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THE 14TH EDITION
CONTENTS JOURNEYS & INSPIRATION 9. My Core Values As a Zimbabwean 16. A Method To Predict Your Own Success 51. Deep Roots, Strong Trees Make Great History
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HOME 18. The Wow Factor! Using Pattern and Color In Your Home
COVER STORY 24. A Rare Look Into Northern Cameroon with Photographer Desire Danga
FASHION 28. Fashion Trends 2018 CONVERSATIONS 43. Diving Into The Mind Of Malaysian-born Global Star YUNA
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WORLD PULSE 56. International Migration At A Glance SHORT STORIES 58. Short Stories On Islamophobia
Summer 2018
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A NOTE FROM THE PUBLISHER
Publisher / Editorial Director Lema Abeng
Dear DUNIA Readers, Welcome to your 14th Edition of DUNIA print magazine! This time of year is all about sunshine, adventure and discovering new things. Hence the theme of this issue: Discover new territories this season. You are about to splurge in information that is diverse, fun and truly empowering. Our contributors have once again hit home runs in sharing authentic stories from around the world... Cameroon, Malaysia, Zimbabwe, USA, etc. So, be prepared to travel the world through these pages. Please join me in heartily thanking our incredible contributors for the hardwork they put into telling genuine stories that connect across cultures. We always like to remind you that our editorial team keeps editing at a minimal so as to preserve the uniqueness in how each topic is discussed; this way, you are getting a true taste of the crosscultural nature of DUNIA Magazine. Thank you for your love, support and loyalty throughout the years as DUNIA continues to be ‘The Reader’s Magazine’ you are proud of. Be sure to connect with DUNIA on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and now Youtube! Send us your stories, thoughts and photos by email : mydunia@duniamagazine.com. Enjoy the warm weather, enjoy DUNIA Magazine and enjoy Life! Love and warmest regards, Lema Abeng (Twitter: @LemaAbeng)
Editor-In-Chief Innocent Chia
Contributions
Desire Danga Nik A Ramli Gillian Dube Denver Beaulieu-Hains Tariq Mehmood
©2018 Wealth Alliance Group. All Rights Reserved
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Grammy Award-winning pop legend and dance superstar Paula Abdul has announced a new North American tour this fall – STRAIGHT UP PAULA! - her first solo outing in over 25 years. The performing dynamo will kick off the seven-week tour on October 3rd, 2018 stopping in 26 cities. Tickets are officially on sale at www.paulaabdul.com WWW.DUNIAMAGAZINE.COM / Summer 2018
“Found this relaxing girl in the hammock on the way to a conference in Almedalen. Just a lovely view and she didn’t mind me taking a photo of her.” - by Joakim Berndes
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PEOPLE & CULTURE
MY CORE VALUES AS A ZIMBABWEAN By Gillian Dube
When I was invited to write about what it means to be Zimbabwean I was not only honoured but excited as well. You see, I have had the unique privilege of being born Ndebele (proudly Ndebele, the minority tribe in Zimbabwe) and yet having exposure to Shona culture. As such, I have experienced two of the main cultures that make up the majority of Zimbabwe and I get to be their voice on this occasion. Hopefully, this qualifies me to make a balanced assessment of my values a Zimbabwean. First and most important is our faith, though I believe this is across Africa in general rather than just in Zimbabwe. As a nation we have experienced some tough times – from a failing economy and being ruled by a dictator, you name it. One thing that has kept the country and the people together is prayer and our faith. This was most evident not too long ago when the multitude came out in prayer to support Pastor Evan of the ‘This Flag’ movement,
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who had been illegally arrested for voicing his opinion against the corrupt government and demanding change from those God has placed to oversee our beautiful nation. Never have I seen so many people gathered outside the courtrooms and streets, from dawn to dusk, not to protest but to pray to God for a man’s freedom, with 100 lawyers showing up volunteering to represent him. Coupled with this is so much positivity, despite the circumstances – oh my! This brings me to the next closely linked core values of resilience and national pride. Zimbabweans are scattered all over the world now more than ever, having fled the country to seek better employment opportunities in foreign lands. Having said that though, I have never met a people prouder of their nationality than Zimbabweans. No matter where they are under the sun they will make it known that they are Zimbo and wear their flags and ‘I am Zimbo’ tees with so much pride, despite everything. A friend from another country teased me the other day. He mentioned how he will likely settle overseas permanently. When he asked me my plans I mentioned that I would most certainly be returning home at some point – his reaction was a surprised smile and said every Zimbabwean he had ever met both in South Africa (his home country) and here (UK) professes their continual love for Zimbabwe and intends on going back home one day. I’ve been to a few countries (lovely countries by the way) and being an expat myself, I still can’t truly imagine ever calling another place home.
Family, unity and relationships
within the community probably rank second after our faith. The concept of extended family is real. We never refer to cousins and step/half siblings – you are my brother or sister and that’s it. I consider all my Dad’s brothers to equally be my Dads too. Funny, I know, but if ever anything happened to my father culturally my uncles would default to be the parties ultimately responsible for my wellbeing. Speaking of community, there is even a song that sings ‘Kugara nevamwe zvakanaka muraini’ (Shona). Translated it means ‘living well with others in the neighbourhood’. I remember all my mother’s friends from the hood somehow having an unofficial licence to discipline me as they saw fit if they ever saw me misbehaving. Similarly, they all had rights to send me around and task me with chores as they desired without consulting whether I had prior arrangements. Basically, I was everyone’s child and similarly my mother’s friends’ children were her children too. Yes, I considered those lovely ladies my extra moms that God gifted me with. I remember my parents being away and then I fell ill, I called Mum’s best friend to take me to hospital as I was still underage to visit the doctor on my own (I was 16 years). They say it takes a whole village to raise a child and that is so true in many aspects.
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More than anything else we are a happy and loving people. We love socialising and the spirit of ‘ubuntu’ (I am because we are) resonates in the heart of each one of us. Every opportunity we get to meet up and relax, we will snap up. We love our food and not just any food, braai and boerwors, plus our all-time favourite, sadza (pap in SA, ugali in Uganda, isitshwala in Ndebele) will bring us out for the best get together where we will share laughs all afternoon long. That’s how I know I’m home. These are just some of my values as a Zimbabwean. I look forward to sharing more with you. Photographs by Claes Laasonen
www.facebook.com/groups/citizenoftheworldeducationmatters
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www.khanacademy.org
A Positive Path to a Healthy New You RECIPE
Cranberry Orange Chia Granola
This can be your year to say “yes” and rework the all-or-nothing mentality, which can be a more mindful way to reach your goals. From eating with purpose to finding healthier options for tasty meals, making small changes can help you reap rewards throughout the year. Start 2018 with a clean slate of practical and attainable eating goals that are realistic for the life you want to lead by shopping at a grocery store like ALDI, a one-stop shop with a wide selection of high-quality, affordable food choices. Whether you follow a paleo, plantbased or organic eating plan, all of the following nutritious options can be incorporated into your lifestyle and budget for less than $20: • SimplyNature Organic Coconut Oil: This trendy ingredient can elevate better-for-you recipes like this Cranberry Orange Chia Granola. You can also use it as a replacement for butter or vegetable oil because it’s a versatile choice for both sweet and savory dishes. • SimplyNature Chia Seeds: Use chia seeds to top your smoothie, overnight oats or make chia pudding in the morning for an easy way to power up the most important meal of the day. Chia seeds serve up protein, fiber and antioxidants. • Earth Grown Black Bean or Veggie Burgers: If you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, or just want to join the Meatless Monday movement, black bean burgers are one option to try. • Earth Grown Vegan Shredded Cheese: This dairyfree cheese is a tasty addition to vegan recipes. • SimplyNature Organic Popcorn: Movie nights call for popcorn, and this organic version can quickly become a family favorite. Each serving provides 3 grams of both fiber and protein. Part of making healthy choices includes finding quick and easy recipes. Discover how easy it is to make fresh meals at home with this better-for-you recipe and find more options at aldi.us. 12
• 2 1/2 cups Millville Old Fashioned Oats • 6 ounces Southern Grove Shelled Pistachios, chopped • 1/4 cup SimplyNature Chia Seeds • 5 ounces Southern Grove Dried Cranberries • 1 tablespoon orange zest • 3/4 cup SimplyNature Organic Wildflower Honey • 3 tablespoons SimplyNature Organic Coconut Oil • 1 teaspoon Stonemill Essentials Pure Vanilla • 1/2 teaspoon Stonemill Essentials Ground Cinnamon • 1/2 teaspoon ground Stonemill Essentials Sea Salt Grinder
— Heat oven to 325 F. — In large bowl, combine oats, pistachios, chia seeds, cranberries and orange zest. Toss until orange zest is evenly distributed. — In separate medium bowl, combine honey, coconut oil, vanilla, cinnamon and salt. Heat in microwave 1 minute; stir. Continue cooking in 30-second intervals until coconut oil is melted. — Add honey mixture to oat mixture. Toss until thoroughly coated. Transfer to parchment- or foil-lined baking sheet. Spread into even layer and bake in center of oven 20 minutes. Stir and continue cooking until evenly browned, about 1015 minutes. — Remove from oven and cool to room temperature. Serve with yogurt or enjoy on its own. Note: Granola can be stored in airtight container up to 3 weeks. (Recipe courtesy of Chef Linsey, ALDI Test Kitchen) Photo Courtesy of ALDI | Info: Family Features Editorial Syndicate WWW.DUNIAMAGAZINE.COM / Summer 2018
Did you Know:
INDIA is the largest producer of Fruits in the world ...
INDIA is known as fruit basket of world .
The main fruits grown in India are Mangos, Grapes, Apple , Apricots, Orange , Banana Fresh , Avocados, Guava , Lichi , Papaya , Sapota and Water Melons. - APEDA, India (The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority)
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Did you Know:
High blood pressure is linked to other men’s health issues like sleep apnea and sexual dysfunction
A GOOD HEART EQUALS HEALTHY LIVING!
June was National Men’s Health Month and Omron Healthcare, the global leader in home heart health technology, is sharing a reminder for men to check their blood pressure as it is an essential health pillar relating to men, especially as they age.
Heart disease is the number one cause of death for men
Recent surveys show that nearly 60% of men avoid going to the doctor when they may have a medical condition
Only three in five men go for an annual check-up
Blood pressure is a core health measurement and a warning indicator for many preventable health conditions, including heart attacks, strokes, as well as a whole host of male-related issues such as erectile dysfunction3, sleep apnea, male infertility4, and even damage to the kidneys and eyes. “High blood pressure means higher risk for heart attack and stroke, but hypertension also affects the body overall. High blood pressure has also been shown to affect sexual function, brain health and kidney health,” says Dr. James Rippe, renowned cardiologist and author of Preventing and Reversing Heart Disease for Dummies. “Advancements in home blood pressure monitors, such as what Omron Healthcare has accomplished, mean you can now regularly monitor your blood pressure at home. These blood pressure monitors are more portable, connected and convenient than ever before. And you can use them with a mobile app to easily share your heart health data with your doctor – an important evolution in the doctor-patient relationship that can continue from home.” 14
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HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE CONTROL “Limit the amount of alcohol you drink Alcohol can be both good and bad for your health. By drinking alcohol only in moderation — generally one drink a day for women, or two a day for men — you can potentially lower your blood pressure by about 4 mm Hg. One drink equals 12 ounces of beer, five ounces of wine or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor. But that protective effect is lost if you drink too much alcohol. Drinking more than moderate amounts of alcohol can actually raise blood pressure by several points. It can also reduce the effectiveness of blood pressure medications.” - Mayo Clinic
More Young Men Are Now Hypertensive In November 2017, the American Heart Association (AHA) and American College of Cardiology (ACC) updated the guidelines for measuring hypertension. This reduced the measurement indicating high blood pressure from 140/90 mmHg to 130/80 mmHg, and this new threshold means that incidence of high blood pressure nearly triples among men age 20 to 44, up to 30 percent from 11 percent5, and more than 70 percent for men age 55 and older6. “Younger men who now find themselves in the hypertensive range should make it priority to monitor their blood pressure regularly and to act on their numbers,” said Dr. Rippe. “Hypertension treatment does not always mean medication. By acting early with diet and lifestyle changes, you can manage high blood pressure and reduce the risks that come with it. Omron’s home blood pressure monitoring technology makes that easier than ever before.” According to Mayo Clinic, nearly half of people who have untreated hypertension die of heart disease related to poor blood flow and another third die of stroke7. Uncontrolled hypertension can result in damage to artery lining, restricting blood circulation, and can cause severe conditions where blood flow is cut off from vital organs. Omron Healthcare has made Going for Zero™ – the elimination of heart attacks and strokes – its company mission. Recently, Omron Healthcare launched the EVOLV® wireless upper arm blood pressure monitor – a convenient, portable option with no tubes or tabletop unit for blood pressure readings on-the-go. The EVOLV can be connected to the Omron Connect app to store, track and share readings with your physician. About Omron Healthcare, Inc.: Omron Healthcare, Inc. is a leading manufacturer and distributor of personal heart
health and wellness products. Omron’s market-leading products include home blood pressure monitors and electrotherapy devices. Since Omron invented its first blood pressure monitors more than 40 years ago, the company has been passionate about empowering people to take charge of their health at home through precise technology. Helping people improve their ability to live a healthier life is the heart and soul of Omron’s purpose. The company recently evolved its mission to Going for Zero, the elimination of heart attacks and strokes. For more information, visit OmronHealthcare.com. WWW.DUNIAMAGAZINE.COM / Summer 2018
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A Method to Predict Your Own Success Locate a watch or a clock with a second hand. Avoid digital readouts (i.e., clocks with numbers). Sit where you will be comfortable and without distraction for five minutes. Pick a time on the watch/clock face to begin the exercise. Concentrate all of your attention on the second hand of the clock and think about nothing else for five minutes. Neither remove your eyes from the clock face nor become distracted in any way. If you find that your thoughts have wandered to anything but the clock’s second hand, you have failed the exercise and must start over. How did you do? Were you able to easily keep your attention focused for a brief 5 minutes? Or did you struggle with distractions or wandering thoughts? While it should be easy to focus your attention for such a brief time, it turns out most people cannot do this simple exercise without specific practice, usually in the form of some kind of meditation practice. Researcher and theorist, Kevin Page, has recently published a book for the acting profession that specifically looks at research on what he calls the “attention function.” “It is surprising,” Page says, “how important attention is to actors, executives, or really anyone involved in a high-pressure, high-stakes career that includes being intently aware of what you are doing in the moment.” Page’s book looks at using meditation training to improve actors focus of attention on the stage or in front of a camera. However, he insists that the same pressures exist for lawyers, top sales people, even CEOs. “I started working on a program for helping actors improve their concentration and focus about 10 years ago,” explains Page. “And since then, a lot of research has come out about how meditation training can improve people’s results in a whole range of highperformance situations. It’s not just for actors.” Along with the publication of his book, Advanced Consciousness Training for Actors, Page has launched a website with resources that he claims can help almost anyone improve their attention span: www.ACTforActors.com. “If a film star can improve their on-screen performance with meditation, so can business people and other professionals.” “If you failed the above attention span test, try some of the techniques from my book and website for a month and see if your ability to focus your attention doesn’t improve.” Kevin Page is an author, actor, and holds a master’s degree in psychology. He writes about mindfulness meditation and other healthy mind/body training techniques. As an actor, he has appeared in over 70 films and TV programs including, RoboCop, SEINFELD, and DALLAS (as the character that shoots and kills “JR Ewing”.) www.KevinPage.com 16
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Happy Home Bright colors
Many laughs
Love Home cooked meals New fun experiences WWW.DUNIAMAGAZINE.COM / Summer 2018
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THE WOW FACTOR Using Pattern & Color In Your Home By Nik A Ramli
Happy Summer to all DUNIA Magazine readers! It’s a new season and it’s summertime, and a lot of people have plans in their diaries. Some of us might want to re-decorate our home or even thinking of injecting a fresh look into the interior design of the home. For this issue of interior design tips, I will talk about how we can incorporate pattern and colour into your home. Some of you may be afraid to express yourselves by creating the ‘SAFE LOOK’ to please others. So, let’s just think of ‘YOU’ and get the ‘WOW’ factor in your home. So, follow me on a journey with regards to the subject and have a look at some photographic examples I have selected for you. 18
PATTERN There are many ways we can incorporate patterns into our homes, from wall treatments, furniture, rugs, soft furnishings and accessories. Firstly, do remember that the pattern should be suitable for all your moods and occasions. Once you have decided on the pattern, work on the scheme for the rooms you are designing. Most of us use walls as a focal point by using wallpaper with floral, graphic and even textured designs to create an impact. Some may use their own creativity to create a pattern on a wall as an artwork. Tailor-made wallpaper commissioned by a designer, or even by you in some cases, WWW.DUNIAMAGAZINE.COM / Summer 2018
is an interesting way to create an individual look. These are not novel methods, as wall pattern decoration dates way back to the Ancient Egyptian and Roman times. In those days walls were painted to create a story and make statements, not only for decoration. Besides using wallpaper and bespoke wall treatments, you can also incorporate patterns in your furniture. For example, a sofa can be produced in a matching pattern fabric with the wallpaper or the curtains in your home. However, you do not have to create a matching soft furnishing scheme in the room. Curtains or blinds can be used alone with an elaborate pattern to make a statement in your design scheme. The pattern, the weight of the fabric and texture will provide a different look. In the Victorian period they used fabric designs to get a certain look and also for practical reasons to cover windows to keep in heat, maintain privacy and keep out light. Using floor coverings such as carpets or rugs is another way to introduce pattern into the home. These floor treatment designs have evolved over the years. New carpets and rugs have been produced with attractive and modern designs and also interesting textures. Finally, you can use accessories to add pattern. For example, a mirror with an attractive decorative frame will add another focus of interest to a wall. “Colour Another example of how to create adds individuality patterns is to use artworks of differing and can also make a sizes displayed together on a wall. Free dramatic statement standing individual vases or any art in your home� objects can also be used to add pattern to a room design. COLOUR We use colour palettes in many ways and colour has different meanings in different cultures. Colour forms a vital part of our environment and we use this in all aspects of design and decoration. Colour adds individuality and can also make a dramatic statement in your home. It can give the impact you wanted in a particular room. However, some of you may just go with neutral colour schemes in designing your rooms, which is fine, but do use an accent colour with cushions, throws or art work. Here I will mention a few choices of colour for you to consider. A different mood can be created by selecting the favourite colour of your choice. The room could look sexy, calm and warm. If you want a romantic feel then red is the colour. WWW.DUNIAMAGAZINE.COM / Summer 2018
Photo: Alexandr Labetskiy
Photo: Redbaron 19
The colour is bold, represents heat, passion and love, which promotes excitement and action! Red is the most powerful of colours. There are of course many different tones of red. For a calmer room, green would be ideal. It is a universal colour and represents nature. Green is a soothing and uplifting colour. Yellow produces a warm feeling and leaves a satisfying impression. It is the colour of light, lively and stimulating and adds a summery feel to a room. These are just some examples of how the use and choice of colours can have a real impact on the mood and atmosphere in a room. COLOR AND PATTERN RECOMMENDATIONS The recommendations here will be for wall treatments. Every year new colours are introduced. You can also create the colour of your choice by having sample pallets. Many paint shops and DIY stores will custom mix the colour to your brief and this creation will be a one off bespoke colour which creates that individual look in your home. Neutral colours are always very popular as they avoid bold statements and avoid personalizing a room too much. It is easier to please an individual with neutral colours. For example, some of you may use safe pastel colours just because you are thinking of selling your home, thinking of putting your property onto the market even though you just moved in! However, if you intend to live somewhere for some time just remember - it is your home! So be bold, brave and yes, go crazy and use the colour palettes that you like and work within the room to compliment the furniture and accessories of the room. Experiment with colours such as red, brown, green, yellow, silvers and greys, and use accessories to compliment the colour. As for pattern, floral designs still dominate but there are designs that represent the floral motif in a graphic style. Try and look at some graphics design wallpaper or fabric. If you want to create a matching 20
scheme, look for soft furnishing suppliers that feature wallpaper and fabric collections that have been produced to complement one another. If you want the wild look use clashing mis-matched prints and weaves to give the crazy but stylish look. Do not worry, a good interior designer will be able to bring out what is in your mind and what you need no matter what your preference is. At times let’s mix up the two looks because there are so many fresh and outstanding new designs available to date. FOR THIS YEAR... So many predictions going on every year! I personally say this is a very subjective topic. If you wish to follow the trend, I say use them only as a tool for your home design. The function of a room and personal choice will play key roles in choosing the design concept for a room. Black, white or grey are regularly hailed as the new ‘must have’ colours, but bright colours such as red, orange, green and yellow will always be popular if you are looking to make a statement. However, neutral and subtle colours are still a popular choice for many people. With regards to pattern, fabrics and wallpapers are produced in new designs every year. Floral designs still dominate, with a twist of graphical elements and touches of exciting colours. Graphic design patterns are increasingly popular. Experiment with textured patterns that will provide you with three dimensional looks, either with fabric or wallpaper. Research carefully and decide what really compliments the design brief and your personal tastes. HOME DESIGN TIPS It is all about good research and sometimes help from a qualified interior designer. With pattern, do not start by throwing everything at your home! Use it step by step and understand the functional and practical aspects of the WWW.DUNIAMAGAZINE.COM / Summer 2018
pattern. Choose a focal point to introduce pattern, for example a wall, curtains, furniture or a few accessories. Do not clutter the room with too many diverse patterns. Work within the pattern of your choice and develop the concept by introducing some elements from the pattern into the room. Colour is important in-home design as often it is used to create different zones within a room, especially if you have a large open plan layout. Colour also makes an individual statement and can create different moods in your home. We are spoilt for choice with endless possibilities. New colours come out each season. However, to avoid any colour catastrophes in your home, choose carefully. Use chart pallets or use a simple colour wheel and paint a small area with a few colours of your choice and select the colour that works for you and the room. Take account of all aspects of the room, from the furniture and soft furnishings to the accessories that you are
going to display in the room. All have to complement one another. Finally, don’t be afraid to ‘borrow’ any ideas from a book or any publication you have seen. But remember do not copy. Try to introduce your own ‘WOW’ factor to produce that individual look within each room in your home but remember that no one has a monopoly on ideas and very few ideas or styles are genuinely new, but usually developments or variations of styles that have been around for a long time. Always consider how your chosen pallets work together. The one key is to work with what you need and what suits your individual style and also the look of your home. So, enjoy the journey! Copyright Nik A Ramli 2018
www.nikaramli.com www.facebook.com/NikARamliPage www.instagram.com/nikaramliinteriordesign
Photo by Baloncici WWW.DUNIAMAGAZINE.COM / Summer 2018
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According to scientific studies, meditation has been proven as a magnificent healing technique, alleviating depression, reducing chronic pain and stress, increasing concentration and improving memory, among other benefits. As a recent fact, it was confirmed that meditation was key to help the Thai children and coach be safe and alive while trapped in the cave. By focusing and being calm inside, they could tolerate those days of confinement, cold and hunger until they could be rescued. “It doesn’t matter if you’ve never meditated or if you are an expert , these meditations take into account our individual path and experience,” said Ismael. He suggested three tips for beginners: • The earlier, the better. The time of day most recommended for meditating is starting your day in the morning. • If you feel like you are falling asleep, change position. If the early hour is still making you sleepy, do not meditate lying down; sit in the lotus position or any comfortable position that will keep you awake. • Receive thoughts as passing. Do not stress yourself when your mind is bombarded with them coming through. Meditating does not leave the mind in blank; it is technically impossible. Don’t get hanged up on these thoughts, let them be like waves coming in and out. LEARN HOW TO CREATE THE MAP OF YOUR DREAMS THROUGH MEDITATIVE REFLECTIONS:
https://ismaelcala.com/productos/audio/retos-de-meditacion/mapa/
Ismael Cala is a Life and business strategist, businessman and social entrepreneur, journalist, author of eight best-sellers on the topics of leadership, entrepreneurship and personal development, including “The Power of Listening” and “Wake Up with Cala,” and ambassador of the concept of corporate happiness in Latin America, Cala was born in Santiago de Cuba in 1969 and holds a degree in Art History from Oriente University. He coauthored “Beat the Curve” with Brian Tracy. He graduated from the School of Communications at York University in Toronto and has a diploma from Seneca College in Television Production. He is the president and founder of Cala Enterprises Corporation y and the Ismael Cala Foundation. www.ismaelcala.com 22
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A RARE LOOK INTO NORTHERN CAMEROON
with Photographer Désiré Danga
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COVER FEATURE
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MEET THE PHOTOGRAPHER
__________________________ Tell us a little bit about yourself My name is Désiré Danga, aged thirty, from Figuil in the North region. I am a social entrepreneur and guidance counselor at a rural college in Mayo-Danay, in the Far North region where I live. I am passionate about photography, social media and all that is related to digital communities and social innovations, as well as issues related to women and girls in North Cameroon. How did you discover your love for photography? How have you improved your craft over the years? Honestly, it was by chance that I fell into photography. In secondary school, my father gave me a silver camera, but I only used it for family ceremonies without much curiosity. It was really with my discovery of the Instagram social network that my passion for photography was revealed and I began to learn from other people’s posts. So I learned on the job and I really don’t consider myself as a photographer, if yes, just an amateur because I think I do naive photography, totally. I do everything by feeling, without calculation, without technique… strictly speaking. That is how I try to live photography. And since a friend gave me a professional camera, I try to improve myself day by day through practice and by reading some tutorials on the internet.
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“The Far North has suffered for too long from [negative] stereotypes and it now deserves to be seen from a different perspective, more photographically than humanly speaking”
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What are some of your favorite places/people/things in Cameroon to capture and why? Most of my photographic work is based in Northern Cameroon, although during my travels I also share photos from other regions. Through the hashtag WoilaViews (i.e. North Cameroon by image; Woila meaning North in Fulfulde), I try to convey a more cheerful and picturesque image of this part of the country through clichés of landscapes, peoples, cultures and scenes of daily life. The Far North has suffered for too long from [negative] stereotypes and it now deserves to be seen from a different perspective, more photographically than humanly speaking. And I’m modestly trying to break this distorted mirror. The people here are selfless, smiling and full of life and happiness despite the lack of security, the presence of the Boko Haram sect in the area, the social precariousness and the harsh climate. What do you wish to accomplish through your work in photography? Through my camera lens, I try to share the beauty
of the lush and lunar landscapes of the North, its Edenic sunsets, and above all, the raw emotional form of the people of these regions rooted in their traditions and customs. A
mother who extirpates her sorrows in dancing, excited to enjoy life, a father who expresses his happiness in sharing, palavers and the joys of daily markets, a child who gloats his dreams on the playgrounds with a smile full of innocence… One derives pleasure and is transformed by all this, and in my case, I am transfigured every time I film these pale and lively shades of humanity. The precious emotions captured in absolutely banal and unexpected settings are of an unspeakable happiness; this chance to be able to photograph people with their hearts in their eyes helped me to create a bond and for that alone, I think I try to share and give visibility, even on a small scale, to this Woila I love so much. In another, more militant and thematic context, I am currently working on the scarcity and access to water in the greater North, but also on the difficulty of women’s work. One day I would like to show the world the
daily difficulties endured by these women that I have named “queens of labour” in maintaining their homes, in a photographic exhibition, if possible here in Cameroon or elsewhere.
(Interview translated from French to English by Martin Kang Tegha) 30
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NOTES
The Republic of Cameroon in Central Africa, is made up of 10 regions. The northern regions comprise of Adamawa Region (capital city - Ngoundere), North Region (capital city - Garoua) and Far North Region (capital city - Maroua). Garoua (Cameroon’s third largest port ) is the largest city in this area. Fulfulde (language of the Fulbe) is the common langugage spoken by locals; French is the official language. WWW.DUNIAMAGAZINE.COM / Summer 2018
Use #WoilaViews to follow Désiré’s photos from North Cameroon on Social Media ‘Woila’ means North in Fulfulde
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Snapshot at Tourism
FAR NORTH REGION Apart from the numerous wild animals which make this région a pleasurable destination for hunting, there is a wide variety of traditional rulers’ palaces, lunar landscape in Kapsiki, caves and lakes with a high concentration of hippopotamus, handicraft shops and horse displays. There are 3 national parks in this région namely; the national park of Kalamaloué at Kousseri, the national park of Waza at Waza and the national park of Mozogo at Koza. The Waza National Park, originally created for
the protection of giraffe and antelope, also abounds in monkeys- screaming red and green monkeys and mandrills- and lions and leopards. There is a long dry season from October to April, with temperatures varying from cool to very hot. NORTH REGION The visitor has a wide variety of options, ranging from national parks, hunting area, horse displays, traditional palaces to the
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attractions of the Benoué river with a dam at Lagdo and several archaeological sites where fossil remains of dinosaurs have been found. The national parks here include those of the Benoué, Boubandjida and Faro. ADAMAWA REGION Water catchment region of Cameroon, this région is full of crater lakes, cattle ranches, underground minerals, wild animal species and several caves. Info: High Commission for the Republic of Cameroon, Canada
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“The people here are selfless, smiling and full of life and happiness”
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Northbrook-based Autism Home Support Services (AHSS) has sponsored the first-ever “sensory friendly” hours at Taste of Chicago on Sunday, July 15 2018. Autism Home Support Services, an Invo Company, is the Midwest’s largest provider of in-home ABA therapy and has served more than 1,200 families in metro Chicago, Ann Arbor and Denver. AHSS also offers center-based ABA therapy at facilities in Arlington Heights and Northbrook. The company is expanding its center- and home-based therapy services across the United States. autismhomesupport.com
WWW.DUNIAMAGAZINE.COM / Summer 2018
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DIVING INTO THE MIND OF MALAYSIAN-BORN GLOBAL STAR YUNA A Conversation With Interior Designer Nik A Ramli From a self-published singer-songwriter to a global signed star, Yuna, born with a talent and voice that is vibrant and full of creative colours, has harnessed her talent with self-determination and motivation. The down to earth, humble star talks about getting started and how she has branched out from music in pursuit of other passions. Enjoy! NIK A RAMLI: Hello, how are you? Can you please describe Yunalis Mat Zara’ai aka YUNA in 3 words? YUNA: Dreamer. Loving. Focused. So, is there such a thing as a typical working day for you and if so what does it entail? Not really. It’s different every day. Some days I go to the studio to record my album and some days I’m on tour for 2 months. Some days I’m at a shoot… there’s never a dull day so I love my job! How exciting. Can you describe your upbringing in Malaysia and what was it like being the daughter of The Hon. Justice the Pahang State Legal Advisor and a high school chemistry teacher at that time? It was simple. My parents were both government [civil] servants, we lived in a government quarters house, we lived a simple life, and I was an ordinary kid growing up. I had to keep my grades up and I knew it was important for me to go to university. Looks like a very academic household! Where did your desire for music come from? We love music! My parents listened to music all the time and my dad plays the guitar... I guess it was natural for me to pick up singing.
Photograph by Aimanness Harun WWW.DUNIAMAGAZINE.COM / Summer 2018
So that’s where the artistic side of you came from and of course you taught yourself to play your own guitar. Can you tell us the story of that guitar? Is it still with you? It’s still somewhere I think, I was in University in Kedah and there was pretty much nothing to do over there but to study, so I went to the nearest music store and bought a cheap guitar and taught myself how to play it. 43
You started to write songs at a young age. How old were you and do you remember the title(s) and the storyline(s) of the song(s)? I was 19, I wanted to write about a boy I liked and the name of the song was ‘Deeper Conversation’. While attending law school, you also started to perform. What was it like performing for the first time in front of an audience? It was nerve wrecking I thought that was going to be the first and the last time I’m ever going to do it. Social media was still new when you started and we know you took advantage of the internet. Your ‘MySpace’ page performance received over one million plays! Was that the point you thought “Yeah, this is it”? Not really, but it was definitely a starting point for me. I knew how to handle social media at an early stage so from there I just kept going and built my fan base. You are a very successful self-produced artist. With your label Yuna Boom Records you released ‘Yuna’ in 2008. Can you share your experience of recording your first record and how you went about selling and promoting it? It was a lot of fun, but also, I didn’t really know what I was doing. Thankfully I had friends and my band mates helped a lot in creating that
album. I had to loan about RM1,000 from my dad to record 5 songs at a studio, and after that we were touring and performed at universities and gigs for like RM 200… but I paid it all back within 3 months. I have the EP and enjoy the sound of ‘Yuna’. I also love the cover and the interior package of the CD. Surprise, surprise, the design and the art direction are by you! So, tell us what inspired you to create the look and how long it took you to get the final cover sleeve? I’ve always been into graphic design but never really had the chance to pursue it… but having an album I really wanted to have complete creative control. I wanted it to look very relaxed and summery… so I picked the colours and also some photos of me and my band to go with the handwritten lyrics of my songs. For the EP you were nominated for five categories in the Malaysian Music Awards (the Malaysian equivalent of the Grammys). You won four trophies, two of them for Best New Artist and Best Song “Dan Sebenarnya” (‘’And Actually”). That was a fantastic achievement for an independent artist. Would you encourage budding artists to selfpublished and what is your advice to them? It’s definitely a great way to learn about yourself and what kind of artist you want to be. I
admit I’ve made a lot of bad decisions but they only lead me to make the right ones later on. I’m glad I didn’t sign to any labels back then I was able to be creative and also take responsibility over my own career.
What are the pros and cons of self-publishing? Well, you don’t have the kind of budget that labels would be able to provide. Sometimes you need financial support to see your career grow – you need money to work with producers, for promotion, and for touring. It’s tough to try and do that yourself. Following your Malaysian music success, you moved to the USA to record your first international album in 2011 with Fader Label after they ‘discovered’ you. That must have been exciting! It was! It was a dream of mine to take my 44
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music overseas and when that happened I was over the moon. I can imagine! What was it like to have the opportunity to release an album in the USA? It was very satisfying. Not that I wasn’t happy with the albums I had before, but I listened to my songs made in the USA and I could finally acknowledge that “yea, I can definitely be an international star”, I got some confidence. Was life in the USA easy when you first moved there? As a popular figure from Malaysia how did you adapt to relative anonymity in the USA? It wasn’t in the beginning, I was excited but I was also very lonely. I had to quickly learn how to make friends, because if you can’t connect with people you’re on your own and you can’t really go anywhere with that. But I love the fact that no one knew who I was in LA. I love
walking around unnoticed. it’s really hard to do that in KL [Kuala Lumpur], but in LA I could just be myself and not worry if people are going to secretly snap a photo of me (which makes me very uncomfortable).
Speaking of your early living and working life experience abroad, how different is the music business in the USA compared to the Malaysian industry? It’s bigger and there’s a lot of competition. It’s constantly changing. One day you’re in and the next someone might replace you, someone younger and more talented and more hardworking. But the industry is more widespread – I’m able to make music for myself or for films, or write for other people or vice versa, get to work with countless producers. You grow and learn something new every day. What is your favourite aspect of the entertainment business? That I get to be creative and write songs honestly. Once in a while I find joy in performing – it’s a lot of work, but yea. That’s it. I’m not really into the fame thing but it comes with the business. WWW.DUNIAMAGAZINE.COM / Summer 2018
Since you signed to Verve and released ‘Chapters’ in 2016, do you still have total creative control over your music and your image or do you have to compromise? I have to say I still have creative control over what I do – photo shoots, music videos, music, shows… everything. My label won’t force me to do something I’m not comfortable with. Why do you think the press highlights the fact that you are a Muslim singer who wears the hijab? After all, readers can clearly see from the press photos who you are? I think it’s a new thing. It’s something that readers would pick up the magazine for, and I get it, I get what they do, and I respect that.
The western media does not really focus on understanding Muslims but now there’s a Muslim singer everyone’s shocked because just like everyone else, we love music too.
Absolutely and of course, we (Muslims) enjoy music also! Do you feel you have to promote Malaysia on an international level in any way? I’m never pressured to do so. I tell people only when they ask, and it works better that way when I’m subtle about my nationality – makes them want to know more. There are only a handful of Malaysian singers who have successfully released albums overseas. Why do you think you have been successful? 45
I really don’t know, I like to think that I kind of just stayed in my lane, focused, I work really hard; I’m not a diva, I don’t ask for ridiculous things and people like to work with me because I’m very flexible. I’m open to new ideas but at the same time, I don’t sacrifice my identity for a shortcut to success. Aside from the music, you are also a businesswoman in your own right. You have a fashion boutique ‘November Culture’ carrying the brand name 14Nov by Yuna Zarai. How would you describe your brand style? Fun and modest! Basically, what I love to wear… I try to bring in fun clothes for my followers – sometimes it’s too experimental but I get really excited when I see people in my clothes. Yes, you have great collection. So, what is your greatest extravagance? Extravagance? You mean physical things? I don’t really spend a lot on fashion… but I do have a YSL handbag that I’ve always wanted since I was 20 years old, and finally got it at the age of 31! Congratulation on that buy! Do you have any words of wisdom for would-be entrepreneurs that wish to set up a boutique shop or on-line store and develop their own brand label? It takes a lot of work. A lot of labels go out of business because of mismanagement so you have to have a great team. It’s not easy! But it’s definitely doable. Just think outside the box and go for it. How do you manage and mentor the artists under Malaysian based Yuna Room Records? Being on the other side of the Atlantic, do you leave the talent search mostly to your business partner? It may look impossible, but I am very involved with all the artists my partner Wawa and I sign. I talk to them a lot when they’re working on their projects, I try to be their friend more than their boss or manager. Most of the time I let them create whatever they like, and we give them support… I look for producers that suit them to work with, basically just be there if they need guidance. Wawa does most of the managing, getting shows etc, I’m there for the 46
creative process. And on agreeing the talent that will be signed under the management and production company, how both of you come on agreeing the artist(s)? We look for real raw talents. A lot of talented musicians in Malaysia who make mostly English songs rarely get the support they need, and if they get signed most of the time they will be moulded into the typical Malaysian pop-star… not that it’s anything bad, but I see a little bit of me when I first started out in them, we just wanted to create the music we like. We also sign those who have no
attitude problems honestly, artists who are really serious about their career and are easy to work with.
Listening to your music you have evolved from your signature acoustic, indie-pop sound into more of an urban R&B flavour. So, what’s next for Yuna? I have no idea. I love all sorts of genre and I’m willing to experiment in the near future. Having such a successful career, you must have many fans and admirers. How does it feel to be famous and how has it affected you? My fans have always been great and they always had my back through the good and bad. I don’t think it has affected me in any major way but it’s taught me to be grateful (to have them). When the next generation looks back on you and hears your music, what would you like to be known for? A passionate singer and song-writer, when they listen to my songs they will feel the same way I felt when I wrote it. Any closing words…? Keep your priorities straight and never forget pray and “doa” for your blessings, family and friends. Finally, it was an honour and a pleasure to speak to you Yuna, thank you for your time. Thank you for having me! --www.nikaramli.com
YUNAMUSIC.COM WWW.DUNIAMAGAZINE.COM / Summer 2018
Nik: What is your favourite song and album that you have made to date?
YUNA
My favourite song would have to be Crush, working with Usher was such a pleasure and the album would have to be Chapters! I worked with so many amazing people and it was a wonderful long and hard-working experience.
Photograph by Aimanness Harun WWW.DUNIAMAGAZINE.COM / Summer 2018
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ENJOY, IT’S FROM EUROPE Olive Oils from Spain and the European Union Make a Splash in America with the “Olive Oil World Tour” www.oliveoilsfromspain.org
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YUNA INSIGHTS On staying grounded (when away form the glare of the spotlight)...
I always remind myself that getting through the world you have to always be kind and humble. On where & when she’s been most happy...
I can’t pinpoint the happiest time of my life but right now seems pretty amazing too, as I look back on how far I’ve gotten. Advice for those who dream of becoming a singer...
Never give up and always stay true to yourself. Remember to work hard and always keep in mind your loved ones, the ones who have always stuck by you from day one.
Penthouse 14, The Needleworks, 43 Albion Street Leicester, LE1 6GF, United Kingdom +44 (0) 7963 260549 United Kingdom +60 16343 8360 Malaysia www.nikaramli.com www.facebook.com/NikARamliPage www.instagram.com/nikaramli
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DEEP ROOTS, STRONG TREES MAKE GREAT HISTORY By Denver Beaulieu-Hains
It’s much easier to believe that history belongs to posterity as a nononsense chronological record. However, I’d like you to consider that history is just fingertips away when you take a moment to examine your own personal experiences. I believe we are modern history and those who came before us laid the groundwork for our successes. Consider this, the world was changed by a few inventions, the wheel, the compass, the automobile, the steam engine, concrete, railways and the airplane. These modern miracles made history and continue to inspire. Not because they were great as individual items, but instead they could be manipulated, paired and fixed to make life easier and better for the greater good of the world. I always try to remember that good ideas are meant to catch on and motivate others. That’s why I share these thoughts. Now, taking it a step further, these inventions were built by genius minds who were also likely mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, cousins, lovers and friends. They also lived in communities just like we do today. Had it not been for utility, mention, recognition and adaption to daily use, each item, ingenious or not, may have gone unnoticed and deemed insignificant or obsolete. It was curiosity and human interest that kept the simple equipment and systems for transportation alive. Likewise, our everyday genius must not go unrecognized. We can document our lives and keep our own history checked for the youth and future WWW.DUNIAMAGAZINE.COM / Summer 2018
Vivian and James Washington, my grandparents as newlyweds. I also found this picture by accident. I cherish it because they inspired me to seek out opportunities and taught me I was exceptional. It’s interesting, as a child I remember them always donating to charities that supported Africa. Now, I know that they were aware of their African roots, even if it wasn’t always apparent at first glance. While studying the family tree, I’ve found plantation homes that were the foundation of those roots. I feel like it’s my grandparents prodding me along to be proud of those roots.
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generations. We must document and tell our story. Talk about history, I toured Beaufort, St. Helena, Charleston and Savanna, Ga., recently with Roots to Glory Tours. My sister-friend, Ada Anagho Brown, the founder, once again surrounded me with women of exceptional character and intellect. “When I went into the archives looking for history on the Gullah people, I read so much misinformation; it was buuu---lll crap,” said our tour guide, describing the challenges involved in studies of a people who were so isolated from the rest of the world during slavery. I learned that there were plantations run by slaves going for long-months without the presence of a master or overseer. “To get the history, you have to go to the mouths of the people, the elders, and you know you’ve got history when enough of them say the same thing. Then, you know it’s true.” “The beauty of the moment is in the way the elders’ eyes light up as they reflect on the events of the past,” she said. Griots aka Storytellers I hate titles, but here’s one I can accept. We, the artists, writers, musicians, scholars and students on the journey through the lowlands are all griots, or story tellers.
Kitty Green of Gullah’N’GeechieTours in Beaufort S.C., introduced the tour group to the traditions of the Low country and the importance of the praise house, which served as the spiritual center of the African community. 52
In West Africa, a griot could be a singer, musician or oral historian. They keep the record of births, deaths, marriages and tell the generational story of the village or family. I didn’t know it then, but I’m convinced now. We each are on our own journey. The low-country and the influence of the amazing scholars and teachers that shared the regional stories and history just gave us fodder for new works. The tour guide hoped to enlighten us, but also to renew our spirit. “You get a feel for who we are as a people, and you realize the pride within yourself when you think about the things they [the ancestors] could do, the gifts they had, and what they sowed to the world,” she said. All powerful stuff! When my ancestors called, they weren’t selective. They were noisy and restless, they left me in a heap at Ghana’s El Mina [the Slave Castle]. It was nothing as graceful as a heap of tears, instead I fell down five stone stairs on my head. It was as if someone pulled the ground out from under me as I left the rest room. It was memorable. The spirit shook me, and when I lifted myself from the floor, I was never the same. I’m a griot for sure, writer, dancer, speaker… all that and more. The messages won’t stop coming. They opened the coffer full-throttle and spilled out the good, bad and ugly. Now, it’s my task to sort it all out.
Pictured above are Vivian Gaston, my mother (L-rear), Kitty Green, S.C. tour operator (center), and Ada Anahgo Brown (R) of Roots to Glory tours, specializing in providing tour opportunities for DNA-tested African Americans to their countries of origin. WWW.DUNIAMAGAZINE.COM / Summer 2018
Why does this matter? Well, I tell myself that I’m doing it for my grandchildren. I don’t want them to be confused as I was about all the blue-eyed green eyed folks in the photographs. I’m certain I’ll be able to provide the truth and dare them to be great because there’s a whole lot of goodness in my family. It’s in the DNA! Since I’m 40 percent European and 60 percent African, unravelling my family tree is a painstaking task. It’s tedious and interesting, and I will never finish. Someone will have to take over one day, but the stories are worth it. In case you haven’t read the previous installments in DUNIA, I have an African name. I’m called Chisom, which is pronounced Cheesome. In my Igbo culture, it means literally that ‘God follows me’, and alludes to my drive and charisma. When I returned from South Carolina, the ancestors left me a gem, which led me to take action. I called the Historical Society and left a message. It was almost three-weeks before I got a call back. Honestly, I’d almost forgotten about it.
Dan Washington His father had been enslaved, but my grandfather, Dan Washington (1891-1965) was an entrepreneur and successful businessman. I found the photo tucked away in a stack of keepsakes after the death of my grandparents. This was my first introduction to his image. He died before I was born. The confidence and gait of this man reminded me that I was a queen. WWW.DUNIAMAGAZINE.COM / Summer 2018
When I answered the call, after my brief introduction, I explained to the president of the Madison County Historical Society that I wanted to learn more about my family. “Who is your family?” asked the gentleman on the other end of the phone. “Dan Washington was my grandfather,” I said. “I called because I found a book and saw photos of some of my relatives,” I added. There was a brief silence then the phone line came alive. “I know Dan Washington,” he said. I was speechless and surprised. He was animated and obviously very excited to share. “Dan Washington moved the coloredschool, behind the colored church, and then bought a bus to carry the children back-andfourth.” “You come from good family, a hardworking family,” he said. I was so proud. I’d struck gold and realized that I only needed to ask the questions. Sometimes we miss out because we’re afraid to take the step, share the intention or to just ask the question. I’m still beaming as I think about it. I’m the beneficiary of artifacts that share the family story, but I’m certain the stories are not just for me. Those treasures exist for us all to enjoy. We just need to be willing to seek the connections, capture the details, write and tell stories knowing that we can inspire others through the experience. I suspect if you’re reading this article you are also on your own journey. If enough of us take the time to document our tangled journey toward the future, we may shape our world and correct a few ills of the past, at least for the history books. Every now and then, I find a gem or two tucked away in a drawer in my grandfather’s house. Sometimes it’s a loose photo or a book or two with little-known facts and details of my ancestry. Those finds are inspiration packed away in less visited parts of the house. I dare you to revisit them, and to find your own inspiration. Just when I think I’ve hit the 53
limits, the memorabilia move me a step or two forward. I’m certain those memories might have a similar effect on you. Articles by Photos of my ancestors, their names, Denver Beaulieu-Hains their vintage images and records provide me on DUNIA Magazine details and information that ensure their ~~~ contributions aren’t lost to the next generation. When items thought long-gone appear Chance Meeting and Ethnic Shift: when I least expect it. I believe the ancestors Awakening to my African-American conspire, and provide the history. Seems it Identity might be important as a tool for a more diverse and inclusive mankind. If not, it doesn’t Healthy-living, Wellness and Dance hurt anybody and makes me feel great. Africa-style Crude at first, each revolutionary tool was refined, modernized and upgraded, why I am Chisom – New Name, New not us? Especially, since humans are known to Direction change direction and can their change minds. That’s what make us human. Interview: Maya Nassar is Shattering Knowing where I come from means I’m The Glass Ceiling & Pushing Boundaries not afraid to carry that community-focused, in Inspiring Ways hard-working ethic, which were core beliefs set by my foreparents. Now, you can call me “Knowing daughter, sister, and friend and know that where I come from I’m fixed and not stirred; means I’m not afraid to I have a better undercarry that communitystanding of my respon- focused, hard-working ethic, sibilities as a member of which were core beliefs my family. The contribuset by my tions I make are greater foreparents.” than myself and my character is strengthened and rooted by the sacrifice of others who led the way and suffered so I could be great. Community bonds and the sense of togetherness may have taken some hits over the years. The invention of planes, trains and automobiles means people move around and families are divided and separated by distance. But, when your roots are deep, the tree stands firm weathering the storm and rain. I believe knowing our history can keep us planted and strong. Again, just look to your fingertips and pick up the pen. You can begin capturing your family’s journey, growth and migration today. 54
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In recognition of World Sickle Cell Day, a coalition led by the Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia, Inc. (SCFG), announced a fund-raising campaign to launch the first clinical trials investigating the efficacy of cannabis oil for pain associated with Sickle Cell Disease. The coalition includes Biotech, Inc. and the Phoenix Tears Foundation. “We urge the Sickle Cell community, our friends and allies to join in supporting the coalition as we search for alternative treatments for those battling this painful and sometimes fatal condition,” said Deb McGhee McCrary, SCFG President & CEO. “These trials will fully explore the pain relief properties of medical cannabis as an alternative to highly addictive opioids.” The Georgia Legislature made history when Sickle Cell Disease was added to the list of maladies approved for Medical Cannabis opening the door for clinical trials. This is the first clinical trial of its kind in the nation. To assist in this effort, the public can make donations through the SCFG website
www.sicklecellga.org/Donate
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INTERNATIONAL MIGRATION AT A GLANCE Increasingly, with globalisation, the people of the world are on the move; and most of these migrants are seeking a happier life. But do they achieve it? That is the central issue considered in this 2018 World Happiness Report. But what if they do? The migrants are not the only people affected by their decision to move. Two other major groups of people are affected by migration: • those left behind in the area of origin, and • those already living in the area of destination.
Rural-Urban Migration
Rural-urban migration within countries has been far larger than international migration, and remains so, especially in the developing world. There has been, since the Neolithic agricultural revolution, a net movement of people from the countryside to the towns. In bad times this trend gets partially reversed. But in modern times it has hugely accelerated. The timing has differed in the various parts of the world, with the biggest movements linked to boosts in agricultural productivity combined with opportunities for employment elsewhere, most frequently in an urban setting. It has been a major engine of economic growth, transferring people from lower productivity agriculture to higher productivity activities in towns. In some industrial countries this process has gone on for two hundred years, and in recent times rural-urban migration within countries has been slowing down. But elsewhere, in poorer countries like China, the recent transformation from rural to urban living has been dramatic enough to be called “the greatest mass migration in human history”. Over the years 1990-
2015 the Chinese urban population has grown by 463 million, of whom roughly half are migrants from villages to towns and cities. By contrast, over the same period the increase in the number of international migrants in the entire world has been 90 million, less than half as many as rural to urban migrants in China alone. Thus internal migration is an order of magnitude larger than international migration. But it has received less attention from students of wellbeing – even though both types of migration raise similar issues for the migrants, for those left behind, and for the populations receiving the migrants. 56
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The shift to the towns is most easily seen by looking at the growth of urban population in developing countries. Between 1990 and 2015 the fraction of people in these countries who live in towns rose from 30% to nearly 50%, and the numbers living in towns increased by over 1,500 million people. A part of this came from natural population growth within towns or from villages becoming towns. But at least half of it came from net migration into the towns. In the more developed parts of the world there was also some rural-urban migration, but most of that had already happened before 1990.
International Migration
If rural-urban migration within countries is an age-old phenomenon, large-scale international migration has increased greatly in recent years due to globalisation. In 1990 there were in the world 153 million people living outside the country where they were born. By 2015 this number had risen to 244 million, of whom about 10% were refugees. So over the last quarter century international migrants increased by 90 million. This is a large number, even if dwarfed by the scale of rural-urban migration. In addition, on one estimate there are another 700 million people who would like to move between countries but haven’t yet done so. Of the increased number of recent migrants, over a half comes from migration between continents. There were big migrations into North America and Europe, fuelled by emigration from South/Central America, Asia and Africa. There were also important flows of international migrants within continent. In Asia for example there were big flows from the Indian sub-continent to the Gulf States; and in Europe there was the strong Westward flow that has followed the end of Communism. From the point of view of the existing residents an important issue is how many immigrants there are, as a share of the total population. This requires us to look at immigrants as a fraction of the total population. At the world level this has risen by a half in recent years. But in most of the poorer and highly populous countries of the world, the proportion of migrants remains quite low. It is in some richer countries that the proportion of immigrants is very high. In Western Europe, most countries have immigrants at between 10 and 15 per cent of the population. The same is true of the USA; while Canada, Australia and New Zealand have between 20 and 30%. The most extreme cases are the UAE and Kuwait, both over 70%. shows the situation worldwide. READ FULL 2018 WORLD HAPPINESS REPORT: http://worldhappiness.report/ed/2018/ WWW.DUNIAMAGAZINE.COM / Summer 2018
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Tea I felt nervous at Mark Smith the mechanic coming to fix my car. It was in my garage by the side of my house. My husband was at work. I was alone. I had just made some spiced tea, and offered Mark some. Two hours later I asked him, “Would you like anything else?”
ISLAMOPHOBIA
Short Stories by
TARIQ MEHMOOD
He lifted his head out of the bonnet of my car, looked at me silently, wiping his hands on a rag. I stepped back apprehensively and he said, “Another cup of Muslim tea, please.”
A Place To Pray An African Muslim turns up in Bradford, Northern England. He sees an Asian man on the other side of the road, crosses over to him and asks, “Brother, where is the nearest mosque?” The Asian replies, “Indian or Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, Malaysian; Punjabi, Gujrati, Pathan or Bengali, Sunni or Shia, or Ahmadi or Ismaili, Hanafi or Hanbali, Berelvi or Deobandi, Jafri or Akbari...” “I don’t want a take-away, brother,” the African man interrupts.
Muslamic Infidels of England I knew this day was coming. I had prepared for it. But now that it was here, I was at a loss for words. “You’ve brought shame on our Christian family, Mandy,” dad hissed as soon as I walked into the living room. As ever, he had a can of beer in hand and was enveloped in a Golden Virginia smoke cloud. Jack aimed a finger between my eyes and smiled cheerfully, saying, “Before I go to Iraq, I’ll put a bullet in that boyfriend of yours.” I looked over at mum for support, but she just lowered her eyes and brushed invisible specks of dust off her long black skirt. My stomach knotted, and I felt tears burning in my eyes. I had always told myself that on this day I would say: it’s my life, my choice who I love. And I would tell them that I didn’t believe in their God anymore. And I would tell them that I 58
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hated their hate-filled lives. And I had told myself, Amanda Townsend, you will shed no tears. So much for that! “You know nothing about him, Jack.” I said, clenching my teeth. “He’s a Muslim,” dad said. “That’s enough.” “They want to make England a Muslamic country,” Jack announced. “That’s news to me,” I smiled at this half-wit for a brother. “They’re going to make you wear mijabs,” Jack added. Christ, can’t you even get your racism right, I thought. “Are they, Jack?” I couldn’t resist a little suggestion for self-improvement. “If you’d learned to read and write more than your name, you might have been able to find yourself a real job.” “He’s doing his bit for Queen and country,” dad snapped. Mum looked at me with pleading eyes and implored, “Go on, pet, make it up with your brother.” Jack and I glared at each other, each waiting for the other to blink first. “I may not be any good with fancy words,” Jack said, “but no Muslim’s getting their hands on me little sis.” “I’m me own woman, Jack,” I said. “Besides, you’re only just older than me.” “Two hours is two hours,” mum laughed. Ignoring mum, I asked Jack, “So you going to call out the army, then?” “Might do,” he replied, shrugging his shoulders. “Me knight in shining armour, eh?” I sniggered. “Going to save me on a Sherman tank, then?” Dad stood up and said, “We’re having a family drink and then going out together for Jack.” “Come on, sis,” Jack said, “it’s me last night.” At least there’s some good news, I thought, and then felt sorry because he was leaving and I would miss him. “OK, soldier boy, you have nothing up WWW.DUNIAMAGAZINE.COM / Summer 2018
there, but you’re still me brother,” I said, tapping his head. Mum and dad looked at each other and beamed a proud parental smile. All of a sudden, I became aware of the smell of my clothes. They smelt of Asda, where I work. I sighed with the thought, well, Mandy, think how lucky you are to have met Khalil. I felt all warm inside as I remembered him coming to my checkout, every day, with just one bottle of milk. I knew something inside me liked him doing this, but why I liked him I didn’t know. One day, after I had had enough of the canteen chatter of my not-so-secret milk bottle lover, I asked Khalil, “You like milk then?” “No,” he had replied, “I like coming to your till.” I almost fell off my chair. I hadn’t expected this as an answer. And then one of the girls made an announcement on the P.A. system, ‘Could customers purchasing just one bottle of milk a day please refrain from going to counter 15.’ Counter 15 being mine. Khalil didn’t have a clue what was happening. All the cashiers laughed. All my colleagues’ eyes were on me. And I was blushing to the other side of heaven. An irate customer, a muscular lady with flaming blond hair and sharp blue eyes, who was immediately behind Khalil, said to him, “I haven’t got all day you know. Why don’t you ask her out?” Khalil turned around and asked the lady, “Out where?” It was the second time in a few seconds that I nearly fell of my seat. Before the lady could say anything more to Khalil, I said, “I finish work at six.” “I start work at eight,” he replied. And those became the most precious two hours of my life; spent with a curly-haired poet with dark dreamy eyes, which seemed to cut right through me when they met mine. “You love him, really, don’t you pet?” Mum’s words chased Khalil’s memory out of my head. Mum was smiling at Jack. “No,” I laughed. For a moment I thought she had read my mind, “I hate him.” “I hate you too,” Jack muttered. I left the living to get changed. 59
As I was walking up the stairs, I heard them talking about Khalil. It was the same old, same old. So many good English lads and look what she picks! What could she possibly find in someone like him? I wanted to shout at them today and tell them, in Khalil’s words, Love cannot be found, it finds you. But I kept quiet and ran upstairs, thinking there’s no point, Mandy, just forget them. After a few drinks at home, we went out to The George and Dragon. As soon as Jack walked into the pub, everyone started clapping and cheering. The pub was well past its heyday. The tables wobbled, and most of the chairs creaked and pinched your behind when you sat on them. The cushioned seating in the alcoves that ran around the walls of the pub had long since stiffened, or had been ripped out in places. A large portrait of Queen Victoria hung from the wall above the bar. All around the pub, on either side of the bar, were fading black and white framed photographs of British soldiers posing in faraway lands. A special table in an alcove had been reserved for us. It had two bottles of champagne on it. Jack opened a bottle with a loud pop, spraying cheering faces. The pub was full of Jack look-alikes. Some of them had seen me with my lover. I could feel the burning venom of their thoughts. “Chill, sis,” Jack said, pouring champagne into a glass and pushing it to me. “You know I don’t like crowds,” I protested, “especially this bunch of EDLers, this bunch of racists.” “Loosen up, lassie,” dad said, tickling my nose with his tobacco-stained joiner’s finger. And then, as ever, dad’s teddy bear face, with its missing front teeth, took all my bitterness away. “Come on, Mandy, join the party,” mum said, snuggling up to me, her worn out, night shift eyes suddenly coming to life. I sighed heavily. We clinked glasses, drank, and I lost track of time. Someone started singing Rule Britan60
nia. The whole pub joined in. “Sing, sis,” Jack said, grabbing my arm. “Let me go, you barmy git,” I complained. Jack sang, whilst I struggled to be free of him. After the singing stopped, the pub resonated to the chant of Jack! Jack! Jack! Jack stood up. Someone passed him a cordless microphone. He raised his fist in the air and said, “The Muslamic Infidels, they’re trying to get their laws in our country. I mean you got the Iraqi Law they’ve put in London. They’re trying to put their law on us, we won’t stand for it!” The pub roared, Jack! Jack! Jack! Jack continued, “No Sharamic law. No muslims in our country telling us what to do. We don’t tell em how to run their country, no we don’t do that, and no Allah headbanger tells us how to run England. And when I get to Iraq, I’m going to say, Up the Khyber of Arabs. Yeh!” Jack sat down to cheering and whistling. I couldn’t help hugging my brother, and said to him, “You just can’t get anything right, can you?” Someone sent a pint of beer for Jack. He downed it in a few gulps and burped, saying, “Love you, little sis.” ”I’m hungry,” I said, pinching my nose in disgust. “Let’s hurry for a curry,” Jack burped again, this time blowing his bad breath at me. I covered my nose with my hands. Dad laughed and said, “I could eat a horse and chase the jockey.” “I could murder an onion bhaji,” mum added. “Let’s go to The Indian,” dad suggested. A shiver ran down my spine at the mention of ‘The Indian’, and I said, “I fancy The Lebanese.” “I hate that humus thing, it doesn’t have a kick like a curry,” dad said. “Don’t half make me bloat.” “But it don’t half blow you away,” Jack WWW.DUNIAMAGAZINE.COM / Summer 2018
snorted. Mum curled her nose up, and said, “Let’s do King Curry,” Jack said. “Champion.” “Can’t beat The Indian,” dad insisted. “It’s Pakistani,” I said. “What is?” mum asked, getting up to leave. “The Indian,” I replied. “It’s not Indian, it’s Pakistani; it’s just called The Indian. Let’s do what Jack wants.” “The Indian’s a Pakistani?” mum asked, all puzzled. What a shower for a family, I thought, as we left the pub On the way to East Boarhead, I walked quietly, as mum, dad and Jack sang Hit the road, Jack, and don’t you come back no more, whilst instinctively avoiding the broken paving stones. They continued singing, oblivious to car alarms, police sirens, or the barking of the dogs in the alleys along the way. Passing some freshly painted graffiti, Sharia Free Boarhead, EDL, they sang even louder. The closer we got to The Indian, the more fearful I became. When they stopped singing, I said to dad, “I fancy a Chinese.” Dad ignored me and carried on walking, arm in arm with mum. Jack was on the other side of dad, towering over him. I stopped and shouted, “I’m not eating in The Indian!” Jack turned around and slurred, “Does your Muslim work there, sis?” “Have you been spying on me, you bastard?” Jack was about to say something when he slipped off the pavement and fell into the path of an oncoming van. It screeched to a halt. The driver leaned out of the window and shouted, “You trying to kill yourself, or what?” Jack shoved his middle finger up at the driver, who returned the gesture and drove off. I ran to my brother, calling, “Alright, Jack!?” Jack stood up, lifted me off the WWW.DUNIAMAGAZINE.COM / Summer 2018
ground and swung me in a full circle. As he put me down, mum nodded towards us and said to dad, “You could do that to me once in a while.” “How can I? You’re bacon butty fit, lass,” dad said. Mum burst into tears and sat down on the pavement, saying, “You think I’m fat and ugly, don’t you?” Jack protested, “Can’t you two fight after we’ve had a curry, like?” Dad bent down, kissed mum on the lips and said, “But I still love you.” You’re so corny, dad, I thought. Mum stood up, looking years younger. “Me and your mum are popping into The Huntsman for a quick ‘un. Order us a Chicken Tikka Masala,” dad said, walking towards a pub next to The Indian. As if you ever have anything else, I thought. Jack stepped towards The Indian. “If I go there, will you promise to behave, Jack?” I asked, nodding to The Indian. “Cross my heart and hope to die,” Jack laughed. With a headbanger for a brother, bad idea, Amanda Townsend, I thought, but followed him into the restaurant anyway. We sat down at a table which, like all the others, had a new white plastic tablecloth, a folded red napkin, and a plastic rose in an empty wine bottle. Our table was next to a window. Whilst Jack fidgeted about for something in his pocket, I stared outside at a bus shelter, with its smashed glass side panels, and thought, love you Boarhead. An Asian man, dressed in traditional Asian clothes, was sitting at a table near to us. He had finished his meal and a waiter was clearing his table. I looked nervously around, and then sighed with relief, thinking at least Khalil works in the kitchen. The Asian customer pointed to the loudspeaker hanging above him under a multi-coloured globe, and said something in his language to the waiter. “Speak in English,” Jack shouted over 61
to the Asian man. “Leave it Jack,” I pleaded. “You said you’d behave.” The volume of the music was turned louder. The word Allah, being repeated by the singer, rang through the restaurant. Jack slammed his hand on the table and shouted, “Turn that Paki crap off, now!” “It’s my music and it’s beautiful,” the Asian customer said. Jack stood up, pulled the rose out of the bottle, grabbed it by the neck, smashed it on the side of a table, and rushed at the Asian man and stabbed him in the face with the jagged edge. The man fell back screaming. I went after Jack, beseeching him to stop. He pushed me away. I stumbled backwards into the kitchen swing doors. As they opened, I saw Khalil. He was chopping onions with a kitchen knife. He ran towards me, knife in hand, and stopped me falling. “Thank you, my love,” I said to Khalil, “now go, please go.” Pushing tables out of his way, Jack charged towards me, bottle in hand, swearing, “That’s the bastard, isn’t it?” A terrifying rage burned in his eyes. I begged, “Stop, Jack, Stop.” Jack went past me and shoved the bottle into my lover’s neck. Khalil fell bleeding across some tables, still holding the knife. Jack rushed at him and tried to hit him again. “No, Jack,” I shouted. I ran and jumped on my brother’s back, and bit him on the shoulder. He shook his shoulders and I fell off. Just then, Jack went down on one knee, placed his big hand on Khalil’s throat and raised the bottle to strike him, but instead of hitting Khalil, he stood up holding his stomach, cursing, “The bastard’s stabbed me.” “Oh God, someone please call an ambulance!” I cried. Jack slumped onto a chair, one hand on his stomach, blood oozing out of his fingers. I grabbed some tissues and pressed on his wound. A short while later, police officers rushed into the restaurant. Paramedics 62
followed, and before I knew what was happening Jack was on his way to the hospital. I went to the hospital in a police car with my lover, who was crying, “I don’t know what happened.” As soon as I reached the hospital, a nurse called out, “Anyone with Jack Townsend?” “He’s my brother,” I replied. “Come with me,” the nurse said. I kissed Khalil on the cheek and followed the nurse. “Is the doctor a Muslim?” I asked. “He’s a doctor,” the nurse replied without turning to look at me. “I am Doctor Shah,” a doctor said to me as soon as I got into the emergency room. “He’s lost a lot of blood, but won’t let me near him.” “Let the doctor help you, Jack,” I said, getting closer to him. Jack lifted himself up, shook his head and then slumped back. Caressing his cold hand, I pleaded, “Please Jack, you’re really hurt,” and then I added, “and my boy friend’s called Khalil Masih, and he’s a Christian, and you could get to like him…” Jack whispered something incomprehensible before closing his eyes for the last time.
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