Butterfly Magazine - Issue 33. 1st April 2021

Fayida & the Netherlands Vol. 2 Issue 33, 2nd – 15th April 2021

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inee Maaggaazzin ly M BBuutttteerrffly

Usain Bolt on disappointments, world records & fatherhood

C e l e b r at e s

PATRICIA

BRIGHT “When it comes to life, it’s never a straight line - it’s more like a zigzag!

in conjunction with

setar y

Tributes

Edward Tanyaradzwa Mudekunye,

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Our Pilot from the World to Our Angel in the Sky

hen the pandemic hit, and governments implemented lockdowns, the world stood at a standstill as local businesses were shut down and many jobs were lost. As a result, the COVID-19 pandemic shifted how we view and experience work.

The corporate world suddenly went from daily commutes and eight hours of work to zoom meetings in pajamas and flexible work hours. The whole world went online, proving that productivity was, in fact, possible outside of the norm.

Although the pandemic proved to be challenging for the workforce, many people found alternative ways of making money. In fact, many students, such as Edward Mudekunye, used the pandemic to their advantage, using their newly discovered downtime to explore freelancing as an alternative form of income with schools being closed.

Before the global pandemic, Edward Mudekunye, a full-time student in South Africa, studying to become a commercial pilot. In addition to his aviation studies, Edward piqued his interest in social media by completing some digital marketing courses. Those classes turned out to be very beneficial later as he found himself contracting freelance social media marketing gigs via AfriBlocks. And since the job market had undergone some considerable transformation and was not offering any assurance at the time, freelancing was the perfect opportunity.

Edward says that he has been able to balance his gig work and school work by devoting no more than two-thirds of his time towards freelance projects. Part of the joys of freelancing is the ability to pick and choose how much time you dedicate to it, in turn, determining how much money you will make. That balance has greatly benefitted him. According to Edward, one of the benefits of working through AfriBlocks is that it’s a platform that treats African freelancers as a priority. Since the Afriblocks database consists solely of freelancers from the African continent, it is easier to eliminate bias from the hiring process.

He stated, “…it (freelancing with AfriBlocks) provides a comfortable, conducive work environment for both client and freelancer; elevating the working relationship and offering both parties a sound support system throughout the life of the project.”

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have written and deleted words, for nothing I write is really expressing how we feel about the loss of our brother, project manager & digital marketer.Edward Mudekunye lost his life on Sunday, 28 March 2021, due to a car crash.

We have lost an amazing, talented professional who made the work we are doing to connect African talent with opportunities across the world worth it every day. At only 22 years of age, he was already a pilot, hard-working and personally inspired me to do more.

Tongayi Choto - Afriblocks

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t only 22 years of age, he was already a pilot, very hard working and personally inspired me to do more. Tongayi Choto - Afriblocks. The family is deeply saddened by the passing of our brother, friend, and son, Edward Tanyaradzwa Mudekunye, commonly known as Ed or Eddy, the Pilot. South Africa based he most definitely was a hard worker and a light to the world. A young soldier, Ed was always our go-to and confident.

The family is deeply saddened by the passing of our brother, friend, and son, Edward Tanyaradzwa Mudekunye, commonly known as Ed or Eddy, the Pilot.

South Africa based he most definitely was a hard worker and a light to the world. A young soldier, Ed was always our go-to and confident. He attained his Private Pilot License at a young age and worked towards his third bar/ commercial licence.

Edward is his parents, who are separated, only child.

They reside in Harare. He recently turned 22 years old when our young Pilot lost his life. Words cannot express the depth, the void, and emptiness in our lives. Ed was and will forever be in our hearts. It will never be the same, but we believe He has gained his crown of glory. Our Pilot from the world to our angel in the sky.

MHDSRIP. Uncle Arnold Chigwerewe

Butterfly Magazine had the pleasure of working with Ed on Issue 28 as our social media manager. His discipline, punctuality, charming personality and professionalism endeared him to us, so we were stunned to get the news of his passing. Our love and prayers go out to his family and friends. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted Matt. 5 v 4 KJV

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From the Editor’s Desk

THE BUTTERFLY MAGAZINE TEAM Editor-in-Chief Beverley Cooper-Chambers EDITORIAL TEAM Karen Ferrari, Simone Scott-Sawyer, Melissa Osborne, Rhea Dehaney, Bob Chaundy

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Freedom Is Mine

Financial Strategic Advisor Nastassia Hedge-Whyte, MAAT, ACCA,ICAJ

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Accompong Town

Zongo Falls

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Tribute

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What’s On The Screen?

36 38 Sport

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1st Year Butterfly Magazine Celebrates

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The Disruptor

Grace Ndiritu

Ask Aujun

Allison Harrison

Cover Story Patricia Bright

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Marketing Advisor Michael Brown — Social Media Analyst Social Media Marketing Kwame Asuahene

Contents Cover: Patricia Bright Credit: Contributed

Editorial Researcher Tasina J. Lewis

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Regular Features Fayida Jailler (UK), Efosa Osaghae Cecelia Livingston - (Caribbean Correspondent) Design Editor Rusdi Saleh Graphics Butterfly logo by Wayne Powell (Jamaica) ADVERTISING Sales@butterflymagazine.net

ENJOY READING & WATCHING BUTTERFLY Magazine ON YOUR SMARTPHONE All correspondence to: admin@butterflymagazine.net For Advertising enquiries contact: sales@butterflymagazine.net Butterfly Magazine is published by The Lion and the Lamb Media House Ltd, 86-90 Paul Street, London EC2A 4NE , UK. Tel: (44) (0) 203 984 9419 Butterfly ™ 2015 is the registered trademark of THE LION AND THE LAMB MEDIA HOUSE LIMITED

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ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Reproduction in whole orin part is prohibited without written permission fromthe publishers THE LION AND THE LAMB MEDIA HOUSE LIMITED.

Laughter

No copyright infringement is intended.

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agazine Butterfly M

C e l e b r at e s

The Butterfly magazine is a very worthwhile read, it gives you an insight into stories you might have missed or not heard of at all.

There is range of all subjects in this country or abroad, intact about anything on this earth.

Please keep it going it is a beautiful magazine.

Dee – Grenada/London The first time I was introduced to Butterfly by my friend, Simone, my first thought was “wow!

How did I not know about this?”.

It was like a breath of fresh air; innovate and packed with interesting articles.

One of those magazines where every page of every issue is worth reading. You’ll learn something new, interesting and uplifting.

I have recommended it to all my friends and siblings.

I love the use of video and, as someone who ‘edits for a living’, I have the highest regard for the editorial standards. Here’s to many more years!

Ade Daramy - The Gambia

Congratulations to your team and all readers on our much loved Butterfly Magazine’s first anniversary.

I have had an exciting and entertaining experience reading the magazine as much as being a source of information, enlightenment, exposure to many cultures, business ideas and spiritual upliftment.

I particularly loved the idea of the whole family having something tailored for them to read.

I wish you all the best and looking forward to another year of inspiration.

Well done to all your hard work.

God bless you all.

Tracy Halm - London (Reader) “Butterfly Magazine is like no other in that it gives our rich communities an important voice - a voice of excellence and an accurate representation missing from the vast majority of outlets. In interviews they ask the questions many others fear to mention and in their coverage there is celebration and incisive comment on the matters we get to rarely see in the wider world. Thank goodness for Butterfly Magazine and the incredible team that take the time and energy to ensure we get the news we so richly deserve.”

Love love this magazine it is incredible!!! I am constantly amazed at the wealrh of information produced each week...it is such a treasure trove... so inspiring!

Joanna - Barbados Butterfly, congratulations on your first anniversary.

You are truly celebrated for your work in the community and as a trans-national magazine provoking thoughts and ideas in our communities of colour. You have earned your stripes and I am anticipating further growth and development Aujun - USA Butterfly magazine has become a part of my well-being.

It tantalizes me with its worldwide knowledge. I look forward to the comic sections as black folks love to laugh heartily. I think the magazine could be less pages as it takes time to get through the movies. It’s great with the testimonials of God’s work in persons lives.

Asenath - Florida, USA

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Happy Birthday, Butterfly Magazine.

This innovative and inspirational e-mag serves as a source of creative anthropology with its extensive library of information interconnecting citizens around the world. I’m unable to choose one issue that stands out above all others, each publication is comprehensive in its content, and there’s something for everyone. However, the current affairs, creatives profile, history and cinema sections often generate a robust discussion amongst my peers.

I would welcome reading more interviews that delve into the world of some of the lesser-known career paths such as, set designer, sound engineer.

I’m looking forward to the next 12 months! Best, Ife Yssis - (Writer, Poet) (Linked in reader)

Having joined Butterfly Magazine in September 2020, I have had the pleasure of interviewing people who truly represent Black excellence!

The magazine continues to highlight those in our community who don’t always get the recognition they deserve, whilst also keeping readers up to date with film & TV that entertains and informs. I look forward to further contributing to this groundbreaking publication. Melissa Osborne, Writer and contributor Describe Butterfly Magazine in one word? Groundbreaking. Butterfly is so much more than a media outlet, it’s a platform that truly champions black contribution and achievement across the diaspora.

Through the use of mixed-media and a variety of audio-visual content, Butterfly magazine shines a light on individuals and initiatives that celebrate black history and excellence.

No matter age or background, the content produced each week is so diverse and inclusive that there is something for everyone. The quality and consistency of the publication goes to show how dedicated and passionate the team are about the work they do, and as a result, the impact they are having is tremendous.

As a weekly contributor to the magazine, I am always so humbled and honoured to think that Butterfly Magazine was one of the first platforms to open its doors to me and allow me to connect with a wider audience. I look forward to seeing Butterfly Magazine go from strength to strength and continue to break new ground. Happy birthday Butterfly Magazine!

Fayida - Contributor

It is very simple why I like Butterfly magazine: it is factual and removes all the unnecessary fluff. It showcases that globally, Black people have always contributed to society in a positive way and it needs to be known. I appreciate it shows real peope and not just celebrities- the up and coming shakers and movers and the ones that help paved the way! Keep up it Butterfly. This quote for me pretty much sums what you are showcasing to the world of the global black community: “ We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty”~ Maya Angelou Tanis Abrahams - Belize

Having joined Butterfly Magazine in September 2020, I have had the pleasure of interviewing people who truly represent Black excellence!

The magazine continues to highlight those in our community who don’t always get the recognition they deserve, whilst also keeping readers up to date with film & TV that entertains and informs. I look forward to further contributing to this ground-breaking publication.

Melissa Osborne - Writer and contributor My name is Nana Kwame Asuahene; I was born and raised in Ghana. For the past five years, I lived in Dubai, UAE, where I completed my BA and worked for a bit. I am currently a Masters’ student at Birkbeck College, University of London, studying MSc Sports Marketing. I have been working with Butterfly magazine team since 22nd February, 2021 as an intern. I am the Social Media and Website Manager. I am responsible for curating and publishing content on all our social media accounts and also responsible for updating and monitoring the website.

Working with the Butterfly Magazine team has been a good experience so far, I have learnt a lot while also contributing to the team.

Nana Kwame Asuahene - Social Media Manager

I really enjoy reading Butterfly. The covers are vibrant, professional, and really inviting! I particularly enjoy reading Fayida Jailler’s column and always head to the Laughter section!

Well done on producing a brilliant, topical and entertaining magazine!

Congratulations on your First anniversary.

Karen F. Essex

I enjoy working for Butterfly Magazine.

Thank you for a year with the whole team.

Congratulations on the First Anniversary.

Rusdi Saleh - Design Editor (Indonesia)

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Credit: Wode Maya

Welcome to the Disruptor

To be a disruptor in business is to create a product, service, or way of doing things which displaces the existing market leaders and eventually replaces them at the helm of the sector. [`the disruptor]

Credit: Demi Samande

Less Talk More Action

Are AFRICANS Facing IDENTITY Crisis Worldwide?

I MOVED TO AFRICA & BUILT A BUSINESS | LIFE IN NIGERIA |

DEMI SAMANDE

I have never liked the word Entrepreneur as a description of what I do. To me, the word was far too big and too easily used for anyone who merely owned a business.

Over the years I have come to terms with what it takes to be a successful businesswoman and I am not shying away from the task at hand. I document my journey as a business owner transitioning into a true “Entrepreneur” right here in Lagos, Nigeria.

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Credit: Michael Maya Charles/Aero

Patricia Mawuli-Porter is the

first female Ghanaian certified pilot, aircraft engineer, teacher and trainer and the only female qualified to build aircrafts.

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Black

Arts

Grace Ndiritu 8 Transform your viewing...

Grace Ndiritu is the definition of a multi-disciplinary artist.

By Efosa Osaghae

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In fact, it’s hard to pin down her exact practice. While her works traverse all forms of visual art including photography, film, shamanic performance, painting and many others, she is perhaps most known for video art and writing.

At just 14 years old, she was already a published writer by Oxford University Press.

Heavily drawing upon her Kenyan roots, her works detail the African black experience through a “textile aesthetic” that permeates through moving image. Her video works have an inherent organic feel to the cinematography.

Her early visual work was even more “handcrafted” in its form with art films such as Still Life White Textiles (2007) which has become a seminal reference for art schools over the past decade.

One of her first videos “The Nightingale” screened at the 51st Venice Biennale and its videos like these represent a seminal low-fi aesthetic apparent in much of Ndiritu’s work.

Ndiritu is a rare video artist in many ways.

Her work is readily available online. Lux.org which is the biggest resource of British video art online has 56 available links to her work.

While available, none are free.

However, she has uploaded her 2017 silent film, The Ark Community Research Video: France to her YouTube channel. It’s effectively an architectural expose about a lowly community hall, created with her signature low-fi aesthetic.

Ndiritu finally abandons this aesthetic for a more polished, high-production-value visual sensibility for her most recent film, Black Beauty 2021 which is a poetic hallucination between a black fashion model and famous Modernist writer Jorge Luis Borges.

This can be found on https://lux.org.uk/work/ black-beauty

It will be interesting to see how Ndiritu’s work progresses over the next few years with seemingly higher budgets being allocated to her.

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Credit: Freepik

Cinema/Video

s ’ t a W hn the o ? n e e Scr 10 Transform your viewing...

Devil in the Detail – Ghanian movie Credit;Afrostream

Invincible

Credit:Amazon Prime Video

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Intern-in Chief

Faced with another long summer of hard and strenuous work at the Crown Lake country club, Rhyme and Effie jump at the opportunity to work as fashion interns at the high-end magazine “Très Chic.”

This summer will be one for the books! Credit: Brat TV

’The Green Grass’ A Secret Can Be a Dangerous Thing To Keep

When money, success, and power become your platform it undoubtedly attracts an audience of onlookers; some of who will stop at nothing to get a taste of the good life. But as the plot thickens and the heat intensifies, Shawn’s credibility will most certainly be challenged. He’ll need to dig deep within himself to stop his life from spinning wildly out of control. This thrilling drama will test his limits as he struggles to find the balance between who he is and who he imagines himself to be. And in the aftermath he’ll count up the cost of The Green Grass.

Credit: Maverick Movies

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The Eddy

In this vibrant musical drama Elliot Udo, a once celebrated musician from New York, is running a small Jazz club called The Eddy in a multicultural neighborhood in modern-day Paris. He is struggling to keep the club open, manage the house band and deal with his past. When he finds out that his partner is involved in questionable business practices things start to spin out of con. Credit: Netflix

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Deuces

Assigned to go undercover to take down an impenetrable crime ring, a dectective finds himself falling under the sway of its enigmatic leader. Credit: Netflix/YouTube

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Imperial Dreams

Filmed on location in the Imperial Courts projects outside Los Angeles, Imperial Dreams is a gangster fairy tale about a father’s struggle to build a better life for his son. Credit: Netflix

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The Pursuit of Happyness Credit: Movieclips ClassicTrailers

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Chris Gardner’s Top 10 Rules For Success (@CEOofHappYness) You’ve Gotta Have a Plan – Plan B sucks, Credit Evan Carmichael

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Butterbean’s Café | Grandma Nana Banana Bread Credit:Nick Jr. UK

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Wild Faith (2018) | Full Movie

The film and developing TV series portrays life in 1800’s Michigan, focusing on a Civil War vet trying to make peace with his losses and start a new life despite the world resisting change around him.

Credit:Encourage TV

Alter Ego

Credit: Amazon Prime Videos Transform your viewing...

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Behind

The Camera

Allison Harrison

creating Magic with Studio 75

By Cecelia Livingston

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llison Harrison has been making magic with the use of her camera, but achieving the desired results has meant putting in a lot of hard work.

As the founder of a film and production company located in St Thomas, Jamaica, she shared with Butterfly Magazine, that she is constantly desiring for better – be it family, her team or creating a better production for her audience.

The film maker said she recently launched her podcast “Storytelling In The Tropics with Allison Harrison” which is about the art, business and impact of storytelling in the lives of everyday people based in the island nation of Jamaica.

Commenting on her homeland, she noted that Jamaica has been the location for many top films including a section of the latest James Bond flick – ‘No Time To Die’ being shot there.

Among the country’s other credits are Cocktail with Tom Cruise, The Blue Lagoon and Club Paradise, but despite all that, the film industry there is not booming as it should.

For Harrison, it boils down to access to funding, which she says is still a challenge in the country.

“More organisations exist now to assist with the development of our talent, but there is a lot more room for growth and development,” she shared.

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Even as Harrison looks to growth for her company, which focuses on video, motion picture, entertainment and creative media as well as narrative and documentary filmmaking, she allows herself the luxury of basking in one of her proudest moment and that is the production of the short film “Proscenium”. The film received the Audience Award for “Best Short Film” in the inaugural Jamaica Film Festival in July 2015.

The film was also a part of the official selection for the 2015 Aruba Film Festival and was invited to screen at the University of Missouri during their 2016 Black History Month festivities.

Sharing on why this project still holds a special place in her heart, Harrison said it required a bit of coordination of a number of moving parts, managing a team of over 20 great people and execution to really get it done.

Audley ‘Teacher’ Harrison-His Story From Nonsuch Portland To Seaforth St Thomas | Allison Harrison

“It was challenging but very fulfilling,” she reminisced.

Over the years, Factory 75 has been spreading its wings as it tries to make a big impact not only in Jamaica, but internationally.

“We have spearheaded projects alongside Virgin Unite, Virgin Holidays, the Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship Caribbean and Digicel.

Other work credits include producing content on projects for Nike Air, Jordan and Google, with published work in British Vogue online,” she shared.

With the COVID-19 pandemic creating havoc all over the world, Factor 75 like other business entities have had to be employing creative means to meet the challenges it leaves in its wake.

Commenting that the world has really grounded to a halt with the spread of COVID-19, creatives she said are still forced to find ways to pivot during the tough times.

“We had to use more of the digital tools available to connect with audiences and clients such as Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Zoom. The world is spending far more time consuming content and interacting online and that has opened a greater demand for content production,” she observed.

Looking ahead, Harrison said she envisions Factory 75 being on the same

trajectory of producing more content and creating more opportunities for not just their work, but also the work of other creators to be accessible globally.

In talking to Butterfly Magazine about her passion, Harrison said it took years of patience to hone her craft.

She started off working with the backstage crew at the Phillip Sherlock Centre for the Creative Arts, while also serving as technical director for the University Dramatic Arts Society (UDAS) at the University of the West Indies, Mona.

Harrison also chalked up three years’ experience at the Creative Production and Training Centre (CPTC) where she worked on various television programmes such as Hill an’ Gully Ride.

Not losing sight of her goal, she pursued a degree in film and digital productions at the Miami International University of Art and Design.

For others who are in the film industry trying to make an impact, she cautions that it is not easy. She believes that investment must be made in your own development and in seeking opportunities that can assist in your development as a filmmaker.

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Cover

Story

PATRICIA

BRIGHT

By Sharrae Newell-Barnett

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but switched to an accounting and finance degree. Patricia spent five years on a technology internship at Merrill Lynch, emerging as a business analyst.

But Patricia still had a passion for fashion and launched her career as a YouTuber creating beauty vlogs and tutorials. Patricia kept her new hobby a secret from the outside world.

When her boss eventually found she had already established herself. She used YouTube as a means of escaping her reality under the alias ‘BritPopPrincess’.

After a decade on YouTube, Patricia Bright’s determination and consistency has seen her channel grow significantly. She has shared many parts of her story, including her marriage, being a mother, cosmetic surgery, and dealing with everyday life struggles. In many ways, this allowed her audience to experience her differently and get to know more intimate details about her life that wasn’t just related to fashion and beauty. An example is the discomfort of diastasis recti and an abdominal hernia.

Credit:Braceability

Influencer. An individual or organisation with the power to influence the decision of others through social media. Patricia Bright has become one of today’s most popular influencers. Over the years, she has built up a social media following of 2.9 million because of her beauty and fashion love. But like most influencers, it took hard work and perseverance for Patricia to get to where she is now.

Born and raised in Battersea, South London, to a Nigerian family, it was clear that Patricia Bright, also known as Patricia Otegwu, was destined for greatness at a young age. Patricia had strong influences in her life one was her mother, Victoria. Victoria juggled three jobs whilst taking care of Patricia and her younger sister, Maureen, after her father got deported when Patricia was six years old. Now that Patricia’s mother was a single parent, it was more challenging than ever to raise two young girls, especially being an immigrant from Nigeria with only a school level of education. That didn’t stop her, though, and Patricia and Maureen would often help their mother out by assisting her with cleaning office spaces. After a long battle lasting six years and a court case, her father finally joined his family back in the UK. Victoria’s work ethic had an impact on Patricia. So much so that she managed to get her first job at just fourteen years old, doing door to door catalogue sales. She later went on to work in retail at age sixteen.

Like many African parents, she was encouraged to pursue law, but Patricia had other plans. She spent a year at the University

Credit: Thisisess.com

“When it comes to life, it’s never a straight line it’s more like a zigzag!

Think of every experience, good and bad, as a stepping stone of Manchester studying fashion marketing to the next opportunity.”

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She brought her marriage to the YouTube world by sharing her wedding video. She married her long-time partner, Michael AKA Mike, during a beautiful ceremony with her family and friends.

Michael has featured in many of Patricia’s video’s where they discuss their marriage trials and tribulations. Patricia states that being in an interracial relationship didn’t become a big deal until she introduced her marriage to YouTube. She noticed that people on the internet tended to take notice of it more than her own family. Patricia expressed how open her family was to her interracial relationship.

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She told her YouTube audience in an intimate Q&A video, “My parents are cool as long as you have respect. Michael knew the ways very early, referring to my mum as ‘auntie.’” In black culture, specifically African culture, it is important to refer to elders as ‘aunt’ and ‘uncle’ as a sign of respect. However, these significant cultural differences didn’t make bother the couple. “We have the same belief system, we have the same foundation, and that’s why I feel like we could connect.”

Credit:www.onenigerianbritico.com

Credit: Patricia Bright

Michael and Patricia’s relationship is healthy, incredibly how open she gets with her YouTube subscribers when talking about her marriage.

Becoming a self -made millionaire, the couple openly discusses their finances and how they deal with their money problems. They talk about their start up as ‘broke students’ together and how they managed to flourish financially as a couple.

The couple has two daughters, Grace, and Nova, who she gave birth to in late December 2019. Patricia has shared her birth stories on YouTube, including the troubles that went along

with them. With such a colossal platform of 2.9 million followers mainly centred around fashion and beauty, Patricia reveals a raw and honest approach to life and sends a message.

Womanhood, motherhood and life are not all about glamour. Patricia’s story an important message for her target audience of mainly young women and girls.

Despite being a beauty vlogger, Patricia covers various subjects on her channel, all to do with her life, making her relatable, leading to a bigger audience. Being that girl from Battersea, raised

by Nigerian parents, and creating a platform for herself whilst being her true authentic self has led to her platform’s growth throughout the years.

Patricia may not have been the first Black British influencer, but she has raised the bar.

Her advice is to achieve anything if you put your mind to can be achieved with determination, perseverance, and hard work.

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THE LIVITY OF

RASTAFARI If a man is walking down the street with a bible in hand, you wouldn’t say: here goes a Christian. If a Japanese man passed by you, neither would you say: good morning Budda. And if an Arab looking man with a full face of beard approaches, you wouldn’t say here comes Mohammed. So why it is that every dread-lock sporting person is deemed as Rastafari. Do we truly understand, or as the rasta would say overstand what it truly means to be Ras Tafari. With modernization, has come the revision of Jah Laws for the convenience of man; with a mixture of fashion and fakes intermingled among 12 tribes. With Bobo and Nyabingi, who is truly reflective of the authentic livity of Rastafari?

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Credit: Untold Stories

Credit: Untold Stories

Library

Credit: reelblack Credit: BBC

Countering The Conspiracy to Destroy Black Boys (1987) | Dr. Jawanza Kunjufu

Prof Kehinde Andrew

UK Race and Racism Report Transform your viewing...

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From the

Editor’s Desk

Credit: code.likeagirl.io

2020 A year of

Gratitude

Until the Lion learns how to write, every story will glorify the hunter. (African Proverb)

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s I look back on 2020, the lessons learnt were letting go, stepping out and humility.

Everything I am doing is related to my PhD in Television and Black Representation, Misrepresentation and Total Exclusion. So, when Lockdown happened, it provided an opportunity to think outside of the box. Butterfly Magazine was born to give a platform to introduce the ground-breaking work of Black Creatives to a global audience. It is not a lifestyle magazine.

Instead, it demonstrates how the media dictate our lifestyles.

Television broadcasting post-George Floyd’s death changed from an established White Privilege framework to the Gatekeepers, broadcasters and production houses, finally trying to diversify the Black presence on either side of the TV camera. It also encouraged the Black community to be bold and create their own experience, and the rise of Black streaming services and apps rose.

I faced some of the major traumas that are supposed to take you out, loss of earnings, my marriage collapsed, death of a parent, dissolution of a business and health issues. Snuggling up in front of the TV and letting the media define my reality was not an option. Been there, done that, got the t-shirt. Instead, I recited Jeremiah 29 v 11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” I ran with that. I let go of anybody and anything designed to slow me down, take me out or distract me and pressed on.

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Today I am humbled and grateful that Butterfly Magazine has reached this milestone. I want to thank my team for their hard work and encouragement, and prayers. Thank you to those who started the journey for your contribution.

Thank you to those who remain constant for the long haul. Thank you, new members, who inject the energy and perspective of youth.

Most of all, we want to thank you, our loyal subscribers who read the Butterfly Magazine every week and send your comments and well wishes.

We welcome your suggestions.

Going forward, we would love to find out who or what you would like featured next.

Please take a moment to complete the survey below https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/GGBCMXV Or drop us a line at editor@butterflymagazine.net.

Beverley Editor-in-Chief

R ADVERTISE YOU E B U S I N E S SmagHaziEnRe.net sales@butterfl

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Butterfly Magazine Continually Introduces The Groundbreaking Work of Black Creatives to a Global Audience

MEDIA KIT 2021 BUTTERFLY TELEVISION & FILM MAGAZINE

Jojo’s Bangkra ‘Sow your

Passion’

At Jojo’s Bangkra we create the most stylish fabric tote bags and accessories for all life’s adventures … so you can ‘Sow your Passion’.

The idea for Jojo’s Bangkra was born out of a desire to see more handcrafted fabric bags in the leisure market that incorporated some of the traditional craft methods used in the past.

We are passionate about our craft and lovers of ‘fabric bags’. We love weaving and mixing different fabric colours, textures, sewing methods, painting techniques and fashioning them into wearable works of art.

Our designs are influenced by the beauty and complexity of the islands as we explore picturesque countryside and comb craggy shorelines cataloging their unique elements to then represent them in our products.

We believe in sustainable practices and support the preservation of traditional craft methods handed down through the ages. We are happy to be able to offer such a product to you our fellow ‘fabric bag’ lovers to express your passion.

Life offers endless possibilities, ‘Sow your Passion’ whatever it may be and soar!

Jojo

The word ‘Bangkra’ in Jamaica refers to a big basket and is synonymous with harvest time, a time of plenty.

Email: Jojosbangkra@gmail.com Mobile: (246) 827 4847 Follow us on: https://www.facebook.com/JojosBangkra/ https://www.instagram.com/jojosbangkra/

Freedom

Is Mine

By FAYIDA JAILLER

T

Netherlands

he Afro-Dutch population of the Netherlands is reportedly less than 500 thousand inhabitants. The majority hail from former and current Dutch colonial territories, including Suriname and the Dutch Antilles which include Aruba, Curacao, Bonaire and Sint Maarten.

From the 17th to the 19th centuries, the Dutch participated in the Transatlantic slave trade and were responsible for trafficking over half a million Africans.

The Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade brought untold wealth to the Netherlands, through the trade of sugar tobacco, cocoa, coffee, cotton and precious metals. In 1621 the Dutch West India Company was established, a chartered company of Dutch merchants

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which enjoyed a monopoly over the slave trade in Africa, Brazil, the Caribbean and North America.

Enslaved Africans began migrating to Amsterdam from the 17th century onwards, as evidenced by the presence of black people in Dutch paintings, including the famous portrait of two black men by the renowned Dutch artist Rembrandt.

The Netherlands was one of the last countries to abolish slavery; it did so in 1863, after which many former enslaved Africans and their descendants from Dutch colonies migrated to the Netherlands in search of work. To this day, the largest African diaspora communities in the Netherlands come from Suriname and the Dutch Antilles.

Those who campaign against the tradition argue that it is a blatant portrayal of blackface.

Those who defend the tradition argue that Zwarte Piet has nothing to do with race or racism, instead it is a well-meaning tradition that is part of the Christmas festivities meant to entertain children.

Either way, there are strong feelings on both sides, and it remains a contentious topic.

Johan Coenraad Leich Despite the fact that there has been a black presence in the Netherlands for over 400 years, racism and discrimination towards the Afro-Dutch community remains a contemporary issue.

One of the most famous Dutch traditions is the controversial Christmas tradition of Zwarte Piet, or Black Pete in English. Zwarte Piet is a character often depicted as the dark-skinned companion of Sinterklaas who is based on the historical figure Saint Nicholas. Zwarte Piet first appeared in a children’s book called ‘Saint Nicholas and his Servant’, published in 1850 by the Dutch schoolteacher, Jan Schenkman.

Every year on the 5th December it is a Dutch tradition to celebrate the Feast of St. Nicholas, where children are given sweets and gifts. It is common at the St Nicholas parade to see participants dressed as Zwarte Piet, in blackface with curly Afro wigs, hooped earrings and painted red lips.

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Accompong

Town

Richard Currie Maroon Chief Credit: Rochielin

Come on the journey with me to Accompong Town, a historical Maroon village located in the hills of St. Elizabeth Parish on the island of Jamaica. It is located in Cockpit Country, where Jamaican Maroons and indigenous Taíno established a fortified stronghold in the hilly terrain in the 17th century. They defended it and maintained independence from the Spanish and then later against British forces, after the colony changed hands. The people named their community Accompong after an early African Maroon leader. After years of raiding and warfare, they established their autonomy with certain rights for limited self-government by a peace treaty with the British in 1738.

Since independence in 1962, the government of Jamaica has continued to recognize the indigenous rights of the Jamaican Maroons in this area.

Who Are The Maroons In Jamaica?

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Credit:TVJ

Leisure

Credit: Allsop Poppins

Zongo Falls

Credit:Krbone14

Democratic Republic of Congo & the Congo River

DJI Phantom flying over Zongo falls near Congo River in DRC

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Credit: Free High-Quality Documentaries

Sport

Usain Bolt

Reveals Never Before

Shared Stories

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Gambia has made history!

Credit: BT Sport

They’ve qualified for their first ever Africa Cup of Nations following their 1-0 win over Angola. They have 10 points from five games in Group D. They won three, lost one and drew one of their five games played. They’ve qualified along with Gabon that are top of the group.

Gambia National Anthem “For The Gambia, Our Homeland” with music, vocal and lyrics English.

AFRICAN

CHAMPIONS

l-r Kamaru Usman, Israel Adesanya and Francis Ngannou

Stipe Miocic v Francis Ngannou 2 The Ngannou era is here! UFC 260 Official Fight Highlights

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37

Ask

Aujun

Who is a Narcissist?

A narcissist believes that they are more important and talented than other people should admire them. Further, it is all about them, and they have no concern for others. Getting into a relationship with such a person will only end in pain because they will convince you that it’s your fault even when they are wrong. Some tell-tale signs of a narcissist are: They inflate their talents or successes are absorbed with notions of their own incredible and endless success, beauty, genius, or love. They believe they are unique and can only relate to other notable people. They think they deserve certain privileges and should not have to wait in line. Every conversation ends up being about them.

If you’re in a relationship with such a person, do not believe that you can fix them.

You can’t!

Please find a therapist who understands narcissism and get professional help

10 Red Flags Sensitivity to criticism Passive aggression Self-criticism Shyness Fantasies Other mental health issues Long-held grudges Envy Feelings of inadequacy False empathy Takeaway

What It’s Like to Break Up with a Narcissist

Aujun - has a Bachelor of Law from (U. W. I), Barbados. A Masters of Education, (U.S. Q) Australia, Masters in Mental Health, Nova University (Florida), and a Masters of Law, NSU Shepard Broad Law School, Florida, May (2021). He worked at Harvard IEL from 2011-2014, Served as U.S. Dept of State, English Language Fellow to South Korea 2010. He is the author of the book” How to get to Age 30, Wise, Healthy and Wealthy published in South Korea)

Send questions to askaujun@butterflymagazine.net. Replies will be published.

Aujun cannot reply to individual questions. Names will be withheld 38 Transform your viewing...

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I Church

Credit: TBNUK

In the fourth week of our series Paper Chasers, we heard a powerful message entitled “First AIN’T Second!” We learned that the Principle of Tithing is only for people who consider God first in their lives. Pastor Michael showed us a practical example of the First Fruits that revealed to us how much God blesses us when we truly put Him first. Is God first in your life?

Mike Todd and The Elsa Equation

Let it Go!

Credit: Bible Stories

The Story Keepers

The Easter Story 40 Transform your viewing...

Today’s Holy Nougat

O

Credit: gentillymessenger.com

n March 25, many owners or the enslaved; whether our persons of African roots or current reality has no part descent in the with the Hebrews or the enslaved diaspora paused to Africans; this one thing is real - we mark the significance of the day. have ALL been bound to sin.

For it is now recognized as the For there IS a pharaoh (Satan) who International Day of Remembrance would prefer that we remain bound. of the Victims of Slavery and But thanks be to God Who, through the Transatlantic Slave Trade.

Jesus, facilitates FULL FREEDOM And while Emancipation Day is from pharaoh for us! And each Niqui Ashwood recognized across the English Passover, we have the opportunity Caribbean as August 1, I have often connected to remember once again how our freedom was the two. The fact of enslavement demands secured. As our thoughts move toward Calvary recognition and reparations, for the legacies this week, may we also see how we (can) gain Full continue to haunt us centuries on.

Free through Christ.

We might recall another recognition and remembrance about a formerly enslaved people May all we seek be found in Christ which takes place in this season - the Feast of Rev Nicqi Ashwood Unleavened Bread - which marks the Hebrew/ Holy Nougats Ministry Jewish Emancipation Day. With those two holynougats@gmail.com commemorative moments in mind; I invite us to consider today’s Holy Nougat™️

“The Festival of Unleavened Bread, which is also called Passover, was approaching.”

Luke 22:1 NLT The Passover observance began with an invitation from God to always remember that they, the Israelites, were once enslaved. Part of the remembrance involves re-enactments of the night freedom came. For it is hard to appreciate one’s freedoms and rights when we have lost sight of what once enslaved. This anticipation of freedom also included not taking the time to have yeast-added bread in their takeaway items.

It also involved standing in readiness for flight, as Pharaoh would not have been willing to lose his labor force. Further, I would invite us to note that freedom was NOT accomplished without bloodshed. The name Passover alludes to that.

While one can see the parallels to the journey to freedom of African laborers under different systems of enslavement; I wish to point us to another parallel. The significance of the Passover for our own freedom. Whether we are of African descent or not; whether we descended from slave traders, ‘apprentices’ free born, slave Transform your viewing...

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Credit:Speaking Seed

Laughter

Black Woman Wins Chinese Speech Contest *English Subtitles*

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Oh, Dawg!

Tell me if Mi Wrong?

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Last Word

Man looks at the outward appearance

BUT

God looks at the heart!