ISSUE 001: Nzinga's Chronicles ~ THE EMERGENCE SERIES #1

LM

LA MEMOIRE YOUTH / CULTURE / ART / LIFESTYLE JULY 2021

ISSUE 001

EMERGENCE SERIES

NZINGA'S CHRONICLES

PROUDLY SOUTH AFRICAN MAGAZINE

"NZINGA"

African history tells a story of the relentless Nzinga, Queen of the Pre-Colonial Central Africa and her fearless act of rebellion against the powers that were a threat to the balance of her kingdom. Fast Forward to the modern times, her spirit still lives on the digital canvas of the Internet.

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NZINGA'S CHRONICLES

IN THIS ISSUE...

02

001: THE "QUEENDOM": HOUSE OF NZINGA w/ @fabulous_trysh

05

COVID-19: LIFE IN A POST-PANDEMIC WORLD

08

002: A CLOSE UP w/ Mbali Skelenge

11

@ATHRIFTINJOZI: JOZI'S RARE MERCH PLUG w/ Levi Webb

"Feature" /ˈfiːtʃə/ "be a significant characteristic of or take an important part in"

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001: THE "QUEENDOM": HOUSE OF NZINGA Patricia Yumba Muzinga, also identified on Instagram as @fabulous_trysh, is the Founder of the Queendom, House Of Nzinga Afro-Cenric Blog. Many platforms online as well as blogs focus on travel, food and all other things interesting but her focus was to direct her passion into creating a blog which is purely made with that Afrocentric vibe to it.

Her motivation stems from the idea that Africa is just more than what is being portrayed within circular media. She wishes to completely restructure this narrative through her interactive newslike blog where she can not only expound on history and but also on the media and modern day culture.

Her aspirations for this blog, not only long term but short term, is for her readers to fully grasp the idea that its not your generic blog that one uses to just post but its also a digital canvas, where she can fully express her mind in its entirety and expound on topics such as Gender Based Violence, Feminism and all other things that are present, living and Active within the African Society.

As said before, the talents hidden within Africa need exposure, which also she advocates through as well. With her broad knowledge of African history, she heavily identifies with Queen Nzinga, who ruled Central Africa with a fearless iron fist against the colonials and also she shares her name "Nzinga" and the idea of naming her blog "House of Nzinga."

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Ultimately, being a woman living in a society where Gender Based Violence are one of the threats against the livelihood of women, she also uses her platform to adamantly reinforce the African woman's power and ability to conquer adversity in the presence of fear. To Find Out More, Interact with her across socials: https://houseofnzinga.com @house_of_nzinga House Of Nzinga TV (For Exclusive Interviews)

"HOUSE OF NZINGA’S ULTIMATE GOAL IS TO CREATE A TRIBE OF WOMEN WITH SHARED INTERESTS AND VALUES, DEEPLY ROOTED IN AFRICA AND OPEN TO THE WORLD."

"ITS EITHER YOU WIN... OR YOU LEARN. THERE'S NO LOSING...

LM

@la.memoiremagazine

NZINGA'S CHRONICLES | PAGE 5

COVID-19: LIFE IN A POST-PANDEMIC WORLD

The world has been heavily devastated due to the pandemic caused by the novel Corona Virus.

Globally, absolutely no place was left unaffected due to the deaths of thousands of people locally and close to 2 million people world wide. A Pretty shocking statistic right?

The fear and uncertainty that roamed the earth during the early moments of the outbreak instilled fear in the hearts and minds of the people. Not forgetting how then entire population was restricted to engage in tasks that are normal and mandatory for the effective continuing of human life such as social interactions.

What a time 2020 has been… many having lost their jobs and their very source of income and although that can be daunting, The most tragic, however, is the fact that loved ones were lost by the virus that sweeped the nation with rapid death and despair. Many people...especially the younger generation have totally been devastated, not only due to the widespread deaths that took place, their inability to continue to pursue their careers through education, but also due to the fact that such an event took place during their lifetimes. The pandemic however has left some damages behind, as the country strives to lift itself up and recover from the pandemic’s grip.

Anxiety has no doubt clouded the hearts of many… causing them to begin to question the future. How is the future looking like? How will life be like in a post pandemic world?

Will people still to wear masks in 2022 and onwards? Will there be another breakout that will possibly pose as a greater threat to the many lives that have already suffered witnessing the deaths of their loves ones?

There are many unanswered questions pertaining to life in the future as it is. But simultaneously, there determining factor really lies in our hands. How do we choose to approach the future?

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The most frequently asked question amongst the people. After being hit with the third wave of the virus... we now question the livelihoods of our future. How does the youth handle the unemployment rates that are at a all time high? So many unanswered questions that undoubtedly just leave that pinch of anxiety in everyone's heart.

WHAT DO WE DO?

So far, the South African Government has put a reasonable amount of efforts to import the vaccine jabs donated from the World Health Organisation. Many people at this moment are still taking their vaccines but yet...another question rises out of the ashes: will taking the vaccine still guarantee my safety against an infection if I had one? Is it safe to have one?

Fashion

/ˈfaʃ(ə)n/

"a popular or the latest style of clothing, hair, decoration, or behaviour"

LM

Our world is full of fashion trends that erupt from time to time. In the 90s, clothing such as Baggy jeans, patent leather and vinyls were worn to give that futuristic look. The question is… what makes fashion trends tick? What gives certain types of clothing their exposure...enough to let everyone get in the bandwagon and dress up in that manner?

Its safe to say that Models are the ambassadors of fashion in that regard. Being a model requires resiliance and courage, as not all agencies give out positions and contracts to aspiring models quickly.

But this isn’t about the pros and cons of recruitment agencies. This is about Modeling in our already beautiful country, South Africa. Men and women, with fixed facial expressions… walking down the runway with clothing that dazzle the audience and clothing that opens up minds for exploration really gives modeling, and models their touch.

For this exclusive, we were privileged enough to work with Mbali Skelenge, professionally identified as Mimmy, who is a professional model and brand ambassador to share her story as well as give the world a sneak peek as to how modeling really is behind the scenes. Mimmy represents that of a hard worker and a ‘go getter’. Born in East London, Eastern Cape, Mimmy had her head set out for greatness when she decided from a young age to be a model. Although being a model does require one to be constantly in front of the public eye, that fact did not in any way discourage Mbali to pursue the career she always wished to be a part of.

During her humble beginnings as a child, Mimmy's destiny had always been forshadowed, as many would commend her about her stature, which people definitely were convinced that she was ‘modeling material’.

002: A CLOSE UP WITH MBALI SKELENGE NZINGA'S CHRONICLES | PAGE 8

Fast forward to the present day, Mbali has been a part of major fashion and grooming companies such as Darling South Africa, where she became the face and brand ambassador as she would be a useful asset to their marketing division, which would spread all over the African continent, Being also exclusively featured in South Africa’s Bona and True Love Magazine Front Cover as well as collaborating with Revlon’s I Define Myself and also being Ms Jozi’s 2016 finalist Top 7, which was of course, a turning point in her career as a professional model. That of course gave her the exposure she needed amongst different divisions in the industry, allowing her to branch out in the modeling and fashion industry. Although her achievements have their glories and glamours, that is not all of what conspires in the workspace.

Certain challenges do pose a threat to her progress as a fashion model and trendsetter, such as not being compensated for the services rendered.

Although that may seem to be the case, that has not darkened Mbali’s future in broadening her future as a professional model. One of Mbali’s wishes, as a woman of the South African soil, is to be an active representative of South Africa, where she can be able to use her gift in fashion to showcase South Africa’s diversity and culture through modeling and fashion.

Mimmy’s journey thus far has really been a stretch… as in a short space of time, has worked hard in the fashion space in South Africa. Passion plays a huge role in Mbali’s perspective of pursuing the different opportunities that are within the industry. During her many experiences being in front of the camera and being on the runway, the most precious things that make Mbali stand out, is definitely her uniqueness, which everyone should be able to identify within themselves. What makes them stand out. What draws people to them. And here at La Memoire magazine, we have no doubt the further news we hear concerning Mbali, it will be a stepping stone in her career to much more greater heights.

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MOVING FORWARD Now and Beyond...

As she continues to build her name and her brand, she is currently venturing on opening her own modelling agency where she can groom like minded women who wish to begin in the field as well as provide all the additional help and guidance to others that she hadn't recieved along with her journey. So much for a strong resolve

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@athriftinjozi: jozi's rare merch plug Clothing, smartness, originality and elegance work hand in hand to bring out the best in others...especially if they’re wearing rather expensive clothing. Acquiring clothing from major fashion designers that have really made a wave such as Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger can really pose a huge toll on one’s budget. Not to mention, due to the major influence of modern day pop culture, It is safe to say that fashion is spiraling out of control amongst teenagers as well as young adults in South Africa. In a more blatant context, many fashion enthusiasts seem to really have the urge to purchase clothing that is way beyond what their budget is able to handle, however, they have found a way to acquire the fashion they are looking for, but at a more affordable price that is enough for their wallets to still survive the pressure.

“Thrifting”, a more generalised term used to describe the act of purchasing antique clothing from Thrift stores where clothing created by the fashion giants such as Nike, Tommy Hilfiger and Ralph Lauren, except the prices have been made to their patrons convenience. Durban, South Africa, has a notorious reputation of having the most unique fashion sense...especially pertaining to thrift clothing. Fashion has really left a ripple effect in the society where young adults are concerned. The mere fact that these clothing are second hand, does not mean that the clothing is less wearable and less appealing to the eye if worn. The retro style of the clothing permits its owner to explore different styles and ways to blend in the designs of thrift clothing...and due to that, thrift clothing as well as thrift stores have emerged and gained massive amounts of popularity and gathered much attention and awareness within the last 2 to 3 years at least.

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Levi Webb is the owner and entrepreneur of the thrift store, known as @athriftinjozi on Instagram.

Through being a skater for 12 years, his love for fashion strongly sprung up as the industry of skaters actually take fashion into high consideration, as besides word of mouth, fashion in the skate community has a way of communicating one to another about an individuals style and ethic. Just as in any other life, Levi faced challenges, through that, the ethic and drive of independence shortly become second nature to him. Through his skater journey, Levi’s heavy interest in fashion allowed him to explore different brands… enabling him to tell the difference between one from another as well as even accumulate thrift clothing from fashion giants such as Versace and Prada. In this light, Levi then came up with the idea to be selling these antique pieces of clothing which he had been purchasing. As he kept on accumulating these precious antique clothing, he was privileged enough to get a hold of clothing from the brand Palace, which is based overseas. Due to this, a large database of customers were formed in his father and from that, @athriftinjozi was born, where he would sell these clothes and earn himself money in the process. @athriftinjozi has served as a platform in which like minded people can be able to acquire timeless pieces of clothing. In the market, where thrift clothing has gained popularity, challenges are still a problem, where in the present day, many thrift stores have emerged and competition has now sprouted into the thrift shopping scene. Although that is undeniable, we are very certain that Levi’s store stands out not only because of the pieces being sold, but the effort being put to keep the culture alive in 2021.

Purchase your own rare merch on the official Instagram Account:

@athriftinjozi

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TITLED Conglomerate (Pty LTD) Patricia Yumba Muzinga (@fabulous_trysh, @house_of_nzinga) Mbali "Mimmy" Skelenge (@swt_mimmy) Levi Webb (@athriftinjozi)

Issue #002 coming this August!!!

LM info.titled@gmail.com La Memoire Magazine. 2021. All Rights Reserved

THE EMERGENCE SERIES

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