BlackPearl Magazine #001 /Nov 2018

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CONTENTS

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COVER STORY

the come up

Jonte A.D Moller talks about the come up of PROJEXT KK Modelling Agency.

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SURVIVING THE SERENGETI Dice talks about the Namibian Music Industry and how it has evolved over the years.

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HELLO WORLD Get to know Ndatala Angula, the RISING STAR and what his aspirations are.

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ALL THINGS WIGS Herstyle Fashion shows you how to rock your wig.

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5 MINS WITH LIZE EHLERS We hit Lize Ehlers with a not so long QNA.

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33 56

ON IT WITH T H E C A P TA I N Brave Warriors Captain talks to us about his Football Career and more.

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A LEAF IN THE LIFE Lazarus N Jacobs gives us the answers to some questions people hardly ask.

BLACKPEARL MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2018

editor’s letter

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T H E BEA UT Y IN THE STRUGGLE HEY YOU!! WHAT’S UP? If you are reading this, your life will probably never be the same again. Oh no, that’s such an immense statement. I am sorry, I take it back.

But LISTEN, we have something for you. It’s new, it’s relevant (or so we thought), and it’s something Namibia has been craving for some time now.

I’m not promising you’ll like it and if that happens to be the case then please do know, WE TRIED. If you have been keeping up with BlackPearl as a corporation, you have probably been acceptingly waiting for this to reach your hands; if you have never had an idea of what Black Pearl is then this probably comes as an ‘unpleasant surprise’ or maybe a ‘classic unannounced’, WE SHALL FIND OUT. But nevertheless, let’s cut to the chase and get this over and done with. TELL ME, what happens when you combine beauty and fashion + health and lifestyle + business and finance + sports and entertainment? Add a little bit of social welfare and TELL ME, do you like it like that?

Our cover story is graced by the beautiful girls from Projext KK modelling agency.

Never heard of such? Oh well, not a problem. We shall TELL YOU about them before long.

On the contrary, the theme for this issue was fixated around giving a chance to NOT-SOKNOWN talents of the soil.

YOU SEE, the thing I’ve observed about the whole media trade in Namibia is that we focus too much on the same people to a point where their stories become dull and overly publicised. And yes, you can argue that some of these people are so unswerving with their art or whatever it is their known for and so are deservedly getting all the emphasis but when will the ‘YOUNGINS’ ever be given an extensive chance to shine? Sorry again, ‘youngins’ (plural) is a SLANG word meaning the youth or simply the young ones. The point here is that “at the end of the day, the energy of the youth will be the truth and the way” so the sooner we put them on, the better!

In doing our part and practising what we preach; the RISING STAR section will be an ever-present part of our monthly issues and is for any deserving ‘youngin’ who we sense is rapidly on the rise to greater altitudes. Ndatala Angula fitted the bill for this month. Moreover, we believe in giving gender equal opportunities and so the sexes of our headline stories in each section shall be subject to constant and reasonable rotations. There is as well a TIME-OUT section wherein we give our readers time to take a breather with exclusive competition giveaways, fiction stories, pull-out posters and an assortment of other soothing inserts.

The WRITE TO US section at the very beginning pages encourages our readers to stand a chance to have their peculiar articles published.

Finally, I would like to send a shout out to all our contributors or as they like to call themselves “THE ENTOURAGE”; these are our Assistant Editor, our Director of Photography, our Creative Design Director, our Print Journalist, our Content Manager and our Makeup Artist respectively (of whose names are not revealed in this issue whatsoever).

Such complicated people huh? LOL! Don’t be sad. Do stay tuned to our December issue as we reveal the team behind THE BEAUTY IN THE STRUGGLE of what I hereby present to you as BLACKPEARL MAGAZINE!!

Now where do I even sign?

Never mind, I’ll too do that in the next issue.

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CONTENTS

Not only is Art an integral part of who we are as Africans but it plays a huge role in our communities.

Art addresses social, economic and political issues in the country.

It allows those who do not know much about issues in the country to have a better understanding and it allows us to express ourselves. It has a more positive than negative effect on our communities. The only way it can have a negative impact is when issues are mismatched and the wrong message is communicated.

Pursuing a career in the arts requires one to have passion for the type of art you do, you may have a talent for your art but like in every other industry, hard work definitely improves and sometimes beats talent.

Angelika Schroeder who is the Rector at the College of the Arts (COTA) in Windhoek believes that if you are not passionate enough about your art you cannot succeed.

“The most important factor when you take up a career in the arts is discipline. Every artist should be willing to put in hours in order to perfect their art.” As an artist one should be able to manage yourself and she adds that the college is looking into ways to improve on equipping students with entrepreneurial and business skills because it does not help that one has talent and passion but unable to market themselves and deal with money in a profitable way.

Ms. Schroeder has been in the arts industry for about 30 years as she has always had a passion for dance. She then went to Pretoria Technical College to pursue Profes-

sional dancing, she then started at COTA as a dance lecturer and went up the ranks to become the Rector of the college although she still gives classes due to under staffing at the college. Her second love is theatre then music. She believes as Africans our art is integrated and she loves how one art form complements the other.

She says over the 30 years she has been in the industry it has grown immensely. There are various facilities country wide where one can study towards a career in arts.

COTA offers various courses, the International University of Management (IUM) also has a visual arts department, the University of Namibia (UNAM) offers art courses and there are other institutions that allow one to further their studies in art. She says that employment opportunities are on the increase for careers such as fashion and new media (graphic design) and students from COTA have the opportunity to do internships at NBC which gives them the opportunity to later secure employment.

Anyone willing to pursue a career in arts should be driven because your career is not going to work without passion and the will to succeed. Although not every successful artist has a qualification you should be willing to improve yourself by registering at an institution where you can study and master your art. You should constantly train, be customer oriented by ensuring you deliver quality and that you pay attention to small things like arriving on time. It is important to adapt entrepreneur-

ial skills and be business minded in order to be able to earn money and to play your part in ensuring that the arts industry in Namibia is sustainable for a long time.

When asked about the notion that a career in Arts is hard if not more difficult than other professions, Ms. Schroeder says that every career is difficult. People say careers in arts are difficult because of the belief that arts are just extra mural activities and that art cannot be a business. However this is busy changing as the country is producing more graduates in the arts field. She says the arts are just like any career, some people find jobs others don’t, just like there are lawyers or teachers who don’t find jobs. The only sure way to succeed in the arts is to be entrepreneurial and create opportunities for yourself.

Jesaya Johannes a radio production student says that “most African parents have a negative view on careers in arts because they believe there is more money in other careers. However this is not always the case. There are multiple ways to make money in arts and money should not be the only factor considered when choosing a career.”

In the art industry you can always evolve. If you study dance it doesn’t mean that you will always be a dancer. You can become an agent, a dance lecturer or a dance manager. You can always grow into something else just like Ms. Schroeder has and she still has the dream of creating her own identity and running her own business.

BLACKPEARL MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2018

write to us

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proudly namibian or nah It is exciting and inspiring to see many Namibians especially the youth taking on initiative to start their own businesses and creating local products. However, many of these businesses seem to die out because of a lack of support so we took to the streets to find out why Namibians choose to invest into other African or international brands.

Locals say the main issue they have with Namibian products or services is that they are expensive and prices are never set. “Sometimes they charge you more because they think you have money”, Lee-Ann and Joyce, students from NUST said.

Other reasons locals gave were that most businesses are inaccessible in most parts of the country and that discourages customers from buying. This also contributes to most people not being aware that the business exists. For customers who are willing to wait days for products to be delivered, sometimes the products are not always available.

“Most businesses starting up are those of selling replicas of international brands and this makes one doubt the quality of products being offered, because no one wants to invest their money into a product that might not last, that is why I choose to save up and buy assured quality from the shops instead”, said Johannes Itula a Windhoek resident.

Other reasons given were that

WRITE TO US TODAY

there are too many similar products and services available and it seems like no creativity goes into starting businesses, “everyone wants to start a t-shirt business, it doesn’t appeal to us anymore”, another local stressed.

Also most businesses have very specific products, example one type of fashion style clothing, although others may see this as an advantage, others complained that this means that only one style or taste is catered to.

“Most Namibian businesses suffer because of a lack of funds and their inability to use social media to market their products or services and attract customers”, Levi a local business man said.

When you start a business you should ensure that you are not a ‘one hit wonder’, focus on the little details and what appeals to your customers. The aim for all of us is to make money but also be attentive to the environment in which you operate when setting prices.”

This section is for you, our readers, we would like to hear your opinion on anything or better yet tell us your story, perhaps direct a question to our editor or any of our journalists/ content creators. Its really up to you, what you want to share with us so WRITE TO US TODAY on the email provided below: mag@blackpearlworlwide.net

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cover story

PROJEXT KK

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KK Y 201 T X UL

the come up

OJE D J PR UNDE FO

JONTE A.D MOLLER FOUNDER/CEO

BLACKPEARL MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2018

cover story

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“

I am a woman of steel and strong character Founded in July 2017, ProjextKK is a Windhoek based modelling agency run and managed under the tutelage of the young and vibrant Jonte A.D Moller. The name was derived from the initials ‘Kleurling Koning’, the preferred synonym of the founder’s ‘government name’. “I started ProjextKK because in my early phases as a model, some segments of society constantly made a mockery of my body build and appearance. Most young women aspiring to stamp their mark in such a career would have taken it to heart and given up on their dreams but I always told myself that I am a woman of steel and strong character.”

“I hence continued pursuing the objectives I had set for myself as an individual and through my agency, I can forthrightly say that I shall be the sacrificial lamb for all women with similar aspirations, but going through circumstances like the ones

PERSONAL RISKS AND SACRIFICES “My original plan was to follow a career in the field of Law, but I was left with the problematic choice of whether to be in an educational institution for most if not all of my time or to rather do what I love the most. In the end, I resolved that I am still young and God willingly still have a long lifetime ahead of me, so instead of abandoning my most imperative desires, I decided to run my agency and make it a success. Also, I believe and hope that soon enough, the agency will convey me to financial emancipation and enable me to fund my own studies. I’d like for my parents to save the monies they had planned on spending on such for other elementary needs, as I believe in giving back and empowering the hand that raised and fed me.” have a long lifetime ahead of me, so instead of abandoning my most imperative desires, I decided to run my

I went through.” In simpler terms, ProjextKK endeavors to empower females to think outside the box and to remind them that no matter what situation they are confronted with, there is always a solution.

With a diversity of models signed, coming in all races, shapes and sizes, one of the complications around society that the agency seeks to primarily address is cheerless teenagers in Namibia and the world at large repetitively bullied because of their appearances and what they go through. The founder inclines to bring girls together, remind them that success is the best revenge and what others think of you is beyond your control.

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cover story

MAURITIA, 19 “I really enjoy ProjextKK. I joined the agency because it was something new, interesting and in line with my own aspirations. After I joined, opportunities instantly started coming my way.” agency and make it a success.

Also, I believe and hope that soon enough, the agency will convey me to financial emancipation and enable me to fund my own studies. I’d like for my parents to save the monies they had planned on spending on such for other elementary needs as I believe in giving back and empowering the hand that raised and fed me”.

PREVIOUS SUCCESS AND FUTURE PLANS The agency has done more than five fashion shows, beauty pageants and promo work.

One of their major events so far included working with

Gazza and well-known South African trapper Emtee. Also, one of the fashion shows gathered an estimated attendance of around 850 people, where Jonte’s bikini line was launched and rapidly sold out.

In August 2018, the agency hosted another event to celebrate its one-year anniversary, where Jonte simultaneously launched one more satin line.

“The interest in scheming my own bikini line which I am still busy with right now inspires me to push to greater heights to achieve the goals I have set for myself.”

About the short-term future, the agency is working towards attaining office space, a modelling studio and branching

out to other parts of the country. Ambitions of branching out internationally do also exist in the long-term plans of ProjextKK. th African acts such as Emtee , Saudi and many more local acts as well.

The interest in designing my own Bikini Line which I am busy with right now inspires me to push to greater heights to get achieve the goal I have set for myself. .

SO, HOW DOES ONE BECOME A PROJEXTKK MODEL?

Jonte at present scouts and headhunts potential models through all appropriate platforms. The agency also holds regular modelling workshops whereby everybody is welcome to audition. Further information regarding signing up and all other FAQs can be obtained from the agency’s Instagram page @ProjextKK or by email enquiries sent to mollerj72@gmail.com.

BLACKPEARL MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2018

LORRAINE, 19 “I decided to join ProjextKK because I believed in my potential as a model and the ideas of the agency seamlessly matched mine as an individual.

I also needed a boost in my self-esteem, which I undeniably attained through working with my manager and the rest of the girls in the agency.”

CANDACE, 21 “I decided to join ProjextKK because it is so diverse and it’s a great way to display woman empowerment. I’ve had a really great experience with the agency thus far and gained a lot of exposure and access to other opportunities. he agency is like family and always looking for everyone’s best interest”

NAANDA, 20 “My journey with ProjextKK has been quite overwhelming... Being part of the agency has taught me the importance of time management and that if you don’t appreciate what you’re being given, someone else out there surely will appreciate the opportunity and embrace it!”

YAMBEKA, 17 “My experience with ProjextKK has been quite life-changing. Not only am I growing as a model, but I’m also of a firm belief that I’ll soon become one of the household names in the Namibian modelling industry. Moreover, I’ve also learned to be unswerving and in achieving this, comes a lot of responsibility.”

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beauty & Lifestyle

BLACKPEARL MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2018

h e a lt h & l i f e s t y l e

[H O M E] DÉCOR

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edhomedeco background/company profile EDHOMEDECO is a company specializing in interior décor for both residential and corporate. Founded in 2015 by Ms Edwig Hawuanga who is sole owner of the company. Edhomedeco offers interior decoration consultation services, manufacturing and installation of window treatments such as curtains and blinds, importing of fabrics, wallpaper and décor accessories such as rugs, throws and scatter cushions and installations of items.

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h e a lt h & L i f e s t y l e

@blackexcellence_2013 @ag_premiumjeans

KNOW BLACKPEARL MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2018

h e a lt h & l i f e s t y l e

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W YOUR WORTH

SO, THE YEAR IS ALMOST OVER and you still havenʼt made a dent in those fitness New Years resolutions you made, hereʼs SWEAT FITNESSʼ quick in the gym resistance training go to exercises.

Resistance training works by causing microscopic damage or tears to the muscle cells, which in turn are quickly repaired by the body to help the muscles regenerate and grow stronger. Many processes in the body require a breakdown before any build up or growth can take place.

Importantly, your muscles heal and grow when you aren’t working out, and so that’s why it’s necessary to leave time between workouts for recovery.

BENCH PRESS SIT at the end of your bench first then lay down.

GRAB the bar with a medium grip-width (thumbs around the bar!).

UN-RACK the bar by straightening your arms.

LOWER the bar to your chest.

PRESS the bar back up until your arms straight.

“

HEALTHY IS AN OUTFIT THAT LOOKS DIFFERENT ON EVERY BODY.' @sweatfitnessnamibia

01

02

WEIGHTED ALTERNATING LUNGES START standing upright with weights in both hands, you pick dumbbells or kettlebells; moderate to heavy weight. This will be your starting position.

TAKE a step forward with your right foot around two paces from the foot left behind and lower the upper body down while keeping your torso upright and maintaining balance. Inhale as you go down.

USE the heel of the forward foot to push down and go back to starting position as you exhale.

GOBLET FRONT SQUAT STAND tall with your feet shoulder width apart, hold the kettlebell with both hands vertically in front of your chest.

KEEP your back straight and squat back until your thighs are parallel to the ground.

PRESS back up to starting position.

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BLACKPEARL MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2018

04 BARBELL BACK SQUAT FEET POSITION: Stand with feet shoulder width apart.

BAR PLACEMENT: Place the broomstick on top of your shoulder blades.

SLIGHTLY bend your knees.

KEEPING your back straight and your gaze slightly up, lower your rear like you are going to sit in a chair.

DO NOT let your upper body go past your knees.

PUSH the heels and go back up to starting position, donĘźt forget to squeeze the quads and gluteus at the top of the movement.

BENT OVER ROW GRAB the barbell with a shoulder width grip and your knees bent.

BEND over at the waist with your arms hanging down.

WITH a straight back and tight core, pull the bar to your chest and then lower back down.

MAINTAIN core tension throughout the duration of the exercise.

SQUEEZE your upper back as you lift the barbell to your chest and try not to round your back during the lift.

CONTACT: 0812353521 (LWIMBA) or 0818150977 (EMILY) Instagram: @sweatfitnessnamibia Facebook: @sweatfitnessnamibia Email: sweatfitnessnamibia@gmail.com Website: www.sweatfitnessnamibia.com

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FOOD

SURPRISE YOUR TASTE BUDS! “THE SECRET that makes traditional food such a delicacy is not in the food itself, but in the art of preparing it. The amount of effort put in preparing traditional dishes is a lot, it calls for careful thinking and sometimes skill, and not to forget practice (a lot of practice)”.

There’s nothing as amazing as watching an African woman prepare a traditional dish.

It’s a whole story to tell on its own.

It speaks volumes about her upbringing and ethnicity.

But the real beauty is in the taste of the dish.

Always such a delicacy. Never anything mediocre, it can be the same dish over and over again but it tastes better every time.

It’s like nothing you’ve tasted before.

The richness of a variety of organic - African made ingredients, the splendor in the preparation, the distinctive appetizing look!!

Come and indulge!

WE ARE SITUATED AT KATUTURA, SINGLE QUARTERS, HORSE SHOE MARKET STALL #16

BLACKPEARL MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2018

STUFFED MINCE PEPPERS 30G MINCED MEAT PAPRIK A HALF CUT ONION CRUSHED GARLIC SALT PEPPER CHEDDAR CHEESE 3 TABLESPOONS MILK COOKING OIL MIXED PEPPERS (FOR STUFFING)

PREP TIME 40MIN

CHICKEN GORDON BLEU ฀ BUTTERNUT FRIES BUTTERNUT STICKS S A LT P E P P E R PA R SLE Y

PREP TIME 40 MIN

4 BONELESS CHICKEN BREASTS 1 BLOCK GRATED CHEESE 1 PACKET OF HAM 2 TABLESPOONS OF PAPRIKA PINCH OF SALT AND PEPPER 10ML COOKING OIL 1BOWL BREADCRUMBS 3 EGGS FRESH PARSLEY

PREP TIME - 45MIN.

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businesS

A STRONG SPIRITUAL FOUNDATION, STRONG FAMILY, GOOD HEALTH, READING AND HAVING A GOOD MENTOR. LAZARUS JACOBS / ENTREPRENEUR

“

BLACKPEARL MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2018

business

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FACTS BOX A LEAF IN THE LIFE OF LAZARUS JACOBS HE IS THE GODFATHER of Namibian comedy, a thriving businessman, media personality and a father. He was inducted in the Namibia Business Hall of Fame in 2009, has had sold out shows, performed all over Africa and beyond. He is an author to published writings and other works available on CD. Overall, Lazarus Jacobs is a human being and just like you and I. When he is not rushing off to a meeting or making business changing decisions which is always, he is enriching his knowledge by reading a book. BlackPearl had an out of the ordinary, chilled interview with Jacobs and he gives us answers to questions he is hardly asked.

BlackPearl (BP): What’s your full name?

Lazarus Jacobs (LJ): Lazarus Nghumbilemo Jacobs.

BP: Where and when were you born?

LJ: I was born on 18 August 1970 in Grootfontein.

BP: Do you have any siblings?

LJ: I have eight siblings but two (brother and sister) have passed on. I am the second youngest.

BP: What kind of childhood did you have?

LJ: I grew up in Omulunga Township. When I grew up, we had a sense of community.

Back then it took a village to raise a child and tribalism was unheard of.

BP: What was your dream as a teenager?

LJ: To become a filmmaker.

BP: What was your first significant business transaction?

LJ: When Paragon secured its first outdoor advertising contract with the City of Windhoek back in 2003.

BP: How do you handle being a comedian and businessman at the same time?

LJ: I no longer do comedy. I stopped two years ago.

BP: Who are your role models?

LJ: Personally it will be my parents and politically they are Sam Nujoma and Nelson Mandela.

I hate socialising.

I am a father of two.

Jacobs is not my original surname.

I love the outdoors such as camping.

I have a very small friendship circle.

BP: If you were made the Namibian president for a day, what is the first thing you would change?

LJ: The size of cabinet and parliament.

BP: What do you think are the five most important characteristics in becoming a successful individual?

LJ: A strong spiritual foundation, strong family, good health, reading and having a good mentor.

BP: What is your take on social media?

LJ: It’s here to stay.

BP: What is the toughest decision you had to make in the last three months?

LJ: Well I make tough decisions on a daily basis so it’s hard to mention one.

BP: If you had a chance to start your career over again, what would you do differently?

LJ: Nothing.

BP: Which was more rewarding, making your start up a success or being able to continue keeping it a success?

LJ: The journey is more rewarding, so keeping it a success.

BP: What are your non-work habits that help you with your work life balance?

LJ: Reading.

[

CHOOSE ONLY ONE

]

TLC or Destiny’s child? TLC Movies or Series? Movies Love or Loyalty? Love Nike or Adidas? Nike Calls or Text messages? Text Messi or Ronaldo? Messi Mercedes or BMW? BMW

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CONTENTS

MONEY SAVING APPS

HOW THEY CAN SAVE YOUR FESTIVE SEASON With the holiday season fast approaching, it would be a great choice to download a money saving application for greater financial freedom and an on the go reminder to save this December. Smart phones have changed how we do everything and saving money is no exception. The problem with most people is that the decision can be challenging to know where to start making changes to save money. The answer is apps, which are designed to make better (and sober) decisions about your professional and personal finances.

Money saving apps are created in order to help the everyday person with no knowledge on financial issues such as budgeting to be able to make good financial choices. The best part about apps is that they make budgeting and money saving easier and faster than ever before.

Here are a few of the apps you can easily download:

1

MINT is one of the oldest and best money saving applications. It allows you to see where your money is going and see the status of your bank accounts. It allows you to see what you are spending your money on as it is very easy to lose track of spending during the holidays. The app also enables the user to create a budget and set clear saving goals which is vital for the festive season.

It also reminds you of bills that are due which is great because nobody thinks of bills during December. You can use the app all year around as it gives a free annual credit report.

SANTA’S BAG

2

THE name says it all. This app is for the approaching time of the year. It is for the big holiday shopper as it allows the user to create a shopping list and a holiday spending budget. It also allows you to add gift recipients to ensure you don’t forget to gift your loved ones.

3 Although this app is not so easy to navigate, it is great for budgeting. It tracks your income and your expenses and helps you not to overspend which is critical for this festive season. The app can be used by both android and iPhone users although it is called Wally+ on android. This app is great for Namibians as it supports all currencies making it even easier to use.

Most of the money saving applications are free to download from Google play store and iOS. With a great variety of money saving apps you can simply click download and let the app do the work of budgeting and alerting you when you are about to overspend while you maximize on relaxation and enjoying the best time of the year. With money saving apps there is no excuse of losing track of your budget as your phone is in your pocket or in your hand all the time. Here’s to enjoying the holidays while your phone ensures you aren’t in debt when JANU-WORRY comes.

BLACKPEARL MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2018

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beauty & fashion

@calture_couture @meggyfillipus

‘B

eing born into a home where the breadwinner’s source of earning is tailoring, helping with stitching was kind of a chore. At the age of 5, I was already learning how to make fabric into something, but mum had a very unique way of training me. She’d not instruct me on what to do, no! She’d give me a doll made of cotton fabric and pieces of fabric and tell me to make a second doll like the one she made. Now luckily figuring out in what manner something was cut and stitched together is a no-brainer for me because many of the skills I needed were inborn. I’d take the doll she’d done, undo a part of it, like the head, that way I get a clear layout of the pattern and cut a similar one. Once the cutting is done everything else is a BLACKPEARL MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2018

MODEL: @JUST_KUDZAI

beauty & Fashion

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MODEL / @HIMBA.GIRL

“I let my imagination run wild and just play around with the garment.”

piece of cake because to me, and many others, finding the pattern is where the challenge is at.

I’ve since then used that method for making patterns.

However, when I’m doing couture work, I never have a laid out pattern of what I’m about to do. Just like with the designs in the image from my clothing line, Calture Couture, I grab the fabric and begin draping it onto a mannequin in whatever way and eventually it starts shaping into something sensible and I let myself get carried away from there. With male clothing, I try my best to keep from making it feminine so I like to use darker colours as they are a little more versatile. When it comes to female clothing, I let my imagination run wild and just play around with the garment.

When doing it for a client however, I’m more mindful about the clients’ personal preferences and make sure I design and tailor it to their taste.’

Make Up tips 03

CONTENTS

with fembeaut

1 The best way to create natural-looking brows when your hairs are sparse is to use thin strokes that mimic the natural hairs. Use a small, thin, angled brush, a tiny artist brush, or even a slim brow pencil to create small strokes in the direction your brow hairs grow. Set with a texturizing brow gel, to create a fuller and more natural effect.

2 If you have smaller eyes, eyeshadow placement is key in faking a wide-eyed look. Avoid using dark shades on the lid and the waterline, as they close off the eyes and make them look even smaller. Instead, use a light color in the inner corner and a nude pencil on the inner rims of your eyes. Also, when applying your crease color, try blending it upwards in the inner corner towards the front of your brow. This opens up the inner part of the eyes, making them appear larger.

3 One way to make sure your makeup lasts all day is to set your primer with a powder before applying foundation. It sounds odd (since we’ve always been told to never apply liquids on top of powders), but it actually works. Apply your regular face primer and dust a lightweight translucent powder over top. By doing this, you are locking it in, ensuring that the primer won’t slide around and disturb your foundation. But remember, moderation is key— applying too much powder will make the foundation application cakey.

4 The key to making any lipstick last is to layer. Start by lining and filling in your lips with a nude lip liner or one that matches your lipstick. Then, apply a light layer of lipstick with a lip brush. Hold a tissue over your mouth, blot the color, and dust a light layer of translucent powder over top. Repeat the process one or two more times for lip color that won’t budge.

BLACKPEARL MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2018

gel-polish application A Step by Step guide STEP ONE: PREPPING When the client has washed their hands and dried them, gently push back the dead cuticles. This step can be done with the help of a metal cuticle pusher or a wooden stick. Use your 180/240 grid file to remove shine and any dead cuticle’s found on the nail plate. File down the free-edge and buff the surface of the nail plate for a dull appearance.

STEP TWO: TIPS APPLICATION AND SHAPING Measure the tips against the sizes of the client’s natural nails. Make sure that the tips fit perfectly. After you have sized up the tips, place a small amount of glue along the smile line and place the tip onto the natural nail, hold it in place for 5 seconds, move on to the next nail until you are done with all 10 Nails. Cut the tips to the desired length and shape of the client. After shaping, you can now use your 180/240 grid file to blend and use your bugger to smoothen the surface for a successful application.

STEP THREE: PRODUCT APPLICATIONBASE COAT Apply a thin layer of basecoat on the first four fingers, put in the machine to dry (if it’s a UV lamp 2 minutes, and if it is an LED 30 seconds). Work on the other hand while the other one is in the machine (REMEMBER ONLY THE 4 FINGERS).

before

Once the first hand has dried, place the second hand under the machine and start working on the thumb alone.

(REMEMBER NOT TO LET THE PRODUCTS TOUCH THE CUTTICLES OR SKIN) STEP FOUR: PRODUCT APPLICATION; COLOR COAT Apply your first coat of color in very thin layers. Work on the first four fingers of one hand and place them under the UV/LED. After all the 4 fingers have dried, apply on the thumb and cure under UV/LED Lamp, repeat the process on the other hand too.

Once your first coat has cured, apply a second coat, using the same technique until you have completed all 10 fingers.

STEP FIVE: PRODUCT APPLICATION: STRESS POINT Build a stress point or arch with your strengthening gel, this is applicable to all 10 nails.

STEP SIX: PRODUCT APPLICATION: TOP COAT Apply your topcoat and cure under UV/ LED lamp. Some topcoats are no wipes so there is no need to wipe after it has dried up.

Apply cuticle oil around the cuticles.

And your client is ready to go.

CONTENTS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

03

Q. WHAT CAUSES LIFTING? A: Lifting is mostly caused by poor prepping of the nail plate.

Always make sure you have pushed back the cuticles and filed of any dead cuticles that will remain on the nail plate, remove the excess shine and oils from the nail plate too. Apply primer on the natural nail only.

Q.MY CLIENTS NAILS ALWAYS BREAK AFTER 1 WEEK; HOW DO I MAKE SURE THAT MY WORK LASTS LONGER? A: The secret to avoiding nail cracks is to make sure you use the correct file with the correct grid when blending, and to make sure you do not apply a tip that is too small. If you have done everything accordingly, then always advice your clients that THEIR NAILS ARE NOT TOOLS. Use strengthening gel for extra strength.

Q. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BOND AND PRIMER AND HOW DO I APPLY THEM? A: Primer and bond both chemically prepare the natural ail for better adhesion of the product application. Primers apply more on acrylics and bond applies more on gels. When using these two products, avoid skin contact at all cost.

Simple D.I.Y for you – HOW TO REPAIR A BROKEN NAIL WITH A TEA BAG

after

PREP YOUR NAIL, file and buff it to remove any dirt, oils and shine.

CUT A PIECE of material from any tea bag available at your disposal.

PLACE THE PIECE of teabag on the broken part of the nail and apply top coat onto the nail and onto the teabag, making sure it is well covered and soaked.

DRY UNDER the LED/UV Lamp.

File and buff to create an even surface. Wipe off any dust and apply another coat of base gel and dry under the LED/UV lamp.

APPLY color of your choice and seal it with topcoat.

28

beauty & fashion

Y

ou know what they say about having friends in the limelight? Well, it’s a miracle sprinkled with a charm! This entire look is from the very famous “Boss collection” by RIA (Maria Nepembe). I saw the beautiful pieces and I was like “I need that”. This look in my opinion is a weekend fitted attire to Parriii!! (not kidding) it’s a vibe sister girl. I love the color thing going on. This dress code can often confuse because it’s very vibrant and sits a notch above dressy casual and a notch below business casual. I would wear this look to a lovely brunch, or an ultra-funky workplace. Pop color is always a great option. Just choose between heels or dressy flats to complete your look. Think sequins with just a little bit of spice.

g wa S demonstration by: celma hamunyela

BLACKPEARL MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2018

CONTENTS

03

BLAZER | Legit | N$799 EARRINGS |Mr. Price| N$25.99 SUNGLASSES | Royal Boutique | N$250 NECK PIECE | Cotton On | N$79.99 HEELS |Her Majesty | N$ 1200

IT’S SAFE to say that fashion is evolving. The new generation of women don’t dress quite the same today as women of the 18th and 19th centuries. Fashion has evolved and its officially OK to wear white, even after labor day. That’s the etiquette around fashion. Here’s a handy guide to help make sense of these new sartorial standards. You can wear this blazer in so many different looks. However, the above look is very ‘Chicky’ and so casual. Perfectly fitted for a cocktail party with the girls, for a Fashion Week appearance, a good first impression or a Pop up festival with a pair of assemble sandals, shorts

and bodysuit etc. Also, this look works for a business dinner once paired up with some cute jeans or simply a little black dress and heels. What makes this blazer so unique is the dual color combo.

If you are one of those creative people, you will have great benefit in rocking this look your own way with ease. I was going for a much sexier look because this blazer made me feel great about myself due to past insecurities (for real) and the color works well with my complexity which is something that should be of key consideration when picking out an outfit.

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beauty & fashion

“

WIGS ARE THAT LITTLE ITEM EVERY WOMAN NEEDS FOR A COMPLETE CLOSET!

MAINTENANCE TIPS AND THINGS TO AVOID: 1. Avoid using too much of hair related products on your wig as they can accumulate overtime, becoming greasy and hard to manage.

2. Sleeping in your wig can also cause friction, strands to knots and tangles thereon leading to breakage or even possible hair loss.

3. Take your wig to a stylist if you want to make any major style adjustments, especially if it involves cutting, coloring or excessive heat.

BLACKPEARL MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2018

M

beauty & Fashion

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AT HERSTYLE FASHION We live by the motto that “Wig Life Is The Easy Life”

WE OFFER THE FOLLOWING SERVICES: WIG MAKING | RECREATION OF DAMAGED WIGS BLEACHING OF FRONTALS | BLEACHING OF HAIR COLORING OF HAIR | TREATMENT OF DAMAGED HAIR AND WIGS DEEP CONDITIONING OF HUMAN HAIR @HERSTYLE _ FASHION | @HERSTYLE _ FASHIONVIRGINHAIR

CONTACT DETAILS: +264 81 3065 008 FB:Herstyle Fashion Boutique

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CONTENTS

BLACKPEARL MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2018

33

star

Rising

RISING STAR

HELLO WORLD My name is Angula Ndatala or Tala for short, a 21-year-old male model residing in Windhoek, but originally from the small northern town of Ongwediva.

On 27 January 2016 I was being familiarized to one of the shopping malls in Windhoek by a friend. Seeing as I was a freshman, I needed to acquaint myself with the surroundings and as we were about to grab a snack from one of the common restaurants in the mall, my life would thereon change endlessly.

A lady approached me and told me I have a ‘modelling height’ and that my outfit choice was ‘’savvy’’ and very dissimilar to that of an average local. Hearing this, I was flattered but at the same time alarmed because back in the north, we hear of human traffickers in the city and a whole lot of other dismaying practices.

Fast forward 4 March 2016, I did my first show for the abovementioned lady whereby I strolled the same runway as prominent Namibian figures like Maria Nepembe, Nangula

Nanyemba and Anna Shiweda to mention a few. I was not keen on signing to any agencies at that time because I felt like being a freelance would work and my Instagram account notably boosted about 10 000 followers.

Event organizers would thus straightforwardly direct message me for any relevant offers instead of going through a plentiful and complicated procedure

dealing with agencies. At this time however, I am signed to Memory, a talent agency for models and actors.

I’ve done around ten fashion shows in the course of two years but my major runway display so far is undoubtedly the Windhoek Fashion Week.

I was a private model in the 2016 edition, which was the first of its kind in Namibia.

My relevance in the industry didn’t just happen overnight, one has to network with prominent figures in the industry, have a vision which deviates from the norm, express humility and be willing to face criticism. Lastly, I would like to advise impending models to stick to their individuality, have respect for those that came before them and have an active up-todate social media page because nowadays, social media may aid as your résumé to talent scouts.

34

point of view

h ippie /hɪpi/ “She danced like a hippie with the spirit of life.

She flew with the winds of possibility like a fair y.

She stamped her feet in passion and with presence like a rainbow girl.

She twirled to the music in her heart like a butter fly.

She snugs the song of those who love the earth.

She was like a rock. She felt her stars within.

She was a drop in the vast ocean of the universe and in that she knew her brilliance, she found her freedom!”

Let this be you. Set yourself free, let go and see your blossom.

Your sexuality is your pride, closets are for clothes, come out and show your rainbow!

No one owes you a life! Society will forever murmur!

It’s up to you to let them irk you.

Stay woke!

daniella smith

BLACKPEARL MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2018

point of view

35

•FIRST DATE, HUH? The 21st century has arrived!

We are cleaning households and everything backward, the old fashioned and outdated are thrown out the window BUT even in the 21st century, some things cannot and must never be done on the first date.

Sex On The First Date?

BACK IN THE DAYS, people would say pudding must age overnight but the millennial say “YOLO” you only live once.

The question therefore remains. Will we die waiting or live in the moment?

While the experts say “don’t have sex on the first night”, the millennial say “stop being a prude and worrying about two consenting adults having sex”. Put simply, the millennial is saying be responsible and use a condom.

LOL!!

Now that I have your attention, let’s talk about:

THE DOS AND DON’TS OF DATING IN THE AGE OF THE MILLENNIAL

While the abovementioned ‘carpe diem’ and live in the moment, often believing sexuality is fluid and should not be caged, respect nevertheless still remains key.

Respect your partner enough to tell them what you want from a relationship; don’t drag them along making them believe you want a relationship when in reality you only want to “have fun”.

COMMUNICATION IS CRUTIAL After all, leaving a string of broken hearts behind you is not fun, and while some people are fine with being friends with benefits or one-night stands, others have dissimilar set of rules.

Speaking about that, if you agree on a one-night stand, you never know if the person is a lunatic who cannot take ‘no’ for an answer.

Please condomise and be open with yourself about your sexual behaviour even if it is nobody’s business that you hit everything with legs on.

In decades and centuries gone, people prematurely alleged you could only find a good wife at church. I say BULLSHXT!!

Good women or men can be found even in the most hopeless of places like a Rihanna song. Deep huh??

This brings the question of when to talk about sex to mind.

Naturally, millennials are not shy so why not take a leaf from their bible.

Talk about what you want- draw lines if you must but never let the other person think for you.

Respect is key in any relation-

ship, platonic or serious. Hence it only makes sense for you not to arrive for a date an hour late – respect, respect! People have things to do, and who said you were the only option?

On a serious note though, if you cannot afford my steak or glass of wine then say so. Don’t lie and disappear into the bathroom.

And the phones- my child, put away the phone. There is nothing more off-putting than a person who is tied to their phone the entire time.

And if you choose to speak to me make sure you have brushed and flossed your teeth. No-one wants to see what your last meal was.

Especially if you are planning on kissing me.

Experts say DO NOT, and I repeat DO NOT post any status updates, tweet about your date in real time, or snap any candid Instagram pictures, or post to Snapchat when your date’s not looking. Creep alert!

So, before I go, remember these golden rules but also be careful not to get completely wasted and embarrass your date in the process.

Till We Meet Again…...!

36

point of view

BUILDING YOUR BRAND THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA

B

EING AN influencer is all about mastering something specific within your niche. Social media is revolutionizing culture and society and how people consume information.

Whether through social posts, stories, or videos, top social media influencers are creating and sharing new and innovative content at practically every moment. Uprising social media influencer Sharon Tjimbundu joined social media in 2010 when she opened her first Facebook account. Even though she has had her fair share of criticism and online bullying, with over 53 thousand followers just on Instagram, the 22-year-old starlet has managed to get paid partnerships and make a name for herself in the entertainment industry and beyond.

Here, the media student, NBC freelance presenter and Divine Virgin hair boutique ambassador shares some tricks on how you too, can become a social media influencer. BLACKPEARL (BP): How much time do you spend on social media activities each day?

Sharon Tjimbundu (ST): I spend a lot of time on social media, almost every day actually. It keeps me updating on what’s happening around the world. Believe it or not, I’ve learned a lot of things on social media.

BP: Do you think using

SHARON TJIMBUNDU

your real name in your social mediums is good for building and maintaining a brand and why?

ST: I believe that one can build and maintain a brand

followers like... it’s all up to you. All I can say is stay consistent with the content that you post.

BP: What are some misconceptions that people have about the use of

with whatever name they choose but there will come a time where you outgrow these made up names and it’s difficult to steer your followers into your new direction, especially once it has made such a huge impact and become such a household name. So yes, being able to build a brand using your real name is quite a benefit.

BP: What are some tips for social media success?

ST: I don’t think there are any specific tips to be quite honest. You could either be yourself or be in character, depending on what your

social media?

ST: That people on social media are perfect beings. People forget that nobody posts their failures so what you see is not always the reality. I am not on fleek every day. Also, your social media followers are not your real life friends.

BP: Do the number of people that follow you and views matter?

ST: If you’re selling a product or trying to convey a message then yes, a huge following is good for business, especially for an influencer.

BP: What are your three favorite tools for your social mediums?

ST: Pictures, videos and the combination of both in my Instagram stories. Any tool that helps to put content out there would be my favorite, because that’s the main purpose of it all.

BLACKPEARL MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2018

the

matric Experience.

”To be a matriculant is a remarkable achievement.

Hence it shouldn’t only be celebrated with the glitz and the glam of the matric farewell but also with excellent academic results. To me, matric is the first step of a journey that you have been dreaming and planning about for the past 11 years of school and a gateway to a wide range of opportunities.

Matric farewell is waiting for 12 years for one moment and for me it was an extraordinary day. It was filled with amazing people and will never be forgotten because of the great memories that were captured. I had an amazing glam team and a great photographer that made this experience worth the while.

I’m quite excited and nervous at the same time for life after matric. I’m planning on to study Chartered Accountancy and I can’t wait to start my next journey”

= Michelle Mungunda

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CONTENTS

BLACKPEARL MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2018

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FICTION STORY

42

DYLAN could not believe his eyes when he saw the video.

There she was, his “Hazel Goddess” as he’d always call her, in bed, with another man!

“There has to be an explanation for this, this must be a prank. Anna wouldn’t do this to me, this is not right! She wouldn’t do-…” Sobbed Dylan.

His brother cut him off “You need to stop this D, I told you she was too good to be true.

Man, I knew she was nothing but a b-…” Dylan knocked him out cold before he could finish the sentence and stormed out of the house.

Anna lived with her mother and little brother, after her father passed away things have been hard for them financially, but she always found a way to have food on the table every night despite having to pay for her own tuition fees.

Dylan and Anna met in a cab when he couldn’t find his wallet to pay for cab fare and she offered to pay for him.

Not only was he was amazed by her generosity but she had the most beautiful hazel green eyes that had him lost in oblivion. That night he couldn’t sleep, she was all he

ANNA’S

Secret | PA R T O N E

could think of and he wanted to kick himself for not getting her number. A few weeks later, Dylan’s brother Tyler invited him for lunch just, so they could catch up. “So, D, when do I get to meet this ‘Perfect’ lady of yours?” asked Tyler with a smirk on his face.

“Ha…ha…ha, very funny T” he replied, “Can a man get something to eat first, waitress?”

Dylan could not believe what he saw, Anna was approaching their table. She looked pretty, and it was quite amazing how her green apron complemented her eyes. “Did you find your wallet?” She asked.

Tyler kicked Dylan under the table, “Snap out of it!” At that point Anna could tell that he seemed a little confused, so she went on and took their order. When she left the table, Tyler gave him a very uncomfortable stare. “What?” asked Dylan. “Man, you look dump as hell right now. I don’t even understand how you’re my brother, you’re weak!”. A few minutes later Anna brought their drinks and Dylan managed to let out a few words “Uhm, thanks for saving me the other night”. She simply gave him a smile and walked away. He managed to get her

number and soon after they started hanging out, it turns out they attended the same university. They were friends for a whole two years before they started dating.

The first few months of the relationship were amazing. The pair did almost everything together, they would spend nights indulging in the deepest conversations, they had romantic picnics and overall everything seemed perfect, well a little too perfect.

“Tonight was really nice Annie”, said the man as he placed his hand on her leg, “we should do this more often. She looked at him with utter disgust and said, “Please pay me, I need to go”. “Not so fast, give me a kiss-…” Anna got out of the car and he ran after her, grabbed her and kissed her “Stop, please…” she begged.

“ANNA!” She recognised the voice, Dylan was standing right in front of her doorstep and at that moment she felt like everything was going in slow motion. “No…no…no…omg Dylan, I can expl-…”

He cut her off with sadness in his tone “So it’s true huh?

BLACKPEARL MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2018

time-out I saw you. I saw it all! Why would you do this to us, I trusted you!”

“Dy, Dylan… Listen to me, I tried to push him away, I tri-…” She sobbed.

He grabbed her hard and spoke with anger “Stop it! Just stop it Anna. I saw you in that video, not so innocent are we...

You told me you weren’t ready, and I respected your choice.

Anna, I promised to wait for you when all along you were sleeping around with the entire male species?”

“Dylan you are hurting me. Pl… please stop …” She begged.

He pushed her to the ground and shouted “You disgust me, you are nothing but a b- You are filth! I regret the day I met you!”

“Dylan wait…” He got into his car and drove off, she ran after the car shouting his name. She eventually stopped running, fell on her knees and gave out a loud cry “Dylan, I’m sorry!”

A whole week had passed, and Anna still could not get hold of Dylan. She never gave up, she called every day, she even went over to his place once and Dylan’s mom told her to give him space or she might lose him for good.

Anna became so depressed.

She started slacking in her school work, flunking lessons.

She hardly ate and always took long walks in the middle of the night. She would talk to herself on most nights “I had no choice, I can’t lose my mom. Oh God, give me strength” she said as she cried herself to sleep.

“You really miss him huh?”

asked Ruth, her best friend.

“Yeah” She sighed. “I just wish there was another way, I really hate myself for hurting him. I had no choice!”

Ruth rolled her eyes and said “Don’t try and justify what you did, you messed up and I know you’re my friend and all but if I were Dylan, I would never get back with a cheat.

You know what they say ‘Once a cheat, always a cheat’…”

Anna looked at her in disbelieve. “Wow Ruth, that’s harsh” she finally managed to say.

“Urgh don’t be so dramatic.

You know what, let’s go to the club, that’ll cheer you up” “Nah., I think I’ll just go home, enjoy your night Ruth” Later that evening at the club Dylan spotted Ruth and decided to go say hi. The two set at the bar and spoke for hours, they shared jokes and seemed to be having a really good time.

“Wow, so you are telling me Anna has been cheating on me all this time?”

Ruth replied “Yeah, she’s not as perfect as she appears. I asked her to stop but hey who listens to me?”

Dylan tried to hold back tears as he spoke “I guess I never really knew her huh? And you know what hurts even more is that I still love her, and I am hoping this is all a bad dream and I will wake up any moment… His voice broke for a moment. I love her so m-…”

Ruth kissed Dylan before he could finish talking, he pushed her away “Ruth, what the hell are you doing, Anna is your best friend! This is wrong.”

43

“Tell me something D, do you think Anna cared about your feelings when she let those men screw her? Let me help you get your revenge on her.

It will be worth your while, she said as she kept kissing him, teasing him with her soft whispers …Let me please you” Dylan gave in and took Ruth back to his place that night.

A few days later at school Ruth seemed to be in a rather jolly mood and Anna wanted to know why. “What’s his name?” Ruth was confused, “What are you talking about?”

To which Anna responded, “Who is the guy making you blush so much?” “You don’t know him, he’s from out of town.” Anna noticed that there was something different about her ever since the night of the club, she suddenly became secretive and was always sneaking off somewhere.

It had been almost 2 months since Anna had seen or spoken to Dylan and she felt it was time she finally told him the truth. She decided to text him.

“Hey Dylan, I hope you are okay. Can we please meet up?

All I need is a few minutes of your time.

There is something I need to tell you.

7 p.m. @ Tasha’s Eats Love, Anna.

He replied.................

TO BE CONTINUED

44

time-out This photoshoot took place at Avis Dam shortly after @dillishmathews won the Big Brother Africa Show. It Was during morning hours (9/10am) so you can imagine how freezing cold the water was but we managed to pull off a few poses for her first ever bikini

We had spent the whole day with @desertfilms and @kingteede at Lake Oanab(few kilometers South out of WHK) with a few models shooting the “Nuka� music video and we managed to capture this in between takes later on that evening.

Ectis aditat quiandandam erumqui od endis quo blacim dis id mincietur? Qui dolorem volore sit re venihit id quis moluptate molloria dolut idi BLACKPEARL MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2018

back in 2014

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45

Oldies BUT Goldies

“Your body build doesn’t determine your beauty. We are all perfect in God’s image and society’s opinion about how you look like is well all but just an, OPINION! Adora in her capacity as a role model took the initiative to inspire you to start feeling comfortable in your own skin and to appreciate that “we were all created uniquely”. - @adorakisting

46

time-out COULD MENTAL HEALTH BE WHY MEN ARE SO ANGRY?

W

ith the ever increasing figures of women and children losing their lives at the hands of the men who are supposed to love and protect them, one is forced to dig deeper into all angles to uncover what makes our men so angry.

With October being mental health awareness month, one of the issues to look at is that of mental health in men and if it may be a contributing factor to the increasing rage and violence amongst men in our communities. The debate is whether investing into mental health care for men would actually help to alleviate the gruesome murders that have been on the increase or not.

Men are natural providers and protectors, and with the increasing pressure of an economy that’s fluctuating it is becoming ever so difficult for the average man to provide for his family and this dissatisfaction and pressure may lead to issues of depression or anxiety which are both mental health problems.

Another problem we face is that many Namibians seem to have a negative view of

seeing a psychologist or attending therapy and when they hear of someone with mental health issues the immediate thought is extreme “craziness” whereby a person is running senseless in the streets tormenting people passing by. Most people view mental health issues like depression and anxiety as feelings that come and go and not as actual mental health illnesses. Edgar Mlungu a 39 year old local construction worker said that he would not see a psychologist unless it was necessary. “A man should be able to fix his own problems and a man must be strong in life”, he added.

It is important that we encourage our men to be more open to discuss issues which affect them personally and just like we ensure to see a doctor when we have a physical injury or ailment it is important that we invest the same time and funds into ensuring our minds are healthy and at peace.

A Windhoek based psychologist who chose to remain anonymous encouraged that people especially those who have medical aid make use of their local psycholo-

gist. “Seeing a psychologist doesn’t mean you are crazy or that you cannot solve your own problems, it is simply getting a professional view on issues you may be facing like losing a loved one or even losing your job”, she said. “Life experiences affect each person differently”.

“Sometimes mental health issues become so severe when left untreated that we end up hurting ourselves, for example there are people who cut their bodies or attempt to or actually commit suicide and in other circumstances people with mental health issues end up hurting others and it is important that attention is given to this issue.”

The psychologist expressed how saddening it is to see how innocent women and children are losing their lives and that it is important to invest in mental health to determine if it may be a serious contributing factor, but at the same time mental health shouldn’t be used as an excuse for killings and violence if it isn’t the cause,” she added..

BLACKPEARL MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2018

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47

CHRIST’S HOPE INTERNATIONAL OKAHANDJA, NAMIBIA

OUR VISION Working towards an AIDS free world.

Our Mission Bringing the life changing message to children and families infected and affected by HIV/AIDS, through discipling and caregiving.

OUR FOCUS Caring for the AIDS affected child.

Who we are?

We are a non-profitable organisation, Faith-based and not a church.

What do we do?

We give care to children infected and affected by HIV/AIDS in 5 areas of development: PHYSICAL - We provide a hot nutritious meal to our children (Monday to Friday).

We encourage them in hygiene and teach them about cleanliness, make them take a bath when it’s required, and we do their laundry too. We provide hygiene packs to our children 3 times a year. Sanitary products are also provided for teenagers every month.

SOCIAL - We continually hearten children on how to socialise with other children.

We play different games of team building, encouraging them to interact with others.

SPIRITUAL - We have religious subjects in our care points that we teach to our children. We have Genesis Design and CBL (Creative Bible Lessons).

INTELLECTUAL – We have subjects like Life skills, aid the children with their homework, projects and assignments. As caregivers, we regularly interact with teachers in schools to know how the children are doing in their studies.

EMOTIONAL - We take them to social workers for counselling and sometimes we the caregivers sit and talk to them ourselves.

At present, we have 50 children, 5 caregivers, 1 cook, 1 cleaner and 1 CarePoint Leader. The required age to register a child is 4-8 years. The organisation mainly pays attention to orphans and vulnerable children directly or indirectly affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. We do home visits to interact with parents/guardians. We provide school stationery at the beginning of every year and school uniforms. We try our best to make the children feel at home, loved and make it a happy place for them.

48

dePRESSION

time-out

A Ride Through

Depression is a mental disorder (mood disorder) that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. Also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression, it affects how you feel, think and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. You may have trouble doing normal day-to-day activities, and sometimes you may feel as if life isn’t worth living. More than just about of the blues, depression isn’t a weakness and you can’t simply “snap out” of it. Depression may require long-term treatment consisting of antidepressant medication, psychotherapy or both.

FELICIA MUTONGA | @FELICIAMUTONGA Hi, my name is Felicia Mutonga and I’m cliniDifferent in terms of slow to catch up on things, cally diagnosed with Mental Depressive Disor- forgetful memory, emotionally triggered even der and Anxiety Disorder. on the simplest things, mood swings etc. and this causing a sense of frustrations as many Wondering why I put emphasis on the word didn’t know what the reason to my behavior “clinically Diagnosed”? clinically because ma- was. jority of the time most of us suffer from either AFRAID TO SPEAK UP? Who wouldn’t be? With long term or short term (Situational) depression without being aware, and then with some so much stigma going around, and lack of self being aware but self diagnosed. Clinical comes education has many believing depression is you in when a professional step in and finally puts being sick in the head and going mad time to time, or in black African culture, the most coma diagnose to your condition. mon; YOU ARE BEWITCHED. In my experience, I was clinically diagnosed in 2009, aged 16/17, but after a few therapy Even I didn’t understand my behavior or myself at times. Apart from the psychotherapy, it took sessions my therapist and I concluded that my depression dates to when I was about 8/9 a lot of research that I had carry out myself to years old; I WAS UNAWARE. All I remember was understand my condition; I had to learn and growing up and constantly being described as unlearn a lot of things because without cau“different” from all the kids around me. Even tion your condition does not only affect you, in my adult years, my friends and family still but your external environment, especially your never understood why I behaved different. loved ones close to you.

10

common symptoms of depression

1. Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. A bleak outlook—nothing will ever get better and there’s nothing you can do to improve your situation.

2. Loss of interest in daily activities. You don’t care anymore about former hobbies, pastimes, social activities, or sex. You’ve lost your ability to feel joy and pleasure.

3. Appetite or weight changes. Significant weight loss or weight gain—a change of more than 5% of body weight in a month.

4. Sleep changes. Either insomnia, especially waking in the early hours of the morning, or oversleeping.

5. Anger or irritability. Feeling agitated, restless, or even violent. Your tolerance level is low, your temper short, and everything and everyone gets on your nerves.

6. Loss of energy. Feeling fatigued, sluggish, and physically drained. Your whole body may feel heavy, and even small tasks are exhausting or take longer to complete.

7. Self-loathing. Strong feelings of worthlessness or guilt. You harshly criticize yourself for perceived faults and mistakes.

8. Reckless behavior. You engage in escapist behavior such as substance abuse, compulsive gambling, reckless driving, or dangerous sports.

9. Concentration problems. Trouble focusing, making decisions, or remembering things.

10. Unexplained aches and pains. An increase in physical complaints such as headaches, back pain, aching muscles, and stomach pain.

BLACKPEARL MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2018

time-out

49

This is How You Love Someone with Depression

“

BEING OUR FRIEND IS BOTH EASIER AND HARDER THAN MOST PEOPLE THINK.

People usually ask what a friend and loved one can do for another person during depression.

Everybody is different, and every instance of depression individual, but I’d say this is the best place to start.

YOU MUST BE A TRUE FRIEND.

People with depression have radar for bullshit, and many are just waiting to discover that you, our so-called friend is anything but true. Don’t say things you don’t mean. Don’t offer to do things you can’t do with a cheerful heart. And please quit waiting for us to change. We don’t want to be depressed, and you aren’t going to fix us.

PLEASE BE PATIENT.

We all need a friend who will sit there with us and let us go through our struggles, simply reminding us we aren’t alone. Nobody is going to be a perfect friend--not you, not us, not anyone.

But that’s okay. Just try not to get our hopes up by promising a level of friendship you cannot deliver.

DON’T TAKE IT PERSONALLY--IT’S NOT ABOUT YOU.

If we’re withdrawing from the activities we used to love, or we’re avoiding social settings, you must ignore the impulse to see it as a slight against you. And please don’t feel bad, don’t complain how we don’t believe you and won’t take you at your word when you say you care.

Depression makes it hard to believe in anything good. Even you.

When you really care about someone with depression, you might feel like you must prove yourself to them. To a certain extent I think that’s true. We may have already lost friends to depression.

People who just walked away. We want to know that when you say we can talk to you about anything, it’s true--because most of us all know someone who said it simply because it’s what they thought they were supposed to say .

CHILL OUT ABOUT FINDING THE PERFECT WORDS.

Maybe you’ll say something so meaningful it helps your loved one feel better, but probably not. Words are generally not enough for anyone battling depression because we need action. Worry more about simply showing up and speaking in love when you do say anything.

What do we really want to hear anyway?

Words like, you aren’t going anywhere. Or there’s nothing we could do to make you leave. Anything that tells us you don’t look down on us, and that we don’t need to be ashamed. Anything you mean and can back up with your actions. Even if that means you telling us that you don’t know what we’re going through, but you want to be there.

LEAVE YOUR EXPECTATIONS AT THE DOOR.

I know it’s tempting to feel like your efforts to love a person with depression are something so remarkable that the person should be grateful. Like they should accept your kindness and react a certain way. Such expectations aren’t fair for anyone. We already feel broken, we already feel sad. The last thing we need is more pressure about disappointing a friend.

BLACKPEARL MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2018

52

entertainment

D

DICE is surely one of the local artists who have witnessed the evolution of the Namibian music industry. Having been in the game since 2003, the Rapper has seen the drastic changes, from bad to good and vice versa. Today, he shares his lessons thus far and how one can use them to flourish in the game.

His spark for music was ignited when he was in grade eight. He recalls him and his friends looking forward to their lunch breaks where they free styled for each other. The drive for music grew bigger when the movie Eight Mile featuring Eminem came out and elevated his game from spitting rhymes in the corner to dropping hard bars, at the time. Things got real when a friend who had connections introduced the crew (Dice and DNA) to KaniBal who became their first producer. Long story short, Dice and crew joined forces with a dancing group and their official name became Dark Doggs and started performing at talent shows at high schools around Windhoek.

Dice says back in the days compared to today, music was an intimate thing that everyone participated in. He says, songs back then had strong meanings that people easily related to compared to how it is now.

g n i v i v r erengeti

Su

“The expiry date on music these days is so much shorter then how it was then. from an era where love letters were a thing and most of the words used inspired the music. My biggest blessing is having lived in that era and working with the people I had an opportunity to work with and being able to use that today,” he said.

Modern technology has played a great role in so many entertainers careers and Dice says this is an advantage that today’s artists have.

According to him, artists had CDs that they had to exchange amongst each other with the main source of distribution being radio and newspapers being second. With social media, Dice says artists can market their work on their platforms and still reach their fans.

“We used to walk to KaniBal’s house to get our music produced. Sometimes he wasn’t around so we had to wait just to get it done. Today one can download software, watch tutorials on YouTube and produce great music,” he said.

the s

Sharing his tricks on how to survive in the industry, Dice says that artists should not mistake a great song for success and then get comfortable. According to him, artists who get big heads are those that don’t understand the nature of the game and the fact that the Namibian industry is not on the same level as other countries, for local artists to practice what is practiced elsewhere.

“One can easily become famous and broke. You have to learn that popularity needs to account for something but not everything. The last thing you want is to come home to an empty fridge regardless of your popularity status out there. I took time and got

consultation where I needed.

I had my fair share of being arrogant but the game will humble you, if you think that you shit ice scream” he said.

A successful career Dice says includes one having a business plan for their art and targets too. This will help structure the empire being planned. He concluded by saying that the industry is very quick to eating one up if they lack focus and keep diverting strategies overnight.

Trust the process and see it through.

Don’t be overly concerned about what your neighbour is doing at his house, focus on your own and don’t be too prideful to ask for help!!

BLACKPEARL MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2018

CONTENTS

03

lyrics breakdown artist name: dice song title: toast Toast 2x VERSE 1 Yeah I Talk that Walk and I mean that Shiit No new friends, Niggas Talk, I don’t need that Leak You can all Go, bad vibes I don’t feel that Mix! It took me a while, But I’M BACK On that “Get That Chips” So Gimmi that Gimmi that Silk Shirt, Two Chainz, All ThreeRows!

Way back, month end Check my speed when I ran from my landlord…

Gimmi that feedback Phone’s on charge, and I got like 4 missed calls Shawty can POP that shiit like Whoa!

(WHOA) All Black…

Say my name bitch, ALL CAPS She blow sacs like I know Jazz Man I’m Iced Out, Got cold cash Your whole style like throwbaaaaaaaaack Pause that..

MZ that’s so Sad Before that……..

CHORUS

LOREM IPSUM DOLOR SIT AME BEKFITNAH

Tell em I’m fresh out the crib I’m fresh out the crib man I’m fresh out the crib I’m fresh out the crib man x2 Ring Ring, Got that Halo Smell like a bunch of bouqet dou Got that luggage in the Car, man Keep the engine runnin’ out the Gate though x2 VERSE 2 I heard you’re living at your moms house Oh, you been living at your mom’s house?

I heard you got that full HD You bought a smart screen?

Your catalogue looks bad, wise king You living in denial G Your whole crew got the same I.D Wishing you God’s Speed.

I always knew I had to go hard Got my shiit together, had to grow up!

Married to the game, Labola Thank you tswana man, I gotta rolla Different cities, thank you to the show ups Shawty Buggin, I don’t even know her Got her booty poppin like a toaster Exaggerate it, leave you in a coma yeaaa!

See, mama said you should check your friends You should be careful of friends that don’t congratulate when you make your cent Shark smile, Dinner served Thank You Lord for the day well spent!

You at the crib, no one’s home, call me up…..

[CHORUS]

Interlude Yeaah!

The boy been wavy, never lazy on the brush All over your feelings, Red Cheeks, got the blush Girl keep it steady, You won’t make it out the crush Many go to work but never make it out the rush I got to work strapped Blend in, camouflage Now the tracks play, Taxis, on the Bus I went from underrated MC, couple months To most overrated Rap King on the March Lazy Left foot, automatic Dropped the new Audi, my colored niggas know I’m over static I Pray, Hard Work, Good Planning Self Believe taught me, Sacrifice the other shit is profanic Steppin’ out the crib, I’m beast mode happy Talk, Talk, Talk, Talk ,Talk Show Sally The Jealous and the Petty gon’ hate when they average So Ima Keep it moving like the B1 Traffic

“Toast is basically just me ‘doing me’. I believe that, in my first album (#1 Stunner) and in the mixtape that I dropped a year and a half ago, I was kind of orientated more towards people’s opinions about my music. I was more driven on trying to please everyone. When I was doing the song, I felt like I had so much to say but been holding myself back all along, so I just decided to unfold all different layers of myself and just put something that represents the factual me out there.

That’s basically what toast is. It can be a celebration toast, toast bread or whatever else the listener may decide to toast to certain people might not really approve the words in the song but too bad, you just got toasted!!”

54

5

entertainment

MINUTES

AWARD winning musician, actress, songwriter and philanthropist Lize Ehlers is a Namibian treasure with a heart of gold. Born and raised in the southern town of Mariental, the star is all about hard work which evidently shows in all her work. Lize who is the founder of Song Night Namibia recently dropped her fifth album titled 5 which condemns violence, in memory of all Namibians who have lost their lives due to violence. This is one of the many ways that show how selfless and pure she is. Black Pearl managed to sit down and chat with the songster where she reveals all things you didn’t know about her within five minutes.

WITH

LIZE

HLERS

+ I was the first youth president of Namibia.

Q: Do you sometimes feel that the fame and honor you have is more than what you really deserve?

A: I work passionately and persistently and always try to help my community. If there is fame and honor as a side effect it is welcome.

Q: What is your blood type?

A: Who sent you?

Q: Have you ever been in a car accident?

A: Yes, while I was pregnant with my baby Zappa, a taxi driver drove into my car. He didn’t have a license and the whole thing was scary but luckily not severe.

Q: If you could have anyone locked in a room so that you could QUESTION (Q): What five things torment them for a day, who would does an average Namibian person you choose and how would you tornot know about you? ment them?

ANSWER (A): A: This is not my style. I will pass + I am incapable of painting my on this. I can’t even stand pranks own nails and that is why I have a because I think pranks are mean acts nail technician called Fantastic Sam justified by humor. to sort my nails out for me profesQ: What is the strangest name sionally, always. someone has introduced themselves + I am the 6th of 7 children. as to you? + I cannot eat anything made with A: A young producer called Jagwheat flour. gerjuice. His real name is Jerry. + I was tennis and table tennis cap- Q: Is there something you tain at school in Mariental. constantly lose at your house or

anywhere?

A: What, apart from fake eyelashes & memory sticks?

Q: What is the habit you are proudest to break or want to break?

A: Can’t answer you here. Then you know my secret powers.

Q: What is your favourite word?

Least favourite?

A: Favourite: “vlerp” (in Afrikaans) (It can mean anything you want it to mean)Least: “bored” Q: What is your favourite commercial of all time?

A: The Old Spice commercial with the man on the horse or the Poo Pourrie commercial.

Q: Describe the most terrifying moment of your life so far.

A: Two moments – Losing my father in 2009 and then my mother in 2013.

Q: If you had to change your name, what would your new name be, and why would you choose that name?

A: Rise Elders because some people already call me that due to my name being so insanely difficult to pronounce.

Q: If you were a t-shirt, what color would you be? Why? A: Orange – it is my favourite colour. It makes me happy.

Q: What’s the first thing you do when you have an idea for a song?

A: I record a voice note immediately - because writing down the lyrics just doesn’t capture the feeling I have in that moment Q: What’s the biggest misconception about you?

A: That I am a diva. I am a down to earth, doer, who still sets up sound for my Song Nighters at their regular gigs.

Q: How would you describe your fashion style?

A: Real - I dress for my body.

Q: What’s that one song that is hard to perform and why?

A: My new song Mamma Pappa from my latest album 5. It makes me happy but in a sad way. Appreciate your parents while they are still alive.

BLACKPEARL MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2018

hottest local music out now

56

sports

ON IT WITH CAPTAIN STI ON HIS FOOTBALL JOURNEY LIKE ALMOST every other footballer, Ronald ‘Stigga’ Ketjijere’s love for soccer started when he was a young lad playing in the streets of Okakarara.

After watching the 1994 FIFA World cup, he grew fond of teams like Italy and Brazil.

He played for his school in the different age groups, but only in High school was he able to learn that soccer is much more than winning. He started to learn about the actual structure under the guidance of Mr Upi. After successfully completing matric, he moved to Windhoek in order to fulfil his dreams and pursue a career in the Law fraternity. To this date, he holds a B. Juris and an LLB from the University of Namibia all attained while simultaneously still staying devoted to the beautiful game.

While at the University of Namibia, he was part of the squad that took UNAM FC from the second division to the first division. In 2009 he went to trials for African Stars FC, where he would take a taxi every day for the entirety of a week but the trainers regrettably didn’t spot him. However, it was in a friendly match between UNAM FC and African Stars FC, wherein the latter finally became

convinced of Stigga’s exploits and in the end offered the then-youngster a playing contract. In his first season with African Stars FC (2009/2010), he scored some amazing goals and the team won the NFA Leo Cup which is the equivalent of the Debmarine cup which African Stars won this year as well.

He won his first senior National team call up in his second season with African Stars FC, continued being part of the National team set up and during a game against Gambia, South African based University of Pretoria (Tuks FC) successfully scouted and signed him to their ranks. His career with the PSL outfit came to an end when they were relegated to the South African National First Division in 2016 and he has been back in the land of the brave with African Stars FC since. He says, the only way he managed to juggle soccer and studies was through effective time management and commitment.

BLACKPEARL MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2018

sports

57

ON THE STATE OF NAMIBIAN FOOTBALL “The Namibian football scene is in need of funding because the football business is run by money. In other countries like South Africa, players have TV and image rights which can then be sold to broadcasting agencies like Supersport. There is a lot of room for improvement in Namibia as players are underpaid and the league is not professional”. He encourages youngsters who are passionate about soccer to focus on their studies first as most local soccer players have to work or go to school while footballing and this may limit their performance as their priorities are divided.

IGGA ON THE CURRENT CROP OF THE NATIONAL TEAM

ON AFCON 2019 QUALIFIERS

Ketjijere says the current National team is comprised of good, talented players who have a good understanding of the game. “The team is unified and no one feels that they are bigger than the game or the team”. The squad is identical to the one that won the COSAFA cup in 2015 and plan on rewriting history even further.

He adds, “I respect Ricardo Mannetti as coach because under his guidance, the National team has considerably improved.”

The coach is always looking to work on tactical aspects and is a straight forward man who constantly stresses that he doesn’t work with the best players. Instead, he adjudicates a willingness and ability to work with “a player who has the right attitude and mentality, someone who is coachable, willing to learn and who recognizes that he isn’t bigger than the team”. The coach is a father figure to many of the players, Ketjijere concludes.

The Captain has good prospects for the National team qualifying for the AFCON 2019 games and looks forward to their game against Guinea Bissau. The two countries are joint top on 7 points. He says, “all we have to do is play our best and put our tactics into practice”.

“TO BE A GOOD FOOTBALLER, YOU NEED TO BE A COMPETITOR

BY NATURE”.

STIGA’S ADVICE You need to be a hard worker too because no matter how talented you might be, things can only work out if you put the work in. It is also important to focus on your fitness, he says. Off the pitch, “it is important to maintain self-respect and discipline as you are continuously in the public eye. You also need sufficient hours of rest, focus on what you eat, stay hydrated and maintain a healthy lifestyle”.

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sports

Changing the sports landscape of Namibian football.

She is among handful Namibian women to become a football referee. Vistorine Shangula had an unexpected career change.

She went from scoring to giving yellow cards; an advocate for females to take on more positions of responsibility in the sport fraternity instead of just being an athlete.

It was last year December when Vistorine Shangula, a former Brave Gladiators forward, made the decision to switch roles on the pitch.

She was in Zimbabwe for the Women’s Cosafa Championship where she ended up following a group of women attending a FIFA refereeing fitness test. To make the long story short, she made the cut and today is a certified FIFA female referee. Shangula says being a female in the male dominated industry is no walk in the park intends to show she is just as capable.

“It took me a while to really process the fact that I was selected to be a referee. It’s funny because it was not my intention; in fact, I did not know anything about refereeing but today I would not have it any other way,” she said with conviction.

Shangula’s love for sports dates back to her early childhood in Okahao where she was predominantly surrounded by boys and naturally did what they did, including playing soccer.

She recalls playing for her first team with two other girls. Her parents did not take it lightly but they are very proud of her achievements in the sport today.

“We got a chance to represent the Omusati Region and that’s where I got scouted. Naturally

VISTORINE SHANGULA | REFEREEE parents do not really understand or support a girl child wanting to play soccer. I had my coach explain to them what was happening and why they needed to let me play soccer. Today they are the happiest people and are very proud of me,” Shangula says fondly.

The 26-year-old’s football career began as a defender with the Young Gladiators before transitioning to an attacking role for the senior national side. Her first international game came in 2013 in Ghana and the last game was last year in Zimbabwe.

Shangula says coming to terms with the fact that she will not be playing matches anymore was hard initially.

However, being part of the rise in the number of females actively taking part in different sport codes in varying capacities was an enticing prospect.

Shangula believes that more females need to get into administrative positions in the sports fraternity. She also says the government is doing a lot to create awareness

but women are reluctant to take on the opportunities. This, according to her is due to the many misconceptions and stereotypes about women in sports.

“We can do what men can. We can also hold high positions in the industry; we shouldn’t limit ourselves just to players. I am hopeful that we will have more ladies; we just need to take initiative,” she said.

“Being women in sports doesn’t make you less than a woman; you can still wear Brazilians and have your nails and eye brows on fleek. Football doesn’t change a person, it’s all up to you,” she said.

Shangula plans on being a game changer through her refereeing for Namibia. She also looks forward to being a FIFA referee fitness instructor.

BLACKPEARL MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2018

Luleå, Sweden. “ Great pictures are taken below zero.”

PHOTOS BY: SHAKELA TAMUTI

BLACKPEARL MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2018

BLACKPEARL MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2018