influence and significance. He invested in us by sowing in us a seed. A seed of greatness. However, many people choose to sink in the deep seas of mediocrity and thus catalyse the rut of failure. Indeed, if you show me someone content with mediocrity and I will show you someone destined for failure. There is, positively, a way out. I like to call them the 3Ds to Success.
1) D- Discipline. Discipline is self-imposed standards and restrictions motivated by a desire greater than the alternatives. It is decisions dictated by a determined destiny. The little steps one takes daily count a lot and become a habit. It is therefore necessary to develop discipline in carrying out the routines that align to build you in achieving greatness and success in your life.
2) D- Determination Nothing defeats a determined soul! Within you lies a power, which, when properly grasped and directed, can lift an entire race out of the rut of mediocrity, poverty and failure, and onto the shores of fortune. This power is determination. Use it to achieve your goals!
3) D-Desire Desire is the backbone of the other 2Ds. This is a strong feeling to achieve something which if willed strong enough in each of our lives, drives many to destiny. Desire to be great, desire to have success, if it is strong enough, then you shall achieve it! You are great! You are fabulous! Always remember that life is a fight for territory, and once you stop fighting for what you want, what you don’t want will automatically take over. I wish you wonderful and splendid moments as you reflect on this. God Bless You so much! With Gratitude Uncle Charles