Melanin Poppin'

MELLENIN THE SHE VOICES OF AFRICA

NOV 2018 ISSUE 1

THE A-Z OF SHANE ENGEDI

TAKE 5: JAMAICAN SHANTEL FOGOE, BORN A QUEEN

OF AFRICAN TV FASHIOIN STORIES

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Cover Credit: Photographer: Carlos-Vaz

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 

P O W E R W O M AN



OUR CULTURE:

Headwraps

A BEAUTY WITH PURPOSE  XMASS GIFT IDEAS 

 WOMEN IN BUSINESS  FASHION PICKS: AFRICAN MOVIE AWARDS

 BRAVE ENDO WOMAN:  MEN SPEAK 

MELLENIN JOURNEY

 AFRICAN CUISINES: JOLLOF RICE

This issue is for online viewing only. No part of this issue should be printed or sold by any means.

We are now accepting editorials for our February Issue. Send in your submissions by January 31st or sooner.

Send us your feedback at melleninvoices@gmail.com info@melleninvoices.com melleninvoices.wordpress.com

THE MELLENIN VOICES MAG |

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PEOPLE BEHIND THE SUCCESS OF THIS ISSUE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Wangari Gatonye

CONTRIBUTORS: Chacha Kairu Wairimu Gatonye Mathew Odhiambo - Odwyre PHOTOGRAPHERS Bashir Olawoyin Jeniffer Uniujighu Audrey-m-Jackson Amposah Nii YH | Images, OC Lewis Photography Oladimeji Odunsi Annie Spratt Jairo Arbole DESIGN & LAYOUT Wangari Gatonye

FRONT COVER MODEL

Letter from the Editor,

Welcome to our first issue of The mELLEnin Voices. It‘s been such a long time comin and I am glad we have started the journey.

The mELLEnin Voices is a magazine that profiles the modern and the traditional African woman. Our journey, culture and the effects of our work in our countless communities. We are about the women of Africa!

We shall focus on everything ―Black Woman‖ ; and our first October- December 2018 issue is themed ‗Melanin Poppin and looks into a wide array of topics. This includes women in power, entrepreneurship in our Valentines picks, breaking the traditional sexual routine (in Man Talk) and many more.

Photography by: jairo arbole BACK COVER CREDIT Odhiambo Mathew

We have an exclusive with Shane Engedi, who reveals to us her motive behind her social media campaign on self love and appreciation of the black beauty. We also take a look into one Njambi Koikai, who reminds us not to ever take life for granted, as she gives her daily struggle with endometriosis.

And as one Dr. Yosef Ben-Jochannan once described us, “Dipped in chocolate, bronzed in elegance, enameled with grace, toasted with beauty...” It sure wouldn‘t have been a full first issue of Melanin if we didn‘t feature a few pinups of a black queen that‘s totally proud in her own skin. Meet a beauty from the Caribbean lands of Jamaica!

–Enjoy!

FOUNDER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, Wangari Gatonye

Mellenin Ferociously Independent Pixabay

Tribe Hotel is approximately 25 km from Nairobi‘s International Airport – Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) Tribe Hotel Limuru Road The Village Market, Gigiri P.O. Box 1333- 00621 Nairobi, KENYA

+254 20 720 0000 / 0732 186 000 +254 20 720 0110

HEAD WRAPS ORIGIN N EVOLUTION

Img courtesy: olayinka-raimi

The African headwraps originated from sub-Saharan Africa, worn as A head-wrap is a common women‘s cloth head scarf in many parts of southern and western Africa.

headcovers by Africans, mainly women, since the early 1700s. Within the African culture, the

Headwraps have been a regular way of head adornment since the ancient times, the royal queens of Nigeria and West Africa wore headwraps made of damask (heavy silk) known as 'Gele'.

headwraps determine the

In South Africa and Namibia, the Afrikaans word ‗doek‘ (meaning ‗cloth‘) is used for the traditional head covering used among most rural elderly African women.

In other parts of the continent, terms like ‗duku‘ (Malawi, Ghana), ‗dhuku‘ (Zimbabwe), ‗tukwi‘ (Botswana), and ‗gele‘ (Nigeria) are used.

Among the BaTonga women, the head scarf is used as an ornamental head covering or fashion accessory, or for functionality in different settings.

queens, wore it elaborately

age, marital status, and prosperity of a woman. In ancient times, Nubian

with rich fabrics and exotic flowers woven together; Nigerian queens wore it of finer material, and during special occasions, as head adornment. The Egyptian royalty wore it as an elaborate headdress. Historic depictions from the 18th Egyptian dynasty show, Kiya, the second wife of Pharaoh Akhenaten, and Tiye, the mother of Akhenaten and the Great Royal wife of Pharaoh Amenhotep III, wearing it. An early 1707 painting which was created by Dirk Valkenburg, a Danish painter, shows a group of African slave women wearing headwraps that appeared high on the forehead and were draped above the ears.

In 1786 in Louisiana, Governor Esteban Miro instituted the 'Edict of Good Government' which was to be a moral and legal guide for the social practices of the time, targeted specifically at black women. It forced black women to wear head wraps (called the 'tignon' in southern states of America) as a way to reinforce their 'subordinate' status as servants and to make them less alluring to men. It was also to discourage the social elevation of free black women, such as the Creole women, who had begun to dress and embellish themselves in a way that was increasingly displeasing to the white population and governing bodies at the time. The head scarf, though it had already been a part of the African heritage from which these slaves hailed, and a way to protect hair from the sun and from lice during their labour, had now been made into a significant and legally motivated symbol of black oppression.

After the United States abolished slavery in 1865, some black American women continued to wear headwraps creatively. th

In Afro-creole culture, in the 18 century Louisiana, free mixed-race creole

communities served as a buffer class between powerful whites

of representing our African history and of the

and enslaved blacks. But as French and Spanish men sought and

beautiful African people and are worn proudly

forced relationships

by both men and women.

with women of color, race and class lines became increasingly obscure.

In 1785, Spanish colonial governor Esteban Rodriguez Mirรณ mandated that Afro-Creole women wear tignons, a turban-like headwrap, to undermine their "exotic" allure. Ultimately, the

In the Carribean, the Founder of DaMajority, a Caribbean lifestyle online magazine The headwrap, like the Afro, defiantly embraced a style once used to shame people of African descent. Black is beautiful, the saying went, And the kente cloth headwraps were Afrocentric-

tignon became a defiant fashion statement for free women of color. resently, the colorful turban cloths are a form

aesthetic celebration.

Figure 1

Our African ‗wibs’ picks are two amazing ladies from the West and the South of Africa.

From Nigeria, we have an established Designer, entrepreneur and Nigerian-American, Buki Ade is changing the fashion industry through her culturally inclusive designs called BFyne.

Bfyne is bold, eccentric, cohesive and consistent, which encompasses the personality of its cofounder.

Her line, an unapologetic tribute to women‘s curves and confidence, with purposely-cut lines and strategically placed seams, make even the most boyish figure alluring.

Buki didn‘t think of herself as a designer but knew she was different. Growing up, she never wanted to look like everyone else, putting her fine gal style on everything she wore. Her humble background and innovative mindset set the foundation for the future entrepreneur.

As a designer and stylist, she lives by the company motto of ―unleash your inner Fynebabe‖ taking risks with her own personal style, she effortlessly incorporates the latest trends in African culture and the confidence of a queen.

For those black women living near the Equatorial region, January-February can be quite hot. This swimsuit will comfortably cover your arms from sun bans while maintain that sexy look at the same time.

Now you got something for Valentines, made for Africans, by African‌yep, you‘re welcome!.

Thando Thabethe is a South African actress, radio DJ, television host and the first ever African brand ambassador for Nivea. She also is the founder of Thabooty's Und erwear & Shapewear, that seeks to change the way women see and wear underwear

What we love about Thabooty‘s products is that they are meant for any and all body sizes. Our full size women can never be disappointed when it comes to lingerie this Valentines.

Contact: Email: thabootys@thandothabethe.com Twitter: @thabootys Facebook: thabootys

Thabooty‘s got us shook! Her products can be ordered online. So yeah, you don‘t have to live in South Africa to get them!

If there‘s something we love about ThaBoootys‘, is the fact that they have the confident wears for the modern woman.

Plus size or not, there‘s always something for the bold woman.

"I've achieved a lot of the goals that I had set out for myself growing up. I want to just keep working harder and sharpening my craft. I want to see my business grow, and become JSE-listed. I also want to make my mark on an international scale," says the go-getter.

Try a few of these pieces by our black sistas. Have that oomph this season.

Be trendy, Be hot!

Suppoty black queens!

THE ABC’S OF SHANE ENGEDI

—I TOTALLY LIVE OUTSIDE THE BOX. THE ONLY ONE WHO CAN STOP ME IS GOD, MY CREATOR .

Shane Engedi is many things but a quitter. She is strong, modest and a free spirit. She‘s the online queen of positivity and it‘s no wonder she attracts such a huge following.

Wangari Gatonye catches up with this charming beauty from North Carolina and let‘s us in on who she really is. A survivor of chronic depression and past traumatic events, she‘s transformed the negativity of life and built a self-love life for herself.

Shane has seen it all and living her best life. She talks about her journey of acceptance, healing and helping other women.

SHANE ENGEDI

l Keeler catch

- A WOMAN WITHOUT LIMITS One striking thing one notices about you on your Instagram Page is your massive following and messages of positive attitude. Tell us about yourself My name is Shane Engedi and I was born and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina. That is a southern state on the east coast of the United States. I am unable to tell you who I am at this moment because I am constantly evolving into my self— but I will say I am a survivor of chronic depression, past traumatic events from my childhood, and from fear of others approval, lack of self- love and value. I am still trying to find out who I am and figure out my purpose in life— but I know for sure most of my potential would be in art.

You have been an ardent campaigner of self love. What made you take this journey? How important is this for you?

Well, to piggy back off my 1st answer. I did not know who I was and at times don‘t know my purpose in this world. So, for so long I wanted to be accepted and valued by others because I didn‘t know who I was. I seek to find this out through others by any means necessary— I would allow anyone to treat me in any way because of the fear of being disapproved or abandoned. As a result, I had a nervous breakdown in September 2017 where I was mentally unstable, suicidal, and chronically depressed— my entire body and mind shut down. After that breaking point in my life last fall, I just decided to love myself and didn‘t care anymore what others felt about

me. I looked back at all the things that stressed me and abandoned me, then I realized I was better off by just loving myself. I valued my life so much more because I realized I can‘t control others— we are all humans and we are all equal so why feel sad when someone don‘t approve of you. So I've been working as a self-love advocate because I never wanted another person to feel the depression I felt for 20 years up until September 2017. I created my self-love movement called Natural Collab Fridays to help others get the recognition that so many women and men lack— I started this back in July of 2016. And to add, I would say self-love and value is as important as you breathing on your own... without it your dead.

Are you aware that you touch so many people through your inspiring posts?

Honestly, I don‘t feel very inspirational to many.

I don‘t look at myself as being valid enough to be inspirational. It took me a while to accept the title ―social media influencer‖. I remember when I was in Santo Domingo, DR at a Natural Hair ―I just wantI everyone LOVE THEMSELVES and be Workshop, was sootoirritated with them FREE!” presenting me as a social media influencer because of how I view myself. I like to just blend in.. I don‘t like to be sectioned off or given titles.

Because that is what makes people feel above or below others—when, in fact, we are ALL EQUAL.

With that being said, I don‘t think of people being inspired by my post or self-love movement— I just say things to help others as if I‘m a person you see off the street or at a gas station. I just want everyone to LOVE THEMSELVES and be FREE!

brand based in Birmingham, England, U.K. I‘ve not yet mad any partnerships but I‘m taking it one day at a time— maybe in the future.

Let’s talk about Cyber Bullying. And have you ever been cyber bullied?

Positive side of the “Love Movement” Well, from reaching out to so many people in support of myself, love movement Natural Collab Fridays, in particular artist/naturalistas worldwide, I‘ve been able to create meaningful relationships. I have travelled internationally to Self Love & Natural Hair Events in Arima, Trinidad and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. As a result of networking at these events, I‘ve been able to get further connects with a couple of international brands/ entrepreneurs that have very good products. As I ventured out I have been able to host eight(8) of my own events along the east coast of my country— from Atlanta, Georgia up to Brooklyn, New York. I‘ve connected with so many beautiful sponsors and entrepreneurs who have supported my events by sending their products and coupons for my attendees— even from a

Cyber bullied? Well, sometimes I do experience this. I am very transparent on my post and I‘ve shared a lot of my personal stories with social media to help others. This can be a blessing and a curse because a lot of people who want to live a fake lifestyle will shun away from my page or me because I‘m very truthful, while others attract to me. I‘ve found that sometimes people take my past stores I‘ve shared and use it to bully me— sometimes it hurts my feelings. The real question is does cyber bullying affect me... nah— I love myself way too much.

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What would you advice the single moms who are on the verge of giving up?

The only advice I‘d give any single mother is to not give up... because being a single mom is an experience of its own. Because I‘ve experienced so much pain while being a single mom— I‘ve found that what affects one mom may not affect the other. I refuse to give any other advice but encourage them to not give up. If she doesn‘t give up then she‘ll figure out what works for her as a single mother. I could tell her what I did as a single mom when faced with a challenge— and she could do what I did and it may not work out for her as it did for me. So only embrace motherhood by not giving up.. and learn to grow as a single mom.

and get my input on life to add my thoughts and resources into the world)!

What are your life principles?

Living out my truth!

I believe in being who you are and be proud of it.

Embrace your flaws and don‘t be afraid to share them with others. We are all humans and we are all equal— we will all die one day and we will be buried in the ground— so why think anyone is above or below others. Everyone has to be challenged and working together will help us all. I believe in being respectful to others and helping those who are disadvantaged. Some ask how I am able to share my personal stories and my reply is that I live out my truth and I love myself enough to not allow others to validate me.

Your take on girl education Women run the world— we drive the most powerful leaders in the world and in our history.

Behind every political, charismatic, or revolutionary leader were a group of women pushing the projects or movements (whether feeding the children or nurturing them). Men and women come from women (birthed) —so we need them to be educated to raise our children. One of the most influential job careers are teachers which are dominated by women in our schools — so, we need them to be educated to continue to nurture and enlighten our futures. One of my studies in college was sociology— I‘ve learned that girls and women over-achieve boys and men in educational achievements and higher educational degrees. So why not allow women to be educated?... without us the world would not prosper. ( Look at the fact that you are a woman conducting this interview— you simply being able to read and write allowed you to write up questions

Who are your mentors?

My mentors are art and life experiences that have taught me lessons and given me wisdom. My coaches are pain and failures— they developed me into who I am today (I was made strong with their help). People aren‘t mentors but what you gained from their perceptions is what‘s changing and guiding you.

My drive?

My dreams and aspirations drive me to LIVE! The fact that we are all humans is what drives me to work hard and take risky chances— I totally live outside the box. The only one who can stop me is God, my creator.

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“SO WHY NOT ALLOW WOMEN TO BE EDUCATED?...WITHOUT US, THE WORLD WOULD NOT PROSPER.”

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Kenyan Lady Photographer Kayte Wangui Gichuru Facebook / Instagram : @LadyPhotographer_Ke 32 | P a g e

It’s No Apologies when it comes to Jamaican born queen, Shantel Fogoe. She is here to win.

She’s tough, intelligent and taking the modeling world by storm.

Mellenin: Where are you from and what is your inspiration behind your modeling?

Am from Jamaica and my inspiration is my dark skin color.

Ng the n

kjhk 13 | P a g e

Mellenin: When did you start modeling?

I have been modeling since I was 15.

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Mellenin: Your take on skin lightening.

Oh no. I don’t use ANY skin lightening or bleach. .

I

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love

my

skin

color.

Mellenin: Your take on education?

Yes, it’s important.

I can say you have to have some basic education and knowledge.

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Mellenin: Parting shot?

Love yourself. If you want to do anything in life, put your mind to it and it shall be. EVERYTHING’S POSSIBLE

THE MELLENIN VOICES MAG |

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GIFT IDEAS

CHRISTMASS COMES EARLY It‘s December already. What best time to reward yourself and those you love than with everything and anything African and hand crafted gifts?

For the girls, again, why not an African Ankara made jumper or head wrap?

Thankfully our team got more than an idea or two up their sleeves. These great gifts for men are all winners though, again, from pillow comforters, jumpers to lamp shades.

Courtesy BantuKloset

Buying the perfect gift sounds like a lot of pressure.

But it's all in the way you approach it.

From Afro combs to beaded ―hangings‖,KreaLaKay shop has you all Black-covered and we loved everything about it. Visit their shop and order something unique for someone special.

Look at who you're buying for. What are they always talking about? Are they the interior deco kind of people? Do they need their house be transformed into a home? These colorful pillows from Nota-Bene creations will have you feel lit this Xmass.

Courtesy NOTA BENE créations@notabenecreations

What are their hobbies?

Connecting your present to something you already know they like is also the easiest way to get them something you can be sure they'll enjoy.

From clothes, bags and accessories to home deco ideas, your Xmas gifts will be the best to remember.

Courtesy NOTA BENE créations@notabenecreations

What Xmass gift do you buy for your boyfriend/husband who seems to have everything going on for him?

Even men find it hard to get gifts for themselves.

THE MELLENIN VOICES MAG |

Courtesy @zinjdesign

Good thing is, some shops are still on the Black Friday discount-mood. Take the advantage of this.

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KALASHA AWARDS - Kenya th

The 8 Kalasha TV & Film Awards winners were announced in a lavish gala event held in Nairobi, Safari Park Hotel graced by the crème de la

crème of the film industry with other renowned guests drawn from

government agencies and corporate blue chip firms..

Kenya‘s film industry has evolved in many ways and we are proud of the

steps made so far.

We applaud the event organizers for a job well done and we look forward for more elegant events in future.

Kalasha Film and TV Awards is an initiative of the Kenya Film Commission that seeks to recognize talent in the different facets of Film and TV industry. Central to the Commission‘s mandate is the promotion of a vibrant local film industry. Through the establishment of a fair and democratic set of regulations for the Awards, the Commission is continuously boosting a vibrant local scene by encouraging healthy competition amongst film makers. This ensures higher levels of good practice within the industry .

Courtesy: www.kenyafilmcommission.com

THE MELLENIN VOICES MAG |

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AMVCA AWARDS - Nigeria DSTV should have monthly TV awards for all the African countries. The glam and beauty that’s portrayed on the red carpet is always LEGENDARY! The AMVCAs in Nigeria were held in September of this year, 2018 and saw TV celebrities from West Africa and a few East African countries come together in a night of glam.

Lagos, West Africa‘s entertainment hub hosted the pan-African ceremony, which was broadcasted live on all Africa Magic channels on DStv and GOtv.

The AMVCA, which debuted in 2013, is the biggest celebration of film and television talent across Africa.

It was it‘s sixth edition, and the show didn‘t disappoint.

The glittering gala evening was the culmination of a legendary battle worthy of Naija‘a entertainment history, as fans put their thumbs through the wringer voting for their celebrities.

We have a few of the events‘ melanin beauties who caught our attention.

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DSTV MZANSI VIEWERS CHOICE AWARDS – South Africa The DStv Mzansi Viewers' Choice Awards is a South African award show presented

by DStv. The awards honor the year's biggest achievements in television, radio, music, sports, and comedy, voted by viewers living in South Africa In both 2017 and 2018, the venue for the event was at Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg

Discover Africa Photo Courtesy Taryn Elliot

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Discover Africa Photo Courtesy Pixabay

BOLD AFRICAN WOMEN

ENDOMETRIOSIS !!

Back in the day when I was a TV anchor, radio broadcaster, theatre actor, sound-system owner, Reggae emcee and model. All those things really mattered. I worked hard, hustled hard to be the best. I never really reached where I wanted to be.

I felt like my potential was overlooked so i worked even harder to prove myself. Every time I got a no, I worked harder. I was fierce than a bull from Ikolomani.

Ready to achieve my dreams blood, sweat and tears Endometriosis is an often painful disorder in which tissue that normally lines the inside of your uterus — the endometrium — grows outside your uterus.

Endometriosis most commonly involves your ovaries, fallopian tubes and the tissue lining your pelvis. Rarely, endometrial tissue may spread beyond pelvic organs.

Studies suggest that endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women of reproductive age, with an estimated 176 million women worldwide having the condition.

What causes endometriosis?

because the people depending on me had all their hopes on me. Nothing at that point ever reminded me of the grace of God. I knew about it but it had never occurred to me how GRACE works. I learnt that we live in a performance filter- where what you give is what you get. You get what you deserve.

Grace is getting all the things you don't deserve. See I lost all those things I'd pride myself in. I lost what I loved. I lost people I loved with all

It‘s not known what causes endometriosis, and possible causes or factors may be different from person to person.

With endometriosis, displaced endometrial tissue continues to act as it normally would — it thickens, breaks down and bleeds with each menstrual cycle.

CASE OF KENYA’S JAMBI KOIKAI Njambi Koikai is a household name in Kenya‘s entertainment industry. Of late, her name has been synonymous with the Endometriosis awareness. We caught up with her struggle story and we compiled it for you, unedited:

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my heart. It's taken me years to be where i am today. To be at peace with myself. To thank God for simple breathing. To thank God for a meal and proper digestion. To thank God for peace and total surrender. I still have dreams but my heart and mind are filled with God. I still want to follow my heart but God will design my path. I've battled a disease that almost took me out. I look at myself and every hurdle I overcome and i thank God. Thanking God that my tummy discomfort and diarrhea is over after two grueling weeks. So I can now eat.

I always have so many questions for my doctor about

I'm almost at the finish line. It will take a long time

―Endo‖. So Endo is NOT CANCER but it behaves like a

for my body to heal from the impact of all the

 I look back at this journey. I'm not bitter. I'm better.

This had to happen for my evolution.



CANCER. It

surgeries i went through and how far the disease had

spreads

spread. Not scared of that at all. I am past the worst.

slowly while

God has been so gracious to me. I must and will fulfill

cancer

His purpose for me.

spreads fast.

Doctors should not ignore our pain.

Endometrios is is not cancerous but it could

lead to cervical and ovarian cancer. Here's the thing, we need early diagnosis. We need excision specialists all over. Excision means cutting out all the disease in the body and this is the gold standard of treating Endo. Ablation is burning the disease and there's a high risk of relapse after ablation. Excision is the only surgery that's used to get rid of the Endometriosis.

I'm not here to scare you but to educate you. See I got my first period at the age of 13. Endometriosis wreaked havoc in me for the next 19years.

It was slowly spreading to my lungs and 3 years ago it fully manifested itself through lung collapses. If we knew earlier or got an earlier diagnosis then things would have been quite different.

I look back at this journey. I'm not bitter. I'm better. This had to happen for my evolution.

To you my ladies please REBEL against any doctor that tells you your pain is in your head.

No lovelies, we have to fight for our lives and for our voices to be heard.

Endometriosis robs women off their life, their careers, their social life and subjected to a life of pain. I feel every woman's pain out there.

Being one of the worst cases in the world, is greater hope for all of us that we can overcome this disease.

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Thank you for all your support, Follow her brave journey on Facebook: www.facebook.com/JahmbyKoikai

If you would like to get in contact with us you can email us directly here – fishermanscamp@gmail.com.

Alternatively, you can visit our website on https://fishermanscamp.com

INTO THE KENYAN LANDS THE KENYA/TANZANIA ROAD TRIP

NAMANGA, THE

ROAD-TRIP PHOTOGRAPHY: WILSON GAKUYA

THE ESEENTIALS So you got your water bottles, sunglasses and sunscreen out? That‘s just enough for a random road trip to anywhere. Well, maybe just about enough.

A few sandwiches maybe? A noisy, talkative friend and some beer too(if you like) and a sober driver. That‘s just about it.

Destination? Namanga! The Kenya-Tanzania border.

I love Road Trips. And the thing about Road Trips is that you don‘t just go to actually do anything. It‘s all about the fun, the laughter, the goofying and probably the games.

With music on a full blast, this is undoubtedly not some place to bring the kids to.

You‘re now set. Wait, another thing, the noisy friend must ALWAYS stay hydrated and fed. He keeps the journey exciting!

THE DISTANCE, TERRAIN,WEATHER Namanga is a border town between Kenya and Tanzania, 180 km from Nairobi and 120km from Arusha. The road is perfect and offers plenty for any person with a photographic eye.

The views are relaxing and the roads v e r y tyre friendly. Yes, this is a point to note so your tyres don‘t have to worry.

Traffic is not as crazy as in the CBD. Only a few countable cars pass by. So if you feel like you have some fuel to consume, and want to just step away and relax your soul, the Namanga road trip is the way to go. The weather is perfect as December-February is always sunny and hot.

!

We stopped at BISIL, where one has to be careful since herdsmen have their cattle crossing the road.

It‘s a beautiful place for selfie- poses and lying on the road seems quite relaxing. The traffic is good. The fun on lying on the road is a bucket list thing we have, so don‘t try this at ―home‖. NEVER try this.

The photographer was up to his game and he was always ready to capture the beautiful scenery.

At the border, we were warmly welcomed by the Tanzanian police who also warned us of crossing elephants and giraffes along the road. We were also cautious of snakes and insects in the desert-like land.

15km into Tanzania and the weather changed drastically.

Heavy rainfall halted our plans to climb a few hills around.

We had to turn back after the rain made it impossible for us to take more pictures.

We had a few drinks in Tanzania(very cheap by the way) and we had to call it a day. Well spent, tired and happy!

Our Mission having been Accomplished in a few hours!

The sunset was heavenly.

We stopped at the road side to inhale the beauty of God‘s marvelous wonders.

The fresh air, the chirping sounds of crickets, the smell of cows, the friendly people, we wished we could carry all these with us, before we were engulfed in the busy, traffic jammedlife of the city of Nairobi.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRIS NJUGI

Mt. Longonot – Naivasha-Kenya

S*X TALK WHAT MEN WANT

By Wangari wa Gatonye

Africans! Yes we are. We don‘t talk much about sex. Maybe at all even. Not even when we have a very high prevalence of teenage pregnancies amongst our girls in Africa. Young girls as young as 9 years are engaged and married off to old men in the name of traditions and culture. 8 year olds are circumcised so as to make them ―women‖ who can be married off to better their families.

Circumcised to make them not be promiscuous, stick and be faithful to their husbands. Please their husbands! But I digress.

Still in all these, sex is not a popular topic amongst many households. In fact, this is a matter we never even discuss with our spouses. It‘s a traditional thing. We are raised that way, as women, we don‘t question and are not supposed to. What men want, we give them. What women want? Well, this could be a topic for another day.

But times are changing. We are slowly evolving. And I guess

They want a woman who can also initiate it first. Use your

we are leaving the ―submissive‖ culture behind. Education is

hands. Various organs arouse various emotions. Majority of

slowly changing the bedroom dim-lit theme and where men

those

rule in all sectors, women are slowly taking the lead. The

confident modern ones, the prostate is a thing. And majority of

bedroom inclusive.

the men are game. All men of course want a woman that

interviewed pointed at the nipples coming first. For the

In weddings, at least the traditional ones I have

works hard for that. Some after they are through of course

attended, girls are hurriedly taught that the best way to

want the end to just be that, the end. No talking, no holding

please a man is, by giving him what he wants, whenever he

and as far as some admitted, if this is a thing with you, you

wants it. But is that true really?

might as well just pack your suitcase home.

I sort an interview with 5 men on this topic and the

Some however, want to be asked what they want. A

response was well, weirdly, astounding. Men, I learnt, have

negligible number they may be, but it works for them though.

the unwillingness to

The younger ones, ―young hot bloods‖ want to try new things

speak the truth about their sexuality.

This topic makes them feel uncomfortable or imperfect.

What does a man want? I sort to know. Well, for starters, men are also emotional beings. And as much as we may say it‘s an individual

thing, they do have something in common.

They want to be loved, cared for, listened to and more often than not, touched.

they have seen in. Undoubtedly in erotic magazines or porn sites.

And yes, they all want a little bit of modernity, feminism and a strong woman. The female pot is an attraction to some and one man admitted that he‘s turned on by just the scent. ―I crave for it.‖

One interviewee admits, ―I like being touched on the chin area but briefly. If we are just chilling, she can lay her head on my chest. I don‘t care for foreplay but it feels good when she runs her fingers from my chest to my pubic zone. She can run her hands on my back muscles and biceps too. As long as it‘s not repetitive…and finally, she can end it with the good old hand job. The balls shouldn‘t really be touched unless I trust the lass well enough―.

I still sort to know, what do they not want? One man admitted that as much as women want to mark territories with their fingers, well, that‘s a turn off in all ways. Keep your hands to yourself. It‘s never that serious.

Another interviewee admitted that the doggy is a complete turn off too. He can‘t stand it. *pun. Gerrit? Lol. Maybe reminded him of torture? No idea.

Another claimed he hated being touched for too long when he knows nothing was gonna happen in the next ten minutes. *hicks So, can we conclude that it‘s us women who don‘t really know what we want in bed?

Or we are just different because the way we express our sexuality is often very different from our male partners?

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THE MELLENIN JOURNEY

What prompted you to start the magazine? Well, first of, I wanted to share my stories. My life lessons with young adult women. Things I have learnt and experienced about life. Ways to avoid, ways to take, women to look up to. And for many moons too, I have always wanted to write something about my black people of Africa (and those of African descent). The men, children and women of Africa. I found that dealing with all these would be a very long journey. There‘s quite an array of topics to do. So I settled for the black woman. Knowing of course that if I concentrated on the woman, then the men and children will be featured by default. I believe in giving my own story. So I also believe the women of Africa have their own stories too and can give them best. It‘s been quite a journey, the procrastination, the unbelief, the busy mummy-schedules. But one day in October 2018, woke up and made a point of conceiving Mellenin. It was about time. And now that she‘s born, I will raise her. We shall raise her, yes, with the many women of Africa.

What’s it about? Through Mellenin, we will feature culture and the modernity living of the African woman. The world is moving fast, and we shall move with it. Keeping away from fake news and Voicing our stories in ways we know best.

Why Mellenin? Well from the word Melanin. Black Skin. And ELLE, meaning SHE. So the literal meaning is the Black-She. The Black She Voices. And these are the She Voices of Africa.

Acknowledgement? I do wish to thank the man that has seen the transformation of Mellenin from just a thought to its birth and not did he in any day show any signs and symptoms of boredom from all the revised articles and magazine designs he had to view and re-view. Constantly giving advice, and positive vibes all way. Thanks Chacha!

And then there‘s that guy Odwyre. Man-Extraordinaire! The young artist with massive talent. Who, after learning of my dream, made it his own too.

Did the logo and always encouraged me not to give up. Big up Black man!

—, ―If you think you are too small to make a difference, you haven‘t spent a day with a mosquito‖. Don‘t give up! You can!

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AFRICAN CUISINES Countries of Origin: Nigeria and Ghana

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Because Jollof Rice is West Africa’s Bae, and called by other names in the South of the Sahara, we decided to give away it’s fingerlicking recipe. Spiced and stewed in a flavorful tomato broth, it is everything from "everyday" to celebration. The classic version is cooked with long-grain rice (Basmati) and seasoned with curry powder and dried thyme.

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INGREDIENTS for 6 servings

2 large yellow onions, roughly chopped ⅓ cup vegetable oil(80 mL), plus 2 tablespoons, divided 14 oz diced tomato(395 g), 2 cans 6 oz tomato paste(170 g), 1 can 1 habanero pepper 2 teaspoons curry powder 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon ground ginger ½ teaspoon mixed dried herbs 3 chicken bouillon cubes, crushed 2 ½ cups long grain rice(500 g), rinsed 1 cup frozen mixed vegetable(150 g) 1 ½ cups water(360 mL)

PREPARATION 1. Add onions and 2 tablespoons of oil to a blender and pulse until smooth. Transfer to a medium bowl.

2. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and habanero pepper to the blender, and pulse until smooth. Transfer to a separate medium bowl.

3. Heat the remaining ⅓ cup (80 ml) of oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.

4. Once the oil is shimmering, add the onion puree and cook until the water has cooked out and the puree is starting to brown, about 10 minutes.

5. Stir in the tomato puree and add the curry powder, garlic powder, ginger, dried herbs, and crushed bouillon cubes. Cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the stew has reduced by half and is deep red in color.

6. Add the rice, mixed vegetables, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with foil and a lid. Simmer for another 30 minutes, until the rice is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed.

7. Enjoy!

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SPECIAL PRICE OFFER ~ CLOSER by Halle Berry ~ Eau De Parfum Spray - 1.7 Oz.

by Halle Berry

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WWW.MELLENINVOICES.COM Follow: Facebook / Instagram @MelleninVoicesMag

THE MELLENIN VOICES MAG |

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