LM 002 ~ INVERSE EDITION ISSUE (Women's Month Special) - August 2021

LM

LA MEMOIRE YOUTH / CULTURE / ART / LIFESTYLE ISSUE 002

AUGUST 2021

INVERSE EDITION ISSUE

WOMAN'S MONTH SPECIAL

PROUDLY SOUTH AFRICAN MAGAZINE

Contact Us

Email Us at la.memoiremagazine@gmail.com

Sponsors & Advertisements

Let Us Know at la.memoiremagazine@gmail.com

Follow Us Across Socials @la.memoiremagazine

The information on this publication is for information purposes only. La Memoire Magazine assumes no liability or responsibility for any inaccurate, delayed or incomplete information, nor for any actions taken in reliance thereon. The information contained about each individual, event or organization has been provided by such individual, event organizers or organization without verification by us.

The opinion expressed in each article is the opinion of its author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of La Memoire Magazine. Therefore, La Memoire Magazine carries no responsibility for the opinion expressed thereon.

Comments are welcome, but they should be on-topic and well-expressed. Abusive, antisocial or off-topic comments will be deleted by web administrators.

Any form of reproduction of any content on this website without the written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited. La Memoire Magazine is a trademarked company; all rights reserved.

Welcome.

WOMEN'S DAY | HISTORY

HISTORY

/ˈhɪst(ə)ri/

August 9, 1956 dates the movement of approximately 20, 000 South African women and their fearless march of liberation to the Union Buildings in Pretoria. Since then, South Africa commemorates and dedicates the month of August to that very act of courage and power in a time of unprecedented inequality and division.

WOMEN'S DAY | HISTORY

Virtue & Prowess. Gatekeepers to the next lifetime. We hope this month of August was special for you. We say thank you to our Mothers and Sisters making a change for a brighter tomorrow.

IN THIS ISSUE...

Editor's Note

A brief word concerning this issue from the Editor

001: Sounds of Africa – Exploring the Afro House Movement /w @mrafrodeep Take a dive in the Afro House genre with a special guest

002: Photography with /w @nonzuzo_gxekwa Special Guest takes us deep behind her artistic photography

Decluttering The Mind & The Domain Learn how interconnected our minds and our surroundings are with regards to decluttering

003: Comic books in the works /w David Alily

Local comic book artist and creative shares his experiences and his moves within the art industry

EDITOR'S NOTE

Editor's Note

by Chris Mwelwa, Writer & Editor In Chief

It’s easy to be led astray by the plethora of distractions that plague our minds each and everyday. Not forgetting the shaking that this pandemic has done to almost every vital aspect of human life, we are still left with our minds to deal with and confront every dark area in which we’ve left unchecked, not neglecting the emotional toil that death continues to overload our state of being on top of what we have to deal with by the sudden deaths of the ones we look up to and the ones we love. It’s almost as if the atmosphere has been conditioned to desensitize us and program ourselves to be used to the feeling of fear and uncertainty. Uncertainty. This word almost describes the collective human being in 2021. Almost 2 years within the pandemic, true freedom seems way too far off from the grasp of unseen enemy seems to be only as far as the seashore from the mainlands.

Now more than ever, the human race has had to tap into something higher than ever to be given the assurance of hope and for a new vision of a new heaven beyond the hell we experience today. But as it’s always has been, If the hearts of many fail, the sun will still rise and set at the concluding of each day. We still have to press on. We still have to acknowledge that even though our hearts fail to project forward, our zeal to not give in and make permanent decisions for the gruesome temporary situation we’re in will will have us riding through the storm.

But in the midst of our discomfort, for the time being, we can still aim to find peace within the storm. It’s wise enough to allow ourselves to just shorten our view from the world to our country, South Africa. I mean...despite the deaths and the tears and the pain due to the virus, we still emit positive energy. For us. By us. Supplied by none other. And that within itself is not only special but divine. It is within this divinity that we continue to become more in touch with the things that really matter in this world. ISSUE 002 is only but a fragment of what that energy represents. More than anything, its presented with lots of love and appreciation for life as this pandemic has made us reflect on what really matters and for us to be truly grateful for it.

FEATURE: #001

001: Sounds of Africa – Exploring the Afro House Movement /w @mrafrodeep If you’re a house junkie that has his or

The Founder of the "Mr Afro Deep"

her spare time looking for some house

Youtube channel, who we teamed up with

beats or songs that you feel get you into

for this exclusive issue, gave us a little

the groove, then you definitely will be

inside look behind this channel and how

familiar with the channel, Mr Afro Deep,

he joined to be a part of the afro house

which contains a plethora of the Afro

sound

House/Tribal house sounds. If you're not

internationally. His love for afro house

then its best you have a peek at what Mr

and its versatility gave him the zeal to

Afro Deep has to say.

begin his channel, and along the lines, he

movement

locally

and

got a reasonable amount of viewers, Spiritual

and

atmospheric

giving him exposure and meeting the

rhythms, African themed baselines is the

likes of some of the most talented local

genre, Afro house, which is a subset of

Disk Jockeys and producers: Afrikan Roots,

house music prominent here in South

Culoe De Song, Black Motion, Black

Africa, first gaining significance to be

Coffee & Heavy K. His channel took about

deemed a genre in the 90s, but has now

5 years to fully cultivate and gain a 100K

spread as far some parts of Europe.

following amongst afro house lovers.

Incorporating

ancestral

different

sounds

and

chanting of different tribes in Africa, is the genre which has people dancing on their feet and enjoying a good time.

Although the house derivative is not mostly known and viral like Amapiano, its

definitely

loved

within

the

underground house music community.

FEATURE: #001

The channel he has groomed from the beginning which has people constantly with a new dose of good music, is fueled by none other than commitment and sacrifice as the vision for his channel is to have a ripple effect which he would wish should be felt inside clubs, and eventually recognize Mr Afro Deep as a musical space where people can find the best of the afro house sound. As a result to following his creative

instinct,

he

has

had

the

privilege to work closely with the multiaward winning DJ and co-founder of the now shut down record label, TS Records, DJ Sbu. @MrAfroDeep sees a bright

“… I can say that it is a very exciting genre, because it has the ability to drag you into a magical and surreal world. This genre has different styles and influences.

You can find very electronic songs that follow the trends of European dance music, in which the sounds are much more decisive and powerful, but also songs in which you are absorbed by the past and by an ancestral world in which there is the presence of tribal rhythms and poignant and passionate voices. Afro house is full of facets and only by listening can you perceive them"

future, simply from starting out a YouTube channel and we certainly have no doubt that he will be of musical influence on those who share a common love for Afro House.

Interest sparked? Ears tweaking out of curiosity? This just might be your new musical discovery.

Mr. Afro House Deep @mrafrodeep

FEATURE: #002

002: The TaxiDiaries & Artistic Photography /w Nonzuzo Gxekwa

FEATURE: #002

Photography fəˈtɒɡrəfi “the process of recording an image – a photograph – on lightsensitive film or, in the case of digital photography, via a digital electronic or magnetic memory”

Looking into reality as a canvas of art is what photography has been able to achieve in this digital age. The ability to capture a moment in time and be given the ability to be translated into definitions for as many as who look at it is magical within itself.

Born in 1981, in the coastal town in KZN, Richards Bay, is Nonzuzo Gxekwa who is an artistic photographer. For many years, the methods and styles different photgraphers have captured moments in known South African history have shaped perspectives and driven movements. Take for example, the historical event that we today commemorate as Youth Day, the picture taken of a young and deceased Hector Pieterson during the Soweto Uprising, was taken by the late Sam Nzima. That photograph holds a lot of weight, telling a deep story, is still being used as a perfect dedication to Hector and his fight for freedom under the Apartheid regime. Knowing this, Nonzuzu takes on this knowledge with her, knowing as well that the different facets within society and environment can be interpreted along with strategic storytelling, subtlely communicating political and social issues in South Africa, which he has faith that her work is able to inspire someone on a deeper level. Nonzuzo’s work has been featured across galleries showing the credibility of her work.

As a woman, her digital still life’s speak volumes as her creative process resides in closely observing everything around her. Her ability to see beyond what the eye can see, capture that moment, and mentally carve a message that she is well aware will speak to as many people who see it, all in different distinct ways settles in as more of a talent. “The environment does influence my creativity but the biggest influence is life… and the moments in between.

Whether its the tasks within my morning routine or a recycler pushing big trolleys” she continues further. Diving deep into her mind, she gains most of her inspiration by having conversations with people regarding various societal topics, watching informative documentaries as well as even experiment with clothing and light, ultimately causing an idea to be brought to life.

An additional significant influence Is her home South Africa, as she feels more connected to her ancestors and culture as a whole, which drives her to use her brand in a way she sees fit. Looking into this past month of August, many women have had the privilege to personally define what women’s month means to them. Nonzuzo has her own to share

FEATURE: #002

There is still a lot that needs to be amended within South Africa’s justice system, especially concerning women and children. Many times, women and children often fall victim of the harsh reality that there are people who have a nefarious craving to install chaos in the atmosphere, and this in turn is damaging the social framework. Besides this, there are still factors within society that leaders have left out and neglected.

“Women have been fighting… and are still fighting. When do women get to a place where they experience kindness, care and love? Look at the high number of Gender Based Violence, Rape & Murder statistics. We live in a country where domestic workers are looked down upon, despite being the backbone of most households" Other works of art by Nonzuzo are found here:

@nonzuzogxekwa @taxidiaries_nonzuzo

ARTICLE: #001

The Art of Decluttering: Fixes for the space and the soul declutter /diːˈklʌtə/ “remove unnecessary items from (an untidy or overcrowded place"

Decluttering… one of those things that sound amazing to the ears but far less people put into practice. What do we need? What do we not need?

Important questions that seems to be easy to answer. The art of Decluttering is what we would prefer to call it, as it requires far more than taking a huge plastic bags and filling it with all the things you’ve moved around with year after year. This art, takes place first in the depth of the mind.

ARTICLE: #001

Think about it. As human beings, the

This

responsibilities we’ve been assigned

reason

to take up much space in the mind.

and nature serves as the

Throughout

the

life

we

live

individually, we are constantly given

correlates why

with

the

most

the

outdoors

therapeutic

metaphoric representations of how

destinations one can enter

our minds look and surprisingly, our

a tranquil space. Ever been

domains aren’t any different. The different negative as well as positive

out on your own to a park

stimuli that target our mind on a

or out for a walk after a

daily basis, the internal struggles of

strainful day and suddenly

the human journey that we constantly

feel cooled off? Calm and

have to tame and a lot more of other things that we face tend to crowd our

collected? Having more of a

minds and can sometimes even

revitalisation of energy and

manifest in our lack of critical

that conviction that you at

judgement in situations that require rapid responses.

least have more energy to take on the next day? This

So what now? What does this even

is simply because nature is

mean? Besides the obvious answer,

minimal. The aesthetic of

our

minds

are

full,

there’s

an

underlying issue. The holding on to

the outdoors is simple. The

things that are no longer useful.

one thing that is rich within

Picture your home. Think about how

nature is life. The Park with

you

have

multiple

novels

and

magazines you either are yet to read

the

beautiful

view

or you read years ago or rather,

Umhlanga

picture all the textbooks you’ve kept

minimal. The fresh air and

since your schooling days along with

the sound of the trees. The

all the books you have from either your current educational career or financial career. All these things take up the space in your home

Beach,

or all

outdoors have all that is necessary. Life.

ARTICLE: #001

Decluttering and maintaining a minimal lifestyle is a way in which we can integrate the peaceful aesthetic of the outdoors and bring it in our own homes but first, eliminate the mental barriers which pose a threat to the physical execution of Decluttering. Take time to heal from the past. Accept the unchangable. Become more in touch with the present. Live each day as if it was your last. Be unapologetic for having the gull to exist. Cut off from people who draw you nearer and nearer to your mental demise. The hate and resentment, the negative attachments and all things alike alter your energy and your frequency to attract the unattractive. Let go and watch this transition into your domain when you take the initiative to do so.

Another benefit is that spring cleaning will be less likely to occur. Just minor touch ups. Very convenient for many who are constantly on the go. If the outside world is hard enough, you don’t need your home as equally as hard, both to clean and to have peace.

FEATURE: #003

Into the Vanimax Universe /w David Alily For this exclusive, we get a little closer to David Alily, a well rounded, talented young artist who has been embarking in his own journey in the art industry as a comic/manga artist.

FEATURE: #003

Throughout the film and entertainment

Enough consumption of these comic book

industry, we’ve been exposed to various

materials convinced him that he wanted

fictional characters from either The DC

to be able to produce stunning artpieces

Universe where Superman soars the skies

and brilliant storylines. And so the journey

and the Marvel Universe where your

began

friendly

neighbourhood

Spider-Man

swings by after a save. However, In

Not only does David stay within the

Mzansi, the spotlight doesn’t shine much

confines of comic book art, but also study

on independent artists who bring it back

many other art disciplines but one that

home in Africa who aim to use their

resonates with closely is art created by

unique passion and talent to create

Japanese Manga artists, such as the late

fictional characters that have their stories

Kentaro Miura, author of well known

as well their existance on African history,

Manga and Anime, Berserk, who’s work

myths and legends

has had a ground breaking impact on worldwide manga fans. “After I discovered

David Alily, An independent well rounded,

Berserk, I was overtaken with love for the

Nigerian-born artist and author residing in

God-like art…” David continues.

Johannesburg, South Africa, has his talent pointing in the direction of comic book

Back in Nigeria, David had his eye on

creations, from the rough drafts to

personal comic book projects in which he

finished publishable issues in which the

would create, which his classmates had a

people can openly consume and become a

heavy

part of. Art itself has many underlying

purchasing them. Coming from a family

topics in which one should tackle in order

having its talent rooted in art, his dad, Mr.

to have professional pieces or work made

Valentino Alily, saw the potential his son

recognized

even

had at a young age and pushed David to

David

have his own characters. It was from that

reminisces on his early days reading

push of motivation that, Vanimaxx Comics,

comics books by the greats such as Jim

David’s very own comic book publishing

Lee and Stan Lee, even going to great

house came into being.

internationally.

locally Knowing

and this,

depths to attentively study the art styles in which he gravitated towards

interest

in,

going

as

far

as

FEATURE: #003

Some of his very own artistic art-pieces are the UltraOmnions, a unique set of characters inspired by the Big 5 animals in South Africa as well as his other artistic favourites, all condensced into one. Super South Africa, is another character David created, a direct inspiration of Marvel’s Captain America, created with the sole foundation behind the ideology of the late father of the nation, Nelson Mandela. “He represents a spirit of Ubuntu, an idea that the late Nelson Mandela often spoke of” David reiterates.

THE CREATIVE PROCESS Whenever creating a character, I ask myself who is this character, what story do I wanna tell and what powers/abilities would he/her have, if they have one.

And most importantly what do I want to teach my readers about through this character. I've come to realize once I have a character's personality down, it's easier creating they look, outfit story arch etc. The come the rough sketches, how do I want he/she or them to look like, what outfit do i want them to wear, their outfits have to reflect their personality or powers in some way, I usually spend a ton of time in this because I want the character/characters to look mesmerizing and iconic, then comes the play & balance of colors, their hair, suit, skin & abilities/energy they produce, if they do. But what truly helps me in character creation is knowing & identifying the character's motives, ideas , character arch and beliefs. Now with drawing like I said I normally start with rough sketches be it for character design, panel layout or planning an entire page.

FEATURE: #003

I always use a regular black pen lol, cause I've been drawing with pens since I was a kid. Roughs are good because it helps you plan out how you what the drawing to look like and I strongly recommend using references at this stage cause you don't want to move on to pencil or even inks and discover your perspective or proportion is off. After a well planned out rough sketches, I move on to penciling, when I reproduce the rough sketch as cleanly as I can on a fresh new page. If everything if fine after that, i move on to the intense part inking, I say intense because your running the inks over all the pencil lines and if you make a mistake while doing so that page or art work is ruined and you'd have to start again.

Then after inking your meant to erase the pencil underneath the inks so your work looks cleaner but in doing so you'd have to reink it again cause erasing over the inks weakens the thickness of the lines but I'm lazy lmao so I skip this part and jump into my second favorite part of this process of mine, which I call darkening. This is where you blacken shadows, dark haired or anything fully black on the page with a darker ink than the one used for inking. This totally changes the mood of the page & breathe new life into it, if done right. Then we're off to scanning and digital colouring which is my absolute favorite process but I should stress, it is tasking. I know we live in a digital age and one is expected to draw digitally but I've been drawing traditionally for 26 years now and honestly I find it faster & easier to do. Plus there's an authentic in traditional drawing that's lost in digital drawing. But that said I am still practicing how to draw digitally.”

ART BY DAVID ALILY

Vanimax Comix, David’s company is still in the works, or in the phase of ‘worldbuilding” as he calls it. Some of his ready-to-read published can be found at issuu.com/vanimaxx. The idea of creating comics which resonate with Africa, inspired by Africa, for Africa, permits a massive opportunity for us to not only enjoy stories created by us, for the world but for us to also use our talents to change negative narratives ideas of African people and the continent Africa itself, ultimately bringing us to a brand new light.

Titled Conglomerate PTY LTD Mr Afro Deep (@mrafrodeep) Nonzuzo Gxekwa (@nonzuzogxekwa) David Alily (@dlily_art)

INVERSE EDITION ISSUE (WOMEN'S DAY SPECIAL)

Special Thanks To:

ISSUE 003 coming this September!!!!

LM La Memoire Magazine. 2021. All Rights Reserved