Calabash UK £3.00
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Sierra Leone Le 15000
issue nine
Magazine
www.calabashmagazine.biz
Will a New Sierra Leone emerge after November 2012? The Wedding of the Century
ALONZO • Dairy of Sierra Leone Politic 2012 • Calabash showcase Nigeria birthday bash • First Sierra Leonean to graduate at university of Keele • Why are you still single?
business
PART ONE
Calabash talks to Dr. Adonis Abboud
Birth, childhood and growing up: Calabash: When and where were you born? Jounieh: I was born in, Lebanon 1949 Calabash: Where did you grow up? In Lebanon in a small village called JAJ, 5000 feet above sea level. Calabash: What memories of your childhood do you treasure the most or are the most meaningful to you? School days are always remembered; I always enjoyed the end of year special outings for students who excelled during the academic year. Calabash: Do you have siblings? 2 sisters and 5 brothers Calabash: Ghana – what were your parents doing in Ghana? My Dad emigrated to Ghana in 1926 and lived there most of his life , he was a merchant and served as Hon. Consul of Lebanon to Ghana when Dr. Nkrumah became the first Ghanaian president. Calabash: Why the affinity to Africa by your family? Our African story starts in Ghana from 1926 when my Dad first landed in Accra. Two of my brothers are born in Accra .I am the only one of eight children who ended up in Sierra Leone, 36 years, to the date.
Sierra Leone and business: Calabash: When did you come to Sierra Leone and why? I came to Sierra Leone in 1975; when I was accepted to represent the business affairs of
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Say the name “Adonis Abboud “ to Sierra Leoneans and they immediately think of DSTV, Trans National SL, Honorary Consul, philanthropist, Rotary Club, and the list could go on and on. The fact is that Adonis Abboud is a recognized name in Sierra Leone. An example of what integration should be and could be. But for many people all they know him for is his tireless acts of giving to the less priviledged in our midst. It is no wonder that he has been presented with many awards by different organizations in recognition of his contribution in different spheres of Sierra Leonean life. Despite being a household name, very little is known about the man himself and what makes him tick. Meet him in this interview with Hannah Foullah.
a Ghanaian Businessman of Lebanese descent who established a gambling Company in Freetown. I can well remember the very first day I set foot on Sierra Leonean soil, .March 1975. Calabash: What was Sierra Leone like when you first came here? A totally different place, we had good roads, 24 hour electricity supply, regular water supply, one could hardly see a beggar in the street., Health care was affordable and available to everybody, you never heard that someone could not send his or her Children to school or could not afford to get medical services for his or her family. This was the time when the West asked us what we needed rather than us knocking at their door requesting financial help as the case is today. Calabash: What gives you the will power to continue living and doing business in Sierra Leone? We have gone through the Ugliest of Storms in this country, Political, military rebellions etc… Despite all of this there is something blessed in this Nation which keeps one’s hopes alive and I honestly never lost hope about our dear Salone. Calabash: How did you get set up in your own business in Sierra Leone? Firstly let me say that I like to explore special business ventures which require greater challenges than the norm rather than just buying and selling. That is the reason why I got into Satellite TVRO Systems in 1987. We were the first in West Africa to bring in the Giant Dishes .At that time S.LBS was off and people were thirsty for information and entertainment.
Calabash: What experiences have you gained whilst doing business in Sierra Leone, especially the type of business you’re in? It’s a very Challenging experience, full of turbulences and unfriendly business ambiance. I always say,” If you succeed as a businessman in Sierra Leone you will be a King anywhere else”. Finding professionals and experts is one of the serious challenges in our developing market. Calabash: Describe your business now. (Trans National/Capital Radio) I can say with pride that in our 26 years of operations we have built ourselves an enviable record at Transnational. As for Capital Radio 104.9, that is another success story by itself. Calabash: What challenges have you faced in doing business? Well, the most serious challenges come from the professional attitudes of our work force. If we solve that through proper talent development and training we would have resolved 70 % of our problems. Calabash: Are there opportunities here, and what would you say are the advantages of doing business here? There are ample opportunities. If I am to advise anyone willing to invest in Sierra Leone I would tell them to rather go for a new product which is not available on the market . The Chamber of Commerce is also here to assist them, free of charge, and link them to credible partners. Calabash: What has motivated/inspired you in running businesses here?
I believe that to get motivation you have to love what you do and the inspiration then comes naturally . I always had a passion for telecommunications and find myself very much inspired in this field. Calabash: How have you kept yourself going during the downward trends of business? That reminds me of the time we were in Exile in Conakry. I stayed at the Yugoslav Embassy, and of course I was unemployed. One of my twin daughters calls from overseas to tell me ( she was 23 then) …”Daddy I know it is tough for you out there , I called to tell you that I am working now and I can send something if you ever are in need “ .I shall never forget those few words from my own daughter …the message sends chills down my spine every time I think about it …. Calabash: Have you ever been married? Oh yes, to Sabahitta Radmilovic a Bosnian Citizen from former Yugoslavia. Calabash: How many children do you have? I have 3 girls, 2 of them are Twins. Calabash: What sort of a husband and father would you describe yourself to be? I would ask that question to my wife and daughters. I personally believe I have always given them the affection and education they deserved. However, I give more credit to my wife for the upbringing of my kids and devoting all her time and energy to bring them up as decent adults, and the results: They have graduated from the best Universities and are happily married. Calabash: Has your family ever lived in Sierra Leone? If yes, for how long? They were first in Freetown in 1975, and then back in 1985. Then they left as the Kids had to enter University .The eldest Natalia, went to Buckingham University and got her MBA from the University of MONTREAL CANADA. The twins got their BSC Mass COMM, from the LAU (Lebanese American University)
Extra curriculum activities Calabash: You have so much energy and love for life. How do you keep yourself going and what do you do to relax? I love watching TV , News ,Documentaries, main sporting events , I play lawn as well as table Tennis , I did Skiing in my youth days , now I do virtual tennis at home and love Piloting my favorite Jet on the PC. Yes, Photography, both Still and Movie is a passion since I was 16 when I got my first Super 8 Movie Camera . I also contributed to the candid camera page of some local papers depicting some of the areas needing urgent attention in the field of Hygiene , safety and community services such as
Water supply , electricity supply , garbage collection etc… Old monuments are a true inspiration for me , have an eagerness to explore what is beneath the ancient historical treasures . Calabash: You seem to have a love affair with gadgets. Why are you intrigued by gadgets/technology? This passion accompanied me right from my childhood , anything goes wrong in the house , my late Mum would call out my name ignoring all 7 others .I love anything to do with technology , new inventions etc…It keeps me abreast of happenings in a world of the bursting technological race . Calabash: Give me an idea of the sort of gadgets you like to indulge in? What is your most expensive gadget? I do spend a lot of time playing my Flight Simulator, Virtual Tennis on WII and watching Home 3 D movies while shooting 3D movies myself. I would say the most expensive one is the 3D as it is still a new technology, eventually like all others it will get cheaper. Charity/Humanitarian work Calabash: How did you become interested in charity work? I cannot remember that there was any particular date when my interest was born, I believe it is within my daily association with people that are less privileged and it was always a natural reaction to their plea. Calabash: Give me an idea of the different projects you have been involved in? This is a long story; some of our work is seen on the Pikin Bizness website www. pikinbizness.org Calabash: Why is it important for you to do all this? Is it rewarding? This is a question which I have been asked multitude of times and I always said simply “ I love what I do and the reward is indeed great” ,Do you know what it means when a mother whose child is condemned to die is operated on overseas through the good contacts of humanitarians like David Apple field , Dr. Desmond Olu-Black and others; and a bit of financial sacrifice on my part: the Child is cured! That mother tells you ‘GOD BLESS YOU SIR’ this is different from the “God Bless you” you hear every day. This comes right-out of the depths of her heart. Moreover I am blessed with a wonderful family; my kids are happy, successful and healthy …what more do I want as a reward Calabash: There are critics and cynics who would negatively interpret all this as attention seeking/publicity seeking and would even crucify you for spending time, money and resources, as well as questioning your motives. How would you answer such people? I believe this is the price you pay for being
a public figure ,.However to reply to your question I would just ask any of those critics a simple question ‘ If the Kid saved was your brother or sister or maybe your son would you still have that reaction ?” Calabash: How do you fund these projects? 99% from our Business Calabash: You have received a number of awards in recognition of your humanitarian work. Please name them. *Philanthropist Of The Year for 9 times, 7 of them consecutively from AWOl and Sierra Leone Excellence AWARDS and other Institutions in 1995 and 2004-2005-2006-20072008-2009-2010 *GOODWILL AMBASSADOR from CIVITAN USA I had the honor to receive this one together with Miss Christiana THORPE Chairlady NEC *Degree of Doctor in Civil Law (Honorius Causa) from the University of Sierra Leone signed by President Ernest Koroma Chancellor. I received this one together with H.E. Kabral Blay-Amihere, High Commissioner of Ghana to Sierra Leone 2007 *West African Youth Friendly Plaque 2011 *TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP AWARDS Certificate of Outstanding Leadership ACCRA GHANA 2011 *TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP AWARDS Certificate of Extraordinary Achievement ACCRA GHANA 2011 Calabash: How have you felt every time you receive an award or recognition for your work? A great sigh of relief for being recognized. Gratitude is a wonderful virtue. Calabash: Adonis some people say, they would love to give back to society but lack the resources. What would you advise they do? I have said it before, if we look at what we waste in our daily life, a tiny portion of that cannot harm us and will make someone smile. As Khalil Gibran said “ GENEROSITY IS GIVING MORE THAN YOU CAN AND PRIDE IS TAKING LESS THAN YOU NEED ‘ Calabash: Are Sierra Leoneans appreciative and supportive of your work? Sierra Leoneans are generally grateful people. (ED.PART TWO NEXT ISSUE!)
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culture
Ex-pupil association... continued responded excitedly from the other side of the line “Yes, Yes and why not, I need to get this nostalgic feeling of being back in school with my ceremonial uniform.” We set out on a cool early spring Sunday afternoon to Wesleyan Methodist Church in Old Street, London, United Kingdom to attend the Annual thanksgiving service of the Methodist Boys High School. I was not disappointed. When we got into the church, the Ex-pupils were already in the church yard and corridor ushering friends, families and visitors into the church. My friend could not contain his excitement seeing the Ex-pupils all well attired in their White Blazer, black trousers, white shirt and school tie, and some members with camanband round their waist line. The church service was touching, especially as the sermon was eloquently delivered by the pastor of the day. But the icing of this nostalgic feeling was the singing of the school song Laboramus Expect antes by the Ex-pupil. As we left the church, he tapped me on my shoulder and said “This is the nostalgic feeling I was graving for and it takes my mind back to my School days. I wish I can introduce this trend in our community”.
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fashion & style
Isha Kabba I was fortunate enough to have been one of the people to escape the rebel war. I entered the United States as a refugee to gain a life of Perseverance, Independence, and most of all; an opportunity for education.
Who are my Parents, and are they living with me in the USA? My father is the late Alhaji Abdul Rahman Kabba, popularly known as Nafaya Kabba. He passed away peacefully on November 24th 2010 at home in Elk street in Freetown. My father was the Mandingo tribal Headman in the Western area. My father was a popular businessman who started his trade in Kono District in the Early Seventies. He later moved to Freetown where he engaged in Retail business. He succeeded in establishing the popularly known “Nafaya Supermarket” at Rawdon Street. My mother is the beautiful M’balu Fatima Kabba. She resides with me here in the United States. My mother is my backbone; my mother is also a caregiver by profession, who enjoys taking care of people and making her family happy. I am my mother’s only child thus far. My parent means the world to me!
My Bio: My name is Isha Rahman Kabba, born May 24th, 1987 in the Republic of Sierra Leone, West Africa. I am the youngest of 18 children, and grew up in a home with an abundance of love and positivity. I am presently a senior at Middle Tennessee State University, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology (Pre-Medicine). I am highly selfmotivated and live my life each day with the drive to share my positive personality with the world. I hold true to my ambitions and career aspirations because I am not limited in my hopes, dreams and pursuit
for greatness. I put God first in all that I do, and know that through His grace, all things are possible.
What brought me to the United States? In 2002, Sierra Leone emerged from a long and violent civil war that displaced two million people, killed more than 50,000 and fostered widespread abuse of human rights. 7 years after the end of the civil war, Sierra Leone is still struggling to build its economy, following a peace agreement which was signed between the rebels and the government of Sierra Leone in July 1999.
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fashion & style
Calabash: What is your best Sierra Leone Dish? Soniesha: (Laugh) I have lots of favourite dishes but my best is Fofo n Okra. Calabash: So tell us about your new single R DAE WONDER Soniesha: (Smile) r dae wonder is a song I wrote when I was 10yrs old and I said to myself, I will one day have my own song, I am so blessed the song finally is out, my friends and fans are really supportive. Thanks to God. Calabash: You feature one of Jungle Leaders Dr Filling, how was working with him Soniesha: Yes, ooh my God it was amazing; he is very talented you can’t believe he made R DAE WONDER beat in 15mins; I was like wow what a creative man... Shout out to DR Filling keep the good job it was a honour working with you. Calabash: Where can we get your song? Soniesha: On YouTube, SalonetrueFans.com, 40 Acres Production and my CD is out now; get your copy now please.
Introduction to Mayer fashion models and Beauty pageant Mayer Fashion was launched in 2010 to help teenagers enter the world of modelling, dancing, singing, and beauty pageantry to name a few. Mayer Fashion is the business name for Miss Mayene Sesay, a versatile and inspiring black woman highly talented and gifted in the disciplines of fashion. She has a keen interest and a special love in seeing young girls and boys across the country especially Sierra Leonean, achieve their dreams in the world of fashion. She also has her own modelling company named mayermodels.com and she is currently working on a beauty pageant called, Miss Borough
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England, which will take place July. She says she is inspired by Oprah Winfrey and Wendy Williams and is working towards the ultimate goal of contributing meaningfully to the world of fashion and leaving a lasting impression. Her modelling agency is currently working with all Sierra Leone stars to help them with their movies, music and so on. Miss Mayene is a born Sierra Leone, but started her business in the Nederland, where she lived for 5years, with fashion shows and dance groups. In 2005 she decided to move to the UK where she continued her business.
fashion & style
SWANK TIPS FOR LOOKING GREAT FOR LESS
Story Hannah Foullah
It seems it was just the other day, when we ushered in the New Year. But time has flown so fast and yes, pinch yourself the end of the year is here!!! A new year has been born. This piece gives great tips of how you can look great for less during festive seasons. Every festive season comes with a very busy schedule of events and activities for everyone. If you’re a woman, it means you need to have a wardrobe of exciting and appropriate outfits that will make you noticeable and memorable. But with increasing difficult financial times and competing needs, it is difficult to splurge on a new wardrobe just for the season. Jenneh Amara Bangali, of SWANK COUTURE says women don’t need to moan and groan over this. What she has done is go “through her Africana wardrobe “and has discovered she does have clothes to wear. She shares some tips that will spare our
pockets and purses and still help us look like a million leones.
1. Turn your old clothes to new clothes First and foremost, go into your wardrobe, get together all your clothes and separate them into different looks for the weddings, carnivals, discos and whatever occasion you have lined up. Don’t worry about buying new clothes if you can’t afford it. Then take out the ones that still look good on you and that for no reason on earth you shall part company with. If you have worn them too many times its time to change the look of those outfits.
2. Accessorize Go to an accessories shop and get some corsages, broaches, and broad ribbons, four yards of thin ribbon with which you can cut yourself two thin belts. A scarf would enhance a day look and an evening look as well. Get some beaded necklaces which you can use to add color to your outfits. Remember, necklaces can be used as belts or bracelets. Don’t forget to make use of the belts you already have in your wardrobe.
3. Alterations The sooner you get to the tailors the better it will be for you, to avoid the usual
disappointment. Its now time to shorten that long dress. You can make it into a mini or mid length dress and accessorize it to get a different look. If it’s a plain fabric, why not get a little embroidery done around the edges or wherever you fancy. Transform a dress with sleeves into a Tube dress or a one sleeved dress. Try being creative to cut down your expenses.
4. Go African Wearing African fabric on a night out is so cool. A Cat suit would look elegant or a sexy dress in Ankara, batik, gara, brocade or whatever fabric you can lay your hands on. You will stand out more as you might just be the only one with that LOOK. Plus it saves you a trip to the boutiques. Calabash style, hopes these tips are useful in giving you the million leones look this Christmas. For Jenneh, a household designer this does it for her. “I have not bought or made a single new dress and I have no intention of doing so. I found dresses that are 4 years old and I surely am going to REVAMP them this year.” Complete the look, by putting on your flats or your heels and step out in style with your re-cycled look and believe me no one will notice but you will be noticeable and memorable in a good way.
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champion
Sierra Leonean Bio Medical Science Graduate Is Crowed Miss Nubian UK 2011
Miss Nubian Pageants attributes the growth of their brand since it inception 3 years ago on their ability to successfully redefine the concept of Pageants and change the public negative perception associated with traditional Pageants. Unlike traditional pageants that mainly focus on beauty, Miss Nubian Pageants selection criteria ensures that finalists selected not only exude intelligence, confidence, beauty and compassion for those living in the Diaspora but they also need to posses qualities befitting of a Queen and on Sat 29th Oct 2011 that’s exactly what 22 year old, talented, bio-medical graduate and aspiring dentist managed to do. In a bid to beat off the stiff competition from the other 11, the beautiful Fatoumata wowed both the crowd and the esteem panel of judges that included Funmi O, CEO of Mink
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Cosmetics, Fashion Designer Adebayo Jones, Award Winning Film Producer Obi and Former Aston Villa, Liverpool and England Footballer and now Youth Coach, Mark Walters. The competition kicked off with the Traditional wear round. To the sheer delight of other Sierra Leoneans and Fatoumata’s family and friends, she wore a poignant ensemble of fabrics, head wear and jewellery synonymous with her cultural heritage .
Having a marketable talent
One of the prizes for the overall winner was to be managed for a year so there was no doubt that Fatoumata had something extra to pull out of the bag. When the eastern inspired beats began to play, all wondered exactly what her talent was. When she graced the stage in a veil which resembled Asian attire and performed a definitely unexpected yet fantastic, authentic, hip shaking belly dance the crowds applauded and some even stood in awe.
The next round was aptly titled the Sunsational Wear round and unlike Traditional Pageants, Bikinis / Swimsuits are not allowed. Instead the Finalist showcased outfits that did not expose their body parts that would otherwise be exposed with outfits such swimwear. Fatoumata chose an outfit that was Uber Complementary of her fabulous figure and her velvety chocolate skin tone. During the penultimate evening wear round, their was a momentary gasp of amazement by the onlookers followed by mass applause when she stepped onto the stage robed in her diamante embellished dress clearly oozing sheer sophistication, grace elegance and style. After clearly impressing the audience with her external qualities it now came to the Final round where the well spoken Fatoumata conveyed to all the culmination of her exemplary levels of cultural awareness, pride in her Sierra Leonean heritage , intellect, compassion for others and ambassadorial potential. After a final performance by headlining act on the night , sister Trio - Shiikane ,it was results time and after several minutes of suspense Fatoumata managed to clinch the overall converted title and in a state of shock and euphoria she was crowned Miss Nubian UK 2011.
champion
Its as been a busy 2 months for Fatoumata since she was crowned , so we were therefore thrilled when her agent and Miss Nubian Pageant Director ,Jacqueline Wabara managed to schedule time out of Fatoumata’s very busy schedule for Calabash to interview her. Calabash: So Fatoumata, it’s been less than 4 months since you were crowned Miss Nubian UK 2011, how has the title changed your life ? Fatoumata: It’s truly been a journey and after winning I was so ecstatic! My life has been so much more interesting since, it’s given me the chance to be a more outgoing person who is not afraid to put myself out there. I’ve been able to meet new people and make new networks and learn new things about myself and about life in general! Calabash: What does the title mean to you? Fatoumata: The title gives a great opportunity to act as a spokes person for my country and allows me to promote Sierra Leone and highlight the issues that are closest to my heart; which are education and healthcare. The title gives me the chance to express my sense of identity and represents the pride that I have for my country. Calabash: How did you feel when your name was called out as the overall winner? Fatoumata: I had a mixture of emotions, from jubilation, to shock and then to euphoria all over again. I felt truly happy and I would love to live that moment over and over again. Calabash: You had to compete in several rounds during the Grand Finale. What were they? Fatoumata: There were 5 rounds which included, traditional, talent, evening wear and question and answer. My favourite round was the talent round. My talent was belly dancing and I had so much fun doing it. Calabash: How long have you been dancing for? Fatoumata: It’s quite a recent thing I was introduced to belly dancing at university when I auditioned for a part in a university talent show and was accepted. I’ve been interested in belly dancing since. Calabash: What round did you enjoy best and why? Fatoumata: Like I said before the talent round was my favourite; however I also enjoyed the traditional round as I got to
wear one of my country’s most traditional wear, the raffia (a type of African tribal wear, most African countries have their own version of it ). It was quite unique because none of the other contests had anything similar. Calabash: You proudly represented Sierra Leone in Miss Nubian UK 2011, have you travelled their before? Fatoumata: Yes I have recently in 2008, it was quite an interesting experience, and the country is well on its way to recovery postcivil war. It was also great seeing old friends and family. Calabash: How will you use your role to benefit the Sierra Leone Communities both here and back home? Fatoumata: I would love to continue to represent my country by raising awareness of the issues that affect the most vulnerable people in Sierra Leone. Sierra Leone is still recovering from a civil war where many negative events occurred. What I want to do is highlight the many positive things that are being done to aid recovery. 2012 is a year of many opportunities and I’m looking forward to using my title to positively influence and support those living in the diaspora who are less fortunate. Calabash: Have you any particular areas of charity work that interest you and why? Fatoumata: Child Healthcare is a topic really close to my heart as Sierra Leone to date as one of the highest infant mortality rates in Africa but surprisingly has only 1 children’s hospital in the whole country. Education is also an area of concern to me because it truly does move you from the darkness and into the light. It gives you a sense of freedom since no one can take away what you know! It is truly the way forward as it is one of the key factors in eradicating poverty. I’m interested in issues of education and healthcare and I’m hoping to work with charities such as SOS children’s Village; Building homes and communities for children in need, children orphaned by factors such as civil war and famine. I’m also looking forward working with a charity called the wellington family project; which
is involved in working with people in Wellington Freetown addressing issues of healthcare, education and sports. What’s great about this charity is that it also promotes social cohesion by organizing inter area sports and cultural performances so that everyone in the community is involved! I am also supporting UK based charity called Strette Child South Africa. Calabash: So what events have you been to since being crowned? Fatoumata: One of the first events I attended after winning was my very own homecoming dinner and dance which was great. Since then I’ve been red ribbon model for the charity ‘Positive runway stop the spread’ on world AIDS day: which is a global charity involved in educating young people about HIV/AIDS using role models such as actors, singers and pageant queens. Most recently I attended a fundraising fashion in support for the get London reading campaign and also the launching of the new positive runway online magazine. I was given the honour of presenting the flowers to the designers at the end of the fashion show! info@MissNubianPageants.com for more information www.missnubianpageants.com Join or Facebook(add FB Logo) Group www. facebook.com/missnubianpageants.com And follow us on Twitter add twitter logo@ Miss Nubian Well, that concludes the interview and the Calabash team says thank you and looks forward to catching up with you later in the year. We wish you good luck during and after your reign. Thank you.
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celebration
The chairman for the occasion, Mr Madani Deen-Gabisi complimenting the newly wedded husband and wife, unfolded the story of how the two love birds met and built their relationship. He advised the newly weds to be faithful honest and just with each other and to respect each other at all times. Mr Abu Bakarr Conteh, the groom, praised his wife for her patience and said, “What else can I ask for? I have a beautiful woman who is lovely and adorable”. Remembering that crystal clear day, Abu said he went to his aunt and told her he had found his wife, adding “I will marry her on November 5 “. Abijah’s father, Mr Link, expressed his happiness in seeing this day come to fruition. He noted that looking after someone else’s child is very difficult, coming from two different backgrounds. He said he accepted Abijah wholeheartedly as his own daughter, and he thanked God she had turned out to be a nice lady and that she had met a very nice man who he admires.
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celebration
A minutes silence was held for the passing away of Abijah’s cousin. On behalf of the groom Hajah Seray Daramy welcomed Abijah into their family and said she will support her and give her love and acceptance. Offering the Vote of Thanks, Salay Mansaray thanked everyone for making the event a successful royal occasion.
She said that without the guests there would have been no success. She warned that marriage is not easy, that it was honourable but not comfortable, and that people should not marry for the wrong reasons. She admonished them to be patient loving and kind to each other, adding “What God has joined together, let not man put asunder”.
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